Earlier than I went to mattress in my spacious room decked with coastal type on the Puerto Rico’s Aire de O:Dwell resort (proper down to an enormous straw hat on the wall), I left the curtains open only a bit.
It’s not like anyone may peer in (although the one factor they’d see is me in my plaid pajamas).
The reason being, with the Aire’s location on Isla Verde seaside in San Juan, I knew that when morning got here the solar could be flowing in; a far cry from most of America cranking the warmth inside and sporting hats and gloves after they enterprise out. I hope they don’t get too jealous of me.
Positive sufficient, on my first morning throughout my first go to to Puerto Rico I opened my eyes, appeared out the window and noticed the idyllic waves crashing onto the seaside; symbolic since 2026 was about to crest into the calendar. What higher place to ring within the new 12 months than right here, the place a sure famous person has been fortunately exporting the island’s tradition to the remainder of the world; together with his upcoming Tremendous Bowl efficiency later this 12 months.
However as the brand new 12 months approached, I had a process at hand which was of the utmost significance: drink within the island: actually, figuratively, spiritually: you title it. In any case, Puerto Rico is the land of rum (famously Bacardi, although Don Q appears to be a neighborhood favourite). Because of this, it’s additionally the birthplace of the Pina Colada.
“Una cerveza, por favor”
Brushing apart any alcohol-soaked scandal, one in every of my first stops once I arrived at San Juan Airport was to take a 5 minute Uber to Bebo’s Barbequee; a neighborhood fixture which serves up homestyle comida like Pernil (slow-roasted pork), Mofongo (mashed plantains made right here with loads of garlic), which I all washed down with an ice chilly Medalla beer, a beloved fixture of the island, handed to to me with an serviette wrapped round its neck.
After that luscious evening at Aire de Olive, the primary cease (after an ideal iced Americano on their roof) was the seaside, the place the resort has a bevy of lounge chairs and umbrellas for friends. Naturally, I needed to kick issues off with its iconic Pina Colada: those right here come from Kumo, one of many resort’s eating places, and I drank within the subtly candy creaminess of the island’s trademark drink as I gazed out onto the water.
Whereas the Pina was invented right here, simply don’t ask precisely the place. There’s a boozey disagreement if it was on the Hilton Caribe or a regional favourite referred to as Barrachina. For the document, the locals I spoke to appear to suppose the latter spot, which opened in 1949, is the rightful father of the cocktail.
Good Pisco
Other than Kumo, the opposite restaurant at Aire de O:reside is Awwa; their second-floor Peruvian Uncooked Bar. I’ve found that the food and drinks of Peru is common right here. (I even later realized {that a} memento shot glass I bought was made in Peru). Right here at Awwa, I meet Govt Chef Marielys Hernández Nazario who famous their significance of utilizing recent seafood (in the present day’ s catch was wahoo).
In actual fact, the phrase ‘recent’ was prime of thoughts with each chew, from an Oyster platter (so recent), a colourful ceviche made with Canchitas and Camote (more energizing than recent) and the deconstructed crab cake that’s Crab Causa (recent x3). And it wouldn’t be a Peruvian spot with out a Pisco Bitter; theirs is a clarified model made with Gooseberry & Thyme Foam.
New Yr’s Eve-spresso Martinis
To say adios to 2025, it was time to decamp to Condado; a bustling beachside city space filled with eating places, bars, and resorts. The AC Resort San Juan Condado is located squarely in the course of the motion. Its rooftop boasts a pool with citywide and seaside views, together with Bar.C.lona, a rooftop that slings native dishes for lunch and dinner. It additionally hosts occasions, like a ticketed new years get together for tonight.
When it got here time to countdown to midnight, I glugged again an expertly made espresso martini made with Alto Grande; a preferred espresso model in these elements; its navy and white emblem is plastered in every single place. (Throughout my go to, I additionally tried Cafe Lareno, one other scrumptious native espresso.) It ought to be famous that the AC Resorts (not simply right here in heat San Juan) boast ACGT’s: that’s A Customized Gin and Tonic to the layman. I’m informed it’s served in a scientifically-engineered glass with the proper mix of substances. How do they realize it’s good? Effectively, it’s science! Naturally as a result of the AC Resorts originated in Spain, additionally they have perfected the artwork of Tapas.
When it got here time for fireworks, I headed to my room’s balcony (professional tip: ask for one while you verify in) and I gazed at a bevy of them blasting off and glowing up San Juan evening sky.
A Champagne Cheers
As 2026 dawned, I went from my room on the AC as much as their rooftop pool and loved a few of that Puerto Rican solar whereas splayed out on a lounge chair.
I used to be blissfully hangover-free and prepared for a close-by therapeutic massage I booked by way of Resort Move, which lets you benefit from the facilities at resorts and spas with out truly staying there. From the AC’s central location, for a change of surroundings I made my option to Elemara Spa & Salon at La Concha Resort the place I used to be handed a glass of champagne (which comes with the spa bundle) and had an hour-long remedy. If there’s a greater option to ring in a brand new 12 months, I don’t know of 1.
By night, it was time to once more depart the AC and discover historic and colourful Outdated San Juan which is teeming with vacationers exploring its majestic castles, sweeping inexperienced fields filled with kite-flyers, and spectacular seaside sunsets.
Much more stupendous? A brief stroll away is La Factoria; one of many island’s most-lauded watering holes (it’s a member of the World’s 50 Finest Bars) and is absolutely ingrained in native tradition. How ingrained? Effectively, it was featured within the music video for the Luis Fonsi smash “Despacito,” for one! I managed to seize a seat at one in every of their eight bars that make up the advanced and ordered a fruity Champeta (Don Q rum, ginger and a pineapple fermentation).
A Vodka Tonic for New Yr’s Day
Because the solar set on New Yr’s Day it was time for supper at Caña, one of many many eating places on the acclaimed Fairmont San Juan with a menu overseen by Chef José Enrique, who was the primary native Puerto Rican to be acknowledged by the James Beard Awards. A stately property with a on line casino, the Fairmont itself is the form of place with large chandeliers hanging over slot machines, enormous carpeted staircases and reside native music in a bustling foyer.
Caña is uniquely Puerto Rican and it turned out to be a best hits rundown of what I’ve eaten and found on my journey: the mofongo was served in a heaping pile, whereas a lobster soup (Asopao De Langosta) was crammed with spices was as extravagant and satisfying because it sounds.
Not taking itself too severely, I ordered a aspect of rice and beans (served individually), together with one other deconstructed crab cake (Blue Crab, alcapurria, pique criollo emulsion). I washed all of it down with a Ketel One Vodka tonic, with a sprinkle of recent lime. There’s that phrase once more. Cocktail standouts at Cana embody a Guava Island Mojito (mild rum, darkish rum, guava syrup, recent pineapple juice, recent lime juice, mint).
I’m impressed and refreshed by the individuals, locations and drinks that make up Puerto Rico. And if there was ever a narrative of resilience, it’s right here. Strolling round, it’s arduous to consider they skilled the crippling results of Hurricane Maria not too way back, which destroyed a lot right here; crippling the facility provide and sadly killing practically 3,000 individuals.
Immediately, it’s an island again within the world highlight however for all the proper causes. For that, I elevate my glass to cheers its comeback.
One other Pina Colada, por favor.
Journey information:
- Aire de Olive Resort
- AC Resort Condado
- Awwa Uncooked Bar
- Cana
- Bebo’s Barbeque
- La Factoria
- Hilton Caribe
