Puerto Rico: Castles, Cocktails, Boriqua Bliss and a Little Bit of Chaos

44 minutes ago
5 min read

By Miguel Ortuno | Blue Bot Advertising & Grab Magazine

Yes, you have to go to El Cafetin - The most beautiful Puerto Rican men ever and around 11pm someone gets to ring the bell for them to take off their shirts (haha, luckily I was the chosen one this time, that's me in the back!)

If you’re looking for a Caribbean escape that delivers culture, cocktails, castles, waterfalls, weddings, beaches, and just the right amount of chaos—in the best way possible—let me introduce (or reintroduce) you to Puerto Rico.

I went with my friend Nick—our first vacation together (yes, we’re just friends, calm down 😏)—and we both absolutely fell in love with the island. We were there for a wedding in December in Vieques, but the trip quickly turned into so much more. By the end, we were already plotting our return.

A Wedding in Vieques: Romance Done Right

We headed to Vieques for the wedding ceremony and wow... it was held beachside at Turtle Beach, with soft white sand, turquoise water, and that warm Caribbean breeze that makes everything feel cinematic. It was intimate, emotional, and effortlessly beautiful. Watching our friends exchange vows with the ocean as their backdrop felt surreal in the best way. (they wouldn't allow any filming during the ceremony so we don't have photos yet of that to share, but we lived in the moment and a beautiful moment it was, congrats to Augie and Jess).

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the rooftop at El Blok—and that’s when the party really began. Sunset skies, panoramic ocean views, cocktails flowing, music in the air—it was pure magic. The energy was joyful, romantic, and a little bit electric. Puerto Rico doesn’t just do weddings well. It does romance and celebration exceptionally well.

Club Vieques & A New LGBTQ Gem

Vieques feels quieter, more secluded, and beautifully untouched. And now it’s home to Club Vieques, a newer LGBTQ-focused resort that feels like a hidden oasis.

First, the owners were incredibly kind and welcoming. You can tell they’re passionate about creating a queer-friendly space on the island, and that energy matters. The property itself has a cute pool perfect for lazy afternoons, a cozy lounge bar area serving cocktails, light bites when you need a snack between swims, and games and social spaces designed to bring guests together.

That said, it’s still very new. When we visited, things were still being worked on and there weren’t many guests yet, so we didn’t quite get the full social-resort experience. It felt more intimate and quiet than lively—which honestly could be a plus if you’re looking for privacy. But it’s clearly a space that’s still evolving, and once it’s fully up and running, it has serious potential to become a must-stay LGBTQ destination in Vieques. Oh and yes, they do have a Sunday Tea Dance so be sure to check out their socials to stay in touch with their events - @clubvieques

It’s secluded enough to feel private—but only about a 10-minute drive to the beach, so you’re never far from that crystal-clear water.

Very important travel tip: Rent an SUV. Do not rely on a golf cart. The roads in Vieques can be uneven, sandy, and hilly, and golf carts are not built for some of those inclines. Our friends Chase and Becky actually rolled theirs (they’re totally fine, thankfully!), but it was enough for us to say: SUV only. Trust me on this one. A little extra power and stability goes a long way on this island.

Getting to Vieques is easy: you can take a short flight from San Juan or hop on a ferry from Ceiba (about 30–45 minutes). A little extra effort—but completely worth it.

Old San Juan: Castles, Color & Culture

Back in Old San Juan, we wandered pastel streets and soaked in the history. You can’t visit without exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro, dramatically perched over the Atlantic. It’s massive, historic, and the views are unreal.

Nearby, Castillo San Cristóbal offers tunnels, lookout points, and sweeping coastal views that remind you just how layered Puerto Rico’s history is. The architecture alone makes you slow down and take it all in.

Rainforest Realness: El Yunque

One of our favorite adventure days was in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. Think lush greenery, misty mountain views, waterfalls, and natural pools you can actually swim in.

We hiked, climbed observation points, and fully embraced our “outdoorsy” era. I call my friend Nick "Kumbaya" because he loves nature and trees and plants and outdoor stuff and i'm just like "omg i'm going to get bitten by a snake in the forest and die!" lol we are quite opposite but also... a perfect combination of ying and yang to experience everything that the trip has to offer. It’s peaceful, powerful, and surprisingly romantic—even when you’re just two friends pretending you’re in a travel commercial.

Beach Days & Drag Brunch

Of course, we had to check out the gay beach scene too. The popular unofficial gay beach is located directly behind The Tryst Beachfront Hotel, and it’s exactly what you want it to be—fun, social, and full of personality. It’s the kind of place where you lay your towel down and suddenly you’ve made three new friends and have plans for later.

And if you’re staying nearby (or just want a fabulous Sunday), The Tryst also hosts drag brunch. Yes, drag brunch in paradise. Sparkling drinks, fierce queens, beach energy—it’s the crossover episode we deserve.

We ran into the bartender from El Cafetin the next day and I had to get a picture and the first thing he asks is "with or without a shirt" hahah well hell yeah you can take your shirt off! lol. @neffbueno is his handle!

Nightlife, Bells & Fish Tacos

One of our favorite nights in San Juan was at El Cafetín. The vibe is playful and unapologetically queer. At exactly 11pm, a bell rings—and that’s the cue for the bartenders to remove their shirts.

Yes. The bartenders. You must check out their Insta @el_cafetin_1

The crowd cheers, the shirts come off, and it becomes a whole moment. I was lucky enough to ring the bell while we were there, which I consider a meaningful contribution to LGBTQ tourism.

And right next door? La Taberna Lúpulo, home to the absolute BEST fish tacos I’ve ever had in my life. I’m not exaggerating. Post–shirtless-bartender tacos? That’s elite vacation planning.

Why Puerto Rico Hits Different

Puerto Rico gives you everything:

Romantic beachside ceremonies
Rooftop wedding celebrations
Secluded LGBTQ-friendly resorts
Lighthouse views and turquoise beaches
Historic castles and colorful streets
Rainforest adventures
Gay beaches and drag brunch
Nightlife that understands the assignment

Nick and I went for a wedding and left with a full-blown love affair with the island. It’s vibrant but soulful. Sexy but meaningful. You can hike a rainforest in the morning, climb a lighthouse in the afternoon, attend a beachside ceremony, dance at a rooftop reception at sunset, hit the gay beach, and cheer for shirtless bartenders at 11pm.

Honestly? That’s range. And Puerto Rico wears it beautifully.

The Apps: Okay, I Know You Want to Know...

Yes, yes, we see you—checking Grindr, Sniffies, or whatever app is hot right now. Are they busy? Are people swiping right? You bet. These apps are basically the digital heartbeat of LGBTQ social life, and no, you’re not alone wondering who’s out there.

When it comes to Puerto Rico, here’s the tea: in Vieques, things were super chill and pretty secluded, so the app action was… well, let’s say mellow. But in San Juan? Oh man, that’s a whole different vibe—plenty of people, plenty of opportunities to connect. Just a heads-up: if someone’s offering massages or “special services,” tread carefully. Sometimes it’s totally fine, but there have been stories of people getting robbed. Smart move? Bring a friend along, trust your gut, and keep things fun but safe.