How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in Puerto Rico

As one of only two U.S. territories in the Caribbean Sea (the other being the U.S. Virgin Islands), Puerto Rico is a worthy honeymoon locale, especially for sun seekers who will appreciate their 300 beaches—some of the most beautiful in the world. With balmy temperatures year-round and bathtub-warm, crystal-clear water, you could spend your entire ‘moon hopping from one sandy spot to the next and be in complete bliss—but the island’s offerings don’t stop there. 

There are five-star spas for couples who love to pamper themselves, a myriad of nightlife options for the night owls (ranging from salsa clubs and casinos to speakeasies and wine bars), plus all the activities adventure enthusiasts could desire, like zip-lining, horseback riding, river rafting, tubing, and hiking. The only tropical rainforest in the entire national forest system happens to reside in Puerto Rico, El Yunque, and it’s the top attraction for newlyweds visiting the island.

Ahead, with the help of a few local experts, we outline everywhere you should stay, eat, and explore on a romantic honeymoon in Puerto Rico.

Planning Your Puerto Rico Honeymoon

Given that you don’t need a passport to enter Puerto Rico, there are nonstop, four-hour flights from New York City daily, and their currency is the U.S. dollar, you won’t need to do a lot of actual planning to get to this Caribbean paradise, other than deciding when to go and where to stay.

According to Melissa Peña, the director of public relations for Marriott International Caribbean & Latin America, newlyweds can expect temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the upper 90s—depending on the season—and December through March are the most pleasant months to visit for “dry season."

As for how many days to honeymoon in Puerto Rico, VSL Consulting founder Victoria Sánchez-Lincoln recommends a week at minimum. “You can do two to three days in San Juan, then visit a few beach towns,” she says. “Our beaches are pristine and the mountains and countryside can be easily accessible in just 30 minutes.” For more low-key beaches, check out the islands of Culebra and Vieques, or Rincon, which is known for its sunsets, surfing, and great restaurants.

One of the other things Sánchez-Lincoln loves most about her homeland is the energy. “The island has a vibrant vibe; there is a reason why we have been voted the happiest people in the world!”

Ready to pack your bags? Here are the basics for planning a romantic honeymoon in Puerto Rico:

Places to Stay During Your Puerto Rico Honeymoon

One of the many charms of this easily-accessible Caribbean island is its plethora of lodging options for couples. There are Ayurvedic-inspired wellness retreats in Vieques, hip hotels in Condado, sprawling, five-star resorts in Bahia, Dorado, and Isla Verde, plus a converted convent that now operates as one of Puerto Rico’s best boutique hotels in Old San Juan. The accommodation options are varied, and an extra bonus is many aren’t that far apart, which means you can visit multiple locations if time allows.

Here’s where our experts recommend staying on your honeymoon:

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

“The swanky Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is the perfect option for couples to sink into a chaise lounge at one of several Instagram-worthy on-site pools or put their toes in the sand along the coast,” says Xiomara Rodriguez, the communications director for Discover Puerto Rico. “Expect high-end accommodations for a carefree honeymoon, including five-star dining options like Caña and Riva, plus a state-of-the-art fitness studio with a sky deck.”

As one of the most historic resorts in Puerto Rico, the Fairmont has been iconic since its opening, thanks to performers like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Nat King Cole headlining their nightclub in the ‘60s. The talent may look a bit different now—with a live salsa band taking over the Lobby Bar nightly—but the glitz and glamor remain, as well as the regal, 185-bulb, 4,000-pound chandelier in the lobby. Who wouldn’t walk to walk into this entrance as a kick-off to their honeymoon? A new romance package with Tradewind also makes getting to the island a breeze, with a private chartered flight from an FBO terminal, three nights in their elegant Presidential Suite, and a couple’s massage at Well & Being Spa.

Aire de O:live

For a modern property located closer into the heart of San Juan, opt for Aire de O:live, located in Isla Verde. “This is the third property in Puerto Rico from O:live founders Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila,” explains Rodriguez. “This sleek and innovative beach hotel opened in 2022 and features a collection of chic rooms with a romantic aesthetic and rooftop restaurant and lounge, serving Japanese-inspired cuisine and drinks.”

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

At the top of Sánchez-Lincoln’s luxury hotels list is The St. Regis Bahia Beach in Rio Grande, a beautiful, lush property that’s situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve. With 139 guest rooms and suites tailored to twosomes, a secluded beach, and on-site bird sanctuaries, you’ll never want to leave once you check-in. In true St. Regis fashion, there’s also a Champagne sabering ritual to watch every evening at 6 p.m.

Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

She’s also a fan of The Ritz-Carlton’s first Reserve property in the Americas: Dorado Beach. “I would give Dorado six stars; it’s a dream place,” she raves. “Between the amazing spa, restaurant, and golf course, you can’t go wrong.” And it’s her favorite beach since there aren’t any waves. “It’s like an ocean pool thanks to the rocks that block them all.” And it comes as no surprise that it’s one of the most stunning nature preserves on the island since the land it was built upon was first developed as a pineapple, grapefruit, and coconut plantation in 1905, before becoming a resort in 1958, that was later acquired by The Ritz in 2012.

The Horned Dorset Primavera Hotel

Sánchez-Lincoln is also partial to The Horned Dorset Primavera, an adults-only haven in Rincon. “This Spanish Colonial luxury hotel on the West Coast is perfect for honeymooners because no kids are allowed and it’s in a very tranquil, secluded area so you are removed from the busy surfing spots,” she says. Many rooms feature their own kitchenette and plunge pool and it’s a quick, 15-minute drive from downtown Rincon.

Tres Sirenas Beach Inn

Also on her Rincon radar: Tres Sirenas Beach Inn, an oceanfront guest house with boutique B&B vibes. Terra-cotta-tiled rooms open up to white-washed balconies—with hammocks!—and panoramic views but one of the biggest draws is their roster of activity options. If you’ve come to Puerto Rico to spend as much time on the water as possible, you’ll clearly get your chance here with SUP tours, snorkeling and diving excursions, and catamaran cruises.

Finca Victoria Vieques

La Finca was built for lovers. The antique decorations, the gorgeous lighting, the Bauhaus-inspired treehouses.…this Ayurvedic-inspired sanctuary has it all and is one of the biggest reasons to hop a 15-minute flight to the smaller, yet extraordinary, island of Vieques. They also cater to couples. “In Finca Victoria, we have a wellness center that offers couples massages and medicinal flower baths (these are not to be missed!), plus personalized notes and fresh flowers from our lush garden,” says owner Sylvia De Marco. “In both hotels, (La Botánica being their sister property) we can set up cava or wine in your room for special celebrations.” A stay at Finca Victoria also includes a complimentary vegan breakfast and morning yoga daily.

La Botánica Hotel

Back on the mainland of Puerto Rico lies a hidden gem in the heart of San Juan just a block from Ocean Park Beach. La Botánica Hotel used to be De Marco’s personal home and features an exquisite collection of Puerto Rican Contemporary art and eclectic vintage furniture. All six rooms have terraces and outdoor showers—and are uniquely decorated with Sylvia’s family furniture mixed with one-of-a-kind crafts. “On Friday nights, La Botánica transforms into a pop-up restaurant showcasing our Vegan Dinner Series, a delectable exploration of plant-based cuisine utilizing locally-sourced ingredients,” adds De Marco. A complimentary Ayurvedic breakfast is also made daily by the hotel’s chefs.

Things to Do During Your Puerto Rico Honeymoon

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, here are a few ways to spend your time together as newlyweds in this little slice of paradise.

Stroll Old San Juan

“San Juan is Puerto Rico's hub for culture, history, and the arts,” explains Peña. “Infused with some serious Latin flair, San Juan is not to be missed, especially Old San Juan—the city's historic area.”

Visit an Art Museum

For art lovers, Peña also recommends spending a leisurely day gazing at masterpieces at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which encompasses a collection of more than 1,000 works by prominent and up-and-coming Puerto Rican artists.

Plan a Picnic

One of the most romantic pastimes happens to be De Marco’s favorite: a picnic. “Grab snacks and wine at La Hacienda, then have a picnic during sunset hours in the Condado Lagoon, Ocean Park Beach, or El Morro Castle in Old San Juan,” she advises.

Go Zip Lining or Horseback Riding

"Toro Verde is perfect for the adventure-seeking couple,” says Sánchez-Lincoln. “They have the best zip line!” And horseback riding on the beach at Carabalí Rainforest Park is a must.”

Dance All Night

Fifty Eight at La Concha Resort is internationally known for drawing some of the biggest names in music to its stage—like Puerto Rico’s very own Bad Bunny—so if you want to dance the night away while in town, here’s where to do it. They also have hip-hop, house, and salsa nights, plus bottle service. 

Sánchez-Lincoln also loves La FactoríaS, one of the top 50 bars in the world four years in a row, in Old San Juan. “It has six themed rooms for dancing and incredible cocktails,” she says.

Hit the Tables

You’re already lucky in love, so you might as well go for a winning streak at one of Puerto Rico’s many hotel casinos. For high-rollers looking for a high-end gaming experience, our experts favor Foxwoods El San Juan Casino at the Fairmont. Their glamorous room matches the hotel’s iconic history and they have close to 300 slot machines and 14 tables under twinkling chandeliers, fittingly, just around the corner from their famed Chandelier Bar with gourmet sushi rolls and handcrafted cocktails. Stellaris Casino at the San Juan Marriott Resort and the Casino de la Plaza in the historic Ponce Plaza Hotel are also high on their list for a Casino Royale-themed evening.

Shop For Artisan Pieces

“T Playa and Len.T.juela focus on woven baskets and breezy resort-style gowns, perfect for an island evening,” shares De Marco. “They have a wonderful curation of vintage gems and newer local designers. You can be sure to find something special for any occasion and both establishments are owned by talented Puerto Rican women, old friends, and beautiful souls.”

Book a Cabana for the Day

If you happen to be staying at an oceanfront property, then you’ll have ample opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and sip piña coladas anytime you like. But for the city dwellers who went the intimate, boutique hotel route, you may be in need of a beach day. Luckily, several resorts offer day passes for this very reason. Fairmont’s El San Juan Beach Club has private Seaside Cabana rentals from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm every day and they just launched a Veuve Clicquot Summer Pop-Up in time to toast to your new nuptials. Condado Ocean Club is another hip hotel on the beach with private cabanas to rent, live DJs, and an adults-only party scene on The Deck.

Hike El Yunque

If you visit Puerto Rico on your honeymoon and don’t hike El Yunque, did you even go? A daytime excursion to Rio La Tinajas and its natural waterfall will arguably be the highlight of your trip for activities like hiking, canyoning, cliff jumping, and diving into natural pools, as you make your way deeper and deeper into the forest. Most tour operators will even provide shuttle service to and from the nature preserve, plus a stop for lunch at an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant on the way home. While there are countless providers you can book through your hotel, our vetted expert recommendation would be Tours To Do Pr for their friendly and informative guides who are also pro photographers.

Where to Eat During Your Puerto Rico Honeymoon

When in San Juan, Sánchez-Lincoln favors Marmalade, Santaella, and Pio Pio, a Champagne bar that’s known for delicious small bites and infused popcorn flavors like truffle, lavender, and citrus. She also frequents Cocina al Fondo. “Chef Natalia Vallejo just won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South—the first Puerto Rican woman nominee in the awards' history—and her restaurant is a charming renovated house with a backyard, which provides a stunning setting,” she says.

When you need a break from mofongo and tostones (although, you truthfully may never), she also praises the Italian restaurant La Lanterna in Old San Juan. “Ask to be seated outdoors on the patio,” she suggests, “which is the most romantic spot in the house."

Another Sánchez-Lincoln suggestion for a date-night dinner is the patio at the charming nunnery-turned-boutique hotel El Convento and the rooftop Consular Restaurant & Bar at Palacio Provincial for wood-fired pizzas overlooking the San Juan Bautista Cathedral.

“Cocina Abierta has a fantastic tasting menu with all local ingredients,” shares De Marco. “There are six to seven small courses and each one is a piece of art, balanced to perfection, and a topic of conversation,” she continues. “The night goes slow and the dishes revel one after another under dimmed light and impeccable service.”

For tapas, De Marco heads to Caleta, a newer restaurant in the mystical city of Old San Juan and the latest creation of Martin Lauzao, who is also the owner and chef of Cocina Abierta. “It’s an intimate place where you sit at the bar and enjoy tapas to share, with a beautiful selection of delicate wines as you sit looking into the cobblestone streets.”

“At Machete Bar, the craft cocktails take center stage,” says De Marco. “Talented mixologists artfully blend local flavors, fresh ingredients, and premium spirits to create a menu of innovative and delicious concoctions. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails with a twist or adventurous enough to try one of their signature creations, each sip is a celebration of flavors and craftsmanship.”

Over on the Ocean Park side, there’s Tía Dora by acclaimed Puerto Rican Chef Raul Correa. Ideal for a post-beach bite, this Mediterranean-inspired neighborhood restaurant focuses on locally-grown ingredients and was just named one of the “Best Restaurants & Bars In San Juan.” 

"La Estación is an old gas station turned into a restaurant in Fajardo,” shares Rodriguez. “They offer some of the best cuts of meat in the Eastern region and Chef Kevin Roth combines his love for Puerto Rico and passion for barbecue, presenting a unique style that merges traditional American flavor profiles with Caribbean spices and techniques.”

For breakfast, Rodriguez says to look no further than The English Rose. “It’s been a staple of Rincon for the last 15 years, located atop Piña Hill overlooking the lush green landscape below. Renowned for its breakfast, the menu is inspired by British cuisine and features house favorites like eggs benedict and omelets, as well as locally-sourced juices.”

Budgeting for a Puerto Rico Honeymoon

Puerto Rico is a relatively inexpensive island, compared to its Caribbean counterparts, so if you’re looking to honeymoon somewhere tropical (without blowing the honey fund), it’s a great choice. Nonstop flights from the New York City area start around $41 in the summer according to Skyscanner, and can still be found in the low hundreds during the winter (their peak season).

Hotels are also affordable, with small-scale inns, B&Bs, and guesthouses averaging between $139 and $171 per night and medium-tier hotels in the $200-300 zone. If your heart is set on a larger luxury resort, you’re going to spend closer to $600 to $1,000 per night.

Lastly, if you’re interested in an all-inclusive hotel note that while Puerto Rico does not have all-inclusive resorts on-island, some hotels do have all-inclusive packages. "Hotel Lucía Beach and Parador Palmas de Lucía both offer comfortable accommodations and affordable all-inclusive packages for about $380 in southeast Puerto Rico,” says Rodriguez.