Rhiannon Hendricks
Puerto Rico is a US territory, making it an ideal honeymoon destination for US citizens who don't want to travel too far from home. The island offers a tropical setting with diverse beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage district, colourful Art Deco buildings, battlements, religious sites, ample nightlife options, shopping and restaurants. San Juan, the capital, is known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class museums, historic landmarks and restaurants serving modern Puerto Rican fare. For a boutique hotel with a bit of history, consider Hotel El Convento, a 17th-century Carmelite convent with beautiful Spanish Colonial-style architecture. For a more luxurious stay, the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a remote, exclusive property with first-rate amenities, while Dorado Beach is another luxurious resort set on a former plantation. Vieques Island is also a great option, with the Hacienda Tamarindo inn offering meticulously designed grounds, a pool and breakfast. For a more intimate experience, Blue Horizon Boutique Resort is a quaint and clean option with beautiful rooms and a pool bar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | East of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands |
| Currency | USD |
| Language | Spanish and English |
| Flight time from Miami | 2.5 hours |
| Best time to visit | December 1 through May 31 (to avoid hurricane season) |
| Hotels | Hacienda Tamarindo, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Dorado Beach, Blue Horizon Boutique Resort, San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel, El Convento, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort |
| Restaurants | José Enrique, Gallo Negro, Lote 23, La Factoria |
| Activities | Salsa dancing, visit Culebra, El Yunque National Forest, Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, Old San Juan, Rincon |
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What You'll Learn
Boutique hotels and resorts
For a bit of history, Hotel El Convento is a great option. This boutique hotel, located in Old San Juan, was a Carmelite convent founded over three centuries ago. The small and intimate property has fewer than 60 guest rooms, beautifully restored and styled in Spanish Colonial fashion. The Gloria Vanderbilt suite, with its Juliet balcony, is a truly unique space.
If you're looking for a remote and luxurious resort, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is situated in a corner just east of San Juan. It offers spacious guest rooms with terraces, top-notch restaurants, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and a golf course. The Dorado Beach Resort, set on a 50-acre estate, is another option, featuring a beachfront property originally built by the Rockefellers in the 1950s.
For a more exclusive experience, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is an enclave on Puerto Rico where you'll encounter few other travellers. Hacienda Tamarindo on Vieques Island is another excellent choice for honeymoons, offering 17 well-appointed rooms, a pool, and breakfast, all atop meticulous hilltop grounds.
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San Juan and beyond
San Juan is Puerto Rico's vibrant capital city, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. Here are some highlights for a romantic honeymoon in and around San Juan:
Old San Juan
Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the historic heart of the city. Discover the charming plazas, colourful Art Deco buildings, battlements, and religious sites. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed district, including the captivating forts of San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal, which offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
San Juan's Food Scene
Indulge in the diverse culinary experiences that San Juan has to offer. Sample modern Puerto Rican cuisine at José Enrique, where you can savour the signature fish dish paired with sweet potato mash and papaya avocado salad. For a fusion of global flavours, visit Gallo Negro, where up-and-coming chef Maria Grubbe blends Turkish, Japanese, Catalan, and Korean influences. Lote 23, an outdoor quasi-food hall, offers a variety of stalls and vendors from across the island, as well as Airstream trailers serving everything from tacos to doughnuts. End your night at La Factoria, the salsa bar where the popular "Despacito" music video was filmed.
El Yunque National Forest
Just outside San Juan, you'll find El Yunque National Forest, a lush tropical rainforest. Hike through the verdant trails, admire the diverse flora and fauna, and take a dip in the refreshing waterfalls. The nearby El Yunque Rainforest also offers a similar experience, with its stunning scenery and nature walks.
Beachside Relaxation
San Juan and its surroundings boast several beautiful beaches. Isla Verde Beach, located just steps away from the San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel, offers a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to the city. For a more remote experience, head to Culebra, an island located about 17 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico. Culebra is known for its pristine white sand and crystal clear blue waters, with Flamenco Beach being a must-visit destination. Vieques, another island off the east coast, offers the opportunity to witness the magic of bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay.
Day Trips and Excursions
Consider taking a day trip or excursion to explore more of Puerto Rico. The west coast offers a more authentic "Puerto Rico" experience, with its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. You can also book a two-day excursion to Vieques or Culebra for an extended tropical island experience.
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Puerto Rico's beaches
For a luxurious and exclusive beach experience, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is an excellent choice. Set on a former plantation, this resort offers suites with terraces, top-notch restaurants, a full-service spa, and easy access to the beach. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, located just east of San Juan, is another luxurious option with first-rate amenities and easy access to El Yunque National Forest.
For a more intimate and quaint beach experience, the Blue Horizon Boutique Resort offers a beautiful location close to the beach and Old San Juan architecture. The San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel is another boutique option, located just steps away from the vibrant Isla Verde Beach, offering guest rooms with exquisite oceanfront views.
If you're looking for a mix of relaxation and exploration, the beaches of Culebra and Vieques are highly recommended. Culebra boasts long stretches of white sand and crystal clear blue water, with Flamenco Beach being a top choice for many. Vieques, an island just east of Puerto Rico, offers the magical experience of witnessing bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay.
For a unique beach experience, consider a 2-day excursion to the islands off the east coast of Puerto Rico, or explore the beaches on the southwest coast. The west coast is also recommended for a more authentic "Puerto Rico" experience.
With its array of beaches, Puerto Rico offers a range of experiences to cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for luxury, intimacy, adventure, or relaxation, there is a beach in Puerto Rico that will suit your honeymoon desires.
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Local cuisine
Puerto Rico is a delightful blend of rich culture and vibrant cuisine. The island's culinary offerings are a delectable fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno flavours. The official languages are Spanish and English, so ordering your favourite dishes will be a breeze!
For a true taste of Puerto Rico, indulge in the island's street food. Take a detour from San Juan's world-class restaurants to find off-the-beaten-path flavours. Share a plate of crispy alcapurrias or savour melt-in-your-mouth mofongo at local food stands that will immerse you in the island's vibrant flavours.
If you're looking for a romantic dining experience, head to Vianda in the heart of Santurce, where you can enjoy seasonal ingredients and a solid wine list. For a unique tasting menu, visit Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar in Old San Juan. For modern Puerto Rican fare, don't miss José Enrique, where you can try the signature fish dish paired with sweet potato mash and papaya avocado salad.
For a more casual dining experience, check out Lote 23, an outdoor quasi-food hall with stalls from different vendors across the island, serving everything from tacos to doughnuts.
And don't forget to start your day with a cup of Puerto Rican coffee! Take a tour of the coffee plantations in the picturesque mountains to learn about the history and process of coffee-making while enjoying the serene surroundings.
With its delicious cuisine and vibrant culture, Puerto Rico is sure to offer an unforgettable culinary experience on your honeymoon.
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Rainforest and nature
Puerto Rico is a US territory, so it's a great option if you're looking for easy travel and accessibility. You won't need a passport, and you'll use the US dollar as the official currency.
If you're looking for a nature-filled honeymoon in Puerto Rico, you're in luck! The island offers lush rainforests and beautiful beaches typical of many Caribbean destinations.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is a great option for your nature fix. It's conveniently located near San Juan, so you can easily access it from the city. El Yunque is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including colourful parrots and unique frogs. You can go hiking, explore the various trails, and take in the breathtaking views from the top of the forest.
El Yunque Rainforest
Another great option for your nature fix is El Yunque Rainforest, also located near San Juan. You can book a 2-day excursion to explore the rainforest and discover the diverse plant and animal life.
Vieques Island
Vieques Island is a great choice if you're looking for a mix of relaxation and exploration. The island is known for its pristine beaches, including the famous Flamenco Beach, which has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world. You can also witness the magic of bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay.
Culebra
Culebra is another excellent option for nature lovers. It offers long stretches of white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. You can fly to Culebra from San Juan or take a ferry from Fajardo for a more affordable option.
Old San Juan
While in San Juan, don't miss the opportunity to explore the captivating cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Discover the historic forts, vibrant architecture, and charming plazas. You can also take a salsa dance class at the Nuyorican Café and end your night at La Factoria, the salsa bar where the popular "Despacito" music video was filmed.
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Frequently asked questions
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is a great place to stay as it is within 20-30 minutes of everything you could want. Old San Juan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colourful Art Deco buildings, battlements, religious sites, ample nightlife options, shopping and restaurants. If you want to experience a more local side of Puerto Rico, you could venture to the west coast.
The St Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a luxurious resort situated in a remote corner, just 30 minutes outside of San Juan. It offers first-rate amenities such as spacious guest rooms with terraces, top-notch restaurants, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and a golf course. El Yunque National Forest is nearby.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is another exclusive option. Set on a former plantation, it is the most exclusive enclave in Puerto Rico.
For a boutique hotel with a bit of history, Hotel El Convento is a good choice. This Old San Juan hotel was a Carmelite convent founded over three centuries ago. It has beautiful Spanish Colonial-style architecture and a small number of guest rooms, making it intimate and romantic.
Blue Horizon Boutique Resort is another intimate and quaint option.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is a romantic haven in the heart of Rincon.
Hacienda Tamarindo on Vieques Island is perfect for honeymooners. The inn offers 17 well-appointed rooms, each designed and decorated by the owner. On top of meticulous hilltop grounds, the hotel features a lovely pool and serves breakfast daily.
José Enrique is a must-visit restaurant from Puerto Rico's most famous chef. The simply designed interiors belie the trendy address and the modern Puerto Rican fare (don't miss the signature fish dish, paired with sweet potato mash and papaya avocado salad).
Gallo Negro is an industrial-chic spot in Santurce where up-and-coming chef Maria Grubbe blends Turkish, Japanese, Catalan, and Korean influences.
Lote 23 is a quasi-food hall with stalls from different vendors from across the island, plus two Airstream trailers serving everything from tacos to doughnuts.
La Factoria is the salsa bar where the popular “Despacito” music video was filmed.
Puerto Rico is home to stunning beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands. Relax under the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy water activities like snorkelling, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Witness the magic of bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay (Vieques) or Laguna Grande (Fajardo). Kayak through the glowing waters created by microorganisms for a unique and romantic nighttime adventure.
Explore the captivating cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Discover historic forts, vibrant architecture, and charming plazas. Walk hand in hand along the city walls and soak in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Take a salsa dance class at the Nuyorican Café, located in Old San Juan.
Book a 2-day excursion to either Vieques or Culebra off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Flamenco Beach in Culebra has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world for many years.
El Yunque Rainforest is a great place to get your nature fix.
