No passport, no long customs lines, no currency exchange and no outlet converters are needed when you travel to Puerto Rico. However, you will say yes to a great tropical vacation with relative ease. Puerto Rico has much to offer with its rich culture, fascinating history and lush landscapes, not to mention average temperatures year round of 80 degrees. Tropical life abounds with many opportunities for both active and relaxing vacation days. In contrast, one can experience cool mountain landscapes and the El Yunque National Rainforest! There are no worries when you say yes to Puerto Rico!
Embracing outdoor adventure is one option, but you can also delve into history and culture on the island. My first stop was to the city of Old San Juan, which just happened to be hosting a street festival on this day. With warm sunshine, lively music and brightly colored booths, my fellow travelers and I explored Old San Juan. San Juan lies between the city and the mainland Puerto Rico. The aroma of local cigars, ornate copper jewelry displays, and brilliant splashes of color in straw bags fill the windows of the many shops and vendor booths. There’s much to see in this lively town, which seems to burst with energy. The city is an excellent depiction of Spanish influence, which is apparent in its history, culture and architecture. High upon a bluff, we walked through the Castillo San Felippe Del Morro. Continuing down through the cobblestone streets, paved with striking blue stones, you will see a number of significant Spanish historical sites dating back through the 16th and 17th century.
The only five diamond resort in Puerto Rico is the beautiful St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. The resort lies in the Northern area of Puerto Rico and sits on 500 acres of a working coconut plantation. This was my home for the next few nights. Luxuriating in a natural setting of elegance, yet conformity to the environment, The St. Regis truly lives up to its five diamond rating. Luxurious accommodations with large, spacious bathrooms and bedroom areas are available. The service provided by the staff was unbeatable; they were ready and willing to create a number of special occasions and moments. My first evening concluded with a succulent dinner of lobster, garlic and mashed plantain potatoes, and prime rib in a mango sauce. As a special treat, the dinner tables were set up in the beautiful garden of the Remedé Spa (this can all be arranged according to your wishes) and included entertainment of a fire dancer, and an acrobatic performance. St. Regis is known for its iconic butler service, and they certainly do not disappoint from the first moment of your stay. The butler, along with other staff always went above and beyond to accommodate me. I was welcomed back each day by my favorite drink, a Mojito!
I enjoyed starting my day with a brisk walk on the pristine beach and then had a chance to practice my golf swing at Robert Trent Jones Jr. Golf Course. I followed my round of golf with a nature tour of the resort that included incredible displays of natural floral vegetation. I also enjoyed partaking in a mojito making class that provided lots of levity. My afternoon wrapped up with a relaxing siesta at their lovely pool with its winding little caches of water.
At dusk, the St. Regis takes on a lively life of its own. During my stay, I had my first experience of champagne sabering, a 200 year old ceremonial practice that is performed at every St. Regis around the world at sunset. Watching the staff intricately saber off in one slice the lid of the champagne and then sharing a glass of bubbly with each guest was an intimate experience. Night time is informal but refined in Puerto Rico with numerous options for great dining and spirited musical entertainment. After enjoying grilled octopus appetizer, coconut crab cakes, and sautéed herb-garlic salmon, we moved onto the outdoor patio where we had a Salsa dance lesson and an opportunity to enjoy tasty s’mores.
This island destination provides all that you need to experience whether it be a romantic getaway, a fun family retreat, or even a singles getaway. You will savor the Spanish colonial style atmosphere, marvel at the great historical sightseeing, and then relish the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities. You can explore and appreciate the fabulous mountains, rainforests, and lush landscapes of nature’s bounty in Puerto Rico. Frontiers can create your next fabulous stay on this island paradise, just a short flight from your home with amazing ease!