If you like Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain…
Part 1 & first stop: Playful Puerto Rico!
Even after 13 years in the industry I always feel the same just before a Fam Trip (familiarisation trip), a little nervy, teary and excited all at once. I guess that is the adrenaline kicking in, right?
After a quick introduction and my usual struggle to remember everyone’s name, we are whisked through LHR T3, VIP style to the boarding gate.
Moments before we step onboard we are surprised with our fresh boarding passes… complimentary upgrades to BA’s luxurious Club Class!! With a champagne welcome we settled into our White Company linen, rifling through the matching White Company toiletry kits & I took the obligatory Social Media selfie, to let my clients & friends know I was off on a new adventure #Misslarastravels
Having travelled long haul in Economy many times the immediate & biggest highlight for me was our fully flat beds, this with the prospect of arriving well rested and refreshed to San Juan, Puerto Rico. As a travel agent my friends assume, I get to fly everywhere for free, sadly this just isn’t the case. I do however get to enjoy the occasional flight or room upgrade to ensure I am offering the most up to date product info to my clients.
So, here is my quick-fire overview to the destinations I explored and my favourite hotels along the way – San Juan, Puerto Rico - Pretty Pastel old town architecture & Pina Colada playful nights
The first thing that struck me about Puerto Rico is how incredibly warm, friendly and hospitable the people of Puerto Rico are. Every stop we were greeted with beaming smiles and stories of personal experiences and proud revivals post Hurricane Maria in 2017. It’s also where the Pina Colada was invented which my mums favourite cocktail.
The locals have worked amazingly hard to return Puerto Rico to its former 1960s glory. Throughout the 1960s, Puerto Rico became a beacon for American tourists and entertainers, and none more so than the luxurious hotel we were fortunate enough to stay at the El San Juan.
The El San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton was always the grand dame of authentic Puerto Rican hospitality and entertainment. During the hotel’s first three decades, internationally renowned headliners performed on its stage each week, including Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, Carol Channing and Liza Minelli, among other icons of the time. Fast forward to today, and El San Juan Hotel remains a timeless Puerto Rican icon, seamlessly blending the best of San Juan’s luxury, fine dining, spectacular sunsets and oh such comfortable beds!
Check out my Instagram page www.instagram.com/misslarastravels/ to see Jose, El Juan’s award-winning mixologist teach me to make a Rum Old Fashioned at their iconic Rum Bar, complete with Coconut Water Ice - yum!
We spent our morning exploring the attractive old town area of San Juan with its pretty pastel coloured homes, rubbed shoulders with forts, fountains & tasted piragua snowcones to cool us down in the 30-degree heat, the welcome sea breeze made this feel easy though.
Mid afternoon saw us try out the local surf... wow. To all those that used to watch Home & Away as a child, I can assure you those surfers made it look so easy! In reality, even standing upright long enough to catch a wave is pretty tough. Tighten your core... ignore the salt in your eyes and channel your inner Cameron Diaz as she sashays her way from the ocean... pah, nope! Regardless of my terrible inability to get up on more than one wave, Waterworlds San Juan were incredible teachers and their patience was endless. Definitely worth looking up the team when you visit.
You would think all that excitement was enough for one day... well, our group, as it transpired suffered from major FOMO. To those not familiar with this 'Instagram term', it’s the acronym for ‘Fear of Missing Out’… by the end of the trip this resulted in some major sleep deprivation all round! The combined FOMO effect did however bring us straight into the heart of the action, as we headed into San Juan’s nearby old square - La Placita Santurce. Now, this is where to go for life as the locals see it… highest high heels on cobblers are obligatory & extra points for hot pants & crop top ensembles. Couples and strangers Salsa the night away into the early hours and the warm gentle breeze mean bars and street parties blend into one. An absolute must for anyone heading to Puerto Rico!
For those wanting a little more tranquillity, less rum and traditional Caribbean views I thoroughly recommend taking the catamaran day trip to Cayo Icacos Nature Reserve. Barefoot Catamarans are the first choice, fabulous friendly staff, plus an expert eye for spotting the local dolphins & huge sea turtles.
There are so many other fantastic things to say about Puerto Rico but I guess the biggest, most important one is in a world of disposable this island deserves a true chance to rebuild to its former 1960s glory. Remember: this is an island that just under 2 years ago, was so severely damaged it has taken almost 2 years to fully reopen to international tourism. The charming & beautiful people, wildlife and island deserve our tourism and support to restore that former 'Blue Eyes Sinatra' sparkle.
Being just a short 2-hour, 35-min direct flight from Miami, why not check it out next time you are planning that trip to sparkling South Beach? Ask me for more details on the perfect hotel & itinerary for you.