Strolling down cobblestone streets, breathing in salty fresh air and enjoying the sea breeze is something I’ve been dreaming of lately. Perhaps it is a message from my subconscious telling me that it’s time to take a much-needed vacation. Out of the many places on my Bucket List, the one that sits right on top is the gorgeous Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise and one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Caribbean. With sparkling azure waters and pristine golden sand, Puerto Rico is simply heaven for a beach bum like me. While it is commonly called an island, this scenic territory is actually an archipelago. Surrounding the main island of Puerto Rico are more than a hundred different islands and islets. You can simply hop from one island to the next by plane, boat or ferry. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, be sure to try out their water sports and don’t forget to go swimming with turtles!
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico that is situated on the main island, is simply a visual delight. Steeped in rich history, San Juan was founded in 1521, making it the second-oldest European-founded settlement in both the Americas. Four hundred years of Spanish Colonial rule has certainly left its mark on Puerto Rico and that can be seen most eminently in the district Old San Juan. With lanes made of old blue cobblestones and Colonial Spanish styled pastel houses, you’re instantly transported back in time to the Old World.
Over the past few decades, the city has evolved into a juxtaposition of the old San Juan and the new. While parts of it retain the heritage colonial charm, other parts are akin to a modern metropolitan hub. San Juan is a city that is teeming with life and a hundred different things to do and see, making it the perfect place to take a break from reality. From history and old architecture to street art and fancy restaurants, San Juan has something for everyone.
After scouring through pages on the internet, looking for the perfect accommodation, I chanced upon the rustic-chic Olive Boutique Hotel. Situated just a walk away from Condado Lagoon, one of the most trendy beach districts in San Juan, this gorgeous luxury boutique hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Olive Boutique Hotel was established in 2012 by Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila who were inspired by the art and culture of their wedding destination, Sorrento, Italy and the other Mediterranean countries that they visited. With 15 suites, that are as good as mini villas, each part of the hotel is a unique reflection of France, Spain, Italy and Morocco.
The idea of waking up to a breathtaking view of the crystal blue waters of Condado Lagoon and the vast Atlantic Ocean is what drew me to Olive Boutique Hotel as a majority of their suites face the lagoon.
Each of their suites come with state of the art amenities that include a queen-size bed, air conditioning, a 40 inch Smart TV, free WiFi, Nespresso Coffee Machine with pods, L’Occitane bath amenities, a safe box and a minibar.
Out of all their rustic yet elegant and sophisticated suites, the Partial Lagoon View Suite would be my pick. Besides all the regular amenities, this suite comes with an outdoor bathtub and an indoor glass see-through rainfall shower that has a bench and massage jets. The suite also includes a private veranda with a sofa and dining table for two; and let’s not forget the amazing view of the lagoon, perfect for a romantic evening indoors.
One of my favourite things about Olive Boutique Hotel is their open-air rooftop bar and lounge and plunge pool that faces the Condado Lagoon. You can spend the night under the star, sipping on cocktails after a delicious meal at their in house restaurant Sage Italian Steak Loft. And if you’re in the mood to do something special, why don’t you treat yourself to a floating picnic on the lagoon organised by the hotel.
So, if you’re in the need of a long-overdue escape from reality, just like me, Puerto Rico is the place to be. Don’t forget, to stay in San Juan for a few days, after all, it is the heart and soul of the archipelago.
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 13, April 21
