Eco-tours with Hacienda El Jibarito Hotel

Located in the San Sebastian mountains, in the Porta del Sol area, the rustic unpretentious Hacienda El Jibarito offers a true country-side experience.

Although there are rooms in the hotel, stay in one of the villas that dot the grounds instead. These self-contained charmers have separate bedrooms, a living area, with microwave and small refrigerator. There’s also a deck with either a hammock or a swing seat, and the deluxe villas even come with a Jacuzzi. Some units are near the stream that runs through the grounds. For most villas, it’s a walk, or a ride to the main building but worth it.

Even though few of the staff are fluent in English, everyone is accommodating and friendly. Breakfast was made-to-order omelettes and their own excellent estate-grown coffee. The beans are roasted and ground in their tiny Café. After sampling, you’ll want to buy a package to bring home. The restaurant Laurnaga is upstairs and offers traditional Puerto Rican cuisine as well as more eclectic dishes.

There’s a pool that’s always open for a spontaneous midnight swim, and a poolside bar with stairs leading to an observation deck offering a wonderful view of the countryside.

The hotel will make arrangements for horseback riding and golf, but the real attraction is one of their tours of the hidden waterfalls. The hotel will even pack a lunch if you decide you want a very private picnic. Note: The road to the falls is steep and can only be reached by a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

These surprising cascades are likely the result of a system of caves and caverns that are scattered across the countryside. The Northwest region of Puerto Rico is known as "karst country," and erosion of underground water has resulted in one of the world’s largest systems of underground caves. In fact, while you're in the area, visit Rio Camuy Cave Park.

Experience luxury, golf, and the beaches of Gran Melia Golf Resort.

When you want true luxury and a spacious uncrowded beach, the Gran Melia Golf Resort is about 30 minutes outside San Juan, and lightyears away in atmosphere. Located on secluded Coco Beach in the Rio Grande area it offers the kind of luxury and amenities that will whet your appetite for more.

There’s half-dozen different ways and places to dine, from poolside bars to elegant restaurants. Guests can also choose to golf at either of two 18-hole golf courses (designed by PGA-legend Tom Kite) available at the Trump International Golf Club. Of course, there’s the swimming pools, beach, and a complete spa.

Pull yourself away from the hotel long enough for the 10 minute drive to El Yunque National Forest. Certainly one of the natural wonders of the world, its 28,000 acres has an estimated 240 types of tree, and plants such as tiny wild orchids, bamboo trees, giant ferns, and trumpet trees. There are hiking trails for all levels of skill and stamina.

Hike, kayak, bike, and snorkle on Culebra with Club Seabourne

The tiny island of Culebra, just off the coast of Puerto Rico, is still the sleepy, laid-back island paradise that we search for, but so rarely find. The island of Culebra has been spared rampant overdevelopment, probably because of its former use for target practice by the United States military and its status as a wildlife and marine preserve. As result, visitors can swim, snorkle, explore the coral reefs, eat, rest, kayak, and hike. And enjoy some of the finest beaches in the world.

The only town, Dewey offers shops, guest houses, and small restaurants. On the southern tip is Club Seabourne. The small charming Caribbean style hotel is the best place to stay on the island. Just south of Dewey, it has offers private villas doting the grounds, excellent food, and a delightful pool and poolside bar on Fulladoza Bay. There is free ground transportation from ferry or the airport to and from the hotel, plus use of their kayaks and bicycles.

Use the hotel as a base for exploring the rest of Culebra Island.

For more information on visiting Puerto Rico see GoToPuertoRico.com