PUERTO RICO HONEYMOONS

WHERE TO STAY:

SAN JUAN

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  InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino:
  This is where the island of enchantment is right at your fingertips. You don't have to look far to experience the resort's gorgeous beachfront property and soothing ocean views, or the individual cabanas dotting the newly remodeled pool and decadent lounge area. Indulge in our spa & sauna, spoil yourself with our rich restaurant choices and find entertainment for every interest in the myriad of activities hosted by InterContinental San Juan, the premier luxury resort of choice in Isla Verde and beyond. All of this and more just minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, the historical city of Old San Juan and the area's high-end shopping district, Condado.
  
  Address: 5961 Isla Verde Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00979
  Tel: 1 (787) 791-6100
  Fax: 1 (787) 253-2510.

  Website:

  Rainforest Tour Package:

  El Yunque Rainforest with Extended Hike to La Mina Falls. Part of the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque boasts over 240 varieties of plants and receives billions of gallons of rainfall each year. This package includes a visit to El Portal which is a beautiful visitor's center in the rainforest, a stop at Yokahú Tower which commands a view of the entire northeast coast of Puerto Rico, and a challenging hike down to Las Minas Falls. There is a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole at Las Minas, so you will have a chance to wade in the water. We'll bring the chilled bottled water. This package includes the tour and fees for two plus accommodations.
  Learn More

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  San Juan Marriott Resort: Experience the splendor of Puerto Rico at this 4-diamond luxury resort. With 513 guest rooms and 12 suites, the Marriott is one of the premier hotels in San Juan. Located on a prime stretch of the Condado Beach, you will also be near such top attractions as the Bacardi Rum Factory and the El Yunque Tropical Rainforest.

  Spend your day relaxing by the oceanfront pool, or indulge in the nearby Zen Spa, or arrange for a day of snorkeling or golf. At night, dine at one of San Juan’s outstanding restaurants or at the resort’s award-winning Ristorante Tuscany. You can then try your luck at the spectacular on-site Stellaris Casino.

  The San Juan Marriott is a superb choice for your honeymoon or destination wedding.
  
  Address: 1309 Ashford Ave., San Juan 00907, Puerto Rico
  Tel: 1 (787) 722-7000
  Toll-Free: 1 (888) 817-2033
  Fax: 1 (787) 722-6800

OLD SAN JUAN

• El Convento Hotel: Known as the only small luxury hotel in Puerto Rico, the El Convento is a short distance from the airport and located near world-class museums, historic landmarks and vibrant nightlife. Each of the 58 exquisitely appointed guest rooms provide both elegance and romance and create a truly intimate setting for your long-awaited honeymoon.

  For a sumptuous Caribbean destination wedding, the El Convento can provide the services of a certified wedding planner who will work closely with you to satisfy your every wish. The flawless service you and your guests receive here will result in the most unforgettable experience. Address: 100 Cristo St., Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 | Toll-Free: 1 (800) 468-2779 | Tel: 1 (787) 723-9020 | Fax: 1 (787) 721-2877 | Website:

• Da House Hotel: A superb place to stay for its excellent proximity to the sites of Old San Juan and the wonderful restaurants within walking distance. Known for providing a taste of bohemian living, Da House Hotel is an affordable way to experience the ‘pulse’ of the city within a warm, friendly setting. Check out the rooftop sundeck for the view and the Jacuzzi as well as the Nuyorican Café – a magical place frequented by the area’s artists and musicians. Address: 312 San Francisco St. | Old San Juan, Puerto Rico | Tel: 1 (787) 366-5074 |
  E-mail:
  Website:

CONDADO BEACH

• La Concha Hotel: A beachfront hotel located in an elegant section of San Juan offers retro ambiance combined with modern amenities and a twist of Latin chic. Only 15 minutes from the airport, La Concha hosts 248 spacious rooms with outstanding views of the limitless Caribbean. You can experience sun-drenched days by the multi-level infinity pool, long walks on the beach in the afternoon, and sultry evenings discovering the richness of your love. Address: 1077 Ashford Ave., San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907 | Tel: 1 (787) 721-7500 | Fax: 1 (787) 724-7929 | Website:

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• Area Codes: 787 and 939

• Airport Codes: SJU -- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan

• Time: Puerto Rico observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round.

• Peak Tourist Season: Between December and April

• Documents:
  There are no passports or visas necessary for U.S. citizens. However, bring an official photo I.D. such as a driver’s license.Visitors from other countries must follow the same requirements needed to enter the U.S.

• For those planning to marry as well as honeymoon in Puerto Rico, one of the most elegant places for the ceremony is located in beautiful Old San Juan. The Catedral de San Juan is one of the oldest churches in the Americas and continues to be an important place both spiritually and culturally. It is a church frequently selected to host some of the most elite weddings on the island.

• To schedule a wedding at the Cathedral call (787) 722-0861 at least 3 months in advance.

• To prepare for your trip to Puerto Rico – and to take with you when you go -- check-out www.gotopuertorico.com where you can download video travel guides to MP3 players that have video capabilities.

• You can drive around Puerto Rico in a day. If you rent a car to see the sites outside of your resort area, be sure to remember that the traffic signs will be in Spanish and expressed in miles per hour, but the distances will be posted in kilometers.

• Weather:  Puerto Rico has an average annual temperature of 80F (26C).  August tends to be the hottest and wettest month, and travelers should be aware that hurricane season technically lasts from June-November. 

• Tipping is expected throughout the island, much as you would in the United States.  15% percent is considered appropriate in restaurants, 10% in bars, 10-15% for taxi drivers, and $1 per bag for hotel porters. 

• For avid shoppers, bear in mind that while normal business hours are 9am-6pm, most stores hold longer hours on Friday, when shops are typically open from 9am-9pm. 

DON’T MISS:

• Old San Juan: Here, you’ll step back in time to a place filled with narrow cobblestone streets and building dating back centuries to when Puerto Rico belonged to Spain.

• Nestled on a small island on the north coast of Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is dotted with plazas and churches along with museums, outdoor cafes and restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. An easy way to get a feel for Old San Juan is to board the free trolley. For the more adventuresome, take a guided Segway tour! www.segwaytourspr.com/.

• Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre. An award-winning fine arts center located in San Juan. http://www.cba.gobierno.pr/

• El Yunque: Covering over 28,000 acres, but only 45 minutes from San Juan, you can hike the trails here though lush vegetation and experience a spectacular view of the north east corner of the island from atop an observation tower. www.fs.fed.us/r8/el_yunque/.

• The Plaza Las Americas: Known as the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, you’ll find over 300 stores here offering a varied array of merchandise including fine jewelry, pottery, and fashionable clothing. www.plazalasamericas.net.

• Caribbean School of Aquatics. Located in Villa Marina in Fujerdo, couples can sign-up for trips to secluded tropical cays for beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling as well as sunset sailing excursions. www.saildiveparty.com.

• Mona Island: For those looking for a more off-beat travel experience, Mona Island is hailed as the Galapagos of Puerto Rico.  A pristine island located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic; on Mona Island you will discover giant iguanas, endangered sea turtles, red footed boobies and other birds.  You’ll also find some of the most breathtaking diving in all of Puerto Rico.  With extensive reefs, underwater caverns and Spanish galleon shipwrecks, experienced divers won’t want to miss the chance to see everything from rays and barracuda to parrotfish and dolphins.  Call Adventures Tourmarine for a roundtrip day adventure.  Tel: (787) 255-2525.

• The Coastal Islands: For an adventure filled day at sea, travelers can charter a catamaran sailing trip out of the San Juan harbor and enjoy on-board refreshments in between anchored snorkeling spots.  Some charters may also anchor at one of the beautiful coastal islands off the Fajardo coast to spend an afternoon on a private beach.  For a sailing trip, call Traveler Catamaran/Fajardo Tours.  Tel: (787) 863-2821. 

• Dorado Beach Resort & Club: Golf aficionados may want to try their luck at the famous course, with breathtaking ocean views and a notoriously challenging course. 
  Tel: (787) 796-8961.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

OLD SAN JUAN

• Aguaviva offers an inventive and extensive seafood menu in a modern and chic tropical restaurant.  Mirroring the restaurant theme of aquaviva, or jellyfish, you can order bioluminescent drinks at the bar while enjoying the raw bar’s famous ceviche.  We recommend the grilled mahi-mahi with smoky shrimp, salsa and coconut yucca, or the seared halibut with spinach and crab fondue.  Aguaviva serves dinner from 6pm-midnight, but does not accept reservations.  Address: Calle Forteleza 364, San Juan | (787) 722-0665.

SAN JUAN

• La Compostela: A trendy hot spot known for its wine cellar of over 10,000 bottles. Compostela is also renown for serving some of the finest Spanish cuisine in the capital. Don’t miss the crispy goat cheese mesclun salad and the octopus Carpaccio with sundried tomatoes. A terrific culinary treat! Elegant dining for groups as well as couples. Reservations a must. Address: 106 Ave. Condado, San Juan | Tel: 1 (787) 724-6088.

• Pikayo:  For the ultimate romantic dining experience, try Pikayo.  Entrance to the restaurant is through the breathtaking lobby of the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico.  Along with the masterful dishes of ‘fusion’ cuisine, you’ll enjoy the dining room art, which serves as a rotating gallery.  Address:  Conrad Condado Plaza, San Juan 00909 | Tel: (787) 721-6194.

CONDADO BEACH

• Varita Woodburing Rotisserie: Authentic local cuisine done right! Located at the Condado Plaza Hotel, the atmosphere here is comfortable and casual. Varita’s menu offers everything both locals and visitors could ask for in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine: “pernil”, “carne frita”, “ sancocho”, and other classics. Be sure to try the roast pork. Address: 999 Ashford Ave., San Juan | Tel: 1 (787) 919-7818.

• Budatai: Bask in a sunset dinner at this ocean front restaurant that serves unique and delicious Asian-Latino cuisine.  Address: Avenida Ashford 1056, Condado | Tel: (787) 725-6919.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

• Coming Soon!