Pursuitist presents our spotlight on Puerto Rico, one of the best luxury islands. The island of Puerto Rico is the heart and soul of the Caribbean and is known for its gorgeous beaches, tropical sophistication, vibrant culture, and adventurous spirit. Check out our curated Top 5 Things to Do in Puerto Rico by renowned luxury travel expert Christopher Parr. *
For the discerning traveler, Puerto Rico isn’t merely a destination; it’s an experience waiting to be unraveled. As an oasis of luxury nestled in the Caribbean, this enchanting island serves as a harmonious confluence of opulence, tradition, and adrenaline-pumping exploits. Imagine lounging at an exclusive beachside resort with a cocktail in hand one moment, and the next, delving deep into the heart of El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. Puerto Rico presents an intricate tapestry of experiences, from its high-end boutiques and gourmet dining establishments that celebrate the island’s culinary prowess to its art-filled streets, echoing the passionate rhythm of its history and people. Whether you’re indulging in San Juan’s contemporary art scene or savoring the rich flavors of traditional mofongo, Puerto Rico seamlessly blends the quintessence of luxury with the raw allure of adventure, inviting you to discover its many treasures. Let’s embark on this sojourn together, shall we?
ENJOY LUXURY HOTELS
The beautiful Fairmont El San Juan is the perfect blend of tradition, culture, and sophistication since its opening in 1958. Located in Old San Juan, romantic cobblestone streets, vibrant restaurants, boutiques, and shops are just outside your door. Designed by Miami Beach architect Morris Lapidus, the hotel embodies the island heritage, along with modern luxury after a 65 million dollar remodel. With 266 guest rooms, the property can accommodate any type of room you may need, with 36 suites and 3 specialty suites, including the palatial Presidential Suite and 83 Banyan, Pool, and Ocean Villa Rooms.
Once you have arrived, you won’t ever want to leave with access to Award-winning Isla Verde Beach, where you can spend the afternoon jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding or just relaxing by one of four pools. When the sun sets, head to Foxwoods El San Juan Casino for non-stop gaming, entertainment, and live music.
Located on Puerto Rico’s northern shore, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar is situated on a two-mile stretch of white sand beach surrounded by the El Yunque Rainforest, sun, and surf. Find your perfect retreat in one of 400 guest rooms and suites, well-appointed with balcony views, plush bedding, a mini-fridge, and complimentary modern conveniences like free WiFi, water, and Puerto Rican coffee. Enjoy two championship golf courses & tennis center, a spa, a fitness center, 10 restaurants & bars, a casino, two nature reserves, and a guest experience program to explore all that nature has to offer.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Built on a former coconut plantation and ties you directly to nature at the foot of El Yunque National Rainforest. Nestled on a former coconut plantation, the property offers sustainable activities like naturalist-guided bird-watching and kayaking tours to discover over 240 unique species of flora and fauna, including tropical birds and leatherback turtles.
TRY AUTHENTIC PUERTO RICAN CUISINE
With Spanish, African, Asian, and Caribbean influences, Puerto Rico has some vibrant cultural dishes. With a close influence on the sea, freshly caught seafood is a must-try. If you haven’t tried some of the local specialties, Purto Rico offers so much more than just fried plantains, spit-roasted pork, stuffed Mofongo, and rice & beans. If you want to explore Old San Juan like a local, try a food tour with https://thespoonexperience.com. Founded by a group of artists, event planners, and former executives with a passion for food, culture, and the island of Puerto Rico Island, this is the perfect chance to taste several dishes and two beverages, with stops to points of interest along the way.
EXPLORE ADVENTURE & NATURE
With over 1,200 beaches around the island and over 270 miles of coastline, there is a beach for everyone. Enjoy the rays on white sand beaches with crystal blue waters, or try snorkeling, surfing, or scuba diving.
If you are looking for adventure, try leaping off a waterfall in the rainforest, cave rappelling, zip-lining over the forest, or paddling through the glow-in-the-dark bioluminescent bay. In the spectacular El Yunque National Forest on the Sierra de Luquillo mountains, you can hike to waterfalls, take a Rainforest Foothills & Beach Tour, or even a Bio Bay Kayaking Adventure Tour.
If you are looking for a unique day trip, take a Catamaran Day Trip to Culebra with East Island Excursions. Travel by catamaran to snorkel at the reefs of the Island of Culebra, explore the marine life at the famous Flamenco beach, Cayo Luis Peña, and Culebrita Island.
ART & CULTURE
Explore Modern Art at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1984, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico (MAC) is the only institution on the island expressly dedicated to the study, collection, preservation, exhibition, and promotion of art produced since the mid-20th century in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Spread over two floors, this is one of Puerto Rico’s best collections of contemporary art by local artists and those from other Caribbean islands.
VISIT HISTORIC SITES
Old San Juan
Dating back to 1521, Old San Juan is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with brightly colored houses with buildings dating from the 16th century, including the San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal fortresses. The Bautista Cathedral houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, and Old San Juan is home to cocktail bars and Caribbean fusion restaurants.
Old Forts
Old San Juan is home to several massive fortresses with historical importance, with the most famous being Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”). Located on the coast, the fortress was an important military post during the First and Second Wolrd Wars. Don’t miss Castillo de San Cristóbal, one of the largest forts built in America, that took over 250 years to build. Then, stop by the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, built between 1533 and 1540 and is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the New World.
In the grand tapestry of luxury destinations, Puerto Rico stands out as an unforgettable masterpiece. With its compelling blend of opulence and authenticity, the island beckons the elite traveler to experience a world where unparalleled luxury intertwines seamlessly with vibrant culture and untamed adventures. From the hallowed hallways of its historic forts to the pulsating rhythms of its streets, every corner of Puerto Rico resonates with stories, passion, and a zest for life. As our journey through this Caribbean jewel concludes, one sentiment remains clear: Puerto Rico is not just a destination; it’s a declaration of the exquisite, the adventurous, and the sublime. Until our next escapade, may your pursuits remain as boundless and enriching as the Puerto Rican horizon.
For more on the best of Puerto Rico:
5 Reasons to Visit Eco-Friendly Puerto Rico
Inside Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton, the Winter Getaway You Need Right Now
5 Reasons to Visit Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
The top places to see in Puerto Rico
5 Ways to Escape the Chill in Puerto Rico
Top 5 Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico
For more up-to-date information on traveling to Puerto Rico, visit: https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/
* We encourage visitors currently in Puerto Rico or with upcoming travel plans to contact their travel providers, hotels, and local business directly to inquire about potential changes in operations.
Originally posted 2023-10-11 01:09:35.