6 tips for a romantic escape to Puerto Rico

If you are seeking a dazzling travel destination to give you and your partner a treat, think Puerto Rico! “La Isla del Encanto” (the charming island) arises just 2 hours away by plane from Miami and doesn`t require passport to US citizens due to its status of associated state. Most importantly, it encompasses a compact array of sights and activities tailored for a romantic escapade. Whether you are indulging into the picture perfect beaches of Isla Culebra, letting time roll back in the cobbled streets of colonial Old San Juan or savoring the privileges of sojourning in modern Isla Verde hotel district, here there are six tips to make the best of your Puerto Rican experience, and rest assured they have been set to test!

1. Yummy Old San Juan

Some places seem to have been composed by artists rather than by built by architects and atmospheric Old San Juan is one of them. The second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas –and Puerto Rico`s capital- juxtaposes kaleidoscopic old houses and shady plazas frequented by timid cats with the pulsating vibe of top end gastronomic area. Food is one of San Juan most defining features, as it hints at its origin as a cultural blend, with Indian, African and Spanish influences. Taking the cultural walking food tour offered by Flavors of San Juan. Each stop is memorable –from single-origin coffee house Cuatro Sombras to Barrachina, the bar that invented piña colada, to filling local mofongo. Drinks and tapas at Carli`s Fine Bistro and Café, founded by local legend and Beach Boys keyboardist Carli Muñoz, is also on the list.

2. Hand in hand over San Felipe del Morro

The walk over the interconnected fortifications and ramparts of San Felipe del Morro allows for superb views of both San Juan and the ocean. It is also possible to cross San Jaun gate and follow Paseo del Morro for almost a mile, paralleling the city walls. Charming and unexpensive.

3. Salsa at the Nuyorikan

The local scene gets interesting at the Nuyorikan, San Juan`s busiest night-spot, where salsa legend lives on. Tucked in an alley in Old San Juan (Calle San Francisco #312) this place is a cult hub where skilled local musicians congregate. After 11 pm one can appreciate the great live music and join both locals and tourist on the dance floor.

4. A stroll in Playa Flamenco

A 45 minutes drive to Fajardo leaves us in the right place to take the ferry to Isla Culebra, a world class snorkeling spot but also the gateway to Flamenco Beach, shortlisted as the second most beautiful white sand beach in the world by Discovery Channel. It is possible to hire day trip excursions from San Juan with several operator onboard fast speedboats that will make snorkeling stopovers before landing in Flamenco. Walk to the end of the way to find a surreal sight: an abandoned graffiti clad old tank, from the times when Culebra was a shooting range for the US Marines!

5. Kayak at bioluminescent bay

It is possible to kayak your way to a bioluminescent bay in Fajardo, where the presence of specific microorganisms makes water glow when stirred. Big part of the fun is actually getting there, coordinating with your partner to row accurately across mangroves without bumping! It `s easy enough and double the adrenaline you would expect. You can book the tour at any reputable hotel in San Juan.

6. Enjoy a Swedish massage at your spa

Among the many prestigious accommodation options Intercontinental San Juan is a good base for your Puerto Rican adventure. The hotel is conveniently located 5 minutes away from the airport and grants access to arguably the best beach in the metro area. You can treat you and your couple to a Swedish massage at the Fitness center while listening to the waves of the nearby ocean, among the vast menu of available treatments. After that you will be in the right mood for a salsa or jazz night at the bar.