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Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bad Bunny Concertgoers Enjoy Next-Level Benefits At These Puerto Rico Hotels
Puerto Rico hotels and resorts are getting ready for concert-bound travelers in a big way. Caribe Hilton Bad Bunny's sold-out residency kicked off this weekend in his native Puerto Rico, with the island's capital of San Juan sizzling to a summer soundtrack of the artist's newest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS , on repeat. Since the award-winning artist announced a 30-concert residency to be held in San Juan's Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, colloquially known as "El Choli," travel to Puerto Rico has never been hotter. Vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo reporting a whopping 21% increase in searches for travel to Puerto Rico on dates during Bad Bunny's residency, which stretches between mid-July and mid-September. The warmer, wetter weather of summer usually makes these months the off-season for travel to the Isla del Encanto—the island of enchantment, as Puerto Rico is called—but this summer, all signs hotels are reaching record levels of occupancy. Despite filling up and selling out, the island's resorts and hotels are getting in on the celebration with impressive incentives for Bad Bunny-obsessed "gig-tripping" travelers. Even if you weren't able to score any of the summer's hottest concert tickets, these standout Puerto Rico hotels and resorts will get you ready for the summer of Bad Bunny. Caribe Hilton in San Juan is one of the city's most historic hotels. Caribe Hilton Located in the heart of San Juan directly between Old San Juan and trendy Condado, Caribe Hilton is one of the city's most iconic hotels, with more than 75 years of history of welcoming guests to its 17-acre beachfront grounds. In the spirit of celebrating Bad Bunny's residency, this posh property is offering the Un VERaNO eN Caribe Hilton package experience for guests all summer long. Un VERaNO eN Caribe Hilton guests will get a welcome tote bag packed with goodies for the stay, and perks like 20% off a 2-hour Loop motorbike rental to get out and explore San Juan. The package also includes a rum welcome cocktail from a new cocktail menu inspired by Bad Bunny's album. The menu features drinks like 'Ay, Bendito!' and 'Café y Ron,' which pair perfectly with the property's new rum tasting experience featuring island-favorite brands like Don Q and Ron del Barrilito. Package inclusions are just one way to enjoy Caribe Hilton this summer, with plenty of summertime activations in the works that appeal to more than just concertgoers. Live music across the property, dance classes teaching the steps to salsa and bomba y plena, domino tournaments, a vintage photo booth in the lobby and so much more await travelers. It's the cherry on top of the piña colada that is staying at one of the city's coolest and most vibrant resorts. Caribe Hilton's classic piña colada. Caribe Hilton Speaking of piña coladas, whether you're staying at Caribe Hilton or across the island, you'll want to stop at the resort's renowned Caribar to order the only drink here that matters. The classic Caribbean cocktail now known as the piña colada got its start behind this very bar back in 1954, when bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero invented the recipe to capture the essence of the island. Now, the Caribar and Caribar Terrace offer an extended menu of handcrafted cocktails, in addition to the classic favorite, as well as a menu of tapas and treats for guests and visitors. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is consistently ranked among the best resorts in Puerto Rico. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel Fairmont El San Juan Located along one of the most impressive stretches of sand in San Juan, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has long been considered one of the best resorts in Puerto Rico. With everything from an extensive calendar of live music and events for guests to amenities like a casino, spa and 13 bars and restaurants to choose from, it has been a beachside fixture since the 1950s, with something to offer every traveler. In addition to the resort's impressive year-round roster of events and entertainment, this summer brings a slew of Ban Bunny-themed activations. Much of the celebration will, naturally, center around the artist's music, with a pre-show happy hour between 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM prior to every concert, complete with limited-edition cocktails inspired by Bad Bunny's tracks. Following the show, revelers can head to the property's Chico Cabaret, a speakeasy-style venue playing reguetón beats early into the morning. At the beach, visitors will also enjoy sizzling summer activations like Bad Bunny-themed pool parties where cabanas transform with the help of Veuve Clicquot into the place to be on the weekends. Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker alights the resort's main pool and cabanas with a roving coconut & whisky cart also serving up island-inspired sorbets, plus fashion brand pop-up events throughout the summer. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort is just 45 minutes from San Juan. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort Located about 45 minutes outside of San Juan on one of the island's most enviable stretches of beachfront, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort is offering what might be the most over-the-top experience for Bad Bunny concertgoers. As part of the property's exclusive Concert Series VIP Suite Package, guests will enjoy Bad Bunny-themed benefits from the second they step on property. First comes a signature Pitorro de Coco cocktail crafted by one of the resort's expert romeliers, the rum equivalent to a sommelier. Bad Bunny fans will immediately recognize the cocktail's reference to PIToRRO DE COCO , the second single off the singer's newest album, named after a homemade Puerto Rico spirit. Package guests will also enjoy a complimentary bottle of Ron del Barrilito and an exclusive welcome gift. One of the three pools at the beachfront Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort On the evening of the concert, guests will enjoy an exclusive private dining experience featuring a special chef-curated "Café con Ron" dinner menu, named for and inspired by yet another one of Bad Bunny's most popular songs. Following the dinner, concertgoers enjoy VIP luxury concert transportation straight to the doors of El Choli just in time for the show. If you're looking to make your trip to Puerto Rico more of a beachfront vacation experience and less of a long weekend, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort might be the best place to stay. The property sits just ten minutes from the lush El Yunque National Forest, the sole tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System, replete with miles of hiking trails, waterfalls and hidden swimming holes to explore. The property is perfectly located for guests to enjoy the very best of the island—should you be able to pry yourself away from the pool post-concert, that is. Adults-only Condado Ocean Club offers open-air, ocean-front dining to the tune of DJ sets throughout the summer. Condado Ocean Club Condado Ocean Club For travelers looking to stay in the heart of the chicest part of San Juan, and perhaps sneak a peek at Bad Bunny and friends enjoying the sun and sand, there's no better area to stay than Condado. Located along the upscale Ashford Avenue, the adults-only Condado Ocean Club should be at the top of your list. With just 96 rooms, this exclusive boutique hotel offers spectacular ocean views and plenty of space to spread out by the pool to the sounds of crashing waves. Guests can enjoy it all with The Concert Rate offer, which includes a welcome cocktail, a $25 food and beverage credit and complimentary valet parking. Or, splash out with the OC Summer offer, which includes discounted rates for guests staying between two and five nights, a $50 food and beverage credit and a 15% discount for post-concert relaxation at the property's neighboring sister resorts, Condado Vanderbilt and La Concha Resort. Condado Ocean Club will feature fun Saturday pre-concert parties complete with DJ sets poolside at THE DECK. Extend your stay to enjoy the best of the city, with Condado at your fingertips and much more. Just make sure to spend at least one evening partying the night away at La Concha Resort. The recently renovated property is home to Fifty-Eight, a nightclub so beloved by Bad Bunny himself that he mentions it by name in songs like 'Yo No Soy Celoso' off his 2022 album, Un Verano Sin Ti . Condado Vanderbilt is a storied property in the heart of San Juan's cool Condado neighborhood. Condado Vanderbilt Condado Vanderbilt Condado Vanderbilt has ruled over the sands of Condado for more than a century, embodying all the elegance and beauty of a property that once welcomed the likes of the John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Don't equate the property's age with stuffiness—recently renovated rooms, top-notch farm-to-table cuisine, an exclusive pool deck with oceanfront dining and an enviable spa with the only hammam on the island make it a destination that transcends every trend. For concert-going travelers or those simply looking for a summertime Caribbean escape, Condado Vanderbilt is offering the Endless Summer package throughout the duration of Bad Bunny's residency. Package benefits include sumptuous suite accommodations, daily breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, a discount on one of the property's signature massages and welcome cocktails to kick off the celebration. Condado Vanderbilt's 1919 Restaurant, helmed by award-winning chef Juan Jose Cuevas. Condado Vanderbilt Gear up for the show with a meal at 1919, Condado Vanderbilt's award-winning restaurant. Easily among the most impressive dining destinations on the island, 1919 is headed by Michelin-starred Puerto Rican chef Juan Jose Cuevas and offers both à la carte dining and tasting menu experiences complete with wine pairings. Drawing from farm-fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and island inspiration, 1919 creates an elegant and elevated dining experience that is worth traveling for.
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Puerto Rico 2025
F rom breathtaking sunsets to the storied capital of San Juan, there's no shortage of attractions that draw travelers to Puerto Rico. A quick domestic flight from most major cities, visiting this U.S. territory means there's no need to worry about a passport, customs or an international phone plan. The best hotels in Puerto Rico offer a sanctuary to soak it all in, with local cuisine, lively atmospheres and plenty of relaxation. To curate the island's best accommodations, I sourced input from experts like Sarah Young, a travel advisor at Fora, and Jen Ruiz, an author and travel blogger. My top pick is the historic and centrally located Fairmont El San Juan. For couples, Villa Montaña Beach Resort provides a romantic escape, while families will appreciate the kid-friendly amenities at Caribe Hilton. Read on for the best hotels in Puerto Rico in 2025, and for vacation rental options, check out our guide to the Best Airbnbs in Puerto Rico. Pools at Fairmont El San Juan. Fairmont El San Juan Who Will Love It: First-time visitors; repeat travelers; those seeking comfortable and luxurious accommodations in a central location All-Star Amenities: Well & Being Spa; Four pools and luxury cabanas with butler service; Local adventures and concierge desk; Boutique shopping gallery What Not To Miss: Drinks in the Chandelier Bar Location: San Juan Upon opening its doors in 1958, Fairmont El San Juan cemented itself as a favorite destination for Hollywood royalty—past guests include Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Sammy Davis, Jr. Although the hotel has undergone a massive renovation to modernize its rooms and amenities, many of the communal gathering spaces still have an old-world ambiance that continues to captivate guests. The property is superbly located, just minutes from Old San Juan and the ocean, and its lush surroundings offer a tranquil escape from everyday life. The well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and poolside and oceanfront villas are comfortable yet luxurious, and there are activities for every age range, including family-friendly outdoor adventures as well as late-night entertainment options—like Chico Cabaret, the hotel's speakeasy in 1958—for adults. Pool at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for over-the-top luxury and exclusivity All-Star Amenities: Suites with oversized soaking tubs and rainforest showers; two stunning golf courses; private beach; photography concierge What Not To Miss: A Spa Botánico treatment; cabana time at the Positivo Pool; walking the Rockefeller Nature Trail Location: Dorado Highly recommended by Young, the ultra-luxurious Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is situated on 50 acres of the Rockefeller estate, continuing to uphold the Rockefeller family's respect for nature. The lush grounds complement the tranquility of the property, providing an escape for discerning travelers, and the villas, suites, and rooms all embrace indoor-outdoor living, with private outdoor pools, open-air showers and swaying palm trees in the distance. Each guest at the hotel is assigned an Embajador, or personal ambassador, who can assist them in arranging dinner reservations, outdoor excursions and more. There are four onsite restaurants, including Coa, which highlights food cooked in a wood-burning oven, and a separate cocktail lounge that's the perfect spot for catching the sunset with a drink in hand. A palette of bold jewel tones, mid-century modern style furnishings, and over thirty works of art by Puerto Rican artists feature across the six-story hotel. Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences Who Will Love It: Fans of 1950s glam; boutique hotel lovers All-Star Amenities: Rooftop pool and restaurant; fitness center; self and valet parking What Not To Miss: Morning yoga on the sun deck and drinks at the Grand Lobby bar Location: San Juan For travelers seeking a more intimate boutique hotel experience, San Juan's Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences is a smaller property featuring eclectic décor inspired by the 1950s. The six-story building is decorated with a rich, jewel-toned palette, mid-century modern furnishings and works of art by Puerto Rican artists (there are more than 30 pieces displayed throughout the hotel). There are 36 rooms, ranging from classic rooms to suites to sprawling penthouses, all with their own distinctive design. The penthouses are well-equipped for extended stays, featuring a separate working area, kitchen, two bathrooms and a private terrace. The rooftop pool and onsite restaurant, Canvas, provide gathering spaces where guests can unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy panoramic views of the skyline. Best Value Hotel In Puerto Rico: El Blok Each of the rooms feature pillow top beds made up with plush linens, private balconies and peekaboo showers with glass walls. El Blok El Blok Who Will Love It: Fans of modernist design All-Star Amenities: Aesop bath amenities; complimentary beach chairs and Turkish towels What Not To Miss: Live music and a game of Dominos at street-level bar La Tertulia Location: Vieques With rooms starting at $190 per night, this adults-only hotel in beachfront Vieques has an approachable price point and stunning architecture, which is sure to impress design-minded travelers. The sleek building was designed by the Puerto Rican architect Natanial Fuster and is conveniently located across the street from the beach, giving guests access to the sparkling blue waters and ocean breeze. The 30 guest rooms feature a minimalist yet artistic aesthetic with pops of color throughout, which complements the lively atmosphere of the hotel. Each room is equipped with all the comforts of home, including comfortable pillow-top beds, air conditioning, a minifridge and a private balcony for taking in the view. Best Hotel For Couples In Puerto Rico: Villa Montaña Beach Resort Villa Montaña Beach Resort is laid-back and elegant. Villa Montaña Beach Resort Villa Montaña Beach Resort Who Will Love It: Couples and honeymooners All-Star Amenities: Grass tennis courts; complimentary parking and use of beach cruiser bikes and snorkel gear; Egyptian cotton sheets; pet friendly What Not To Miss: The Romance Room package, which includes Champagne and rose petals, and a private gazebo dinner at sunset. Location: Isabela Villa Montaña Beach Resort is nestled in a more remote northwest corner of the island, making it an excellent option for couples who are seeking a bit more privacy. The 35-acre property features a private stretch of coastline, as well as scenic cycling and jogging trails. Duos can spend the day lounging on the private beach (don't miss out on a beachfront massage) or next to one of the two swimming pools, but there's also a plethora of activities to keep them occupied during their stay. Snorkeling, kite surfing, and horseback riding are just a few of the many excursions offered, but guests can also walk the lush grounds for a more relaxed afternoon activity before heading to dinner at the all-day restaurant, Eclipse. Every room features luxurious, high-quality linens, terracotta tile flooring, complimentary Puerto Rican coffee and a private patio or terrace. Best Hotel For Families In Puerto Rico: Caribe Hilton Pool at Caribe Hilton. Caribe Hilton Caribe Hilton Who Will Love It: Stylish families looking to balance chill time with fun activities All-Star Amenities: Oceanfront swimming pools; wave and beach wing guest rooms; Zen Spa Océano What Not To Miss: Piña Colada tasting at swim-up bar Bagua (noon to 12:30 pm) and seeing tropical fish on a SeaTREK helmet diving excursion Location: San Juan Caribe HIlton's secluded beach, hammock garden, tropical gardens and bird sanctuary are relaxing places to spend time, but children will really get the VIP treatment in the Kids' Zone, which features a fountain pool, outdoor playground and daily activities like spike ball tournaments. Poolside movie screenings, s'mores stations and off-property activities, including a behind-the-scenes caretaker tour of the Manatee Conservation Center research lab that includes helping feed the gentle giants, are also popular with families. Parents will especially appreciate access to free childcare services that will allow them to spend an afternoon at the full-service spa and stop by the Caribar to sample various takes on Puerto Rico's national drink, the piña colada, which was reportedly created at the hotel in 1954. Best Wellness Hotel In Puerto Rico: Finca Victoria The Casa Botanic Ayurvedic Wellness Center has two treatment beds and a bathtub for therapeutic herbal soaks. Finca Victoria Finca Victoria Who Will Love It: Anyone interested in a holistic retreat to reset All-Star Amenities: Ayurvedic wellness center; saltwater pool; organic cotton sheets; vegan breakfast What Not To Miss: Morning yoga; an ayurvedic consultation and nighttime stargazing Location: Vieques Ayurvedic medicine might not come to mind when thinking about a Caribbean getaway, but Finca Victoria has made a name among wellness seekers looking to restore mind and spirit. The property features an outdoor saltwater pool, organic garden and sun terrace, plus new split-level structure Maloka for hosting yoga classes and other ceremonial gatherings. Decorated with vintage furniture and eclectic décor, each of the 12 rooms tells its own story—choose between treehouses, a new addition 1973 vintage Airstream and petite sea-view cabins, including one named after Finca Victoria founder Sylvia De Marco. Alternative modalities at the Casa Botanic Ayurvedic Wellness Center range from western massage to Chinese medicine, and the space has two treatment beds and a bathtub for therapeutic herbal soaks. Best All-Inclusive Resort In Puerto Rico: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa Pool at Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa. Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for a low-key tropical hideaway with add-on inclusive packages All-Star Amenities: Private beach; two swimming pools; tennis court and fitness center What Not To Miss: A beauty ritual at Ni Spa; the tasting menu at La Cata by Restaurante Alexandra Location: Guánica While not a traditional all-inclusive resort, Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa offers several 'getaway specials,' including breakfast, lunch and dinner for a daily rate of $116 (alcoholic beverages are an extra fee), making it ideal for travelers who want to prioritize on-site relaxation. The property is situated on 20 acres of tropical gardens, where guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking or snorkeling, or simply lounge by one of the two sparkling pools. There are 104 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which feature private patios or balconies for enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Spa and wellness enthusiasts will love the Ni Spa, where they can enjoy treatments such as a hot stone massage or a passion fruit body scrub. Other highlights include a fitness center, a tennis court, and the nearby Guanica Dry Forest Reserve and Bioluminescent Bay. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. This story was written by Katherine Louie, a lifestyle editor at Forbes Vetted, who focuses on various topics, including travel, beauty, fashion and home. She has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted, including the best hotels in Key West and the best resorts on Hilton Head Island. This story was edited by Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who's visited over 40 countries and has traversed the U.S. She has visited Puerto Rico multiple times. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Puerto Rico We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. For this story, Louie combined first-person experience and spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, hotel websites and more. Our selections include family-friendly properties as well as more adult-focused properties. We also included a selection of larger properties as well as intimate boutique stays, all across a wide range of budgets. We also spoke with Sarah Young, a travel advisor at Fora, who has booked multiple trips to Puerto Rico and recently traveled there with her family, and Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips In 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic . Young and Ruiz shared key insights on the best places to stay and what makes this location an excellent place to visit. About Katherine Louie, Your Puerto Rico Guide I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York. What Part Of Puerto Rico Is The Best To Stay In? There are many beautiful areas within Puerto Rico, but it's helpful to consider the type of activities you enjoy while on vacation and whether you prefer a more remote location with a tranquil atmosphere or a bustling city. 'Most people visit Old San Juan and stay in the greater San Juan metro area in neighborhoods like Condado, Ocean Park and Santurce,' says Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic. 'You definitely want to see the forts in Old San Juan.' When Is The Best Month To Go To Puerto Rico? 'For ideal weather and comfortable temperatures in the 70s and low 80s with low humidity, December through March is the sweet spot,' says Young. 'The shoulder season (April to June) is also excellent—still warm, but with fewer tourists. June through November is hurricane season, with peak storm activity typically in August and September. While you may find lower rates during this time, I always recommend booking refundable rooms and purchasing trip insurance, just in case.' What Are The Main Attractions In Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers, whether you prefer outdoor activities like surfing or strolling through historic city streets. 'The main attractions are exploring Old San Juan and the cruise port, the Bacardi Factory, Rincón (a town on the west coats with picturesque beaches) for surfing, Ponce (a city on the southern coast) for its history and architecture, and the greater San Juan Metro area for popular restaurants and hotels,' says Ruiz. More Travel Stories:
Spectator
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
The quiet frustrations of Puerto Rico
If you like piña coladas – and I do – Puerto Rico will suit you just fine. The cocktail was born on the island in 1954, though debate lingers over exactly where it was first dreamt up. A bartender at the Caribe Hilton is credited with blending coconut cream, pineapple and rum into its original form, but some claim it was at Barrachina that the drink evolved into the slushier, icier version we know today. But does it really matter? What's important is that in Puerto Rico, you're never far from a piña colada. Spring break was in full flow when I arrived on this tropical US territory. The college kids were easy to spot. The girls paraded around in string bikinis, which barely held everything in. Some of the boys, meanwhile, bore fresh hickeys, badges of honour. At Mar Chiquita beach, a food truck painted with the Puerto Rican flag served piña coladas in hollowed-out pineapples. 'These spring-breakers just don't know how to drink,' said Pablo, my guide through Old San Juan.
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Martinis to mimosas, 7 classic cocktails' origins, from a New York bar to a Brussels hotel
Classic cocktails are an integral part of bar culture worldwide. Some, like the martini, have achieved cult status through Bond films. Others are the subject of legends. Advertisement Which bars first mixed these well-known drinks? We tracked down the places where seven world-famous drinks were made. 1. The piña colada Drinks made with rum, pineapple and coconut have long been a core part of beverage culture in the Caribbean. Although drinks containing coconut, pineapple and rum have long been a part of beverage culture in the Caribbean, the piña colada is said to have been invented in 1954 in the Puerto Rican capital San Juan. Photo: Xiaomei Chen The Puerto Rican pirate captain Roberto Cofresi is said to have given his ship's crew a mixed drink like this back in the early 19th century. But the name piña colada (sieved pineapple) was attributed to a drink in Cuba by Travel Magazine in 1922. Nevertheless, the cocktail has been Puerto Rico's national drink since 1978. According to the Caribe Hilton beach hotel in the capital, San Juan, the bartender at the Caribar there, Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero, created the recipe in 1954 after months of experimentation using rum, coconut cream, whipped cream, pineapple juice and crushed ice, topped with a piece of pineapple and a cocktail cherry. 2. The martini
Forbes
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Choose The Right Rum For Your Piña Colada
Piña Colada getty Few cocktails capture the feeling of a tropical escape like the Piña Colada. A blend of rum, coconut, pineapple, and ice, it's a simple yet satisfying drink that has remained a summer staple for decades. But like any classic cocktail, its success hinges on the quality of its ingredients—especially the rum. A great Piña Colada should strike the right balance between sweet, creamy, and refreshing, with the rum playing a supporting role rather than overwhelming the drink. While some bartenders favor light and crisp rums that let the coconut and pineapple shine, others opt for aged rums that add depth and character. Whether you prefer a Piña Colada that's smooth and subtle or rich and complex, choosing the right rum makes all the difference. Refreshing Rum Pina Colada Cocktail on a Bar getty The origins of the Piña Colada are somewhat contested, with multiple bartenders claiming credit for the now-iconic cocktail. The most widely accepted story traces its roots back to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the early 1950s. Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton, is said to have created the drink while working at the hotel's Beachcomber Bar. Marrero reportedly spent months perfecting the recipe before serving it to guests in 1954. It was an instant hit. Another claim comes from a San Juan bar called Barrachina, which insists its bartender, Don Ramón Portas Mingot, first served the Piña Colada in 1963. Regardless of which story you believe, the drink became the official cocktail of Puerto Rico in 1978, cementing its status as a global favorite. Today, the Piña Colada is enjoyed in countless variations—blended, shaken, served in a fresh pineapple, or even given a modern twist with different spirits. But at its core, rum remains the backbone of the drink, adding warmth and structure to the tropical flavors. Here are five rums that make an excellent base for your next Piña Colada. For a Piña Colada with extra depth and character, Ron del Barrilito 3 Star is a standout choice. Unlike traditional white rums, this Puerto Rican aged rum brings notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted almonds, adding a rich complexity to the cocktail. Aged in American oak barrels, it introduces subtle spice and caramelized sugar flavors that enhance the creaminess of coconut and the brightness of pineapple. If you prefer a Piña Colada with a little more warmth and a refined, slightly oaky finish, this is the rum for you. A blend of rums from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad, Plantation 3 Stars is a bartender favorite for tropical cocktails. It offers a balance of bright, grassy notes from Trinidad, soft vanilla from Barbados, and a hint of funk from Jamaica. This combination makes it a great all-purpose white rum, adding a little complexity while still keeping the Piña Colada smooth and easy to drink. If you're looking for a true Puerto Rican rum to honor the Piña Colada's origins, Don Q Cristal is a natural choice. Aged for up to five years and charcoal-filtered for a clean finish, this rum is light, dry, and subtly sweet. It doesn't overpower the drink but instead enhances the coconut and pineapple flavors, making for an effortlessly balanced cocktail. This Demerara-style rum from Guyana brings a touch more richness to the Piña Colada while still being light enough to keep the drink refreshing. Aged for three years in oak barrels, El Dorado 3 Year has notes of caramel, coconut, and a hint of spice, which blend beautifully with the tropical ingredients. If you like your Piña Colada to have a bit more depth, this is a great pick. For those who enjoy a more robust Piña Colada, a lightly aged Jamaican rum like Appleton Estate Reserve 8 Year is an excellent option. While it has a richer profile than most white rums, it still maintains a smoothness that works well in blended drinks. Expect flavors of toffee, orange peel, and baking spices, which add a layer of complexity without overwhelming the coconut and pineapple. If you want a Piña Colada with a little extra personality, this rum delivers. There's no single "right" rum for a Piña Colada—it all depends on the style of drink you enjoy. If you want a light and crisp version, go for a clean, charcoal-filtered white rum like Ron Barceló Blanco or Don Q Cristal. If you prefer a bit more body and complexity, a blend like Plantation 3 Stars or an aged rum like Appleton Estate Reserve 8 Year will elevate the drink. No matter which rum you choose, the key to a great Piña Colada is balance. The coconut should be creamy but not heavy, the pineapple should be bright but not too acidic, and the rum should shine through without overpowering. With the right bottle, you can create a Piña Colada that's every bit as satisfying as the one you'd order on a beach in San Juan.
