Recommend August 2011 - (Page 25)

Opposite page and right: Lobby and accommodations at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino. “Our gastronomy is definitely one of our strengths as a world-class destination. The taste of Puerto Rico’s cuisine is unique—that is why, since the 1970s, the island has become the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean.” Clarisa Jimenez, President & CEO, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association street party The San Sebastian Street Festival is hands down the biggest annual event in San Juan, and no doubt the most exciting: ‘round-the-clock revelry spread out over four days each January, bringing together art, music, food and drink while African, Taino and Spanish influences gives it a special touch.” Let clients know about Puerto Rico Zest, a dining program that lets MasterCard holders enjoy a 3-course prix fixe menu ($25, $35 or $45, depending on the restaurant) at dozens of establishments throughout the island. The program also has a mobile application available for download on the Android Market and on the Apple App Store. Gourmands might also want to plan a visit during the spring to attend Saborea Puerto Rico, which has fast become one of the premier culinary festivals in the Caribbean. Taking place next April 13-15 at the Blue Flag Escambron Beach, Saborea brings together a bevy of local and international culinary personalities, demo kitchens to learn from the pros and more. A Tasting Pavilion showcases some of Puerto Rico’s best restaurants, plus a wide range of rums, beer and spirits. There’s also a Kids Pavilion, where children learn simple meal preparations and enjoy other activities. A 1-day or weekend pass allows visitors to attend cooking demonstrations by culinary personalities, beverage seminars and other events. celebrating the end of Puerto Rico’s holiday season. Visitors leave the rental car behind and take a bus—tons of them are dispatched for this event. Residents of Condado and nearby Miramar have been known to hoof if to Old San Juan in their comfiest of old sneakers, joining the throngs walking past the Caribe Hilton, Escambron Beach and the San Cristobal Fort. The kick-off ceremony on Thursday is especially fun, with stilt walkers and cabezudos and their huge papier-mache heads officially opening the fiestas. During the day, the Cuartel de Ballaja, which once served as barracks for Spanish troops, is filled with artists selling their crafts—everything from homemade candy to one-of-a-kind paintings. The hottest item—sold along San Sebastian Street— is the official festival poster, prepared each year by a carefully chosen artist. With bands playing local rhythms and many dancing away well into the night, you’ll have to mentally prepare yourself for thousands of people around you, but won’t soon forget the atmosphere of unadulterated fun. The unofficial dates for the next festival are Jan. 19-22; confirm with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company prior to making travel arrangements. classic stay You may have seen it on the news recently—just a couple of months ago, the granddaughter and great-grandson of the founder of The Flying Wallendas completed the stunt that ended the founder’s life: a 300-ft.-long high-wire cross without a net between the two towers of the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino, where Karl Wallenda fell to his death in 1978. Luckily, the rest of us are able to walk from one hotel tower to the other via a clear bridge that crosses Ashford Avenue. The Condado Plaza is one of San Juan’s oldest hotels still in business, a favorite among visitors for its accessible casino and great eateries. It is also home to celeb Chef Wilo Benet’s Pikayo, his flagship restaurant and one of the island’s most famous. A big plus to the property is that it has a small tranquil beach that’s more swimmer- and kid-friendly than most of Condado’s other hotels, as well as quick access to the Condado Lagoon for a spin on a kayak. Rates start at $149 per night. n Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): Luxury Lands in Puerto Rico (February 2011) contact information Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza: (888) 722-1274; condadoplaza.com Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association: prhta.org Puerto Rico Tourism Company: (800) 866-7827; seepuertorico.com Puerto Rico Zest: puertoricozest.com Saborea Puerto Rico: saboreapuertorico.com august 2011 25 http://www.recommend.com http://agent.recommend.com/magazine-archive/february-2011/luxury-lands-in-puerto-rico/ http://www.condadoplaza.com http://www.prhta.org http://www.seepuertorico.com http://www.puertoricozest.com http://www.saboreapuertorico.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2011

Editor"s Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Regent Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: The Wayfarers
Africa Travel Options Mix the Classic with the New
Thailand's Koh Samui
Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia
Escaping to San Juan's Condado
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Central America: Roads Less Traveled
In Search of Flanders' Holy Ale
Downtown L.A. in the Thick of Things
Scrumptious Savannah
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

Recommend August 2011