The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is rich in history, culture, scenic beauty and offers a true Caribbean and Latin American experience in one destination.
San Juan, known as the walled city is the first port of call on most Puerto Rico holidays. Located on the north of Puerto Rico on the Atlantic Coast, the city of San Juan is divided in two, a modern commercial centre with designer fashion stores, bars and night spots plus the historic Old San Juan featuring cobbled streets, museums and colonial architecture. A number of luxury hotels can be found along the beachfront or for a more intimate experience Old San Juan offers some boutique colonial hotels.
El Yunque Rainforest is situated on the north east of the island, an area of outstanding natural beauty, located just one hours drive from San Juan the area offers numerous walking trails through the mountainous rainforest, passing dramatic waterfalls and offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas. At the foot of the El Yunque National Forest is the resort area of Rio Grande boasting some of the finest beaches in Puerto Rico, and one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, the St Regis Bahia Beach.
For pure escapism, the beautiful and unspoiled island of Vieques in only a few minutes flight away from San Juan, visiting Vieques is like stepping back about 30 years and offers a true Caribbean experience. The funky W Hotel Retreat and Spa is the only luxury hotel on the island. Vieques Island can be explored by car or jeep, the southern Caribbean coastline is completely unspoiled and boasts some beautiful sandy beaches where you may find you are the only person there all day. Bio Bay is one of the most spectacular Bioluminescent Bays in the world, where a mysterious blue-green light is created by micro-organisms in the water.
Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for a self drive holiday, enjoy long peaceful mountain drives, head south to the Caribbean coast to the area of Ponce, the islands second largest city. The heart of Ponce dates from the late 17th century, the core of the city has been painstakingly restored to its former glory with many beautiful neoclassical buildings and facades, the city has been declared a national treasure.
Puerto Rico holidays offer something for almost everyone, the colonial cities of San Juan and Ponce, the fine sandy beaches that surround the island, mountain scenery and tropical rainforest trails. For those seeking a lively atmosphere San Juan offers a number of Casino hotels, the area of Condado is full of chic boutiques and upscale designer stores along with tredny bars and night spots. For pure escapism head over to Vieques Island and the W Vieques Island Retreat and Spa.