If you’ve been following along, you already know I was invited on a delightful trip courtesy of Hilton HHonors for a relaxing getaway in Puerto Rico as part of The Great Getaway Sweepstakes. I’ve previously shared more about the sweepstakes and our comfortable welcome and accommodations at the Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach Resort & Casino. Since the focus of this trip was pure relaxation, here’s a recap of how we spent our Saturday soaking up the sun and being pampered.
After a complimentary breakfast at the Embassy Suites, we made our way to San Juan Bay Marina for the San Juan Dreamed Daytime Sailing Tour. The morning weather threatened with clouds and a drizzle, so we lingered at the marina until the skies cleared. Once the rain stopped, we boarded a beautiful sailboat captained by the warm and knowledgeable Captain Judith, assisted by Richie.
The tour began with fresh strawberries and piña coladas, which were delicious (ignoring the first glass that accidentally landed in my lap because I wasn’t watching). Captain Judith shared her deep knowledge of the area and its history, which added an enriching layer to the scenic ride. Everywhere we looked there were gorgeous views of the coastline and San Juan’s shoreline.
We spent a couple of hours relaxing on deck as the sun finally peeked through. Several of us had the option to take the helm; Matt was the only one who gave it a try. At one point we were delighted to spot dolphins playing nearby — seeing them in their natural environment was a special treat.
I took a lot of photos throughout the tour with my Nikon since the scenery offered endless beautiful shots. My favorite moment was stretching out near the bow, feeling the gentle rock of the boat, listening to the waves, and enjoying the warm breeze — it felt like a little slice of heaven.
Onboard we were served light appetizers that prepared us for lunch at Budatai in San Juan. Budatai offers a creative menu blending Asian-inspired dishes with Puerto Rican elements. As a group, we ordered a variety of seafood and shared plates. My favorite was the pork dumplings guisados with shaved truffles, though everything we tried was excellent — from a bright lime ceviche to a spicy ahi tuna pegão sushi and an Asian-style lobster mash with house kimchee.
After a satisfying lunch, we headed to Olas Spa at the Caribe Hilton San Juan for a luxurious afternoon. The spa experience included a full-body massage, manicure, and pedicure — so relaxing that I nearly fell asleep during the massage. The service was excellent and comfortable, especially for someone experiencing a professional massage for the first time. I left feeling renewed and grateful for the treat.
At the spa I chose an aqua nail polish to match the tropical vibe — it looked vibrant against my tan and was more fun than a traditional color. We spent a couple of hours there and it was absolutely worth it; I felt fantastic afterward.
After returning to the hotel briefly to change, we drove to Grappa in Dorado for dinner. Our route included a long detour due to an annual local parade honoring the town’s patron saint, Anthony of Padua, but the delay turned into a highlight as we watched locals in elaborate dress accompanied by lively music and fireworks — an authentic glimpse of Puerto Rican tradition.
Dinner at Grappa offered a warm atmosphere and delicious Italian dishes. I enjoyed a chicken carbonara with homemade pasta and appreciated the attentive servers who happily snapped photos for us after the meal. At the end of dinner, each of us received a flower — I couldn’t resist tucking mine into my hair for a quick photo.
Back at the hotel, I enjoyed another drink with our hosts and spent a peaceful evening on the beach with Debra. We relaxed on chairs near the rolling tide, chatting as the waves lapped the shore — a perfect close to a day dedicated to relaxation. I didn’t want the getaway to end.
Travel is calling — will you answer?
The Great Getaway
Don’t resist the urge to plan your own relaxing escape. Hilton HHonors has promoted discounted rates through The Great Getaway, making it possible to find affordable stays; I personally found rates as low as $139 per night for Puerto Rico during the promotion.
Now through September 30, 2013, Hilton HHonors encouraged travelers to save with The Great Getaway, offering hotel rates as low as $100 in the U.S., up to 25% off stays in the Middle East and Africa, and up to 20% off stays in Asia Pacific when booking within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, which includes thousands of properties globally.
Enter to Win
Be sure to enter the Great Getaway Sweepstakes from Hilton HHonors for a chance to win your own trip. You could vote on adventure, culture, or food & wine categories and be entered to win getaways to destinations like Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Canada, or Costa Rica. The Great Getaway Sweepstakes concluded on August 4, 2013.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hilton HHonors; all opinions are my own.