We just got back from a memorable trip to Puerto Rico, and I’m still feeling the sun on my skin and the rhythm of the island in my bones. This was a trip full of natural beauty, good food, and unexpected moments of joy—exactly the kind of getaway I’d hoped for.

We stayed in the Palmas del Mar area, a resort community on the southeastern coast of the island. It’s a peaceful place to relax, and we spent a lot of time doing just that—lounging by the pool, taking long walks, and cruising around in a rented golf cart like locals. One of the funniest things about Palmas was the sheer number of iguanas everywhere. They were sunbathing on rocks, strolling across sidewalks, and even climbing trees. We quickly got used to them as part of the scenery. It felt like they were our quirky little neighbors.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Pterocarpus forest right in Palmas del Mar. It’s a unique wetland forest filled with towering trees that grow in shallow water. The bases of the trees look like chicken feet—twisted and splayed roots that seem to perch on top of the ground. It’s wild to think that their roots only go a couple of centimeters into the earth, yet they still stand tall. We wandered the boardwalk trails, soaking in the quiet and watching the light filter through the canopy. It was peaceful, grounding, and surprisingly magical.

Midway through our trip, we took a detour to Old San Juan for a night. It was a nice change of pace—historic, colorful, and buzzing with energy. We ended our trip there with a walking tour through the old city. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and ocean views made it feel like we had stepped into another world. It was a great way to cap off the trip, especially because…

We celebrated our anniversary with dinner at Marmalade, one of San Juan’s most beloved restaurants. And it absolutely lived up to the hype. The food was thoughtful and inventive, and the service was warm without being fussy. It felt like such a special way to honor our time together—celebrating in a beautiful space, surrounded by flavor, with glasses raised in gratitude.

Puerto Rico gave us sunshine, iguanas, a rainforest filled with trees like sculptures, and a night of celebration we won’t forget. We’re heading home rested, a little sun-kissed, and already talking about when we’ll go back.