Put Puerto Rico on Your Radar
I’ve already sent three clients to Puerto Rico this year - that’s the most clients I’ve booked to this destination since opening Brilliant Escapes. What is it about Puerto Rico that’s attracting my clients?
It’s an easy destination
No passport required for US citizens. Just bring a valid ID!
For those in the Midwest, Southeast, or East Coast, it’s relatively easy to get to with many direct flights from major US cities and a rather quick flight (my clients have traveled from Indianapolis, Chicago, and Atlanta).
It’s a (mostly) year-round destination with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees throughout the year - just be careful around hurricane season.
Due to the proximity, it’s an ideal place for a long weekend getaway…
But there’s so much to do around the island that it’s also great for a longer trip
There’s something for everyone in Puerto Rico, making it a good option for a family or multi-generational trip, couples weekend, or friends getaway. In fact, each of the trips I planned there this year fit one of those categories!
So what is there to do in Puerto Rico?
You’ll find excellent cuisine and craft cocktail bars in and around San Juan. In fact, the Puerto Rican Tourism Board is one of the Virtuoso Culinary Community partners and they’ve showcased the many delicious reasons you may want to visit the island. Did you know the pina colada was invented here?
Puerto Rico is also home to the only tropical rainforest in the US National Parks system (El Yunque National Park) and offers beautiful beaches such as Flamenco Beach in Culebra, recognized as one of the Top 10 beaches in the world.
The best snorkeling in Puerto Rico can be found off the coast of Vieques - you can get there from the main island (departing from Fajardo) or you can opt to stay on the island if you want something a bit more remote. Culebra, another island off the East coast of the main island, is great for scuba divers too.
One of the most unique experiences to be found in Puerto Rico is kayaking the bioluminescent bays. There are about 20-30 in the world and three in Puerto Rico! Exploring these bays by kayak is a memorable and magical experience - my mom and I did this while on the island about ten years ago and it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I highly recommend this to my clients visiting the island if they have never been before.
Waterfall chasing - El Yunque National Park
Where should you stay while in Puerto Rico?
San Juan offers dozens of resorts just outside the Old Town such as the Fairmont El San Juan, Condado Vanderbilt, or The Ritz-Carlton (all Virtuoso Preferred properties).. Enjoy beach and pool relaxation during the day before heading into town for shopping, eating, and sightseeing around the historic city.
Travel east from San Juan and you’ll find some stunning resorts offering the ultimate in beachfront luxury such as the beautiful St. Regis Bahia Beach or Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, both on the northeastern part of the island. Or stay on the east coast in Fajardo at El Conquistador Resort, ideal for getting out to Vieques and Culebra for underwater adventure . If you’re looking for a place to stay with a larger group, we can find villas and vacation home rentals for you as well - either in San Juan or on the East Coast.
With so much to offer, Puerto Rico is a great destination for repeat visits - there’s a lot to explore and see that you can’t do it all in just one trip! Learn more about planning your own trip to this tropical destination.