Puerto Rico, a majestic island nestled within Caribbean paradise, is just waiting to be explored. Rich in history, culture, cuisine and scenery, this sun-kissed spot has everything a traveller could desire. Our Travel Curator, Alison Dunn, flew over to the island last year to experience for herself the unique destination, and she couldn’t wait to report back! Alison has been in the travel industry for nearly three decades. In fact, Alison is that much of an expert that she’s shared travel advice (why you should always book through a travel agent) with Ruth & Eamonn on ITV’s This Morning! Here’s everything she’s learnt and her top tips on making sure you don’t miss out on one inch of Puerto Rico…
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort offers everything you could possibly want from a beach and golf resort, where golden beachfront and sapphire seas meet the natural beauty of El Yunque rainforest. Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, the resort has three sparkling beachfront pools, incredible dining across nine restaurants and lounges, a buzzing casino and a soothing Mandara Spa.
Located minutes from Old San Juan, on the award-winning Isla Verde Beach, sits the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, a melting pot of lively vibes and peaceful ocean views. Each suite and villa celebrates San Juan’s elegant past and present seamlessly, with warm textures and subtle ocean hues. The resort features four pools, villa rooms, live entertainment, a Well & Being Spa and Fitness Center, paddle-boards, luxury cabanas, signature dining at Caña by Juliana Gonzalez, El San Juan Beach Club, Meat Market, Riva and Chandelier Bar featuring a 7,000 Crystal Chandelier.
Or, stay at the enchanting Hotel El Convento in the heart of 500-year-old Colonial Old San Juan town, nestled just steps away from historic landmarks and buzzing nightlife. Old world charm and elegance meets contemporary comfort and luxury at this Small Luxury Hotel of the World, built in 1646. Walk the charming streets of the old town, discover street art, vibrant festivals and a history of Caribbean art and culture. Indulge in a range of comforts and amenities, including access to the Beach Club, fitness centre, and pool.
Our final recommendation is the O:live Boutique Hotel, presenting a unique style of relaxed luxury and laid-back intimacy. Its prime location by the natural reserve of the Condado lagoon and magical atmosphere makes this charming boutique hotel part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Suites feature outdoor tubs and beautifully designed private verandas that create a habitat that feels relaxed, romantic and secluded, while the hotel is also home to a stunning rooftop pool, Nespresso coffee machines, a luxury wine bar and L’Occitane bath products.
The only headache for golfers in Puerto Rico is deciding which of the many championship standard courses to play!
The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is home to two Tom Kite designed 18-hole championship courses. Stretching along the Grand Reserve beachfront peninsula, with El Yunque rainforest as a backdrop, you will experience an epic 18 holes of championship golf. The Grand Reserve is one of only two championship courses in the Caribbean and offers pros from around the world a unique experience to play and learn from the very best.
El Conquistador Resort is home to one of the premier golf courses in Puerto Rico. Designed by world-renowned golf architect Arthur Hills, the resort course is a spectacular 18-hole, par-72 layout set on rolling hills with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the El Yunque Rain Forest. With elevation changes and whispering palm trees swaying gently in the breeze adding to the beauty of the surroundings, the course is both challenging and player-friendly to golfers of all ages and skill levels.
Tennis players need not be left out at the historic and iconic Caribe Hilton, situated on a private 17-acre lushly landscaped peninsula with its Olympian-sponsored Monica Puig tennis courts.
Ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. Practically wave-less, it’s ideal for snorkelling, swimming, unwinding and playing in the sand. Running for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Flamenco has lifeguards, a camping area, showers, changing rooms, bathrooms, parking areas, and kiosks where you can find authentic Puerto Rican food. While you’re there, don’t miss your chance to bump into Flamenco’s most iconic attraction, The Tank, which is a reminder of the US Navy’s occupancy of Culebra.
Experience at El Yunque National Forest, the only Tropical Rainforest in the US Forest System. The Forest contains rare wildlife such as the Puerto Rican Parrot, one of the ten most endangered species of birds in the world. Walk the Angelito Trailhead to Las Damas Pool to swim in crystal-clear waters or just sit back and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquil sounds of the rainforest.
Snorkel in the enchanted cays of the east coast of Puerto Rico and enjoy the views from the sea of the El Yunque National Forest and the quiet beauty of the east coast of this amazing island.
Explore the flavours of Puerto Rico. The Mixology Experience at Casa Bacardí, the Puerto Rican home of Bacardí rum, will teach you how to create the classic Mojito and Shaken Piña Colada with demonstration from an expert mixologist, while learning about the history of these cocktails as well as some cool bar tricks and skills. Discover the secrets of the world-famous rum as you peek behind-the-scenes on a distillery tour and sip on your delicious creations.
Dine at Santaella in La Placita de Santurce, a chic restaurant serving tapas and creative cocktails in an industrial-style space for authentic local cuisine. Or taste your way through Puerto Rico on an off the beaten path food tour, including hands-on cooking and a visit to a local farm.
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Although it’s not yet possible to fly direct to Puerto Rico, stopovers are available through Miami and New York, which means it’s easy to make your holiday extra special with a few days in the Sunshine State or the Big Apple!
Contact our team of experts to begin planning your journey to the heart and soul of the Caribbean, on info@savilerowtravel.co.uk, +44 1491 575 987, or pop into our town centre office in Henley-on-Thames.
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