It has never been a better time to visit Puerto Rico. With fears over the Coronavirus grounding people all over the world, here in Boston we are fortunate to have a tropical paradise, just a few hours away. And did I mention that you don’t even need a passport to get there? Here are all the reasons why we should all visit Puerto Rico this Spring.
Getting There
Puerto Rico is easily accessible from many major cities across the country thanks to a bounty of direct flights on JetBlue. From Boston in particular, you could leave work on a Friday, go to dinner and still make the 11pm flight to San Juan, enjoy a weekend of sunshine and mofongo and be back at your desk by 9am on Monday (as long as you don’t mind waking up for the 5:30am flight out of San Juan Monday morning). Some early morning flights notwithstanding, you are able to get in 2 full days of beach time, horseback riding and tropical drinks without ever having to exchange money or turn on international data. Puerto Rico has many points of beauty and one of the biggest is that it is part of the United States, making it a domestic destination that feels a world away.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
Unfortunately, Puerto Rico was devasted by Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017. However, the people and culture of the island have come back stronger than ever. And the best way to support the Puerto Rican people is to go visit, have a great time and tell your friends. One resort that has proven the resiliency of the island is the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. Located on the eastern part of the Island, the property has 400 rooms, 40 suites, 3 pools and a large beach front.
Puerto Rico – Beach front at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico – The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico – View of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar
Taking just about 30 minutes to get there from the San Juan airport, the property is a world away from a day at the office. Expect a peaceful beach scene, no crowds, and long stretches of sandy beach and plenty of palm trees.
Request a room with an ocean view and you’ll wake up to the cerulean ocean, yellow sand and blue sky each morning. Coming from Boston, the balmy temperatures this Spring will be a welcome change of pace.
Start your stay with breakfast at Marbella. This space was completely re-done after the hurricanes and so the newly renovated restaurant features a modern look with lots of natural light and some tasty treats on offer. Hit up the omelet station and grab some cold pressed juice to start off your day on the right foot.
What to Do When You Visit Puerto Rico
After taking some time to enjoy the pool and the beach at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, you may want to do some adventuring. What makes staying on this side of the island so special is that you are just minutes from the El Yunque National Rainforest and all it has to offer.
A visit to the Rainforest will surely include checking out La Coca Falls, Yokahú Observation Tower & the Angelito Trail. Plan for at least a half day excursion here as you will want to take your time to enjoy your adventure in the rainforest. And afterwards, be sure to visit the Carabali Rainforest Park for a bit of horseback riding to truly experience what it means to be in Puerto Rico. Horseback riding in Puerto Rico is such a treat, strolling through the jungle on horseback is so magical.
Where To Eat
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar has so much to offer in terms of food and beverage. In the past few years they have made it their priority to infuse the local flavors into the menus across the property. In between sunbathing and jumping in the pool, head to Tiki hut for lunch, just off the beach, this tiki spot serves up typical beach fare and some colorful cocktails that are sure to cool you down.
And for dinner a can’t miss spot is Iguanas, which serves local classics like mofongo and Chuleta Kan-Kan and of course has a bounty of Puerto Rican sweets on the dessert menu.
Chuleta Kan-Kan at Iguanas at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Mofongo at Iguanas at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Desserts at Iguanas at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar
Another spot any foodie has to visit is Roots Coastal Kitchen. This farm to table restaurant offers things like grilled swordfish and slow roasted spareribs. Oh, and did I mention that they have their own homemade ice cream as well? The taro and the cornbread flavors are so tasty!
For some more ideas on domestic destinations to check out this Spring, read our articles on Charleston and Scottsdale.
