My Island of Enchantment (Puerto Rico)

Author: afterdk55
Date of Trip: May 2004

I lived in Puerto Rico for 30 years, but left in 1991. The purpose of this trip was to show my husband my precious island and to see how much it has changed. The beaches are still spectacular, especially the northwest area (Rincon, Isabela, and Aguadilla).

Jobos:
This beach is on the northwest area of PR, after Arecibo. The reef forms like a natural pool. It’s very shallow at the beginning but as you continue swimming to deeper water the current is stronger creating big waves, which is why is one of the favorite spots for surfers. It doesn’t have facilities like restrooms, but there’s a couple of small restaurants at walking distance where you could eat & use their facilities.

Crashboat:
Crashboat is a really nice beach located in Aguadilla (NW area), right after Ramey Base. The water is very shallow water, nice view and good for families with kids.

Yerbabuena Restaurant:
Yerbabuena serves traditional Cuban food in a gourmet style. The appetizer, Chorizos al Vino, was excellent. My husband had the Pork Steak with Sugarcane sauce (delicious and not as sweet as it sounds). I had the Carne Frita (fried pork chunks) in a passion fruit and ginger sauce with Yucca Mofongo. For drinks, the Mojitos (rum, lime juice, sugar and mint) were to die for!!

For $76, we had an appetizer, two main dishes, four mojitos, two espressos and a dessert. Not bad at all!!

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They also have live music on the weekends and inside and outside seating.

Oyster Bar and Grill:
This place is a hangout for a young crowd under 25 years old, which is probably why the service was SO LAID BACK. The waiter took forever just to bring us a dozen oysters, and we had to waive to her every time we wanted to order something. The jambalaya was terrible!!! A very poor imitation of the real thing. It was supposed to be served with tostones, which were brought to the table after my husband had already finished the jambalaya. We got there on happy hour, which is 5-7PM. The waiter took more than 1/2 hour to come to our table, so of course happy hour was over. We complained to the manager about the lousy service we were getting and all we got was two free drinks.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE AT ALL!!! It was the worst experience we’ve had in a restaurant.

Pito’s:
I truly recommend this place! Dining area faces the beach and it’s very romantic. Very good seafood!! I had the Surf & Turf, which brings you the Lobster Tail plus your choice of Steak or Churrasco and Spanish Potatoes. My spouse ordered Red Snapper. Both dishes were excellent!!

ESJ Towers:
ESJ Towers is next door to the Wyndham El San Juan Hotel and it has the best nightlife in Isla Verde area. It has Casino, nightlubs, restaurants and the lobby itself has different bars and live music. Marriot Hotel is nearby with live music every night and Ritz Carlton has The Lobby Lounge with live music Frid-Sunday. The Isla Verde Beach is the best in the Metropolitan area and is steps away. This timeshare is very close to the major hotels in the area and right on the beach. All the rooms are studios with two full beds. Decor is simple but very clean. It has a large pool, whirlpool, recreation area and small pool for kids, billiard room, a mini market, restaurant and a small lounge. The employees are friendly and very service oriented.