You might as well call us Mr. and Mrs. Puerto-Retersik—we recently slipped away to Puerto Rico to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, and it was exactly the relaxing, restorative break we hoped for. Here’s a concise account of where we stayed, what we did, and what we ate in and around San Juan in case you’re considering a trip to the area.
As we mentioned on last week’s podcast, we loved Puerto Rico and would recommend it without hesitation. The island offers beautiful beaches, rich history, easy travel logistics for U.S. travelers, and warm, friendly people. Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken, so getting around and asking for recommendations was effortless for us.
Why Puerto Rico?
After our more adventurous 2007 honeymoon in Alaska, we wanted something much more laid-back—sun, sand, and the chance to do very little if we wanted. Puerto Rico fit the bill: short flights from the East Coast, no passport required for U.S. citizens, and no currency exchange hassle. The combination of convenience and warm hospitality made it an ideal spot to mark a decade together.
Where We Stayed:
We followed the advice to book a modest room in a high-end hotel and stayed at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Located a short drive from Old San Juan, the hotel offered several pools, on-site dining, and beach access—so if we wanted to do nothing but relax, we could. We found a package that combined flights and hotel and visited during the island’s lower season, which made the trip feel more affordable.
On one of our days we literally spent nearly the whole day on lounge chairs near the pool, reading and ordering tacos delivered right to the water’s edge. If your ideal vacation includes lounging with easy food service, this hotel makes that simple.
There was a small sandy beach area with hammocks and a lagoon adjacent to larger, smoother-surfaced beaches nearby. The property also has a spa, where I surprised my wife with a couples massage—an anniversary throwback to the massages we enjoyed on our honeymoon.
What We Did – Adventure Day:
One full day was our “adventure day.” We rented a car for 24 hours, drove about an hour east to Fajardo, and combined beach time, a rainforest hike, and a nighttime kayak trip to a bioluminescent bay.
Our first stop was Luquillo, where a long line of open-air food kiosks serves a variety of Puerto Rican specialties. There we tried mofongo—mashed plantains often served with meat—and loved the version topped with chicken and peppers.
Next we visited El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Park System. We followed a recommended trail to La Mina Waterfall. The trail itself was lovely, and although the waterfall was busy and we didn’t swim because the sun was setting, the greenery and the hike were highlights.
On the drive down we stopped at an observation area. The tower was closed, but the views from the ground were still impressive and peaceful. We even recreated a wedding-photo pose from our honeymoon—a small ritual we enjoy every decade.
After dinner in Fajardo, we joined a guided kayak tour into a bioluminescent bay. The guides were professional and reassuring; we went when it was very dark to maximize the glowing effect. With a full moon the glow was a little subdued, but when the guides temporarily covered us with a tarp to block moonlight, the water lit up like someone had sprinkled glitter through it. The experience of paddling slowly through tree-canopied channels at night felt magical—kayaking at moonlight among shimmered water was the trip’s standout moment.
We returned late, but the hotel’s 24-hour hot tub was open, and we capped the day with a quiet soak before bed.
What We Did – Culture Day:
Another day we devoted to culture and history in Old San Juan. A short ride brought us to Castillo San Cristóbal, one of the island’s historic forts. There happened to be a film shoot underway, which added a curious energy to the visit, but the fort’s architecture and views were still the main draw.
We walked between the two main forts rather than taking a trolley, and the winding streets of Old San Juan rewarded us with colorful buildings, ornate balconies, and countless photo opportunities. The city’s colonial charm invites slow exploration—stop, wander, and enjoy the architecture and street life.
At Castillo San Felipe del Morro we climbed ramps and stairs, wandered through arched rooms and courtyards, and admired the sentry boxes that have become Puerto Rico’s iconic image. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of memory on your phone—there’s a lot you’ll want to photograph.
We ate tapas in a pleasant outdoor courtyard, found a charming popsicle shop, and spent time in a lively plaza where pigeons are part of the local scene (in a surprisingly delightful way). Small moments like feeding birds and people-watching made the day feel easy and unhurried.
Squeezing In One More Adventure:
On our final morning we grabbed breakfast from the same food truck where we first ate—hands down the best taco of the trip, with a lightly fried tortilla shell that was irresistible. We finished with one last outing: an hour of stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon behind our hotel. To our delight, manatees were in the lagoon, and paddling among them was a perfect concluding adventure.
Overall, our tenth anniversary trip to Puerto Rico was the most relaxing getaway we’ve had. It’s an easy destination for U.S. travelers, and mixing hotel comfort with short excursions—hiking a rainforest, kayaking a bio bay, exploring Old San Juan—made the trip varied and memorable without being stressful. If you’re considering a short escape with minimal planning and maximum reward, Puerto Rico is a wonderful option. Happy travels, amigos!