Omar and I were both born and raised in Puerto Rico, and while we’ve built our lives and business ventures in places like New York, Miami, and Tulum, the island has always remained close to our hearts. A lot has changed since we left the island in pursuit of big dreams, and every time we come back, our goal is to discover the hidden gems that keep Puerto Rico a tropical paradise booming with culture, flavor, and good times. Recently, we spent a weekend together exploring our homeland—something we hadn’t done since founding Alux Travel Collective in 2020. With a mix of city, country, and beach, combined with incredible food and just the right amount of adventure, we set out to rediscover Puerto Rico and share our experiences with you.
Stay in the Bohemian, Artsy Ocean Park
Where We Stayed: Dreamer’s Welcome (DW for short), a collection of beautifully curated vacation rentals in the up-and-coming Ocean Park neighborhood.
San Juan is a city of contrasts. Old San Juan is steeped in colonial history, with iconic views, charming streets, and vibrant bars. Condado is lively and sophisticated, home to some of the island’s best hotels. But our bohemian spirits were craving something different. That’s why we chose Ocean Park, a neighborhood that’s been transformed from its roots as a home to immigrants from the Dominican Republic and Cuba into a trendy enclave of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars owned by a mix of locals and expats.
We stayed at Dreamer’s Welcome, created by a couple who met in New York City. Their hotels and guest houses are curated with care, featuring local artists, playful furniture, and an eye for detail. It was the perfect place to start our weekend of exploration.
Dinner and Drinks at La Placita
Where We Ate: Santaella, a restaurant known for its traditional Puerto Rican dishes with a modern twist.
Our first evening was spent in one of San Juan’s most vibrant nightlife destinations, La Placita. Dinner at Santaella did not disappoint. We were delighted with a traditional whole fried red snapper, crispy tostones (fried green plantains), and a selection of other local favorites. After dinner, we walked around La Placita, catching up with old friends and grabbing drinks at one of the many kiosks offering rum cocktails. Our favorite? The classic Mojito, of course.
Morning Walk Through Old San Juan
What We Did: A walking tour through the iconic streets of Old San Juan, fueled by local pastries and coffee.
Old San Juan is a place that demands to be explored on foot, especially in the early morning when the streets are quiet and the light is just right for capturing those picturesque cobblestone streets. We started our day at La Bonbonera, indulging in a delicious Mallorca (a warm, doughy pastry dusted with powdered sugar) and a Quesito (a pastry filled with cream cheese and glazed in sugar).
From there, we embarked on a leisurely walk through San Cristobal, across the promenade over La Perla, and up to El Morro. We took in the views from Calle del Cristo, passed by the historic Hotel El Convento, and admired the stunning La Catedral. Our walk concluded at Paseo la Princesa and Parque de las Palomas, where we soaked in the vibrant colors and history of this beautiful city.
Head to the West – Sunset and Dinner in Rincón
Where We Went: Rincón, a laid-back town on the west coast known for its sunsets, surf, and vibrant nightlife.
After our morning in San Juan, we hit the road and drove west to Rincón, a town that offers a totally different vibe from the rest of Puerto Rico. Known for its mix of expats and surfers, Rincón is a beautifully relaxed town with a vibrant nightlife. We caught the sunset from our Airbnb, then headed out for dinner at Estela, one of the town’s most popular restaurants.
Estela has a menu that varies significantly with the seasons, but we were lucky enough to enjoy their famous tomato salad, made with heirloom tomatoes grown at a local hydroponic farm. The food was fresh, inventive, and delicious—just what we needed after a day of exploration. After dinner, we explored the town, stopping by a few local bars to take in the Rincón nightlife.
A Boat Tour Through La Parguera
What We Did: A boat tour through La Parguera, one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful natural habitats.
The next day, we headed to La Parguera, a former fisherman’s town that has become a popular tourist destination and boating hotspot. We rented a boat with one of the local tour companies and set out to explore the shallow bays with their crystal-clear waters. The scene was lively, with yachts, music, and an authentic Puerto Rican atmosphere that made us feel right at home. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and a reminder of the natural beauty that Puerto Rico has to offer.
A Restful Sunday in the Mountains at Casa Grande
Where We Stayed: Casa Grande, a serene mountain retreat offering vegan meals, natural wines, and restorative yoga.
After our time on the water, we headed up to the mountains to spend a peaceful Sunday at Casa Grande. This beautiful, relaxed retreat welcomed us with a delicious vegan meal and natural wines, followed by deep conversation about the future of our business and our next travel destinations.
We woke up to the sounds of local birds and joined a restorative yoga class before heading down to the creek in search of waterfalls. Casa Grande is a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature—exactly what we needed after a weekend of exploration.
Traditional Bites on the Way Back to San Juan – Casa Viejo
Where We Ate: Casa Viejo, a hidden gem offering authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without one last traditional meal. On our way back to San Juan, Omar remembered a spot he’d been wanting to try—Casa Viejo. Nestled in the mountains, this restaurant quickly stole our hearts. The staff was incredibly friendly, the food was heartfelt and lovingly prepared, and the cocktails were a delicious blend of traditional and innovative. It was the perfect ending to our weekend in Puerto Rico.
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