Earlier than I went to mattress in my spacious room decked with coastal fashion on the Puerto Rico’s Aire de O:Stay lodge (proper down to an enormous straw hat on the wall), I left the curtains open only a bit.
It’s not like anyone might peer in (although the one factor they’d see is me in my plaid pajamas).
The reason being, with the Aire’s location on Isla Verde seashore in San Juan, I knew that after morning got here the solar could be flowing in; a far cry from most of America cranking the warmth inside and sporting hats and gloves once they enterprise out. I hope they don’t get too jealous of me.
Positive sufficient, on my first morning throughout my first go to to Puerto Rico I opened my eyes, appeared out the window and noticed the idyllic waves crashing onto the seashore; symbolic since 2026 was about to crest into the calendar. What higher place to ring within the new yr than right here, the place a sure famous person has been fortunately exporting the island’s tradition to the remainder of the world; together with his upcoming Tremendous Bowl efficiency later this yr.
However as the brand new yr approached, I had a process at hand which was of the utmost significance: drink within the island: actually, figuratively, spiritually: you identify it. In any case, Puerto Rico is the land of rum (famously Bacardi, although Don Q appears to be an area favourite). In consequence, it’s additionally the birthplace of the Pina Colada.
“Una cerveza, por favor”
Brushing apart any alcohol-soaked scandal, one in every of my first stops once I arrived at San Juan Airport was to take a 5 minute Uber to Bebo’s Barbequee; an area fixture which serves up homestyle comida like Pernil (slow-roasted pork), Mofongo (mashed plantains made right here with loads of garlic), which I all washed down with an ice chilly Medalla beer, a beloved fixture of the island, handed to to me with an serviette wrapped round its neck.
After that luscious night time at Aire de Olive, the primary cease (after an ideal iced Americano on their roof) was the seashore, the place the lodge has a bevy of lounge chairs and umbrellas for visitors. Naturally, I needed to kick issues off with its iconic Pina Colada: those right here come from Kumo, one of many lodge’s eating places, and I drank within the subtly candy creaminess of the island’s trademark drink as I gazed out onto the water.
Whereas the Pina was invented right here, simply don’t ask precisely the place. There’s a boozey disagreement if it was on the Hilton Caribe or a regional favourite known as Barrachina. For the report, the locals I spoke to look to suppose the latter spot, which opened in 1949, is the rightful father of the cocktail.
Excellent Pisco
Apart from Kumo, the opposite restaurant at Aire de O:stay is Awwa; their second-floor Peruvian Uncooked Bar. I’ve found that the food and drinks of Peru is widespread right here. (I even later realized {that a} memento shot glass I bought was made in Peru). Right here at Awwa, I meet Government Chef Marielys Hernández Nazario who famous their significance of utilizing contemporary seafood (in the present day’ s catch was wahoo).
In actual fact, the phrase ‘contemporary’ was high of thoughts with each chew, from an Oyster platter (so contemporary), a colourful ceviche made with Canchitas and Camote (brisker than contemporary) and the deconstructed crab cake that’s Crab Causa (contemporary x3). And it wouldn’t be a Peruvian spot and not using a Pisco Bitter; theirs is a clarified model made with Gooseberry & Thyme Foam.
New 12 months’s Eve-spresso Martinis
To say adios to 2025, it was time to decamp to Condado; a bustling beachside city space filled with eating places, bars, and inns. The AC Lodge San Juan Condado is located squarely in the midst of the motion. Its rooftop boasts a pool with citywide and seashore views, together with Bar.C.lona, a rooftop that slings native dishes for lunch and dinner. It additionally hosts occasions, like a ticketed new years celebration for tonight.
When it got here time to countdown to midnight, I glugged again an expertly made espresso martini made with Alto Grande; a preferred espresso model in these elements; its navy and white emblem is plastered in every single place. (Throughout my go to, I additionally tried Cafe Lareno, one other scrumptious native espresso.) It ought to be famous that the AC Inns (not simply right here in heat San Juan) boast ACGT’s: that’s A Customized Gin and Tonic to the layman. I’m instructed it’s served in a scientifically-engineered glass with the proper mix of components. How do they understand it’s excellent? Properly, it’s science! Naturally as a result of the AC Inns originated in Spain, additionally they have perfected the artwork of Tapas.
When it got here time for fireworks, I headed to my room’s balcony (professional tip: ask for one if you verify in) and I gazed at a bevy of them blasting off and glowing up San Juan night time sky.
A Champagne Cheers
As 2026 dawned, I went from my room on the AC as much as their rooftop pool and loved a few of that Puerto Rican solar whereas splayed out on a lounge chair.
I used to be blissfully hangover-free and prepared for a close-by therapeutic massage I booked by Resort Move, which lets you benefit from the facilities at resorts and spas with out really staying there. From the AC’s central location, for a change of surroundings I made my approach to Elemara Spa & Salon at La Concha Resort the place I used to be handed a glass of champagne (which comes with the spa package deal) and had an hour-long therapy. If there’s a greater approach to ring in a brand new yr, I don’t know of 1.
By night, it was time to once more depart the AC and discover historic and colourful Previous San Juan which is teeming with vacationers exploring its majestic castles, sweeping inexperienced fields stuffed with kite-flyers, and spectacular seaside sunsets.
Much more stupendous? A brief stroll away is La Factoria; one of many island’s most-lauded watering holes (it’s a member of the World’s 50 Greatest Bars) and is absolutely ingrained in native tradition. How ingrained? Properly, it was featured within the music video for the Luis Fonsi smash “Despacito,” for one! I managed to seize a seat at one in every of their eight bars that make up the advanced and ordered a fruity Champeta (Don Q rum, ginger and a pineapple fermentation).
A Vodka Tonic for New 12 months’s Day
Because the solar set on New 12 months’s Day it was supper time at Caña, one of many many eating places on the acclaimed Fairmont San Juan with a menu overseen by Chef José Enrique, who was the primary native Puerto Rican to be acknowledged by the James Beard Awards. A stately property with a on line casino, the Fairmont itself is the form of place with huge chandeliers hanging over slot machines, enormous carpeted staircases and stay native music in a bustling foyer.
Caña is uniquely Puerto Rican and it turned out to be a biggest hits rundown of what I’ve eaten and found on my journey: the mofongo was served in a heaping pile, whereas a lobster soup (Asopao De Langosta) was crammed with spices was as extravagant and satisfying because it sounds.
Not taking itself too severely, I ordered a facet of rice and beans (served individually), together with one other deconstructed crab cake (Blue Crab, alcapurria, pique criollo emulsion). I washed all of it down with a Ketel One Vodka tonic, with a sprinkle of contemporary lime. There’s that phrase once more. Cocktail standouts at Cana embody a Guava Island Mojito (mild rum, darkish rum, guava syrup, contemporary pineapple juice, contemporary lime juice, mint).
I’m impressed and refreshed by the folks, locations and drinks that make up Puerto Rico. And if there was ever a narrative of resilience, it’s right here. Strolling round, it’s laborious to imagine they skilled the crippling results of Hurricane Maria not too way back, which destroyed a lot right here; crippling the facility provide and sadly killing practically 3,000 folks.
Immediately, it’s an island again within the international highlight however for the entire proper causes. For that, I increase my glass to cheers its comeback.
One other Pina Colada, por favor.
Journey information:
- Aire de Olive Lodge
- AC Lodge Condado
- Awwa Uncooked Bar
- Cana
- Bebo’s Barbeque
- La Factoria
- Hilton Caribe
