Shot from the Conrad Hotel in Downtown San Juan

Otherwise known as the national anthem of Puerto Rico, La Borinquena means “The Borinquen Song”.  Having just returned from my first trip to San Juan and the island of Vieques, I am already feeling the ‘spirit’ of the people calling me back for a much longer stay.  Maybe it’s the incredible heat, the drowning humidity, the crystal clear waters, the endless sandy beaches, the warming smiles of the locals, the rich history or the gastronomical dining options.  Whatever it is, if you have yet to go or are in need of a return visit, then read on!

God Bless American Airlines for serving nine U.S. cities with non-stop flights to the main Latin American hub at San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, or SJU (Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Hartford (CT), New York (JFK), Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Dallas & Miami).  Labor Day weekend round-trip prices from JFK are currently listed at $424, $368 for Chicago, $224 from Miami and even the 7 hour ordeal from LAX at $768.00 (www.aa.com).

But don’t forget that other airlines also do direct into SJU with regular daily frequency.  Depending where you’re located, consider Delta Airlines (www.delta.com) who flies daily from JFK and Atlanta, Air Tran (www.airtran.com) from Atlanta and Orlando, Continental (www.continental.com) from Houston and Newark, Spirit Airlines (www.spiritair.com) from Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, US Airways (www.usairways.com) from Philly and Charlotte, United Airlines (www.ual.com) from Chicago and Washington D.C. and finally Jet Blue (www.jetblue.com) from Boston Logan, New York’s JFK, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale.

Now should you want to take my advice and continue directly on to the island of Vieques, you have a few options.  One, you could get on a ferry for an enjoyable oceanic romp (approximately 45 minutes by car and 2.5 hours by boat), or you could suck it up and get an exciting aerial tour of Rican coastlines that lasts about 35 minutes.  Two airports in San Juan offer service to the island.  Out of SJU and the international airport you just arrived into, you can easily transfer to Cape Air (www.flycapeair.com) on one of their teeny 9 passenger island hoppers that will run you around $200 for a roundtrip ticket.

Otherwise, jump over to the ‘original’ international airport, or Isla Grande for roundtrips that will run you about half of what you pay at SJU.  Air Flamenco (www.airflamenco.net), M&N Aviation (www.mnaviation.com), Vieques Air Link (www.viequesairlink.com) and Seaborne Airlines (www.seaborneairlines.com).  For the most space and biggest aircraft without losing your marbles, definitely fly Seaborne.  And if your stupid rich, then knock yourself out and charter your own private plane from either airport that will start about $450 roundtrip.

Hotel W Vieques Resort & Spa

Hotel accommodations in Vieques are limited as it is relatively ‘new’ to the slowly increasing tourist attractions of the island.

Pool at the Hotel W Vieques in Puerto Rico

I decided to go all out and splurge at the brand new (4 months old) W Vieques, Retreat & Spa.  All I can say is “WOW” to the 10^th power.  The place is ridiculous and it’s everything you want for a getaway that is still luxury.  With a nightly deposit of around $250.00 plus a daily resort fee of $65.00 (and this is before the normal $318 price tag for a regular queen room), don’t be surprised when you pay $9 for a bottle of water and $125.00 for a miniature bottle of Patron.

If you’re on a budget but still want to indulge on the pristine beaches, check out the bioluminescent bay (a MUST!) and see the wild horses, log onto www.viequestravelguide.com for the best suggestions on hotels and houses to rent.  Also, if you are on the island longer than 2 days, definitely look into renting a car as the limited taxi service is time consuming and one can often be stuck for long periods of time.

When you get back to San Juan, you’d be a complete moron to not spend a couple days in town to see what all there is to offer.  The beaches in the city are pretty awesome, Old San Juan is a given and a day trip out to the rainforests and waterfalls is well worth it.  For the best places to stay, consult www.tripadvisor.com as they are current with reviews and rates.  Some of my suggestions on the beach for the Labor Day weekend include the Conrad at Condado Plaza (www.condadoplaza.com) starting at $179 per night, the Caribe Hilton (www.hilton.com) at $224, the timeless El Convento in the heart of Old San Juan (www.elconvento.com) at $170, the La Concha Renaissance Hotel (www.marriott.com) at $164, the famous El San Juan Hotel & Casino (www.elsanjuanhotel.com) by the Waldorf Collection at $309 and the classy Ritz Carlton next door (www.ritzcarlton.com) also around $309.  Yes, there are definitely cheaper places to stay, but with the heat and humidity abounding, a location on the beach makes a world of a difference and there is so much to see.

For any first timers from the U.S., it will be a pleasant surprise to note that the local currency is the U.S. Dollar and that all mainland cellular providers work just fine in Puerto Rico without roaming charges!  Spanish is the dominant language, but in places like San Juan, most folks also speak English and are more than willing to help direct you where you need to go.  Food & beverages in hotels can be pricey, but two steps down the street at a local eatery will not only be more of a cultural experience, but will also save you a bundle!  Tipping is also very similar but is subject to the property and/or restaurant since some places automatically add a 15-20% gratuity charge.  Definitely check your bills thoroughly as it’s not always noticeable and they won’t necessarily tell you.  Lastly, upon arrival into SJU, you will see that a passport is not necessary to enter the country.  It would probably still be wise to carry one with you, but your driver’s license should suffice for everything else.

Again, I cannot wait to go back and spend more time on the mainland, Vieques and the other islands.  Puerto Rico is a relatively close neighbor that mimics so much of what the typical American is ‘used’ to, while adding a dash of cultural pizzazz that reminds you quickly that things are different there.  Go with an open mind, experience with a happy heart and just maybe you too will leave with a bit of La Borinquena in your step.

Been a trip reporting….