Puerto Rico: An American Gem

By Janina Parrott Jacobs

Unless you’re a snow-buff, there’s nothing better than a planned escape from Michigan in the throes of winter, even if only for a week. Florida can be iffy, weather-wise, so consider traveling a bit farther south into the Caribbean…without ever leaving the country.

"La Isla del Encanto", or Puerto Rico, is waiting, with its legendary ‘Boricua’ spirit of kindness and hospitality, multiple seaside golf facilities, outstanding beaches, cultural attractions, appealing traditional cuisine, and balmy climate. 

Surrounded by 300 miles of coastline filled with nature’s treasures, about 3.2 million call Puerto Rico home. Many Americans forget about this U.S. territory, a literal ‘Spanglish’ paradise in their own backyard, but in 2022, 5.2 million visitors propelled this gorgeous Caribbean island into a Top-10 tourist destination.

Ironically, New World explorer Christopher Columbus didn’t think much of the land mass when he first ‘discovered’ it, long after the Taino tribe had already been there. He quickly claimed the colony for Spain, only to be lost after the Spanish-American War. 

What’s not to like? With average year-round temperatures between 70-80 degrees to enjoy, there are natural wonders like 28,000-acre El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, dozens of waterfalls, rivers, hundreds of animal species, coqui tree frogs - which do ‘rain’ from the sky when hunted – ancient ruins, the western hemisphere’s largest cave network with hundreds of passages yet to be uncovered, ‘bio bay’ tours or a visit to Vieques, the east coast’s small island which was once used for U.S. Navy training but is now a National Wildlife Refuge. Kayaking these sapphire bays at night, under the new moon, will reveal unique bioluminescent underwater sea life.

Old San Juan once headquartered the infamous Spanish Inquisition, where two of those oldest churches remain.  Art galleries, culture, and fine dining flourish alongside the Boricuas, Taino, and an African state of mind which is also reflected in cuisines that are as familiar, flavorful and simple as they are diverse and complex. 

Don’t forget the island’s coffee: it is a favorite of the Vatican. Posh seaside resorts are everywhere, unsurprising considering hundreds of beaches circle the 30-mile-long island. For the value conscious, B&Bs, street food staples like pinones and several variations of mofongo can be found at pop-ups or chinchorros, or food stands. 

Hop on a ‘publico’ bus for a mystery ride to a pre-planned destination….or wherever? Pina Coladas were invented here and remain the national drink along with mojitos and other rum-based cocktails. Take a mixology class or simply tour Casa Bacardi, the largest rum distillery in the world.

And then, there’s golf. 

For 15 years, PGA Tour players have looked forward to the popular Puerto Rico Open, with next year’s tournament scheduled March 7-10, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency’s Grand Reserve Championship course. Consider playing in one of two Wednesday Pro-Ams to tee it up with current and future tour stars. PGA Tour and Champions Tour star Tom Kite used stunning vistas to create The Championship and The International on the northeast end of the island with El Yunque serving as backdrop. This 200-acre family-friendly resort has oceanfront suites, a lagoon pool, on-site spa, and other amenities. In 2022, Michigan native Ryan Brehm was about to lose his tour card unless he placed solo second or won, which he did, miraculously running away with the title and full exemption on Tour through the end of 2024. For up-to-date information, contact www.puertoricoopen.golf.

For mere mortals, an outstanding collection of 16 other scenic courses crafted by several noted architects dot the landscape and more are currently under construction for this golf-enthusiastic island. Here’s a quick tour for the budget-conscious: short but sweet Rio Bayamon GC provides new airport arrivals with a nearby and action-packed course plus driving range. On the northwestern coast, Punta Borinquen GC plays along a coastal promontory and was built on a former Air Force base. Heading southeast, legendary PGA Tour professional and local ‘swashbuckler’ Chi Chi Rodriguez crafted El Legado on 285 acres of the central Cordillera mountains on the southeast, or Caribbean, side of the island. In the eastern interior, Caguas Golf & CC sports a challenging back nine after parkland-style front nine. These courses all range from $30-$65. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/most-budget-friendly-golf-courses-puerto-rico.

For a splurge, the gorgeously expansive El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo perches high above the Atlantic Ocean and combines modern comforts with stunning views. Stay at the newly renovated marina casitas and watch the sun rise over Palomino, their private island where the ferry transports guests on the hour. Playing the award-winning Arthur Hills design is much like opening several Christmas presents: you can’t wait to see what surprise is next. Full of dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways and views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the course is surprisingly uncrowded with only a glimpse of other foursomes. Contact: www.conquistadorresort.com. Or, visit the lush St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in Rio Grande for a truly ethereal experience where both the golf course and 400+ acres of surrounding paradise are Audubon Sanctuaries. Tip: order the Pina Colada….truly heavenly.

There’s more good news for the budget-conscious: major airlines and no-frills air carriers like Spirit and Frontier now offer Non-stop service and reasonable fares from some major cities. The dollar works just fine and best of all, no passport or visa is needed, save for necessary TSA identification. 

Hotels range from the exquisitely plush waterfront Condado Vanderbilt, www.condadovanderbilt.com to mid-range brand hotels and Airbnbs. Or, opt for the hostel at Luquillo Beach, complete with morning rooster wake-up service….at no extra charge.

For anything and everything about Puerto Rico, there’s one-stop shopping: www.discoverpuertorico.com.