Nestled in the very heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is the quintessential tropical honeymoon, seamlessly blending luxurious experiences with exotic landscapes and plenty of culture. Warm waters lap sun-kissed beaches, and all the forest-meets-sea splendour is set against a backdrop of historic Spanish architecture. Immerse yourselves in Old San Juan’s charm, where cobbled streets lead to pretty plazas and time-warp cafes. You can indulge in lavish suites with those sweeping ocean views all honeymooners long for and relish in exquisite fine dining. Puerto Rico offers a truly unique fusion of paradise, pampering hotels, and lashings of culture, which promises newlyweds an unforgettable escape.
Beautiful hotels
Whether seeking a little luxury in expansive, swishy resorts or intimacy in boutique coastal hideaways, Puerto Rico serves up honeymooners a diverse array of hotel options.
Condado Ocean Club
Once recognised as the Serafina Beach Hotel, this 96-room, adults-only retreat has recently undergone an eye-watering restoration, rebranding as the Condado Ocean Club. Its soaring contemporary ceilings, Art Deco, white-washed architecture, and achingly Instagrammable infinity pool give you all the feeling of arriving at an upscale Miami residence.
Newlyweds can hide away from the world in their own private cabana with freshly-made piña coladas on tap, lulled into a happy state of delirium by the rhythmic waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Couples would be forgiven for never leaving the white-washed walls of the Condado with its three unique dining experiences. These all twist towards the panoramic ocean views – mixing that feted Puerto Rican hospitality and top-notch food with a spine-tingling setting.
But with San Juan on its doorstep, it’s really worth stepping out and experiencing its late-night intoxicating fusion of glamour and energy. Chic lounges, sultry salsa clubs, and beachfront soirées animate the city, creating an unforgettable, vibrant after-dinner experience.
Parguera Plaza Hotel
This newly renovated boutique hotel, located in La Parguera, offers newlyweds the intimacy and tranquillity that many couples crave after their big day.
The property’s decor seamlessly blends authentic Puerto Rican comfort with a unique touch of European influence – think Mykonos-meets-the-Caribbean. All 9 spacious rooms are equipped with a mini bar, flat screen television, and deliciously-smelling shower products, amongst other essential amenities. The beautifully presented pool area feels louche and lovely – flanked by double day beds and poolside bars.
Sitting behind the gates of Parguera Plaza Hotel is the picturesque coastal retreat of La Parguera, which is nestled in Puerto Rico’s southwest. This vibrant seaside town offers an array of colourful food and drink shacks against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean Sea – the most iconic of all being Isla Cueva. This popular local gem serves incredible homemade burgers and locally-crafted beer.
If staying in the hotel is more your evening vibe, then feasting at Parguera Plaza’s very own tiki-inspired Brújula is a must. Sit poolside, under ambient lighting, as the open kitchen delivers you a selection of small plates. The worldly-inspired menu ranges from fresh tuna tartare to the beloved Puerto Rican plantain. In addition to its morish menu, Brújula also showcases an extensive selection of cocktails that would make most mixologists blush.
Surreal Experiences
Puerto Rico’s natural beauty is indescribably vibrant and varied as if someone ramped up the colour contrast and condensed all the topography and cosmopolitan energy of the Caribbean into one island. It’s a surreal backdrop for any honeymoon, with lush rainforests and pristine beaches serving up some truly unforgettable romantic experiences.
Bioluminescent Bays
As the sun begins its crimson descent, motor across the sea towards one of the three bioluminescent bays found in Puerto Rico (there are only 5 in the world). Watch the water illuminate beneath the moonlit sky as the bioluminescent bay casts its magic spell. Couples can even take an ethereal dip, immersing themselves in this natural phenomenon.
Horse Riding
Adventurous couples can saddle up and explore the beautiful Hacienda Campo Rico by horseback – just 10 minutes outside San Juan. This intimate experience allows couples to connect with their horse and one another while exploring the lush trails and watching the tropical jungle-meets-sea surroundings rush by. Eagle-eyed movie fans may also recognise this location as the home of many iconic blockbusters, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Panther.
Fantastic Foodie Scene
Puerto Rico’s culinary scene offers a combination of flavours, enticing discerning palates with its fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine. From vibrant street markets to upscale dining, each bite tells a tale of the Island’s rich cultural tapestry. If you’re eager to take your taste-buds on a delicious journey, join a ‘Flavours of San Juan Food Tour’ and allow your stomachs to be guided by the experts. Learn, laugh, and leave with a full heart and an even fuller stomach. Be warned: a visit to Café Cuatro Sombras will ensure you develop a craving for Guava Jam and Puerto Rican coffee forever more.
Chef’s Table
Epicuro Culinary Center in San Juan transcends your classic fine dining experience with its unparalleled blend of culinary wizardry and immersive education. World-class chef Antonio Perez and wife, Sarah, choreograph the chef’s table with flair, combining gastronomic knowledge and skill with humour and infectious passion. This exclusive 12-seater counter offers you a front-row seat to five courses and a truly unforgettable night to be shared, à deux.
Romantic Moments
A candlelit dinner at Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa’s private beach is pure honeymoon fantasy. The lapping waves provide a melodic soundtrack as the sun melts below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the sand beneath your feet. This combination of Puerto Rico’s knockout beach sunsets and its delicious cuisine (not forgetting the impeccable service), is the ultimate way to round off any honeymoon adventure.
Feast on Las Palmas Restaurant’ innovative seafood menu and plethora of juicy meat cuts whilst staring up at an unpolluted, star-studded night sky. When finished, retire to the firepit, cocktails in-hand, to curl up in each other’s arms and inhale the salty air while acoustic guitar drifts across the beach from the restaurant.
From snorkelling the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea to a culinary journey of exploration, Puerto Rico really does have it all when earning its seal of approval from frequent travellers as the perfect honeymoon destination. The diverse landscapes, tropical climate, and rich history combine to create a melting pot of romance, passion, and heart, enabling you to create memories that will last a lifetime.
To learn more about Puerto Rico as a honeymoon destination, visit: discoverpuertorico.com
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