Explore the Surroundings from San Juan Marriott – Fajardo’s Bio Bay

Bio Bay, Puerto Rico

Topping my list of adventures in Puerto Rico was Fajardo’s Bioluminescent Bay. From San Juan Marriott, it was quite a drive, giving me the opportunity to see more of the area and imagine what the experience was going to be like. A bio bay is a body of water that contains millions of micro-organisms called dinoflagellates that glow in the dark for a second when agitated. I wondered if it would feel different when I put my hand in the water? Would it be thicker? Would the “glow” stick to my fingers? Would bigger fish glow too because they are in the bio bay? My imagination was running wild the entire drive. I went almost a half hour just looking out the window imagining.  Continue reading

Explore the Surroundings from San Juan Marriott – Old San Juan

Old San Juan

Exploring Old San Juan was on my bucket list this year, but I had no idea that I would discover such rich history, culture, and over-overwhelmingly beautiful architecture. From San Juan Marriott, the old city is a short drive or taxi ride. Set aside an entire day to wander the streets of Old San Juan and meander through the forts that guarded its harbor. Understanding the significance of the forts helps you understand Old San Juan. Follow a fort tour with walking around the cobblestone streets in one of the oldest American cities filled with boutique shops, churches, museums, and restaurants and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

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Explore the Surroundings from San Juan Marriott

El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico was always on my list so you can imagine my excitement when I booked my trip and how much that excitement grew when I started to look at the San Juan Marriott website. The pool, the beach, the food, the room, and the view are more than enough reasons to stay on the property and bask in the beauty of Condado area. Sometimes I wish I had it in me to just relax and enjoy all the amenities at the hotel, never leaving the grounds except to return to the airport, but that’s not the type of traveler I am. Besides, there is too much out there to explore and venturing out into it is what my bucket list is all about. Life is worth living, right? I chose three activities that are all doable from the Marriott and made the most of every second in Puerto Rico. Your favorite maybe not be what you’d expect. Rather than trying to cram them all into one post, I’ll share them one by one, leading up to my favorite.

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The Views at San Juan Marriott

San Juan Marriott

City views, colorful buildings, beach pools, waves, waterfalls, and turquoise waters make San Juan Marriott a photography haven. Come on a tour with me of the heart of Condado and see for yourself.

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I’ve Got the Blues

San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel

I’ve got the blues; the Caribbean blues.  From the ocean, to the rooftop pool, San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel is a turquoise paradise. The entire decor takes its cue from the transparent waters of the Caribbean Sea, a cool mix of blues that swirl, ripple, and cascade throughout the building. Coupled with crisp whites, the blues come alive and keep you in the beach atmosphere even in your room.  Continue reading

Soft & Soothing San Juan

San Juan Water & Beach Club

Welcome to my room at San Juan Water & Beach Club. It’s so soft and soothing that I just want to relax on the bed and look out the wall of windows… but then wait until you see what’s on the other side of the curtains.  Continue reading

2014 Bucket List

Bucket List Experiences

I didn’t want to count the items on this year’s list until it was complete. I had too many ideas; it would be impossible to do them all. I’m going to find a way to make them all happen though! Life, after all, is worth living, right? Besides, the more unrealistic we are with our dreams and goals the more we are able to achieve. My 2013 Bucket List included visiting Jordan, Curacao, Bermuda, France, various parts of Canada and the US, and several other countries. It also included adventures like snuba, ATV off-roading, snorkeling with manta rays at night, skeet shooting, and windsurfing. After coming up with 50 items, I accomplished all but three of them and they are on this year’s list. Do any of these items appear on your list? I can’t wait to read about your adventures too!

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Caribbean January

Caribbean Vacation Destinations

We’ve decided to make the most of our January and visit 3 Caribbean destinations. With our house in Charlotte, North Carolina on the market and a plan to move back to California, I don’t know how long I’ll have quick, easy access to Caribbean flights. From Grand Cayman to Bahamas and then onto Puerto Rico, I’m dreaming of white sand beaches, water slides, and new wonders. Here’s a glimpse of our January. Continue reading