Puerto Rico can be a tranquil island getaway.
While Puerto Rico is generally known for beach parties, tropical drinks and a lively nightclub scene, there are a variety of places on the island that offer calmer, more scenic vacations. The diverse and stunning landscape, the tranquil ocean and the lush rain forests all lend themselves to one of these more low-key getaways.
Old San Juan
Away from the hustle and bustle of San Juan, Old San Juan has many places for quiet relaxation. The boutique hotel Casa Herencia offers a rooftop view of tranquil San Juan Bay. With only eight guest rooms, this quaint and intimate hotel is in a renovated colonial building that also has a library. Old San Juan, meanwhile, features a variety of quiet sightseeing activities. Nearby, lush rain forests offer hiking opportunities. And Puerto Rico's mountains or beaches are also quiet havens for relaxation or reflection.
Vieques
Vieques, a sister island of Puerto Rico, offers an escape from the touristy and sometimes hectic main island. Travelers enjoy sparsely populated beaches that sometimes are visited by wild horses who roam the coast. Rent a private home or stay in a hotel. Hix Island House, designed as well as owned by architect John Hix, is an intimate destination that offers guests a view of both coasts.
Culebra
Another lesser known sister island is Culebra, off Puerto Rico's east coast. Accessible only by ferry boat or plane, Culebra is not as commercialized as Puerto Rico. Because there are no chain hotels, guests stay primarily in bed and breakfast establishments or rent a private home. Culebra's Flamenco Beach was ranked the second best beach in the world by the Discovery Channel, and typically is not crowded.
Tags: Puerto Rico, lush rain, lush rain forests, private home, rain forests, sister island