When you visit us at Maria’s, you may notice that there are two very distinctive sides to our luxury villa. One side is airy and feminine, with lighter furnishings and woodwork. The other side of the villa is markedly darker, with heavier, more masculine fixtures. Why the difference in décor, you may wonder. The answer…
If you’ve been thinking about mixing it up a little this holiday season, why not consider treating your friends and family to a traditional Puerto Rican holiday feast? The same old holiday menu can get boring after a while, and a little multi-cultural flair will make your guests take notice. So why not add some…
If you’ve been thinking of a Puerto Rican getaway this Christmas, you’ll be interested in the myriad holiday traditions on the island. Visiting Puerto Rico during the holiday season can be an exciting adventure, especially when you know what the archipelago has to offer. We’re sharing some of Puerto Rico’s long-standing traditions and events as…
The cuisine of Puerto Rico reflects the unique culture of the island. With its ethnic diversity that includes Taíno, Spanish, African and Creole, there has been a broad spectrum of influence on Puerto Rican food. Called cocina criolla by locals, it has a similar taste and appearance to Latin American cuisine, while using indigenous ingredients…
“Why is the rum always gone?” That’s the question Captain Jack Sparrow asks in the popular movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Indeed, pirate folklore touts every salty dog’s love for the island potable. In truth, it’s likely that 18th century pirates probably did enjoy a good share of rum, simply because water…
If you want to taste paradise, you should try the quintessential adult beverage of the tropics, the piña colada! has been the official drink of Puerto Rico since 1978 and with good reason – it was invented here! The piña colada is a mixture of rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream, and while its origins…
What makes a tropical paradise, well, a paradise? For most people, it’s the spectacular scenery, the temperate weather and often, the native flora. When visiting Puerto Rico, you can expect amazing sunsets, gorgeous ocean views, beautiful weather and a visual feast brought to you by native Puerto Rican flowers. The All Events Puerto Rico website…
One of the reasons many people love to visit Puerto Rico is because the island is steeped in history and tradition. With a largely Roman Catholic population, Christian holidays like Christmas, feast days, and Easter, or Domingo de la Resurrección, are widely celebrated in grand fashion. For many Puerto Ricans, Easter is, in fact, the…
If you’re like many people, you might be just about over the doldrums of winter. Cold temperatures, unpleasant commutes, grey skies and cabin fever all may very well have you ready for a vacation in warmer climes. Spring break from school and college is on the horizon, and you might be thinking it’s the perfect…
With spring fast approaching, baseball season is on the horizon. Did you know that baseball was one of the first sports to become popular in Puerto Rico? While no Major League Baseball franchise or affiliate plays in Puerto Rico, the island has its own league and own national baseball team. And, famous Puerto Rican players…
When planning your special Valentine’s dinner, why not forget the reservations and create a delectable feast at home for your sweetheart? Nothing says “I love you” quite like a delicious home cooked meal, and creating something unique will be even more appreciated by your loved one. Creating a meal with international flair may take a…
Everyone loves receiving gifts on Valentine’s Day. Chocolates, flowers and jewelry are always popular items, but maybe this year you’d like to surprise your sweetheart with something a little different. Have you ever considered planning an island getaway to Puerto Rico? Planning a special trip to our beautiful island is a gift that your special…
If you were engaged over the holidays, congratulations! If you’ve always wanted to have a destination wedding in a tropical locale, Puerto Rico is a great choice. What better way to announce to your family and friends that you’re getting married, and you’ve chosen to do so on our lovely island, than inviting them over…
When you decide to ask that special someone to become your spouse during the holiday season, there’s a certain magic that’s undeniable. An engagement during the holidays is exciting, memorable and the perfect start to a brand new year. It also gives you the chilly winter months to think about your wedding day. If you’ve…
The holiday season is approaching quickly, and that makes us think of many delicious holiday foods. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, eggnog… the list goes on and on (and makes our stomachs grumble!) Did you know there’s a traditional holiday beverage in Puerto Rico as well? In fact, it’s considered the island’s version of eggnog. Coquito,…
Vacationing in Puerto Rico can be sweet – especially if you take the time to savor some of the delectable desserts the island paradise has to offer. While there’s no official dessert of Puerto Rico, most islanders will agree – coconut pudding, known as tembleque, is a long-standing favorite. Made with six simple ingredients, you…
Over the last year, the Zika virus epidemic has been cause for alarm for travelers worldwide. Currently, Zika virus outbreaks are occurring in many countries throughout North America, South America, Africa and Asia and the Pacific Islands. In the United States and U.S. territories, from January 2015 to present there have been 16,832 reported cases…
If you’re planning a trip to Rincón, Puerto Rico, you can’t miss out on a bio bay tour. Just an hour south of Maria’s Beach in Rincón is La Parguera, home to one of the island’s three bio bay areas. You may be wondering what a bio bay is, and why you need to see…
Have you been thinking about planning a vacation to Puerto Rico, but you don’t necessarily look forward to the throngs of tourists that visit the island each year? You should know that like most tourist attractions, Puerto Rico has an “off-season,” a time of the year when there are fewer outside visitors to the commonwealth.…
When you’re a nature lover, there’s no doubt that no matter where you go on vacation, you’ll want to check out the local flora and fauna. If Puerto Rico happens to be your vacation destination, you’re in luck. The island is home to a variety of ecosystems, from rainforests and lagoons to dry forests and…