Learning How to Live Boricua in Puerto Rico

After two virtual years, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace returned to its robust live format in October 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As a first-time attendee, I was excited to connect with others in the industry face-to-face instead of virtually. The business conversations during the conference were invaluable, and the Puerto Rico Convention Center and Distrito T-Mobile were unique and energizing host venues.

As a first-time visitor to the island though, I was even more excited to “Live Boricua” during a pre-conference fam hosted by Discover Puerto Rico. Both the destination and the conference exceeded my expectations, and I’m now eager to plan my next adventure back to the “Isla del Encanto.”

My time on the island began with a warm welcome at baggage claim from Group Service, Inc. The DMC quickly and professionally provided transfers to our host hotel, The Royal Sonesta San Juan. Throughout my time in Puerto Rico, I appreciated the presence of quality DMCs as well as the convenience and affordability of quickly grabbing an Uber. The Royal Sonesta was a great home base in the city – only a short drive from the airport along a beautiful stretch of Isla Verde Beach with spacious, bright rooms and several options for on-site dining.

Dinner at the Royal Sonesta featured a delicious selection of local specialties: mofongo, tostones, rice and beans, roast pork and of course – a rum bar! Food and drinks are an essential part of any visit to Puerto Rico, so I was also certain to sample piña coladas at the cocktail’s disputed dual birthplaces: Barrachina in Old San Juan and the Caribe Hilton. There’s a historic plaque outside Barrachina, but I’m told there really shouldn’t be any dispute at all: bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero worked at both locations but made the creamy cocktail at the Hilton first in 1954 – nine years before he ever blended it at the Barrachina.

During my two days with Discover Puerto Rico, we visited some of the island’s most iconic properties and modern favorites as well. La Concha Resort’s chic style and modern pools gave me South Beach vibes, whereas the Condado Vanderbilt and Fairmont El San Juan made me feel like I had stepped back to the glamour of yesteryear with beautifully carved mahogany wood lobbies, intricate chandeliers and beautiful art.

In Old San Juan, the Palacio Provincial and El Convento were just steps from the city’s historic sites including the Catedral de San Juan Bautista, the oldest church in the US and Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon’s final resting place. Exploring Old San Juan during a walking tour with Rico Sun Tours made me feel more like I was in Europe than the Caribbean with cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafés, meandering kitty cats, quaint boutiques, historic statues, the governor’s mansion La Fortaleza, the city’s capital and of course the imposing forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal.

The beachfront San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offered a little something for guests of all ages with spacious suites, multiple pools with a waterslide, plus a casino and spa for adults. We also spent an afternoon soaking up the sunshine at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar’s expansive beach, and of course had to sample the local cervezas poolside at 5 O’Clock Somewhere.

The best Puerto Rico experience for me was visiting privately-owned land in the El Yunque rainforest with Paradise Seekers Puerto Rico. We hiked through the lush trails and along the river, where we were able to not only see waterfalls but slide down them and swim behind them. The rope swing was a blast and those of us who were brave enough jumped off cliffs—and while 40 feet was way too scary for me, I managed to leap off a 15 foot cliff so I’m calling it a personal win.