Re Magine Series

RE MAGINE SERIES

AUGUST 2018 Puerto Rico THE ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT

— From the Spanish words meaning “Rich Port”

Steeped in history, Puerto Rico offers its visitors a distinctive cultural experience while boasting the natural beauty of 272 miles of beachfront along a lush, tropical landscape. Puerto Rico consists of an archipelago that includes the main island and its outer islands: Vieques, Culebra, Mona and numerous islets. The island’s multicultural history – from its earliest Indian roots, to Spanish colonial times, to modern day – offers a mingling of flavors, traditions and people that sets it apart from other Caribbean destinations.

Spanish for “Rich Port,” Puerto Rico runs the gamut of travel options, giving visitors experiences that range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxe. Find accommodations in family-friendly hotels, trendy boutique villas and lavish, private resorts. It’s home to world-class golf courses and luxury spas within proximity to a tropical rain forest, eco tours and some of the most untouched beaches in the world. Come for genuine hospitality, private getaways, authentic flavors, vibrant nightlife and Caribbean adventures – all while celebrating the spirit of Puerto Rico’s past and present.

Officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is an unincorporated territory of the United States that abides by U.S. laws and regulations. So, for U.S. citizens (or Green Card holders) it’s an easy getaway; there’s no need for a passport to visit, and you can sidestep the hassle of customs. Home to nearly 3.5 million American citizens, Spanish and English are the official languages here, and the currency is the U.S. Dollar.

PRIME TIME

When to Go: November - June Weather: 77 - 82°F (25 - 28°C) Puerto Rico is tropical, and it has one of the most unvarying climates in the world. Temperatures here range annually by only about 5 degrees Fahrenheit. For fewer crowds and optimal pricing, go during the shoulder seasons in spring (post-Easter) and early winter (November). The island sees its best weather in winter, which is also why it’s peak season. Hurricane season technically starts in June and can last through the month of October. Keep in mind, storms tend to be most active in September and October.

GLOBETROTTER

BY AIR Today, visitors have more options than ever to access Puerto Rico. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) sees an average of 110 flights daily, making it the main gateway to the Caribbean. From here you’ll find taxis, Uber service, car rentals, public transportation and private limousines readily available.

BY SEA Just cruising through? San Juan Cruise Port is newly rebuilt. This hub is host to an estimated 500 cruise ships (approximately 18 different cruise lines) every year. Most Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises include a stop in San Juan, offering travelers a brief opportunity to experience the magic of the island. © 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 3 WHAT’S NEW

READY TO ENCHANT Visit Puerto Rico today, and you might never guess a hurricane hit it last year. Turning tragedy into prosperity, Puerto Rico is telling the world it’s ready to enchant. The destruction of Hurricane Maria in 2017 became an opportunity for the island to come back stronger – and it’s done so at an accelerated pace. Hotels are taking the opportunity to rebuild and renew. Chefs and restaurateurs are embracing an entrepreneurial spirit and starting anew. There are over 4,000 restaurants, bars and eateries currently open for business. Cruise ships are expected to bring 1.7 million passengers to the island in 2018 (ahead of the record 1.5 million in 2015). Popular attractions like El Yunque National Forest are also upgrading, innovating and emerging as more accessible and visitor friendly. Proving that its soul is truly waterproof, Puerto Rico’s economy will only continue to recover and flourish with the help of tourism. There is no better time than now to experience the warm, resilient pulse of the Puerto Rican people.

From chic, beach-style boutiques to opulent suites with spectacular, private views, you’ll find accommodations to fit any budget across the island. Following the hurricane, many properties have significantly upgraded their products and offerings. Today, there are 132 lodging options open for business, 10,806 rooms currently available, and 4,218 are being revitalized.

DISTINGUISHED ELEGANCE

CONDADO VANDERBILT HOTEL Completely reborn and exquisitely refurbished – but still incorporating its richly appointed past – the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel offers visitors an unparalleled experience. Bathed in the rich history of its provenance, the property is balanced with 21st-century expectations. The hotel features seven food concepts and offers a complete epicurean experience featuring farm-to-table cuisine, luxe lounges, bars and elegant restaurants.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 319 • Chain Affiliation: Preferred Hotels & Resorts • Star Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

EL SAN JUAN HOTEL Since it began welcoming the world’s jet set and top musical performers in the late 1950s, the El San Juan Hotel has lived on as one of Puerto Rico’s most legendary, authentic and exciting lifestyle properties. Today, the El San Juan Hotel is spectacularly beautiful, having been fully renovated to its original splendor. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sensor- activated air conditioning, and stunning ocean views over its sandy, two-mile stretch of beach in Isla Verde. Its Club BRAVA reigns legendary as the hallmark of Puerto Rican nightlife.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 388 • Chain Affiliation: Hilton, Curio Collection • Star Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

© 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 6 SOPHISTICATED & EXCLUSIVE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT Located on a former coconut plantation, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is the first St. Regis in the Caribbean. It introduces the brand’s services and amenities within a 483-acre resort nestled between the El Yunque rainforest and the Espiritu Santo River. The property embraces the island’s stunning natural beauty with verdant landscapes, breathtaking ocean views, two miles of private beach, and two private bird sanctuaries. It is the Caribbean’s first and only certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Following significant renovations, the property reopens in October 2018.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 139 • Chain Affiliation: Marriott International • Rating: AAA, 5-Diamond (reopens October 2018)

WYNDHAM GRAND RIO MAR

With vibrant décor inspired by the island’s golden sand, brilliant blue waves, and lush green Quick Facts: El Yunque Rainforest, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort • Sleeping Rooms: 400 provides a relaxing respite as one of the jewels of the Wyndham brand. Thoughtfully designed • Chain Affiliation: Wyndham Hotel Group accommodations offer modern amenities and mesmerizing views. The property is located • Rating: AAA, 3-Diamond on the eastern side of the island and features two 18-hole golf courses, a 20,000 square foot sundeck, a wellness spa and an on-site casino.

SERAFINA BEACH HOTEL Located in the bustling heart of Condado, directly on stylish Ashford Avenue, the Serafina Beach Hotel is a full-service lifestyle boutique hotel offering a chic oasis for urban travelers. Newly opened in March of 2018, this oceanfront hotel is home to globally-inspired dining and a fresh vibe that flows through the property. The Serafina features an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, three unique food and beverage concepts and an oceanfront ballroom.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 96 • Chain Affiliation: Independent/Other • Rating: Not yet rated

SHERATON PUERTO RICO HOTEL & CASINO The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino is situated in the heart of the Puerto Rico Convention Center District and faces the Bay of San Juan. The hotel features a four-story, outdoor deck with a spacious infinity swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s casino featuring over 400 slot machines and 16 table games. Adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, the hotel is a prime venue for larger meetings and events – offering convenient access to additional exhibition space, ballrooms and meeting rooms.

Quick Facts: • Sleeping Rooms: 503 • Chain Affiliation: Marriott International • Rating: AAA, 4-Diamond

© 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 10 GATHER HERE Puerto Rico has no shortage of spaces and places to meet, collaborate and celebrate as a group. From intimate gatherings in traditional haciendas to high-tech conventions, the island can host and accommodate. You’ll also find a wealth of unique, group-based experiences that celebrate local history and culture.

PUERTO RICO CONVENTION CENTER When it’s time to get down to business, the Puerto Rico Convention Center is the place. It’s the largest convention center in the Caribbean with capabilities to accommodate conventions as large as 10,000 participants. The PRCC’s modern design imitates the ocean waves and houses 580,000 square feet of indoor meeting and exhibition space. It is one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the Americas and offers in-house catering, concessions and cleaning services.

© 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 11 HACIENDA SIESTA ALEGRE In the foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest mountains, this Spanish Colonial venue can accommodate receptions for up to 400 guests. It’s a breathtaking setting for banquets, parties, meetings and ceremonies. With open terraces, panoramic views of the rainforest, and mahogany details, the Hacienda Siesta Alegre is lined with unique conversation pieces and surprising hidden spaces. Located on a lush, green farm planted with citrus, plantain and banana trees, it’s an ideal setting to incorporate authentic Puerto Rican entertainment. Pair it perfectly with folkloric dancers, paso fino horse shows, cigar rollers and more.

CASTILLO SAN CRISTOBAL The largest fortification built in the world, Castillo San Cristobal covers 27 acres on the eastern gate of the islet of San Juan. The fort sits on a UNESCO World Heritage Site and preserves stories of ambition, aspiration and ingenuity of design. This sprawling, centuries-old complex rises 150 feet above sea level, features breathtaking views, and offers options to host an unforgettable celebration, dinner or group event. The San Cristobal lawn area accommodates up to 400 people, and its courtyard holds approximately 125.

© 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 12 ATELIER, COCINA ABIERTA Learn to cook like a local (or at least start practicing). Puerto Rico’s distinctive American, Spanish, Taíno, and African-fusion cuisine, “cocina criolla,” is a delicious blend of tastes passed from generation to generation. Experiment with Puerto Rico’s gastronomical treasures in an authentic Puerto Rican cooking class. Schools, culinary labs, interactive spaces and open kitchens are designed with all kinds of food lovers and group sizes in mind. In San Juan, The Atelier at Cocina Abierta offers classes and workshops in an industrial-style kitchen space specifically designed to inspire. The school can accommodate private and corporate events complete with a private chef, tastings, education and sustainably sourced ingredients.

CASA BACARDÍ Once upon a time, rums were harsh, crude and unrefined. In 1862, BACARDÍ changed that. In 1936, the family-owned company moved to San Juan and made its home in Puerto Rico. It grew to become the largest distillery of premium rum in the world. Plan a visit here to explore BACARDÍ rums, the craft of barrels and blending, and experience a guided history of the spirit’s past. Casa BACARDÍ offers guided group tours, mixology classes, tastings and even a hands-on opportunity to bottle your own BACARDÍ.

OLD SAN JUAN Old San Juan is a charming barrio of Puerto Rico’s capital, and is the historic core of the city. Here, you’ll find no beaches and no resorts, rather a place of timeless magic, history and brilliant richness of culture. Overlooking the coast of the Atlantic, its blue cobblestoned streets are lined with iconic, color-splashed Spanish colonial buildings and 16th-century landmarks. The city is easily accessible by foot and offers a free trolley service daily.

Take a trip through the ages in the old city and spend hours exploring massive fortresses, the home of Ponce de Leon, museums, cathedrals and story- telling monuments. Head to the bustling Cristo and Fortaleza streets to shop everything from hand-crafted, whimsical souvenirs to fine local fashion designers and high-end jewelry. If art is what moves you, Old San Juan is an artist’s haven and home to a teeming arts scene. From pop-up exhibitions to opulent spaces, there are over 20 galleries within the old city walls. In fact, with its collection of art, both old and new, Old San Juan is truly a work of art in itself.

When the sun goes down, suddenly Old San Juan doesn’t feel so old. The city is known for its active night life. At night, the cafés and streets come alive with music, singers and salsa dancing. Whether you prefer multi-level discos, a chic lounge scene or rustic dive bars, there’s a perfect place for any after-dinner or evening crowd.

© 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 14 DAY TRIPPING LA RUTA DE LA SALSA Puerto Rico is the world’s capital of salsa music, and there is no greater place than SURF IN RINCÓN here to listen and dance to it. La Ruta de la Salsa takes visitors on a journey through a Located on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Rincón is a town known for its ultimate surf-ability and history of this lively music genre. Today, the island’s tourism authority has designated stunning sunsets. One of the premiere places to catch a wave in the northern hemisphere, visitors two routes that commemorate a selection of historic sites, establishments, museums, are sure to be captivated by the island’s surfing capital. The Surfing World Championships were held neighborhoods and residences – all showcasing the world’s greatest salsa figures. here in 1968; many arrived for it and never left. Spend a day getting to know this laid-back town. Beginners and pros alike can enjoy private or group surf lessons and ride the perfect wave. The town center has been revitalized and boasts an eclectic collection of bars and restaurants. For travelers feeling less surf-savvy, you’ll find snorkeling, whale watching and yoga at sunset or sunrise.

SNORKEL & BEACH SAFARIS The possibilities for an island-hopping day trip here are endless. Enjoy a fully-guided excursion on your own private mini boat (or as a convoy of mini boats). Or secure a private boat or catamaran charter, and experience white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and turquoise waters. Go snorkeling along the best coral reefs of La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Or head to Icacos Island for the day, and experience a deserted island catamaran sail through a string of secluded cays.

© 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 15 INTO THE WILD BIOLUMINESCENT BAYS Bioluminescent bays are some of Earth’s best kept secrets. There are only five in the world, and three of them are in Puerto Rico. For bays on the main island, try Laguna Grande and La Parguera. The most popular, Mosquito Bay, is on Vieques. If you visit at the right time, you can find yourself dazzled by millions of illuminating microorganisms that thrive and produce light in the water. The sparkly-ness can be unpredictable, but you’re likely to see the full effect at quieter times and moonless nights. The effects are nearly impossible to capture in photographs; so set your camera aside, and take it all in for the experience of a lifetime.

EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST Heavy with island lore, natural diversity and tropical splendor, El Yunque National Forest is one of ZIPLINING Puerto Rico’s crown jewels – a subtropical rainforest with nearly 29,000 acres of lush terrain, bamboo In this prime ecotourism destination, ziplining is arguably the most exhilarating way to groves, stunning waterfalls and spectacular ocean views. Take a tour of the waterfalls on an adventure explore the majestic Puerto Rican canopy. Float above the landscape in any variety of hike around part of El Yunque, or go on an off-the-beaten-path trail tour for a full day of hiking. Truly tours. Thrill seekers can book full-day adventures interspersed with waterfall climbs, adventurous visitors can now set out at twilight. New evening tours feature wildlife watching and caving, rappelling and sailing. For a truly unique experience, try a full-moon ziplining lagoon swimming after the sun sets. tour featuring post-tour cocktails and music.

One thing’s for sure here: the cuisine is like no place on Earth. Puerto Rico’s authentic flavors are a lively, unique mix of influences. The industry was hit hard after the hurricane, but the revival and influx of eateries is going strong. The island has experienced a culinary revolution as of late – embracing new, entrepreneurial chefs who are transforming the destination into a Caribbean foodie hub.

CULINARY CONCEPTS Some say the real Puerto Rico is in Piñones, a beachfront community offering kiosks and authentic street food. Lote 23, an eclectic outdoor food space in Santurce, is the island’s newest culinary concept and a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find a convergence of innovative chefs and food trucks keeping up with a demand for creative flavors. © 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 17 LOCAL SPECIALTIES Local specialties like alcapurrias, bacalaitos, tostones and the famous mofongo dish (some claim it to be magic) are a must. Across the island, you’ll find a paradise of these foods by way of street carts, markets, cafés and food trucks – making top-notch cuisine accessible and affordable. But you can also experience these flavors at cutting-edge restaurants that are redefining culinary traditions and elevating local foods – like Mario Pagan Restaurant, Santaella and Jose Enrique.

IF YOU LIKE PIÑA COLADAS Puerto Rico and the piña colada go way back – to the beginning, in fact. The island is the birthplace of the beloved coconutty creation, and you’ll find it everywhere – with or without rum. From the coctelería artesanal of serious mixologists to self-guided piña colada tours, don’t leave without a first-hand experience of this favorite local cocktail.

SUSTAINABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY For many companies, corporate social responsibility opportunities are a fundamental element of any travel program. Right now, Puerto Rico offers plenty of options to support the local community, small businesses and environment.

PERK UP & TAKE ROOT In a matter of hours, Hurricane Maria destroyed over 80% of all coffee trees on the island. Coffee farms, roasters and shops were hit hard by the disaster, and many are facing depleted crops and resources that won’t be restored for years to come. It was a devastating blow to a local product that defines the island. Today, some local growers are inviting visitors to their plantations to drink, dine, and learn more about sustainable farming and production.

For groups that take time to give back, plantations like Hacienda Muñoz, in San Lorenzo, and Hacienda Buena Vista, in Ponce, offer opportunities to restore the environment. They’re making substantial efforts to help others understand key farming processes and how they relate to history and nature. Instead of U-pick, the experience is U-plant – a step toward replacing coffee and shade trees lost in the storm. Agritourism initiatives like these can help support livelihoods while raising awareness of environmental and social issues. © 2018 Re-Imagine Series. BCD Meetings & Events. All Rights Reserved. 19 JUST GO Tourism is vital for this economy. Making it a bucket-list travel destination is the best way to help ensure its post-hurricane recovery. More than 5 million travelers visit Puerto Rico each year. That translates to nearly $4 billion in spend and over 80,000 jobs for citizens. Without tourism dollars, hotels, restaurants, farmers and other businesses — especially those that are smaller — cannot afford to rebuild.

AS THE ISLAND RECOVERS, THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES WILL CONTINUE TO EVOLVE. FOR THOSE LOOKING TO SUPPORT PUERTO RICO’S REVIVAL, JUST GO. VISITING THE ISLAND IS THE ULTIMATE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK.

References: Discover Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Tourism, GSI Puerto Rico, BACARDÍ, Cincosentidos, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Serafina Beach Hotel, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Unsplash: Brenda Godinez, Brigitte Tohm, Christine Siracusa, Gerson Cifuentes, Jan Traid, Nathan Ziemansk, Patrick Schneider, Paul Larkin, Shifaaz Shamoon, Sydney Rae, Hermansyah