You might as well call us Mr. and Mrs. Puerto-Retersik, because we recently slipped away for a few days to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in Puerto Rico. It was a short, restorative trip full of beach time, good food, and a couple of small adventures—exactly what we wanted to mark ten years together.
We talked a little about the trip on last week’s podcast and wanted to share more photos and practical details for anyone considering a visit to San Juan. Below is a concise guide to why we chose Puerto Rico, where we stayed, what we did, and what we ate—useful tips to help you plan a similar getaway.
Why Puerto Rico?
After an adventurous honeymoon to Anchorage, Alaska back in 2007, we were craving something decidedly beachier and more relaxing for our anniversary. Puerto Rico delivered: short flights from the U.S. East Coast, no passport worries since it’s a U.S. territory, and the convenience of using U.S. currency. Spanish is the primary language, but most people we met spoke English and were exceptionally friendly. All of those small conveniences meant less travel stress and more time to enjoy the island.
Where We Stayed:
We followed the advice to “get a modest room in a nice hotel” and booked the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan. It’s only about five minutes from historic Old San Juan and offered several pools, restaurants, and a small beach area—perfect for relaxing without committing to an all-inclusive plan. We found a budget-friendly flight-plus-hotel package by traveling during the island’s lower season, which made the stay even more enjoyable.
We had about 3.5 days and intentionally saved one to just do nothing—long stretches on lounge chairs, books, and food delivered right to the pool area. The hotel’s smaller beach lagoon and hammocks offered a quiet place to unwind, and the poolside dining made lazy afternoons feel effortlessly indulgent.
Mango tacos were an instant hit and became a favorite meal on the trip.
The hotel spa offered a couples massage—an anniversary throwback to our honeymoon—and included a relaxing lounge area where we could linger afterward. It was the type of small surprise that made the trip feel special without being over the top.
What We Did – Adventure Day:
One of our full days out was devoted to an “adventure day”: we rented a car, drove east about an hour, hiked in El Yunque National Forest, and finished the night kayaking in a bioluminescent bay near Fajardo. The biobay tour was a highlight—tiny organisms light up the water when disturbed, creating a glittering effect that’s strange and beautiful.
On the way to the rainforest we stopped at Luquillo, where a row of open-air food kiosks serves authentic Puerto Rican dishes. We tried mofongo—mashed plantains with chicken and peppers—which was delicious and a perfect local lunch.
At El Yunque we hiked the La Mina Waterfall trail. The walk through the rainforest was lush and memorable; the waterfall itself was crowded by the time we arrived, so we enjoyed the hike as much as the destination. Along the way we stopped at an observation area to take in the views and even recreated a wedding photo pose we took on our honeymoon—tiny traditions that felt meaningful.
That evening we joined a guided kayak tour into the bio bay. The guides were professional and reassuring, and although a full moon made the bioluminescence slightly fainter, the experience of paddling through tree-canopied channels at night was magical. If you’re booking a biobay tour, try to choose a darker night for the brightest effect.
What We Did – Culture Day:
Another day we dedicated to culture and history in Old San Juan. We walked between the two historic forts—Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro—soaking up the sweeping ocean views, centuries-old architecture, and iconic sentry boxes that punctuate the fort corners. The forts are large and full of photo opportunities, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of phone storage.
Between the forts we wandered the colorful streets of Old San Juan, admiring bright facades, ornate balconies, and charming doorways. We stopped for tapas in a hotel courtyard and continued to enjoy outdoor dining—al fresco meals are common and delightful thanks to the island’s warm weather.
Squeezing In One More Adventure:
On our last morning we grabbed breakfast from a food truck near the hotel—arguably the best taco we had on the trip—and went stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon behind our hotel. To our surprise, there were manatees in the lagoon, and paddling near them was a gentle, unforgettable way to end the trip.
All in all, our tenth anniversary in Puerto Rico was restful, adventurous, and surprisingly low-fuss. Booking a flight-and-hotel package made planning simple, and aside from reserving the kayak tour in advance, we left plenty of time for spontaneous exploration. If you’re thinking about a short, easy island escape—whether solo, as a couple, or with family—Puerto Rico is a terrific option.