9 things you HAVE to do in Puerto Rico

We all love a good tropical vacation, don't we? Swim-up bars, palm tree-lined beaches, fruity rum drinks served in coconuts and pineapples, white sandy beaches... need I say more? But chances are, something holds most of us back from planning the trips we so longingly watch on other people's Instagram feeds. Maybe you don't have a passport, or the idea of not knowing the language scares you. Maybe the flights are too pricey or you don't have the vacation days or the currency exchange is too confusing- whatever your excuse may be, we have you answer- it's time for a trip to Puerto Rico!!

I know, I know... easier said than done, right? Well our goal is to convince you of just how easy- and exotic- Puerto Rico really is. First of all, to give you a little taste of San Juan, check out our latest video recapping our adventures in Puerto Rico!

One of our favorite things about Puerto Rico is the incredible ease of travel for Americans. Being a US territory, this tropical island doesn't require you to have a passport if you're a US citizen. That means no customs lines either! it's a quick 4 hour direct flight from NYC, and all the major US carriers fly into San Juan. That means that you most likely won't have tons of long layovers and your flight time will be so much less than flying somewhere exotic across the world. It's in our backyard! And also, while Spanish is spoken predominantly, you'd be hard-pressed to find somewhere that nobody speaks english! 

Ok- so you're ready to book your trip to Puerto Rico! Here's our list of 10 things you absolutely have to do while you're on the Island. 

 

1. Stay on Condado Beach

There are so many amazing things about this beach... from the rocky shores, the thousands of palm trees lining the sand, and the crystal clear water. It's San Juan's beach resort district, and it's one giant tropical party! We love this beach so much that we decided to stay right on it at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino! It is literally beach front with the most breathtaking views of Condado-- talk about paradise! The hotel is stunning and has amazing grounds and pools, complete with swim-up bars, a poolside DJ, and a coconut stand where you can purchase alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks in actual coconuts the size of your head! Can it get any more tropical than that?! It's the perfect central location too- halfway between the airport and Old San Juan. get more info about the San Juan Marriott and book here

 

2. Island hop with Vieques Air Link

Most people know about Puerto Rico, but not everyone knows that it is composed of several islands. Just off the east coast of the mainland are 2 small islands, Vieques and Culebra. They are virtually untouched and some of the most gorgeous places we've ever seen. If you need a break from the party that is Puerto Rico, head over to either of San Juan's airports and catch a 25 minute flight on Vieques Air link to explore these exotic tropical islands. Everything from wild horses to black, white and pink sand beaches with perfectly turquoise water- all without the tourist scene. The small airline is inexpensive and so much fun- tiny 8-seater prop planes that make you feel like you're seeing the islands from a bird's-eye-view.. and so much more adventurous than a normal commercial jet! We'll post more about Vieques in our next post, but take our word for it- you'll feel like you stepped into southeast asia without the 20-something hours of travel (or the hefty price tag!).   

 

3. Drink a Piña Colada at Barrachina

Okay, real talk: We quickly realized the first time we went to PR that there is an argument about who invented the Piña Colada. Apparently there was a drink making contest held at the Caribe Hilton, and the bartender who won was the bartender for a place called Barrachina. So the Hilton claims they invented it, but so does Barrachina. Whichever side you agree with, I think we can all agree that Barrachina is totally worth a trip to PR. Every time we're on the island we visit this spot (that we literally stumbled upon a couple years ago!). It's the most amazing Pina Colada we've ever had in the dreamiest setting. Not to mention there are parrots right beside the bar?! It's definitely a must-see. We went for the first time for dinner this past trip and got to witness a Flamenco show for free while we ate! It was such an authentic and cool experience that we will never forget, and it's a League Travels non-negotiable when you're in PR.

 

4. Explore El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US national park system, but this dense jungle can hold it's own among the greatest rainforests in the world. Spend a day hiking and exploring, watching incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery, and swim in waterfalls- El Yunque is nothing short of magical!  

 

5. Take a Food + History Tour with Spoon food Tours

Guys... there is this incredible Walk + Taste tour that by itself is completely worth the trip to PR! The company is called Spoon Food Tours, and we couldn't recommend it highly enough. It's so informative and, of course, delicious! Our tour guide (Pablo, aka the world's greatest tour guide) knew anything and everything about PR and encouraged everyone to ask questions as we went through Old San Juan. We learned so much history and stopped at loads of restaurants along the way, literally eating and drinking our way through the city. It lasted about 3 hours and was the perfect way to spend a morning! Pablo told us we would leave pleasantly full, but we left totally stuffed and satisfied. You can book a tour with Spoon Food Tours here

 

6. Eat MOfongo

This classic Puerto Rican dish is made from fried green plantains and topped with deliciously flavorful meat or vegetables. You can get it anywhere that serves local fare, and it's a non-negotiable for any visit to PR!

 

7. Fly a Kite at Castillo San Felipe del Morro

There are 2 forts that make up Old San Juan that are both pretty epic + historic. One in particular, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, has a huge lawn that people use to fly kites! It's such a cute tradition and an iconic thing to do when visiting Puerto Rico. Even though the majority of people flying kites are kids with their parents, we most certainly took part in the adventure ourselves!

 

8. Kayak in a bioluminescent bay

The first time we went to PR, we looked at tons of photos online from the bioluminescent bay wondering if it was worth it or not. The photos looked insane and to be honest a little too good to be true... it is just something you've never seen before. Neon microscopic organisms that glow in the dark?! We ended up doing it after reading so many reviews and are so thankful we did! Glass-bottom kayaking in the pitch black night and then dipping your hand in the glowing water is something worth experiencing-- even if that is all that you come to PR for! There are only a few bio bays in the world, so it's quite remarkable that Puerto Rico has three! One in Fajardo and La Parguera on the mainland's east coast, and one in Vieques Island- which rumor speculates is the best in the world! Book a bio bay trip here

9. Get Lost exploring Old San Juan

San Juan's historic center, known as Old San Juan, is a beautiful glimpse into Caribbean history. Old, winding streets and colorful buildings make up this neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. It's a sight to see during the day, but even more romantic at night when the nightlife starts up. Beautiful preservation and a vibrant food scene truly make this a remarkably exotic place to wander around for a few hours or a few days. Hit La Factoria's late-night secret speakeasy through the back, watch Flamenco dancing at Barrachina on a weekend evening, or wander into any of the seemingly endless open-air bars for a cocktail and dancing. No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without an adventure in Old San Juan!

Hopefully between our video and our recommendations, you're feeling pretty convinced about taking a trip to Puerto Rico soon! We know you won't regret it- and there is so much to see and do that we haven't even gotten to experience yet! Feel free to share some of your favorite PR experiences if you've been so we can make sure to put it on our list for next time! 

Adventures away!

-Zach and Tara

10 amazing things to do during your stay at Margaritaville Key West!

Cue Jimmy Buffett singing "Margaritaville..."

Last week we escaped the winter blues in NYC and went south. As far south as we could go, actually, without leaving the country. We went to Key west, the southernmost point in the Continental United States. (The "southernmost point" marker on the island is a tourist hotspot with people waiting in line to take their picture with the sign, actually). 

Just 90 miles north of Cuba, surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and tiny islands, Key West was the perfectly tropical weekend trip we wanted without busting out our passports. Key West has an international airport, but we were coming off of a few days in Miami, so we booked some crazy cheap tickets in and out of MIA for just $80! And, since it's an easy (and beautiful!) 3 hour drive through the keys, we loved the idea of a short road trip!

While we were in Key West we stayed at the stunning Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, and we couldn't wait to share this incredible property with you! It was the perfect Resort for a fun, relaxing weekend in the sun. From the tropical pool vibes and outdoor dining to the spacious, modern rooms and ideal island location, we found ourselves completely comfortable and relaxed from the moment we arrived. The staff is warm and welcoming, and there is SO much to do without going far. If you're the type who prefers to spend your vacations sitting poolside sipping Key Lime Margaritas, this place is for you. At the same time, though, Margaritaville's marina location and close proximity to Duval street (an easy 5-minute walk) makes it the perfect base for your island adventures. Tara and I are somewhere in the middle, so our ideal property offers both- and that's exactly what we found in Margaritaville!

So, we wanted to share our top 10 things to do during your stay at Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina. It was challenging to narrow it down, so you'll just have to come and see the rest for yourself! 

1. Breakfast at Bistro 245

If you know us, you know our obsession with breakfast. When we're home in NYC, we make breakfast together every day. It's a few moments of guaranteed quality time in the midst of our chaotic schedules, and that habit has carried into our travels! We love to load up on a great healthy breakfast to kick off our day, and Bistro 245 delivered! (Not to mention how thrilled we were to get fresh pressed green + red juice! Eating healthy can be a challenge on the road, but not at Margaritaville!)

 

2. Shop (and eat/drink) your way down Duval Street

Key West is a treasure trove of restaurants, bars, history and attractions, and you can find it all on Duval Street! Imagine New Orleans and the Virgin Islands combined to form one main drag... that's Duval!

 

3. Chill Poolside

Ok let's be honest.... this is everyone's dream in the middle of winter. Margaritaville does it right! Work on that tan in the hot FL keys sun, or relax in the shade of a palm tree. Just sit and relax without lifting a finger and order your favorite summer cocktail from Castaways, the pool bar, and you'll find yourself singing "wasted away again in Margaritaville" in no time!

 

4. Order Room service and enjoy a romantic night in

Or, like we did, follow up dinner with champagne and dessert! Chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of bubbly and a jacuzzi for two was just what the doctor ordered. 

 

5. Sunset Celebration

Every evening at Sunset, Margaritaville hosts a fun celebration on the pier next to Bistro 245 filled with music, food, vendors and street performers, and it's a great way to transition from day to night! Take in the sunset while being entertained and sipping your favorite cocktail!

 

6. Wind and Wine Sunset Sail

Since Margaritaville sits right on the Marina, it's the perfect base for nautical adventures! We took a sunset "Wind and wine" sunset sail from Danger Charters, and it was everything. You sail on a 65 foot schooner out into the most stunning Caribbean sunset while a wine expert brings you through a flight of 9 different wines. A glass of bubbly to start, then 4 different whites and 4 different reds. Combined with Hors Devours and a tranquil sea, this was one of the highlights of our trip! ($85/person, Sails nightly from the Marina outside Margaritaville)

 

7. Key Lime everything!!

Key lime pie, Key Lime Cooladas, Key Lime Margaritas, Key Lime everything! When you're in Key West, it's a non-negotiable!

 

8. Have a drink on the Sunset Deck

Above the pool and overlooking the Ocean, the Sunset Deck is the perfect setting to take in the gorgeous Key West sunset! It's roomy and covered in strung-up lights, and it's basically the perfect way watch Nature's dazzling display. 

 

9. Ride Bikes to the Southernmost point

We rode bikes from the resort and spent an afternoon exploring Key West. If you ride all the way to the very end of Duval Street, you hit Key West's Southernmost point- which is in fact the southernmost point in the continental United states!

 

10. Make new friends

One of our favorite parts of Margaritaville was how friendly everyone was! The staff and the guests alike- we found a rare combination of private luxury and cordial mingling. Generally, at a resort where people are partying together, you sacrifice the peaceful romantic vibes for the fun. But, at romantic, secluded hotels you can sometimes lose the fun you find at a more upbeat property. Maybe it's the name, or maybe it's the well-thought out resort design, or maybe it's just the magical island vibes... but at Margaritaville you truly get both!

Here's to the adventure...

Zach + Tara

*This post was sponsored by Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, but our opinions, as always, are our own! 

St. Croix in a day

If you're anything like us, you spend most of the winter months researching tropical getaways. The very thought of a sunset stroll along the beach is enough to book a flight to a beautiful, warm destination! If you're not an avid traveler, however, or current with your passport, it's easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip somewhere you've never been before. 

Last month we flew to St. Croix to partner with the beautiful Renaissance Carambola Beach, and we loved it so much that we wanted to take the opportunity to give you a taste of what St. Croix has to offer! As part of the US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, & St. John), US citizens are not required to have a passport to visit- a valid Gov't ID and birth certificate will suffice! English is the main language (with a beautiful island flare, of course) and currency is the US dollar. St. Croix is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, stunning Scuba diving and snorkeling, and incredible natural landscapes. 

Most Major US carriers fly to St. Croix, and you can often find round trip tickets for less than $400. St. Croix was one of several stops on our trip- which made our flights even cheaper. We flew in from Orlando, which cost us around $170 per person on JetBlue. Our outbound flight took us to St. Thomas (our next stop), and cost us a measly $75 per person on Cape Air. Either way you do it, it's extremely affordable! Taxis are easy to grab from the airport and the main cities, and your resort can easily call one for you as well. One thing to keep in mind is that food in St. Croix can tend to be a bit pricey since everything is imported. The good news is that the rum is CHEAP!

There's loads to do it St. Croix, and we wish we could have stayed longer to see it all. We'll highlight some of our favorite experiences (and include a few more that came highly recommended) for you to get a taste of what the Island has to offer. You really can't go wrong in the US Virgin Islands!

 

Buck Island Reef National Monument

You cannot visit St. Croix without visiting Buck Island. It's one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with crystal clear turquoise waters and a protected barrier reef. The snorkeling is incredible and the national parks system has put a series of markers along the way to guide your tour. The area is known for attracting all sorts of beautiful tropical fish and sea turtles. The only way to the Island is via licensed concession companies (6 options) or private boat. Big Beards does both a half day (8:30-12:30ish) and a full day tour (9-3:30ish), and we highly recommend them. The crew is spectacular, and you take the trip on a beautiful catamaran. Half-day tours are on a power catamaran, and full-day tours are on a sailing catamaran and include unlimited rum punch and a beach BBQ (burgers, hotdogs, mahi mahi, veggie burgers). Full-day: $105/person, half-day: $75 per person

Carambola Tide Pools

One of the coolest adventures we went on was the hike from our resort to the Carambola Tide Pools. The Renaissance is not only located on an idilic beach in one of the best part of the islands, it's also just a 45 minute hike from the famous Carambola Tide pools. You can hike to the rocky beach where the tide pools are situated no matter where you're staying on the Island, but it certainly is a wonderful perk of staying at the Renaissance. The first lag is mostly uphill, and it opens into a grassy clearing with stunning views of the coast. another 20 minutes or so and you arrive at an untouched beach, and you can climb the rocks to make your way into the tide pools. We spent the afternoon exploring and swimming in the pools before making our way back to the hotel. You don't have to be a hotel guest to explore the tide pools though! Just park in the upper parking lot outside the gate at the Renaissance Carambola Beach or have your driver drop you by the gate and ask the guard which way to go! The best part? It's Free!

Cruzan Rum Factory Tour

It's not a Caribbean vacation unless you're sipping a steady supply of rum! The Cruzan Rum Distillery tour was the perfect afternoon activity for anyone who loves to drink! Even if you don't drink, the guides are fun and super knowledgeable about the history, the distilling process, and all things Cruzan (But let's be honest... the real star of this tour is the rum). The tour costs $5 for adults over 18 - and you only have to be 18 to drink in the Virgin Islands - which is a killer deal for all the rum you drink. After the tour they bring you back to their bar, where we sampled all the rum we wanted and ordered 2 full cocktails from their extensive menu, all included in our $5 fee! The best part, though, is that the US Virgin Islands allows you to take up to 6 bottles of local rum back home as a FREE checked bag at the airport! The 1L bottles of dark or flavored rums are only $7 or $8 each (!) and if you buy 4-6 bottles they give you a free travel box. So of course we brought 6 bottles back home with us! Doesn't get much better than that...

Downtown Christiansted

If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, try exploring downtown Christiansted. You can get all the souvenirs your heart desires, walk the boardwalk, wave for the 24/7 gotostcroix.com webcam, drink your way through all the bars and experience the true relaxed island vibes. Most shops close around 5, but there's a good selection of restaurants to choose from if you want to stay for the evening. (Since we mentioned it, GoToStCroix.com is another excellent resource if you're visiting the Island!)

Sunset walk on Carambola Beach

If you're staying at the Renaissance Carambola Beach (which we highly recommend), you have access to one of the most stunning beaches in St. Croix. Nestled into a private bay on the lush northern coastline, Carambola Beach has that famous Caribbean turquoise water and is surrounded by jungle-covered hills. The sun sets in stunning display every night over the bluffs that disappear into the sea on the western horizon and makes for the most romantic Caribbean setting for a stroll. This is best done with a tropical rum drink in hand, of course!

Massages on the beach

When you're in the Caribbean, a massage on the beach is the perfect way to relieve every last ounce of stress. The Spa at Carambola is just the tranquil escape from reality that the doctor ordered. Call for a reservation and ask for your massage to be on the beach. It's in a perfectly private corner of the beach under an open-air hut, and the waves gently splash just feet away. Its impossible not to smile through the entire experience. We left our massage feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and utterly stress-free, and we've lovingly (and longingly, from NYC) deemed it a #LeagueTravelsNonNegotiable when in St. Croix!

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Paul and Jill's Equestrian Stables are constantly winning awards and have a reputation for incredible experiences. Their tour bring you through the rainforest and out onto the beach. 1.5 hours, $99 per person (cash/TT only)

Scuba Diving

St. Croix is famous for its diving. The entire North Shore is lined with "The Wall"- underwater cliffs that drop some 13,000 feet and are topped with one of the largest live reefs in the Caribbean. There's no shortage of dive shops, and you can cater your dive whichever way you want! St. Croix has it all. Dive by the wall, through shipwrecks, under piers, at night, from a ship, straight off of the beach- really anything! If you're not a certified diver, no problem! Most shops offer a one-day Scuba Experience, perfect for the beginner. Sweet Bottom dive shop offers a dive experience starting at just $90! Some other options are St. Croix Scuba & Dive Experience, just to name a few!

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Ok. As you can see, St. Croix has something for everyone. It's so simple to get to from the US, no passports required, and it's really the perfect tropical escape in every way. There's so much we didn't mention, like glass-bottom kayaks in a bioluminescent bay and the beer-drinking pigs... but you'll just have to plan a trip to see those for yourself! 

Have any St. Croix favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

Adventures Away!

-Zach + Tara

Frenchman's Reef Marriott, St. Thomas

January and February in NYC are two of our least favorite months- it’s just so cold! So, we were more than happy to escape to the Caribbean last week to stay with several Marriott properties. We started in Orlando to see Tara’s sister, Shannon, and spent a few days exploring Disney World. Then, we flew to Puerto Rico for a quick stop at our favorite restaurant in Old San Juan, continued on to the Renaissance Carambola Beach in St. Croix (more on that soon), and finished our trip at the Frenchman’s Reef Marriott in St. Thomas! 

It was our first time in St. Thomas, and we’re already itching to get back. Frenchman’s Reef is a stunning property built into the cliffs on a Peninsula at the edge of the harbor in Charlotte Amalie. One side has panoramic views of the harbor and downtown Charlotte Amalie, and the other side is split between the hilltop ocean-view, and the beachside Morningstar rooms. There’s literally not a bad view in the place! The sprawling property is immaculately kept and feels like a tropical paradise. Infiniti pools, a swim-up bar, restaurants and bars scattered throughout the resort, a world-class beach, wild iguanas basking in the hot sun- it’s the kind of place you imagine in your wildest vacation daydreams. There's even a tranquil spa with a private spa pool if you need some extra help relaxing! (you can buy a day pass- we spent our last day in the spa and it was perfection!)

There’s enough to do on the property that you’d never have to leave- but if you know anything about us, you know we love adventures. One of the coolest things about Frenchman’s reef is their access to activities. There’s literally an “Adventure Center" desk in the lobby where you can book your Caribbean adventures- most of which leave straight from the resort! We booked a Catamaran sunset dinner cruise one night, and it was so romantic. They took us on a 2 hours sail with a nice buffet and an open bar (caribbean rum punch, anyone?). It was a perfect evening, and we got back to the resort with plenty of time to get dessert and drinks in the Sunset bar. On our last night we went Night Kayaking and it was so cool! The kayaks had see-through bottoms and LED lights shining down into the water, which made it so easy to see into the crystal-clear water below us. We saw enormous fish, stingrays, and even a sea turtle! Our guide knew everything there was to know about the marine life, and it was one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip! You can take daytime snorkeling trips, catch a ferry across the bay to shop downtown, take a boat trip to Buck Island National Monument (If you have time, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and completely worth the trip!). No matter what your vibe is, there is something for you! St. Thomas has no shortage of beautiful beaches - so if you need to try something new off the resort, we loved Magen's Bay! Coki Beach supposedly has the best snorkeling on the island, so that's worth your time as well!

While there are many restaurants in the resort to choose from, our favorite was Coco Joe's! It's an open-air beachside restaurant with good vibes and great food! Thursday nights they have all-you-can-eat seafood and bottomless Sangria for $55 per person, and it was absolutely delicious! We ate enough lobster, mahi mahi, shrimp and steak to feed an army, and sat talking and drinking sangria in the warm ocean breeze for hours - and there was live music! Breakfast here was equally delicious, and the breakfast buffet at Aqua Terra was to die for. They say it's the best omelette bar on the island, and we don't doubt it one bit! Their local specialty omelette - spinach, okra and goat cheese - was worth the buffet price alone. Then there's the multiple other patio and poolside bars and restaurants. Great food, delicious drinks, wonderful entertainment and fun atmosphere everywhere!

NOW... If you're a Bachelor fan, you'll know that tonight's episode was actually filmed at the resort! The one-on-one date was in a private room at Coco Joe's, and they stayed on property- which that speaks volumes to the calibre and quality of Frenchman's Reef! (plus, it was so cool to stay here the weekend before the episode aired!) Everything about this resort is well thought out and beautifully executed. From the bellmen and housekeepers to the sales team and management, the ever-smiling staff make you feel like you're family. It was the perfect end to an adventure around the Caribbean, and we couldn't more highly recommend the Frenchman's Reef Marriott. Thank you to this wonderful staff for hosting us- we'll definitely back!!

Adventures away!

-Zach + Tara