San Juan Puerto Rico is one of the most historical and majestic islands in the Caribbean. The culture is rich and the food is delicious. Many travelers come to San Juan to experience its old town charm and tropical lands. With no passport required for U.S. Citizens, Puerto Rico is the ideal destination for family travel.
Mother and daughter duo, Shante and Qiqi (8), set out for their annual getaway to Puerto Rico. The primary school that Qiqi attends, plans a trip for families at the end of every school year.
Shante and Qiqi enjoys all the planned activities and accommodations arranged for the group. They also cherish their mother and daughter time bonding and reconnecting after a long school year.
Shante and Qiqi happily agreed to share their San Juan, Puerto Rico Travel Story with us.
Mommy and Me Getaway to San Juan, Puerto Rico
Location
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Accommodations
Isla Verde Beach Resort Courtyard Marriott
The Isla Verde Beach Resort is one of the top ranked resorts in this central area of San Juan. Located directly on the beach, the resort offers large ocean view rooms, beachfront service, and toddler and children’s pool area.
Even though we didn’t have an ocean view room, our room was very nice. We shared with another mother and daughter and it was still pretty spacious.
Qiqi and I really enjoyed breakfast on the beach. It was such a beautiful beach and the weather was prefect.
Dining
We ate at a number of restaurants including Platos Restaurant in Isla Verde, Restaurant Raices in Old San Juan, and Don Estaban’s.
My favorite restaurant was Platos Restaurant in Isla Verde! The food was so good. Qiqi had the shrimp alfredo off the kids menu and I had the Filete de Mahi-Mahi en glaseado de coco y parcha (which is Mahi-Mahi fillet with coconut-passion fruit glaze). It was DELICIOUS!!
Group Itinerary
We went on a walking tour of Old San Juan and Fort San Cristobal. We visited the “El Derecho, la Libertad y La Dignidad Por Encima de Todo” (translated – the right to freedom and dignity above all ) which is the Capital Building.
We saw many other historic landmarks on the tour.
We really enjoyed the Sailing & Snorkeling experience. We took a Catamaran to Icacos Island. The coral was beautiful and the fish were colorful. It was a 45 minute ride there and back. Qiqi and I took a nap on the way back and it was so relaxing.
Challenges
Because of the size of our group we weren’t able to go inside the Capital Building for a tour.
Memorable Moments
Shante: On the boat ride over to Icacos Island, Qiqi and I sat close together. It was a very relaxing moment with her and we talked without interruption. Anytime I can spend special mommy and daughter time with her is great.
Qiqi: I enjoyed snorkeling, swimming in the pool, and having fun in the ocean!
Advice for Travelers
Try your best to anticipate your family’s needs when traveling. Bring sunblock, water bottles, snacks, tennis shoes (even if staying at a beach resort) and anything else you can think of to minimize whining. Also, make time for having fun with kids and exclusive adult time.
Special thanks to Shante and Qiqi for sharing their Mommy and Me experience with our readers. If you would like to share your travel story, email me today at katrina@mymommyflies.com
This is so sweet!! I love to see children being exposed to travel and new places from a young age. And to do it as a Mother/daughter trip is even more precious!
Thanks for checking it out Nadeen. I can’t wait for me and my “mini me” trip!
As we drove past other hotels in the area, it seemed the San Juan Marriott had snagged the best beachfront location of the bunch.
A terrific location indeed!