Romantic Escapes in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, balmy breezes, and lush tropical foliage provide a perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway.

Winding cobblestone street lit up with lamps at dusk.
Viejo San Juan. Photo ©Dennis Van De Water/Dreamstime.

Viejo San Juan

  • Book your stay at Hotel El Convento, a former Carmelite convent that dates back to 1651; request the romantic getaway package including a bottle of champagne, rose-petal turndown service, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
  • Spend the day strolling through the historic town’s cobblestone streets, playing hide-and-seek in Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and enjoying a glass of bubbly at Pio Pio Champagne Bar.
  • At night, dine on expertly prepared French cuisine beneath a crystal chandelier at Trois Cent Onze.

Isabela

  • Go horseback riding with Tropical Trail Rides along secluded beaches and to cliffside caves on the island’s west coast.
  • Stroll along the seaside boardwalk Paseo Lineal and explore Cuevas Las Golondrinas during low tide at Playa Pastillo.
  • Dine on grilled octopus and wood-fired pizza at the romantic seaside restaurant The Eclipse, featuring an award-winning wine selection, at Villa Montaña Beach Resort.
  • Stay the night in a private casita with your own plunge pool at Royal Isabela.

Culebra

Image of low islands and sand bars in turquoise sea from above.
Aerial view of Culebra, Puerto Rico. ©Lauren Orr/Dreamstime.
  • Hop a flight to this small island off the coast of Fajardo. Stay at Club Seabourne, a small, lovely property on Fulladoza Bay, featuring private villas with luxurious beds and glass showers.
  • Explore the undeveloped beaches in the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, or go to famous Playa Flamenco and walk until you find a secluded spot.
  • At night, dine at Susie’s Restaurant, specializing in fresh seasonal seafood and produce.
  • Stop by Mamacita’s for a Bushwhacker, a sensuous and potent blend of Bailey’s, Kahlua, amaretto, coconut cream, rum, and ice cream.

Suzanne Van Atten

About the Author

Suzanne Van Atten has written about destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. She has barhopped in Barcelona, slept in a Jesuit monastery on the Amalfi coast, crewed a hot air balloon in New Mexico, gone white-water rafting in Tennessee, and gotten lost too many times to count.

Amidst all these travels, she always returns to Puerto Rico, a place she fell in love with when she lived there as a teenager. The country’s rich culture, postcard-perfect beaches, lush tropical jungle, cobblestone streets, pastel colors, lively music, and the joie de vivre of its people colluded to seduce her. No matter how many times she returns, she always discovers something new and delightful.

Suzanne is a creative writing instructor, an editor for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and a Pushcart Prize-nominated essayist who’s been published in the Gettysburg Review, The Chattahoochee Review, and Full Grown People.

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