Alexis recently checked into Fairmont El San Juan Hotel for a 3 night stay on the island of Puerto Rico. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel highlights both the old world and the new, which is noticeable as soon as you walk through the doors. Greeted by the Chandelier Bar in The Lobby, you are immediately transported into a lively atmosphere where you feel as if you’ve truly arrived. After a bit of a chaotic travel day, the views of the ocean from the Oceanview Villa Balcony room were a pleasant welcome. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel’s beach of Isla Verde has been appointed as one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, and with good reason. Pristine, soft sand, calm turquoise waters and amazing sunsets can all be found at the beaches of Isla Verde. Spend your afternoons on one of the beachfront loungers or at the beach club sipping Piña Coladas.
What She Ate
After a quick refresh, Alexis headed to Sushi by Bou onsite at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. A new intimate Omakase experience, with fresh fish flown in daily, seats 12 people and has a12-course sushi menu. The chefs created some outstanding sushi dishes, such as spicy toro belly nigiri. Sushi by Bou also features a speakeasy where you can grab a cocktail, sake or try a Japanese whisky before your meal.
What She Loved
One of the highlights of this trip was heading to the marina, boarding The Ivy and spending the day on the yacht charter on the gorgeous waters of Puerto Rico. We set sail for Cayo Icacos, the uninhabited island known for its white beaches. We were met by a beautiful set-up, to lounge and enjoy cocktails on the beach and even got to take the Seabob out for a few spins. Back on the boat, we had an amazing lunch prepared by Chef Erika Gomez, Executive Chef at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. The multi course lunch featured caviar service, a seafood tower, different kinds of crudo, and an amazing surf and turf with steak and lobster. On the sail back to the marina, we had a beautiful sunset to round out our day.
What She Did
You can’t go to Puerto Rico without visiting Old Town San Juan, the second oldest city in the Caribbean. Old Town feels like it is stuck in time, but in the best way. With the blue marble cobblestone streets and the colorful houses and buildings, you are certain to be charmed by the architecture, but the people as well. We visited a cigar shop, Galería Botello art gallery,Coquí el Original jewelry store, El Galpon, a traditional Panama hat company and got an in-depth history lesson about the island. After spending the morning walking around town, we stopped in at Verde Mesa, a farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Old Town. Everything we ate and drank was fresh, beautifully presented and delicious! You could tell the love that was put into the food and the chef frequently came out to make sure we were enjoying ourselves.
We spent the afternoon at Ron del Barritillo, a rum distillery that was founded in 1880. After touring the facilities and learning about their historic rum making process, we did a fun mixology class where we got to make 3 cocktails. A lot of fun was had!
Back at the hotel, we had our final dinner at Caña, led by Chef Jose Enrique. Caña features Puerto Rican flavors with fresh local ingredients. Every dish we tried was unique and exquisite. It was a perfect final dinner to round out our trip! But the night wasn’t over, once dessert was had, we headed over to Chico Cabaret for live music and after dinner drinks.
Before heading out on my afternoon flight, I was able to sneak in a 50-minute signature massage at the Well & Being Spa, which was much needed after a jam packed itinerary over the last 3 days. Then, I headed over to the Nail and Blow Studio Bar for a blow out before departing. A cherry on top to a wonderful stay.
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has something for everyone and is certain to bring both entertainment and relaxation and most importantly, a true Puerto Rican experience for all of it’s guests.
