Sunday, January 16, 2011

Spring Break Idea

A few have been asking me....where should I go on vacation?

Puerto Rico!!!

Things to Do:
Absolutely an amazing time! Tom and I kayaked around the outskirts of the Bermuda Triangle at night. Pretty brave, I know ;) As dusk fell, Tom and I kayaked along with about fifty others through an ecosystem that was filled with "microscopic plankton" that lights up when you touch it. I never kayaked before and lucky me had a fish fly out of the water and land in my lap! But you'll love it....very romantic!
Such a cute little shop located in OSJ that is owned by a couple-one a poet, the other a painter. This shop sells art that is reasonably priced. Here I purchased a framed picturesque view of one of the streets in Old San Juan and also purchased a hand painted mini replica of our hotel El Convento. (I adore these items.)
Just a few stores down from The Poet Passage...absolutely breathtaking art if you love butterflies.
Amazing tapas! Located in our hotel so we didn't have to walk far after our pitcher of Sangria:)
Cute place, somewhat tiny but awesome seafood. Tom and I tried oysters for the first time here and now we are addicted!
San Juan Cathedral
Where Juan Ponce De Leon's remains are housed. So much history-check it out!
El Morro Fort
Construction began in 1539 and it is here where you can see old cannons, prison cells, towers, and sentry boxes. (Used by the Spaniards as lookout posts). The Spanish Empire spent 250 years building El Morro.
Old San Juan
You can't go to Puerto Rico without going to Old San Juan. I loved it! Quaint and yummy cafes, cobblestone streets, etc.
We went to a brewery, toured a rum distillery, shopped, ate at different restaurants and cafes, and visited historic sites.

Where to Stay:
I wanted to stay here despite the fact the hotel is not located on the beach. We stayed here for about two nights and I loved this hotel. It's not up to date, but that's what gives it an old world feel and it's simply gorgeous. The small but charming pool is located outside on an upper level, the restaurants are scrumptious (Not only was the tapas place good..Patio del Nispero was delicious too)! They even had a wine and cheese event that my husband and I participated in both nights we stayed there. The location of this hotel is perfect for scoping out Old San Juan!
More modern, the restaurant Perla is beautiful...we had the best of both worlds. I knew I would miss the beach so after we toured OSJ, we needed some relaxation time! This area of Puerto Rico is comparable to Miami because the hotels are pretty close to one another, but of course much nicer. If that's not for you, perhaps the El Conquistador in Fajardo might give you more of a seclusive setting.

Try the local food...we walked to a small place across the street from our hotel. Puerto Rican food is fantastic!

Click on the colorful links...hope this helps!

1 comment:

  1. First, I love the new look! Second, can you be my travel agent?! I want to go to Puerto Rico sooooo bad and your tips are helpful. Planning to go to Cabo, start researching! Better yet, come with! :)

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