Saturday, March 15, 2014

Puerto Rico - Spring Break 2014

We just returned from a fabulous spring break in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. It was our first beach vacation with the kids and it surpassed our expectations in every way. We had no issues traveling, our set up at the resort was perfect for us, the weather was fantastic (low 80's during the day and the only rain was short-lived and at night), the setting was postcard worthy, the private island/beach was beautiful, the food was delicious and the water park was great fun for all ages! We were also very grateful to have James' parents join us for this adventure! 

***WARNING*** Lots and lots of photos included in this post!

We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria El Conquistador Resort. One of the perks of my Hilton job is that I get a team member rate at Hilton Worldwide hotels and resorts, so we got a steal of a deal on the rooms! The resort sits on top of a hill on the east side of the island. Our rooms were separate from the main resort. We rode a funicular down the hill to a small set of rooms and we had two rooms that adjoined so it was easy for the kids to go back and forth from our room to the grandparents' room. The location was great for us because it was closer to the resort's water park, the boat that took us to the beach, it was much more secluded and less crowded that the main resort and it had its own pool. Most days we were the only people in the pool. Much more our style!

The main resort at the top of the hill. Private island in the background.


Our set of rooms and pool down the hill from the main resort.

Most of our days started off at the beach. The resort owns a private island and runs boats back and forth all day long. It's a short trip (5-10 minutes) and the island had all we needed…sand, shade, food, mini-golf, restrooms and more. The kids had an absolute ball and loved the sand and ocean!

Boarding the boat to head to the beach on day one!


Looking back at the resort from the boat.


First look at Palamino Island and the BEACH!









Catching a quick nap before hitting the water park!

Every afternoon we hit the water park to end the day. The water park was so much fun. It was small (three slides, a lazy river and an infinity pool) but never crowded and had something to offer all ages. Emery even rode everything but the straight down super fast speed slide and Case rode them all. It took a little push from his Daddy (literally) to conquer the speed slide, but he came up out of the water shouting "again, again" so it didn't traumatize him like I feared it might. I even rode it once, not to be outdone by my 5 year old son. It made my stomach rise up into my throat, a sensation I'm not very fond of as I've entered my thirties. It was fun, but I didn't feel the need to do it a second time.






Even Maw Maw got in on the action!




Infinity pool at the water park. Seriously, could the setting get any better? Beautiful!!



One morning we traveled into the rain forest. Did some hiking, saw some waterfalls and enjoyed some spectacular views.
I spy James and Case!












Ready to go back to the beach!


















Our spot for the week!








Debra tried to avoid all photos!






Just the two of us for a special dinner the last night.

Heading home!!

A wonderful time was had by all! We hope to get the opportunity to return one day! 

1 comment:

Mandi said...

Love all the pictures!! What a fun trip!