What girl doesn't dream of a romantic vacation with the man she loves? And what guy doesn't know that a romantic vacation is that special something that will soften any woman's heart? But with so many romantic destinations scattered all over the world, how can you possibly decide where to go?
Puerto Rico is definitely a location to consider when planning that romantic get-away, especially for those living in the United States, Mexico or South America. Right in your backyard (so to speak), Puerto Rico has white sandy beaches, lush forests and old-world charm; all rolled up into a beautiful little package. Whether you are looking for a place to spend a long secluded weekend or a memorable, locale for your wedding or honeymoon, this island has it all.
As a territory of the United States, there are no worries about passports or visas. Also, the currency is the U.S. dollar, so no exchange worries. Though the official language of the island is Spanish, most people involved with the travel industry (as well as many other residents) do speak English.
Very few locations have as many opportunities to share a romantic moment with your loved one as Puerto Rico does. Rent a horse and ride along a beach together and watch the colors of the sunset. Take a hike or rent a car and explore the island. Go diving and explore the sealift surrounding the island. Take a tour through the Rio Camuy Caves Park. The Rio Camuy caverns are part of the third-largest cave system in the Western Hemisphere. If the two of you are in good physical condition and a bit on the adventurous side, arrange to go on one of the spelunking trips at one of the nearby caverns. Maybe you would prefer a tour of the 28,000-acre Caribbean National Forest (El Yungue). The only rainforest in the U.S. National Park System, the park is almost unbelievably beautiful. One of the park's most popular features, the 35' La Mina Falls tumbles over large rocks into a pool where visitors can sit and gaze at the breathtaking rainforest surrounding them or swim in the cool waters. With over 23 miles of well-maintained trails throughout the park, most couples can find a secluded spot to sneak a kiss or two.
Not only is there an abundance of romantic activities available to the visitor, Puerto Rico offers travelers almost limitless choices when it comes to accommodations. When you're looking for romance, you're far more likely to find the correct atmosphere in smaller, unique hide-aways than in the larger, multi-national chains. This article will focus on the islands smaller, less mainstream locations; however, regardless of which type of lodging you choose for your upcoming rendezvous, Puerto Rico has plenty of both.
1) THE GALLERY INN Located in Old San Juan; this 300-year-old house does not seem like a hotel. As soon as you enter the metal gate and walk through the courtyard on the cobblestone path, you know that you are in for a special treat. Each of the rooms has a style all it's own and many are furnished with antiques. The second floor of the house boasts a Steinway piano in the music room and is frequently the site of informal concerts. Visitors are treated to wine and cheese in the afternoons, giving them a chance to meet both the owners of the inn and other guests. They are free to explore the cherubs and sculptures (many done by artist/owner Jan D'Espo) in the gardens, or sit in the courtyard, lulled by the whispering water of the surrounding fountains. The staff, owners and the inn's resident parrot, Campeche, bring a friendliness and old country charm not often found in larger establishments.
2) THE LEMONTREE What better way to relax than sitting on a private oceanfront deck at your own fully equipped beach house? Rincon's Lemontree offers totally affordable lodging that comes with a fully equipped kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, blender, etc). Listen the surf and feel the ocean breeze and then step inside to make a margarita or stir up a rum & coke. The inn has six spacious suites, ranging in size from studios to large three-bedroom suites. Each are furnished and decorated with tropical colors and furniture. Polished terrazzo tile floors will allow you to relax and enjoy yourself during your romantic escape. Have an intimate dinner for two while watching the sunset from your deck or eat breakfast and step straight onto the beach. Addicted to your techno-gadgets? Each suite has WiFi Internet access, as well as a flat screen TV, DVD player and cable. If you're looking for something really special, the Lemontree offers a package especially for honeymooners, lovers or just old-fashioned romantics. Included in the package is the Banana studio, with it's two-person Jacuzzi, a bottle of chilled champagne upon check-in, a beach portrait and other romantic "goodies".
3) THE INN ON THE BLUE HORIZON Though not on Puerto Rico's main island, The Inn on the Blue Horizon is only a short eight mile trip (by ferry or air) to the neighboring island of Vieques. Less than a mile from the city of Esperanza, it is also within easy reach of many of the swimming beaches of the island.
The Inn on the Blue Horizon began it's life as the Great House of a Spanish Sugar Plantation. The inn's main building features a soaring, open living area that overlooks both the infinity pool and the Caribbean. Four of the bedrooms are also located in the main house. Each of the inn's ten rooms has a private balcony, a view of the sparkling Caribbean and it's own unique character decorated with early-19th-century American antiques, original artwork and 100% cotton linen. Long drapes drift in the ocean breeze and serve to enhance the feeling of privacy without intruding upon the airy and open feel of the rooms. Sitting atop a bluff, the inn gives visitors an unbelievable and ever-changing view of the Caribbean and the distant horizon. The infinity pool is lit during the evening by a multitude of sparkling colored lights and also has small lights on the bottom of the pool that sparkle up through the water like the stars above. Other amenities of the inn include a gym and a tennis court. Though the coastline below the inn has only a narrow beach, once past the rocks there is a lovely reef, perfect for snorkeling.
For the most romantic of rendezvous, The Inn on the Blue Horizon offers two very special packages an Intimate Long Weekend and the Engagement Package. The three-night Intimate Long Weekend includes champagne, chocolates and tropical flowers the night you arrive. The next morning wake up to coffee in your room followed by breakfast in the terrace dining room, overlooking the pool. A dinner for two at the Inn's Carambola Restaurant is also included in the package. Looking for something even more special? The Engagement Package will literally take her breath away entering the room, she will gaze in awe at the rose-petal-strewn floor to a bed similarly covered with rose petals. Tropical flowers, strawberries, chocolates and champagne also await the lovers in their candle-lit room. Dinner is served at a special table and the couple receives a chocolate pate for dessert.
Regardless of where you decide to stay, before heading for home take the time to go swimming in the bioluminescent Fajardo bay. Night trips to the bay can be booked with Yokahu Kayak Trips or Vieques Tours. With either group, pick a night with a limited amount of moonlight the new moon is best. Paddle out to the middle of the bay and slip into the dark water. As you and your partner swim and play in the water, you will begin to shimmer with a pale green light caused by tiny creatures in the water. Don't worry it is perfectly safe and totally unforgettable. This is an experience that you can have only a few places in the world and one that will definitely add a touch of magic to your romantic get-away.
So search no longer for your special destination. From strolling barefoot across the warm sands for a swim in the crystalline blue waters of a secluded lagoon to sharing the glitz of the casinos or the sweaty thrill of the Salsa, Puerto Rico will keep the romance levels in overdrive for your whole trip.