Puerto Rico Winter Getaway | Full Trip Review

Hi you guys!

I feel like it has been forever since I have been able to sit down and write even though it has only been two weeks. If you follow me on social you have probably noticed that I have been running around the world (or airports) like a crazy person. On January 9^th, Rob and I flew from Germany to Chicago for a very quick day visit. Thursday consisted of squeezing in time to see as many of our friends as possible, as well as doing a whole lot of shopping. On Friday, January 11^th we left Chicago bright and early to head to the sunshine and rum punches aka Puerto Rico!

We landed in Puerto Rico around 3 pm and we were immediately greeted by the tragic 80 degree weather. JK it was no tragedy at all. I can’t explain how amazing it was to escape the cold and soak up all the sun. Our first stop after landing was to get some delicious food at Alambique Beach Lounge, which is the cutest beach restaurant with ocean views. El Alamabique is a short 5 minute drive from the San Juan airport. I highly recommend ordering the fish tacos. Some of you may or may not know this, but Rob’s family is originally from Puerto Rico so we were able to enjoy all the spots that the locals love throughout the entire trip. Shortly after eating we headed to our AirB&B in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico which is about a 30 minute ride from the airport. 

Saturday was spent relaxing by on the beach and then getting ready for Rob’s cousins wedding.  Let me start off by saying this wedding was perfect in every way possible – the bride and groom’s love, weather, food, music, and venue. My goodness, the venue was beautiful. The wedding was held at the Hacienda Siesta Alegre in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. I had the best time spending time with his family, celebrating the love of the Carbonell’s, eating delicious Puerto Rican food, and exploring all that the venue had to offer. It was definitely a night to remember. 

On Monday, we celebrated Rob’s 25^th birthday. What better way to celebrate a quarter of a century than by going on a Catamaran cruise, island hopping, and snorkeling?! If any of you ever plan a visit to PR definitely check out East Island Excursions for the BEST time. We arrived at the Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo early morning and set sail around 9:30 am. We stopped at Palominitos Island and enjoyed lunch, piña coladas and snorkeling in the crystal clear turquoise waters. The snorkeling tour lasts until about 3-4 pm or so, so the sunscreen is a must. This was my second time doing a snorkeling tour and it just gets better each time. I must say if you have a tendency to get sea sick I’d pack non-drowsy motion sickness medicine. I overheard a few passengers asking the staff if they had any. Always better to be prepared.

Tuesday, we headed to Old San Juan to explore all that the city has to offer. This was definitely one of my favorite experiences. Our first stop was the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro, which is one of the most recognized landmarks in PR. The fort was once created to protect the city and the bay against invasions, and is now a historic site that allows for incredible views of the sea and fortress architecture. Afterwards we walked around Old San Juan and enjoyed all of the colorful streets and homes. Speaking of colorful, you already know I had to make a quick stop to the Umbrella’s on Fortaleza Street. The pictures don’t even do it justice, I am obsessed. After walking around the town, we worked up an appetite (and thirst) so we stopped at El Parnaso Mexican Restaurant and Bar for some appetizers and beers. The restaurant was on a cute street just steps away from Fortaleza Street with plenty of good food + drink options that you should be sure to check out if you're in the area.

On our last day in Puerto Rico we had a pretty awesome experience at VIVO Beach Club that I can’t wait to share with you later this week! Also for those of you who are also Bachelor Nation fans, I totally had Jojo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers on the same flight leaving Puerto Rico. I was even able to say hi while I was boarding the plane 😱 I was totally fan girling SO hard. 

I hope this gives you all some ideas for what to do if you are considering a winter getaway. Puerto Rico is only a quick flight away and you don't even need your passport to visit. It was such an awesome vacation with so many memories made. If you have any questions about the trip or about things to do while in PR, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message!

XO,
Tor