Postcard from Puerto Rico

When the mercury dips so far that you just can’t take it anymore and when the winter begins to seem endless (around the end of January, or so), it’s time to get the heck out of the igloo and head south for a brief respite from the onslaught of arctic winds and snow. One of the best and most convenient winter destinations for North Americans who needs to thaw their bones for a week or two and get a little color back into their frost-bitten faces is sunny Puerto Rico.



It’s one of the best because the weather is basically perfect that time of year. Not too hot, but plenty warm enough to get in some tennis, golf or just some quality time sipping a Pina Colada and reading a book somewhere on a sandy beach with blue waters lapping at the shore. Puerto Rico is one of the most convenient destinations because Americans don’t need a passport or a visa to travel there (it’s an American territory) and there is an international airport just outside of the capital San Juan, which is home to many of the luxury hotels and resorts that Puerto Rico is famous for.



There’s plenty to do on the island aside from the aforementioned golf, tennis and sunbathing - go on a nature hike in the stunningly beautiful El Yunque Rain Forest, where dwarf trees and waterfalls can be found among the misty mountain peaks, or take a kayak some moonless night to the bio-luminescent bays of Puerto Rico, where billions of glowing micro-organisms light up the sea with an eerie, beautiful light. Paddle out on a surfboard and catch some of the best waves to be found in the Caribbean, or wander the cobblestones streets and battlements of historic Old San Juan - no matter what your pleasure, Puerto Rico offers it all.



Even in peak season, there are special promotions being offered on rooms and suites at some hotels. Puerto Rico Hilton is currently offering a special "Puerto Sparkle" promotion, which includes discounts on rooms and food at Puerto Rico Hilton locations, including the famed Hilton San Juan.