Where to Eat And Stay in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is America's little slice of Caribbean heaven. The LGBTQ-embracing U.S. territory is just a quick hop from the mainland and offers a vibrant queer community. While most travelers stay in San Juan, there's more to explore on the island, including the charming fishing village of La Parguera, two hours from the island's capital city. Here's some of our favorite places to stay, eat, and play in the region.San JuanYou’ll likely be flying into San Juan. There are many LGBTQ+ nightlife spots in P.R.’s capital. Most were sleepy when I visited on a Thursday night, but I enjoyed a lively game of pool and cheap drinks at Tia Maria’s, which is popular with locals. Condado Ocean ClubI checked in at nighttime to the Condado Ocean Club and my jaw dropped in the morning when I threw back the curtain and saw a window of beautiful blue ocean. The ahi tuna salad at the on-site restaurant Social was delicious. RAYATry the ahi tuna (above) and duck fried rice for dinner at the nearby Caribbean Asian fusion restaurant, RAYA, helmed by local celebrity chef Mario PaganLa PargueraThe sun sets over La Parguera.La JamacaLa Jamaca, a 16-bedroom property with a very Jimmy Buffett “island vibe,” was a fitting host for our maritime adventures. Literally translating to “the hammock,” it boasts live music on Saturdays, a restaurant that serves tasty breakfast and seafood bites. At La Jamaca I enjoyed the campy outdoor bath experience where I washed off the sea in a tub complete with rose petals and sparkling wine.Copamarina Beach Resort & SpaFor a more traditional beachside resort, try the Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, which is tailor-made for events and weddings. Las Palmas RestaurantGrab al fresco breakfast at Copamarina's Las Palmas Restaurant and then jump on a daytime boat to Cayo Aurora, dubbed Gilligan’s Island,” to check out mangrove trees and snorkel through a coral reef. Bounce on a sea trampoline just off the resort’s half-mile beach. And make sure to book a spa appointment afterward to unwind. To end the day, enjoy fine dining at Copamarina's Restaurante Alexandra.Hacienda Verde TahitíHacienda Verde Tahití offers a more rustic escape on a 25-acre farm about 20 minutes from La Parguera where guests can disconnect from modern madness in cottages and glamping sites. Friendly hosts will prepare Puerto Rican home cooking and help plan adventures. Speaking of the joys of darkness, this Hacienda makes for some amazing nighttime stargazing.
Puerto Rico is America's little slice of Caribbean heaven. The LGBTQ-embracing U.S. territory is just a quick hop from the mainland and offers a vibrant queer community. While most travelers stay in San Juan, there's more to explore on the island, including the charming fishing village of La Parguera, two hours from the island's capital city. Here's some of our favorite places to stay, eat, and play in the region.
San Juan
You’ll likely be flying into San Juan. There are many LGBTQ+ nightlife spots in P.R.’s capital. Most were sleepy when I visited on a Thursday night, but I enjoyed a lively game of pool and cheap drinks at Tia Maria’s, which is popular with locals.
Condado Ocean Club
I checked in at nighttime to the Condado Ocean Club and my jaw dropped in the morning when I threw back the curtain and saw a window of beautiful blue ocean. The ahi tuna salad at the on-site restaurant Social was delicious.
RAYA
Try the ahi tuna (above) and duck fried rice for dinner at the nearby Caribbean Asian fusion restaurant, RAYA, helmed by local celebrity chef Mario Pagan
La Parguera
The sun sets over La Parguera.
La Jamaca
La Jamaca, a 16-bedroom property with a very Jimmy Buffett “island vibe,” was a fitting host for our maritime adventures. Literally translating to “the hammock,” it boasts live music on Saturdays, a restaurant that serves tasty breakfast and seafood bites.
At La Jamaca I enjoyed the campy outdoor bath experience where I washed off the sea in a tub complete with rose petals and sparkling wine.
Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
For a more traditional beachside resort, try the Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, which is tailor-made for events and weddings.
Las Palmas Restaurant
Grab al fresco breakfast at Copamarina's Las Palmas Restaurant and then jump on a daytime boat to Cayo Aurora, dubbed Gilligan’s Island,” to check out mangrove trees and snorkel through a coral reef.
Bounce on a sea trampoline just off the resort’s half-mile beach. And make sure to book a spa appointment afterward to unwind. To end the day, enjoy fine dining at Copamarina's Restaurante Alexandra.
Hacienda Verde Tahití
Hacienda Verde Tahití offers a more rustic escape on a 25-acre farm about 20 minutes from La Parguera where guests can disconnect from modern madness in cottages and glamping sites. Friendly hosts will prepare Puerto Rican home cooking and help plan adventures. Speaking of the joys of darkness, this Hacienda makes for some amazing nighttime stargazing.
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