About Palma Vista Villa and Seven Seas

Palma Vista Penthouse Villa is located at Seven Seas Beach, Fajardo. It is a 3,500 sq ft, two-level Penthouse. The villa has a fully equipped kitchen with everything you could possibly need to cook a gourmet meal. The first level has a large open balcony and the second level has an expansive terrace, which is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. There are three bedrooms (master suite has a king size bed and ensuite bathroom), the two additional bedrooms have queen size beds. There are three full bathrooms including the ensuite bathroom. The third full bathroom is located on the Penthouse Terrace level. The villa is fully air conditioned. Palma Vista has two communal pools and two exclusive parking spots for the villa as well as visitors parking. Palma Vista is a secure gated community, very private (only 30 units), exclusive and close to El Conquistador Resort and Las Cabezas de San Juan.

The views from the villa, balcony and terrace are beautiful. The front provides great ocean views and views of Las Cabezas de San Juan, the Lighthouse, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. From the back impressive, gorgeous views of El Yunque National Rain Forest and the Puerto Rican mountains and beautiful views of the countryside and its flora. The sunset and sunrise from the top terrace are stunning. Please view video below:

You do not need a car to access the beach from Palma Vista Villa. You walk out of the gates, cross the quiet road and you are at the beach.

There are plenty places to dine and to taste the unique local spices and flavors. The variety of places with the best sea food you will enjoy is overwhelming and on occasions difficult to decide where to go given all the locations and restaurants, which are great, very clean, using local fresh ingredients and produce and always a perfect service and a smile.

Fitness Centers

For those who need to keep up their daily visits to the gymnasium, there are two good fitness centers very close to Palma Vista. The newest and most up to date fitness centre is the RockHouse Fitness Center located at Barrio Quebrada Vueltas, which is a short 14 minute drive from Palma Vista. Rockhouse Fitness Center charges $5.00 per visit and they can be contacted at (787) 655-2727. Sally and Frank Estrada are the owners. Please click here to view a map showing the location.

The closest fitness center to Palma Vista is located at the Fajardo Inn, which is only a 10 minute drive from Palma Vista. The Jaggery Fitness Center, at the Fajardo Inn is a facility where you will find Cybex equipment, Zumba, Bootcamp, Kickboxing, Step, Spinning Classes and much more! Please call (787) 860-1000 for more details.

Taxis

A rental car is highly recommended to give you the freedom to explore the Island of Puerto Rico; however, if you require a taxi there are two local taxi companies that can be contacted on (787) 863-7600 or (787) 644-4637.

Shopping

For your fresh food and grocery shopping the local Ralph's Supermarket is highly recommended. Ralph's is a short 15 minute drive from Palma Vista and is located on Route 3 at the junction of Avenida Conquistador. Adjacent to Ralphs there is a large 24 hour CVS Pharmacy. There are a number of other shops located off route 3 in the immediate vicinity such as Walmart, Big K, Sears and Econo. The nearest Costco is located just off Route 3 at 1185 Ave 65 Infanteria, San Juan 00924 (40 minute drive from Palma Vista). Costco is open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Please click on this LINK for driving directions to Costco from Palma Vista Villa. After your arrival at the airport you may want to consider stopping off at Costco before heading to Palma Vista Villa. Please use this LINK for driving directions to Costco from the airport. You can use this LINK for directions from Costco back to Palma Vista Villa. There are also two SAMS Clubs located close by. The closest SAMS is located just of Route 3 and only a 36 minute drive from Palma Vista Villa. Click on this LINK for directions.

If you are looking for a local florist for flowers for a special occasion, look no further than Giorella's Creations in Fajardo. For orders please call 787-860-6029. Giorella's is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

If you are interested in purchasing freshly caught seafood, there is a Pescaderia located in the township of Saldinera, only 10 drive minutes from Palma Vista. A new Pescaderia is also located at Las Croabas, only a 5 minute drive from Palma Vista.

 

Dining

Las Croabas

LA ESTACION - La Estacion is a restaurant/bar just past the Hotel El Conquistador. It lies at the entrance of the Fajardo “barrio” called Las Croabas, traditionally known for it’s seafood and access to the bioluminescent bay. Kevin Roth, executive chef with over 12 years of experience in high profile restaurants in New York City partnered with Idalia Garcia to create a dining experience that truly captures the essence of Puerto Rico. They transformed what was once a gas station into a tropical oasis complete with lounge furniture and rocking chairs. While sitting under the stars, coquis compete with sounds of salsa and the smell of the outdoor barbecuing intoxicates you.

THE HOUSE OF PASTELLIOS - Reported to have the best Pastellios in Puerto Rico, The House of Pastellios is located directly across the road from Palma Vista. It's the perfect spot for a post-beach day (or mid-day) drink and snack. Order the lobster pastelillo or the mofongo with lobster. It is delicious! This is a great place for local food and drinks. It is extremely casual, so don't expect white table cloths and waiters! Just enjoy the local food, scenery and music.

COSTA MIA - Costa Mia is just around the corner from Palma Vista near the entrance to Las Cabezas De San Juan Nature Reserve. This is a great place for local food and drinks. It is extremely casual, so don't expect white table cloths and waiters! Just enjoy the local food and scenery.

 
GOLDEN SWEET BAKERY - Golden Sweet Bakery is the perfect spot for breakfast. They have an extensive breakfast menu and everything is well priced. The bakery is located at Calle Union 171 at Fajardo, and is approximately a 10 to 15 minute drive from Palma Vista on the way to the Fajardo Ferry

 

 
PORTO & BISTRO - Highly recommended Italian restaurant only a 5 minute drive from Palma Vista. Owned and run by Chef Cappelle, who has over 25 years in the Culinary Arts, which began at an early age and from a 2nd generation culinary Italian Immigrants from the south of Italy. His vast experience was developed while working at different positions and alongside 3 time Zaget award winner, Exec Chef Robert Galloway. While holding positions as Sous Chef and Executive Chef he developed his art form even further working at a fine dining French Restaurant. This served as a catapult for his drive and excellence in the industry. He owned, operated and was the Executive Chef at his successful Restaurant in Luquillo, “Ay Bonito Grill”, from 2005 - 2016. His Restaurant was awarded the Trip Advisor and Yelp’s Certificate of Excellence for 8 years.

RINCON DEL FARO - Enjoy the exquisite Caribbean flavors at Rincon Del Faro. This great restaurant is literally only a 10 minute walking distance from Palma Vista Villa. The restaurant is open every day, except Tuesdays, from 8AM until 10PM.

 

 

 

RACAR SEA FOOD - Owner Mr. Poty - No reservations needed - Phone numbers (787) 645-5213. A few minutes from Palma Vista. Excellent local and typical Caribbean food - all you can expect in one of the best local places. You can call and order food to be delivered or just stop by and enjoy the locals and non locals in a very relaxed atmosphere with great service and flavors.

CARLOS SEA FOOD - Owner Ms. Dali - No reservation needed - Phone numbers (787) 587-7902 or (787) 565-8554. You will never cook with Carlos Sea Food next to you. Just few feet away on the left side of road 987 and before you get to Palma Vista. This a very casual white trailer and tent with all you can imagine in Caribbean cuisine in their menu. You can just drop by or call if you want to order and pick up. All fresh ingredients and home-made flavors.

LA ESTRELLA DEL NORTE - Tel (787) 863-2046. No reservations needed but only open Wednesday to Saturday - Just off State Road 987 Kilometer 6.4 Las Croabas and after Las Cabezas de San Juan entrance on your left side. Need to carefully look for the place because it is not directly on State Road 987 and is slightly off the road on the left. Superb sea food dishes. Just minutes from Palma Vista and great atmosphere.

PASION POR EL FOGON - Reservations (787) 863-3502 and (787) 315-9820. This restaurant has been honored several times as 'The Best of the Best' by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Luquillo Kiosks

LA PARRILLA - Kiosk #2, Tel (787) 889-0590. Heaven in Luquillo. No reservations needed and a must visit while you’re in Puerto Rico. Chef Ricardo Alvaro’s masterful culinary abilities and warm personality will make it a meal to remember and you'll be back to visit often. La Parrilla is located in the Kiosk area of Luquillo in Kiosko #2, right on Highway 3.

EL JEFE - Kiosk #12, is known for its stuffed burger (try the green chile and jalapeño) that gets it right.

Beaches and Sightseeing

There are beautiful beaches right on your doorstep, and others within easy walking distance; such as Playa Escondida and Playa Colora.

Seven Seas Beach, named for its enchanting shades of blue waters and a beautiful sand beach located at Las Cabezas de San Juan, 10 minutes from the town of Fajardo and in the Las Croabas sector. The clear shallow water with coral reefs to explore is also protected by offshore reefs. The region is part of the National Parks system and is considered a "World Blue Flag Beach". In order to obtain the Blue Flag distinction, a beach has to comply with a set of very strict standards in terms of water quality, safety and services, environmental education and information. Blue Flag Beaches are continually monitored for water and land environmental safety.

Seven Seas Beach is a popular beach for snorkelling around the coral reefs, water sports, and camping on the beach (with a permit). Several nearby islets like; Icacos, Palomino and Palominito provide even more opportunities for fantastic snorkelling and exploring. Local companies or at local hotels you can organize guided tours and/or for a local company to take you for a fun day. Especially popular are the Kayak Tours of the Bioluminescent Bays in Laguna Grande, which is at Seven Seas Beach and Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques Island.

Playa Escondida and Playa Colora are two of the most secluded beaches you can find. This means they are romantic spots and certainly great places just to relax. Playa Escondida means "Hidden Beach" and Playa Colora "Red Beach" in Spanish. In order for it to be hidden, and virtually unused, it is in an out-of-the way place — you have to walk about 15 to 20 minutes through a mangrove forest to get there, but the prize at the end is worth it — finding a pretty, secluded strip of beach like this one is always a pleasure. Also the Governor's summerhouse is at Governor's Beach, which is right next to Playa Escondida. Playa Escondida is very safe for snorkelling, swimming and/or just to contemplate the beautiful views in very calm non-wave waters.

El Conquistador Resort and Palomino Island

After noon each day, guests can visit the adjacent El Conquistador Resort to enjoy the great restaurants, cafes and shops. Important Note: Non rresort guests are not permitted to use the swimming pools and the El Coqui Waterpark at the resort and/or take the resort ferry to Palomino Island. However, if you contact us directly, before or during your stay at Palma Vista Villa, we can arrange for you to gain access to Palomino Island in addition to the Coqui Waterpark.

Also, seven minutes by car and in the town of Fajardo, ferryboats can take you to more places to explore and beaches to enjoy. Vieques and Culebra can also be reached by air from Ceiba Airport. Ceiba Airport, which is a 20 minute drive from Seven Seas, also services flights to other nearby island such as the US Virgin Islands. Flights from this small airport on the east coast are much more economical than flights from the airports in the San Juan area. Air Flamenco operating from Ceiba airport offer charter flights to San juan, Arecibo, Ponce and the islands of Culbra, Vieques, St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola, St Martin, Anguila and the Dominican Republic.

Seeing more of the island is easy when you take a side trip to see its natural attractions as a part of a day at the beach. A perfect example is El Yunque National Rainforest, which is 22.8 km (14.2 miles)  from Seven Seas Beach.

Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Rain Forest boasts the distinction of being the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It's also the smallest of all the national forests at 28,000 acres. But don't be fooled—there's big adventure waiting in this enclave just east of San Juan. Rain descends on the thickly vegetated hillsides in biblical proportions, making the plant life here remarkably diverse. Beneath a towering canopy of trees, some more than 1,000 years old, fronds of giant ferns arch gracefully over the rainforest floor, bromeliads and epiphytes sprout from every nook and cranny of host trees, and rare orchids dangle in a profusion of colorful blooms. Those who would like to view the rain forest from a different perspective should try Ziplining for a magical view of the El Yunque National Rainforest. This activity is great for all ages and the Rain Forest Zip Line Corp is a great ziplining company who take safey very seriously.

There are many beautiful islands with white sand beaches and deserted cays of the East Coast of Puerto Rico and there are a number of excursion companies that provide day sail charters for individuals, small and large private groups and corporate groups. Spread Eagle offers exciting sail and snorkelling excursions where you can explore the white sand beaches of the uninhabited Spanish Virgin Islands. Casa del Mar provides snorkelling and scuba excursions in the crystalline waters of the East Coast of Puerto Rico. Guided Mini Boat Tours provide a great way to hop over to Icacos Island for swimming and beach exploration, then skip to Cayo Lobos for a breathtaking snorkeling session followed by a jump back to homeport - Puerto Chico Marina . Catamaran Salty Dog provides day sailing tours and private parties to the East Coast islands onboard a 46 ft sailing catamaran. If you prefer something smaller, Reynaldo Tours provide great day excursions to Icacos, Palominos and Palominitos. Reynaldo Tours does not have a website but can be contacted directly by calling +1 787 562-4226. Captain Domingo Garcia of Ventajero Sailing Charters provides unforgetable day sailing or overnight sailing experiences aboard his beautiful 52' yacht 'Venatajero 4. Please visit his website or call him direct for more information and bookings at (787) 645-9129 or (787) 863-1871.

Shopping at The Mall of San Juan

The latest shopping trend on the island of Puerto Rico is The Mall of San Juan. Click on this LINK for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventures

Seeing more of the island is easy when you take a side trip to see its natural attractions as a part of a day at the beach. A perfect example is El Yunque National Rainforest, which is 22.8 km (14.2 miles)  from Seven Seas Beach.

Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Rain Forest boasts the distinction of being the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It's also the smallest of all the national forests at 28,000 acres. But don't be fooled—there's big adventure waiting in this enclave just east of San Juan. Rain descends on the thickly vegetated hillsides in biblical proportions, making the plant life here remarkably diverse. Beneath a towering canopy of trees, some more than 1,000 years old, fronds of giant ferns arch gracefully over the rainforest floor, bromeliads and epiphytes sprout from every nook and cranny of host trees, and rare orchids dangle in a profusion of colorful blooms. Those who would like to view the rain forest from a different perspective should try Ziplining for a magical view of the El Yunque National Rainforest. This activity is great for all ages and the Rain Forest Zip Line Corp is a great ziplining company who take safety very seriously.

For a spectacular view of the rain forest and the East Coast of Puerto Rico a hike along the Mount Britton Trail is highly recommended. The Mount Britton Trail is a 0.8 mile, one-way hike. It starts a short walk from Road 191, at an elevation of 2,493 feet and climbs 594 feet in this short distance. The trail is narrow, but paved, and well-maintained. It is a labeled as a “Challenging” trail by the US Forest Service, but we didn’t really think it was that challenging. I guess they they labeled it that was because it’s steep in some places, and the paved walkway can be slippery. To get to the trail head, you need to go up Road 191, past the Palo Colorado Information Center, until Km 12.2 where you will see the sign for the trail and the road goes to the right. Turn right onto Road 930 (9938) and go until you see parking around the trailhead sign. There is parking available on the road. Park only in designated spots. This is a one way road that loops back to Rd 191 again.

Children's Climbing and Water Splash Park

A children's Climbing and Water Splash Park has just opened only a 5 minute walk from Palma Vista. The park is designed for children from ages 1 to 12 years. The park provides a great Water Splash area for the kids as well as a range of climbing and other play activites for children. The cost to use the park is $7.00 per child. Children less than 4 years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Extreme Fun - Zipline Tours

Puerto Rico also hosts one of the most exciting ziplines in the World! "La Bestia" (The Beast) at the Toro Verde Nature Park, has an altitude of up to 853ft with a distance of 4,745ft and speeds up to 65 mph! Click on this LINK to reserve your tour now.

Walking & Kayaking in the Humacao Nature Reserve

The Humacao Wildlife Refuge (now called the Punta Santiago Natural Reserve in Humacao) is located on the east coast of Puerto Rico and is only a 30 minute drive from Palma Vista Villa. Within the reserve you’ll find numerous trails for walking, biking and light hiking, long stretches of beach, spectacular views of the coast, lots of fishing opportunities, an area with picnic pavilions, some ruins from the area’s history as a sugar plantation, old bunkers from wars past, and the availability of kayaks and bikes to rent. The reserve has been recently refurbished and now offers kiosks for crafts too. The reserve is not heavily visited, so you may very well have this large area almost all to yourself! If you are a bird watcher, this is a great place to see birds. And iguanas!

Arriving at the reserve is easy. It’s located right on Route 3, just south of the Punto Santiago Beach. The entrance is clearly marked with a brown sign for the “Reserva Natural de Humacao”. Pull your car right through the gate and park (for free). Just watch out for crossing ducks and iguanas! The Nature Reserve itself, as well as parking inside (and across the street from ) the Reserve, is free.

The Reserve is open from 7 days/week, but the concessions are only open Wednesday – Sunday 9 – 4pm. (and usually Mondays that are holidays) Depending on what you want to do (walk, kayak, bike, fish), allow between a couple of hours up to a full day. For more info on the Reserve, call 787-852-6058 or 787-285-7979.

Bioluminescent Bay Adventure - Laguna Grande

Prepare yourself for a truly magical experience of a lifetime! One of the most spectacular sights on a night trip in Caribbean waters is to witness hundreds of tiny star-like bioluminescent plankton scintillating like a starry sky as you move through the dark water. Wave your paddle through the water in front of you, and be mesmerized by the tiny glowing specs of plankton or Dinoflagellates which are tiny unicellular marine plankton also known as fire plants. Fajardo’s bioluminescent bay is one of few scattered around Puerto Rico – and one of the last that remain on the planet! Experience this rare phenomenon of nature as you glide through the tranquil “Laguna Grande” surrounded by mangroves and teeming with sea life above and below the still water. Tours of the Bio Bay are extremely popular so make sure you book your tour well ahead of your visit to Palma Vista Villa. Eco Action Tours and Yokahu Kayaks are two of a number of reliable Bio Bay tour operators. Staying at Palma Vista Villa you are literally at the doorsZumbate Fun Rentalstep of the Bioluminescent Bay.

Zumbate Fun Rentals

Zumbate Fun Rentals is a local and highly recommend company that specializes in a host of adventure activities such as Mountain Biking, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Private Boats Trips and Snorkeling. Zumbate Fun Rentlas can be contacted at 787-900-3907 or 787-414-3343

Catamaran & Snorkeling Excursions

There are a variety of excellent Catamaran Excursion Companies that operate directly out of Fajardo providing day catamaran and snorkeling tours around the beautiful islands and islets off the East Coast. Check out Culebra Snorkel and Beach Tours onboard the Tobias and Catamaran East Island Excursions and also FineLine Tours for more information.

Pinones Mangrove Forest - Nature Boardwalk & Waterfront Fun

Pinones Mangrove Forest (Bosque de Pinones) offers a unique experience for tourists and locals alike. We find that almost no matter what we like doing, we can find it and spend an enjoyable day or evening in this area.

Even though this area is located just east of the airport and Isla Verde, it seems like a totally different world. There are no high rise buildings or traffic lights. This area is designed for recreation and relaxation. During the day, it offers an 11 kilometer long nature trail/boardwalk that runs through the mangrove forest and along the northern coastline. The boardwalk is open to any non-motorized transportation, though mostly people walk or bike along it. I enjoy walking parts of it, and then stepping off the path and onto the beach, or to look at the rock formations, or the splashing waves coming in, and exploring the tidal pools. You can watch local fishermen catch large sea snails and other things.

Camuy Cave Park

A trip to Puerto Rico is not complete without descending into the depths of a million year old cave! Few cave systems in the world are as massive or dramatic as the Rio Camuy Cave Park. Click on this LINK for more information.

Rainforest Horseback Riding

Explore Puerto Rico and its amazing National Rainforest on horseback. The invigorating horseback rides takes you “off the beaten path” to enjoy an incredible adventure. Click on this LINK for more information.

Puerto Rico - 7 Natural Wonders

Puerto Rico - The All Star Island

Please enjoy the following short videos highlighting the natural wonders and pristine beauty of Puerto RIco.

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