A visit to Puerto Rico, or the “Spanish Virgin Islands,” immerses you in a rainbow of color. From the pinks and yellows of the dawn’s morning sky to the sinewy reds and purples of twilight, each day holds the promise of a vivid adventure.
Puerto Rico has launched a campaign promoting all three of her islands – the main island and the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Mario Gonzalez, deputy executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company said Puerto Rico is “focused on our diversity: diversity of product, diversity of geography, and diversity of tourists.”
When the Spanish arrived in Puerto Rico in the early 1500s, one of the first places they expanded was the area now known as Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan). Imposing forts, including the mammoth El Morro, as well as dozens of majestic colonial and post-colonial homes and businesses, were built along its narrow cobblestone streets.
In recent years, Old San Juan has been impressively restored to its former glory. While the neighborhood is noted for its pristine colonial architecture, style-seekers are just as likely to love the area for its trendy fusion cuisine and stylishly designed eateries. The food that San Juan’s restaurants have to offer is incredible, especially along Calle Fortaleza, one of the main dining streets.
San Juan as a whole, in fact, is fast positioning itself as the creative culinary capital of the Caribbean serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, which incorporates Taíno Indian traditions with Spanish and African themes.
San Juan is a very gay friendly city offering many hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants. Santurce and Condado, the beach tourist district, are the more concentrated gay neighborhoods. In the evening, locals and tourists alike pour from the beach into the clubs for a long night of dancing that usually includes salsa music.
No two trips to Puerto Rico are alike! Although it may seem like an exotic paradise, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory so NO passport is required. The dollar is the official currency, and Spanish and English are the official languages with a preference for English in the tourist zones. Puerto Rico has all of the comforts of home, with a colorful tropical flair!
For travel recommendations, please contact RSicilio@TRIPSandCRUISES.com or call or 800-411-8747.
Hotels
W Retreat & Spa, Vieques wvieques.com
The W Hotel is the first “W” in the Caribbean and only one of three “W Retreats & Spas” in the world. Vieques was voted the best Caribbean island by “Travel & Leisure.”
Intercontinental Hotel ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental
The Intercontinental Hotel is located on one of the best northern beaches in San Juan. It is situated close to the airport and only 20 minutes from Old San Juan.
Marriott Hotel marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjupr-san-juan-marriottresort-and-stellaris-casino/
Located right in the heart of Condado, this Marriott has a fantastic casino, awesome beach, and is accessible to the nightlife in Santurce.
Bars & Clubs
Circo Bar 650 Calle Condado San Juan, PR 00907
Circo is a modern stylish video bar with a mix of locals and tourists. It is the number one gay bar for men in San Juan with a front bar area that opens via large steel doors to a full back bar area with strippers and a nice dance floor. Check out the bar and pool table on the second floor. The crowd does not begin to form until after midnight. Circo is a quick cab ride away from Condado’s main hotel center.
SX Bar 1204 Ponce de Leon San Juan, PR 00907
SX is San Juan’s best gay stripper bar with super friendly and hot guys. If you like Swinging Richards (in Atlanta or the Miami area) you will love SX. SX has videos and is walking distance from Circo.
Atlantic Beach Hotel Bar 1 Calle Vendig San Juan, PR 00907
Atlantic Beach bar is located right at San Juan’s most popular gay beach. Enjoy the beautiful open air balcony that looks over the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying tasty treats and divine drinks. Happy hour starts here early.
Splash Calle Condado 6 San Juan, PR 00907
Located right near the Marriott Hotel Condado, Splash is a very tiny place, but is the perfect stop in Condado to start your night.
Restaurants
Dragonfly and Aguavina oofrestaurants.com
These impressive restaurants can be found on Calle Fortaleza in Old San Juan. Dragonfly features Asian and Latin cuisines and Aguavina features fresh fish and seafood. Both of these eateries are very trendy and were featured in “Conde Nast Traveler” as one of the 100 best restaurants in the Caribbean.
Oceano 2 Vendig Street San Juan, PR 00907 Condado oceanopr.com
For a taste of the trendy, Oceano sits right across the street from the Atlantic Beach hotel. Sunday brunch is amazing with awesome food and live music in the open air. Feels like South Beach in San Juan!
Laurel Kitchen and Art Bar 299 de Diego Avenue San Juan, PR 00909 Santurce laurelkitchenartbar.com
Laurel is located inside the Puerto Rico Museum of Art and is the showcase of “Nuevo Caribe Cuisine.” This concept was inspired by the plethora of fresh ingredients available year round. Highly recommended and enjoyed!
BudaTai 1056 Ashford Avenue San Juan, PR 00907 Condado ootwrestaurants.com
BudaTai is across the street from the La Concha Hotel in Condado. The feel of this second floor restaurant combines New Latin tastes with Asian cuisine and puts you in Tapas heaven. Add some tasty pitchers of sangria to make your dinner more delightful.
