A little piece of heaven for enthusiasts of trendy and fashionable designer footwear is found at Orma by Denise Rovira, situated at 1451 Ashford Avenue in Condado. This quaint and chic boutique is ‘the place’ to go to find the most fashion-forward and unique selection of shoes in San Juan.

Orma may be a small store, but it’s packed with treasures for fashionistas. This shoe lover’s paradise sells one pair per size of each style for exclusivity purposes.

“I have great communication with my clients. They share photos of their outfits with me and I give my recommendations about shoes. I do this with locals as well as with clients that live abroad. I have clients that were tourists at one point, and they stay in touch waiting for the new collections. So, I find myself making special shipments regularly to those customers. As an entrepreneur it’s a great satisfaction because it confirms the quality and value of our unique products,” said Denise Rovira.

Exclusive designer lines at Orma are Eqüitare, Claire Charlotte, Lola Cruz and Melissa x Viktor & Rolt. Eqüitare shoes are handcrafted in Spain by local artisans. The brand’s modern design and craftsmanship uses natural fibers, hand braided and stitched leather for elegance and comfort.

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Also handcrafted in Spain, Claire Charlotte mules are a hybrid between a handmade sandal and a clog manufactured from sustainable harvested wood. This avant-garde shoe line is run by second generation brothers since 1998.

Spanish luxury footwear label Lola Cruz from designer Maria Jesus Gozalbo specializes in women’s leather craftsmanship that have a perfect balance between style and quality.

Melissa is a shoe company based in Brazil that creates extraordinary plastic shoes. Their designs include a broad spectrum of shoes, from simple sandals to extravagant sculptural wedges. Over the years they have collaborated with many designers and Orma has the Melissa x Victor & Rolf, the modern luxury fashion house founded in 1993 by Dutch fashion artists Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. Viktor & Rolf creations evokes a provocative spirit infused with surreal contrasts.

“My goal is to offer clients a variety of styles to complement their personality. For me, style is very important; but my priority is to provide attractive pieces that are also comfortable and practical. When you are comfortable in what you wear, your personality and charm shines through. And that’s what I desire for my clients, for them to shine wherever they go,” added Denise Rovira.

Feel the need, the need for speed! Then the Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex at The Outlet 66 Mall in Canovanas is the perfect place to channel your inner child.

The newly refurbished mall, just 15 minutes from San Juan’s International Airport and a little over 20 minutes from El Yunque Rainforest, features Puerto Rico’s as well as the Caribbean’s first K1 Speed facility, an indoor, electric go-karts, single track where adult racers can put the pedal to the metal and reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour – the fastest in the industry.

You may not be racecar drivers Mario Andretti or Dale Earnhardt Jr. but the experience of zooming around a serpentine track under neon lights is exhilarating. Each race is 14 laps and lasts about 10-12 minutes. Face it; go karts are fun! You’ll speed around the track and experience the adrenaline rush that is Indy-style racing. Afterwards you’ll peel off your helmet, high fives abound.

Visitors to K1 Speed at The Outlet 66 Mall are treated to a state-of-the-art venue complete with a museum-worthy collection of authentic racing memorabilia, and plush leather sofas. The track is professionally designed for maximum overtaking opportunities and features PROTEX barriers to maintain safety.

It also has the latest junior electric karts to allow kids 4ft (48”) or taller to get a kick out of go-karting at speeds of around 20 miles per hour. There are no mixed junior and adult races allowed. The electric karts are superior to their gas-powered counterparts in nearly every way: they are quieter, produce zero noxious fumes, and provide instant power without lag.

When not racing, there’s plenty to do at this mall – making it a perfect attraction for Millennials and Gen Zers. The Outlet 66 Mall has gotten a newer, fresher look – a trend occurring in most U.S. mainland shopping centers. Aside from removing the Old San Juan facades for more modern store fronts, the mall has gotten new floors, new entrances, and new retail tenants. Visitors can still enjoy shopping until they drop in stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Burlington, Nautica, Journeys, Trollbeads, among many others. When hunger strikes, this mall has its visitors covered with venues like Karma’s Wine Bar and Beer Garden, Pizza@Canovanas, Meson Sandwiches, Red Mango, Subway, Papa John’s and KFC, and soon its newest tenant Golden Corral – the only one in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

The Outlet 66 Mall also incorporated to its retail entertainment CXC racing simulators, Fun Box ropes course, arcade games, bumper cars, bowling, and drag racing.

“Family entertainment centers are evolving to keep pace with the changing consumer demand,” Justin Tirri, owner of The Outlet 66 Mall, said about the reason why the major refurbishment at this property. “We are raising the bar for all retail and entertainment in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – making The Outlet 66 Mall one of the best tourist spots where family entertainment never ends.”

At The Outlet 66 Mall, its 10, CXC racing simulators create a realistic racecar driving experience with real-time mode, leading-edge visual, expanding line-up of famed racecars and courses, as well as audio and motion control systems. Drivers are able to feel what it’s like to drive a robotic car flying uphill.

“We are raising the bar for all retail and 
entertainment in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”
– Justin Tirri

Fun Box is an indoor rope course right in the middle of the mall corridor where visitors can go up in the air, make their way through different obstacles, and enjoy the thrill of zip lining while shoppers watch– total fun like 
no other.

Who said arcades is a thing of the past, especially when the Arcade Mania at The Outlet 66 Mall not only has the latest state-of-the-art virtual reality video games like a Sega XD theater and Virtual Rabbids as well as bumper cars to chase each other around that would make any possible contender green with envy.

And you can’t forget to mention – Bowling at Sector Sixty6 , the most modern and futuristic glow in the dark bowling alley with its large screens and LED lights that makes hanging out as a family extremely fun again.

If that wasn’t all, Sector Sixty6 also features an indoor dragster strip, which overlooks the lush mountains of El Yunque Rainforest, for edge-of-your-seat excitement.

No matter the reason to visit Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex at The Outlet 66 Mall, its staff can offer visitors reserved times so they won’t have to wait, private racing for corporate events, teambuilding groups, private parties as well as a professional-style racing format that is exclusive to its group event packages.

Puerto Rico might be best known for its sandy beaches and stunning scenery, but when you’re ready to get out of the sun and engage in some serious retail therapy, the island is packed with opportunities to browse and buy. From high-end luxury to discounted outlet stores, options abound for every style and budget.

Shopping junkies should embark on their retail journeys at San Juan’s Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean. Since 1968, this sprawling, 1.8 million-square-foot epicenter has thrilled high-end shoppers and frugal patrons alike, with stores to appeal to a plethora of ages and interests.

Anchored by department stores Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears, the mall includes more than 300 exciting outposts. Clothes horses can find sporty apparel at American Eagle, Pac Sun, Abercrombie & Fitch and stay up on the latest trends at affordable prices at Forever 21, Gap, and Old Navy and dress to impress with designer fashion-forward apparel from Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, as well as UNOde50 and Zara stores both from Spain. Parents can stock up on what their kids crave at The Children’s Place, Disney Store, and Build-A-Bear Workshop while picking up something special for themselves at Tiffany & Co., Vom Fass, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora or Kury Jeweler, the official Rolex retailer in Puerto Rico besides having the most exclusive brands in the world with unmatched personal service. Swing by home-grown stores like Hecho en Puerto Rico to purchase a vast array of items made in Puerto Rico, from coffee and rum to soap and clothing, or hippie-chic looks from Valija and Hecho a Mano, among others. And if you need a suite case to accommodate all of your purchases, Kipling and Totto have a stellar selection.

When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of delectable options where you can rest your feet and warm your belly, from fast-food outposts like Mr. Pretzels for salty, doughy treats to full-service crowd pleasers like The Cheesecake Factory. Sit down for a pasta-filled feast (with unlimited breadsticks, of course) at The Olive Garden, savor noodle dishes, lettuce wraps, crispy beef and other modern Chinese fare at PF Chang’s, or opt for a classic burger and fries at Applebee’s. Afterwards, follow your nose to David’s Cookies for fresh-baked, gooey sweets.

Plaza Carolina, Puerto Rico’s second largest shopping center, is anchored by JCPenney, TJ Maxx and Sears features a variety of affordable stores like Aeropostale, Bath & Body Works, Champs Store, Charlotte Russe, Exentrix, Foot Locker, among others. The mall offers many dining options from sit down places such as Chili’s to Pizza Hut and small kiosks.

For a more refined mall-going excursion that appeals to patrons looking for a relaxed setting, The Mall of San Juan delivers. This elegant mall sports a mix of uber-high-end labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, Coach, and anchor store, Nordstrom as well as more accessible spots like H&M, and Banana Republic. Many of the more than 100 stores here are unique to the market and are world-renowned brands like Tiffany, Salvatore Ferragamo, Daniel Espinosa Jewelry, Geox, Omega Boutique, Joaquin Blanco and if you’re looking to spend your money at locally-owned boutiques there is Desigual, Jorge Bared Jeweler, Lido Jewelers, and local designer boutiques such as Luis Antonio and Gustavo Arango- there are plenty from which to choose.

The shopping experience is made even more pleasant with amenities like valet parking and an on-site concierge service. When you enter, make your first stop the Information Desk, where jovial staff are on hand to help navigate the mall and answer any questions. But that’s not all – they’ll give you a shopping passport that includes a slew of discounts, and they might even load you up with coupons for free beauty treatments, coffee and more.

Dining at the Mall of San Juan is a true pleasure. On the first floor, guests can sit down for sushi and Japanese fare at Kona Grill or flavorful Puerto Rican dishes at the newly opened Metropol. One flight up, Vin’us wine bar is the place to go for vintages you might not find anywhere else in the area. For additional delectable options with a side of sprawling views, take the glass-encased elevator to the third floor. The open-air patio sports comfy couches and chairs where you can throw your bags down and take a load off before heading over to one of the rooftop’s two stellar dining options. As its name suggests, Burger & Beer Joint serves sumptuous options for both, and with deliciously crispy pizza, fresh salads and al-dente pasta, Il Nuovo Mercato conjures the feeling of relaxed meal in Italy.

The Mall of San Juan also boasts alliances with Sony Music, Uforia Lounge of KQ105 and the Corporation of Musical Arts to bring patrons a slate of top-notch entertainment, including past performances from showstoppers like Draco, Prince Royce and the Symphonic Orchestra of Puerto Rico. And if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to stop in on a Tuesday, when youngsters can engage in free activities like art, crafts, yoga, and reading sessions.

Puerto Rico also has other quality shopping malls like San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo, Plaza Rio Hondo in Bayamon, Plaza del Caribe in Ponce and the Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez, which is situated in the beautiful western coast of the island.

The Mayaguez Mall (the third largest in Puerto Rico) and has over 120 well rounded stores, restaurants and entertainment outlets catering to all budgets. That is why it’s known as the main shopping center in the west. It even has a heliport within the mall property.

The key outlets at the Mayaguez Mall include department store anchors Sears and JCPenney as well as stores like Pandora, Tous, Totto, Florsheim, Marshalls, Shoe Carnival. Also, you can enjoy before or after your shopping spree a variety of tourism attractions, relax at spectacular nearby beaches, eat good food or opt to visit a casino at the Holiday Inn Mayaguez or at the Mayaguez Resort & Casino.

Meanwhile, fabulous haute couture and jewelry emporiums – emblazoned with the most famous names in fashion are situated in luxury condominiums that share space with swimsuit and trendy surf shops, local independently owned boutiques, upscale jewelry stores and souvenir shops, along palm-lined ocean-side drives in Isla Verde beach district and the swanky and highly popular Condado.

A short walk away, the iconic Caribe Hilton (scheduled to reopen in spring 2019), said to be the birthplace of the piña colada cocktail – is just steps from Paseo Caribe, an open-air shopping plaza with unique options ranging from unique luxury brands to gastronomic treasure like El Mercado – an upscale food market with a mix of local gourmet restaurants, butcher shops and other gourmet food boutiques under one roof, to It Girl, a hot spot for ultra-feminine clothing and accessories that are always on trend.

To enjoy a shopping trip with a hearty dose of Puerto Rican history and culture, Old San Juan is the ideal destination. As you stroll up and down the blue cobblestone streets and take in the pastel-colored buildings and distinct architecture in this section of the city, there is no shortage of unique and charming shops to duck into for everything from custom-fitted hats to one-of-a-kind art to Fair Trade Certified home decor sourced from around the world. (For more on where to quench your retail thirst in Old San Juan, see “Find that unique travel memento in Old San Juan” on Page 70).

Elsewhere in San Juan, there is an explosion of retail creativity taking place in up and coming urban zones in downtown Santurce and along Loiza Street by the beach at Ocean Park as well as in the Miramar neighborhood and the Hato Rey financial district. You’ll find street fashion boutiques, up and coming food shops, and beachwear stores among others.

Thrifty travelers can score discounts throughout the island. Looking for brand names like Calvin Klein, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger but don’t want to spend too much money? The Outlet 66 Mall in Canovanas is your answer. As you stroll up and down the corridors in this expansive shopping haven, stock up on marked-down fragrances, sneakers and even underwear. The space recently got a makeover, changing up its look to appeal to younger customers, which includes modern and cleaner store facades, and tenants like Aeropostale, Burlington, Journey’s, Lids, Nautica, Sketchers, Trollbeads, among others and the addition of the awesomely thrilling Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex for gaming and more (see sidebar “Adrenaline junkie overload at The Outlet 66 Mall” on Page 66.

Another affordable outpost for seasoned shoppers is Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta, just a 45-minute drive from San Juan (but the drive is totally worth it) and features 90 designer and brand name stores. At this outdoor, colorful village-style outlet mall with great looking window displays, you can score huge savings of up to 65% off on pretty much anything at popular designer spots like Ann Taylor, Michael Kors, and Lacoste. There are also a chock full of factory outlet shops like Ann Taylor Factory Store, Michael Kors Outlet, Gap Factory, Maidenform Outlet, Guess Factory, Loft Outlet, Nautica Factory, Nike Factory Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Puma Outlet, Aldo Outlet, The Children’s Place Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, Disney Store Outlet, Old Navy Outlet and Vans Outlet offering great prices on merchandise from top manufacturers and distributors.

When you’ve exhausted your shopping allowance and extraordinary experience because of the outlet’s tropical outdoor atmosphere, sit down to grab a bite to eat, ranging from quick options like Charley’s Philly Steaks, California BBQ and full-service dining at Olive Garden or Chili’s Grill and Bar.

The Outlets at Montehiedra, a mix of brand name outlet stores and local offerings in a one level enclosed mall housing over 100 stores ranging from Gap to Polo Ralph Lauren Factor Store and anchored by Big Kmart, the Home Depot and Marshall’s.

No matter where you go on the island, stellar shopping opportunities are open for business.

So get out your credit card, don a pair of comfortable shoes (or buy them!) and get ready to shop your heart out, Puerto Rico style.

Designer Monica Bernardy’s goal is to produce accessories to educate her students

From celebrity chefs like Jose Enrique and Mario Pagan to world-renowned entertainers like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Daddy Yankee, Puerto Rico’s creative community is thriving. When it comes to fashion, a local designer is making her mark in a different way, and she’s starting from the ground up. On the Island of Enchantment, it’s all about the espadrilles.

Easily identified by their ropy soles, espadrilles are a distinctive form of footwear dating back to mid-fourteenth-century Europe. Originally worn by peasants in France, they were first crafted using esparto, a wiry grass from the Mediterranean. Today, espadrilles have evolved to incorporate jute fiber, a relatively inexpensive material that’s strong and fashionable. They come in styles ranging from wedge sandals to closed-toed slip-ons and are popular with both men and women who want to look chic and feel comfortable.

In recent years, Puerto Rico has become a rising force in the field of shoe design and manufacturing, thanks in large part to a visionary who is building the island’s future on the durable heels of espadrilles.

Born in the scenic hamlet of Cayey, Monica Bernardy first took up design with the goal of simply making her own clothes. “God had another plan,” she says, referring to what eventually became a full-fledged career in the industry.

Bernardy studied fashion in New York and took an intense course in accessory making in Spain before returning to Puerto Rico for additional education at Centro Moda and Carlota Alfaro, both of which are headquartered in San Juan. Rather than start her own line or work for another designer, she took an unexpected path after she graduated. She found her calling as a professor, passing her knowledge along to the Puerto Rico’s next generation of creative minds.

“I never imagined this was God’s will for my life. I love to teach and that is exactly what I’m doing,” Bernardy said.

It was her students who ultimately inspired Bernardy to open her own educational institution. “In my job as a professor of high fashion at Centro Moda and EDP University, the students asked me where they could study how to design shoes,” she recalls. The dearth of options on the island left her dismayed. Without a local school to recommend, she took matters into her own hands, initially leading small workshops that she offered only to her Facebook friends. In 2016, The Bernardy Studio was officially born.

The Bernardy Studio was opened to fill the void in the area of education to design accessories such as purses and shoes in Puerto Rico’s fashion industry.

The school, which today employs seven in staff, educates students who hail from everywhere from Fajardo to Mayaguez. The curriculum features classes on how to make a variety of textiles, from sneakers and sandals to wallets and backpacks. The most popular workshop focuses on crafting espadrilles.

As part of the complex process of making espadrilles, Bernardy tests them out first on canvas to make sure the fit is correct then she gets inspired on selecting the color. Once the material (fabric or leather) is chosen, it is machine sewn and then a hand stitch called punto de ojal (buttonhole stitch) is done.

Some espadrilles are decorated with small metalwork, buckles, or bias to provide a special touch while others are completely crafted with glitter vinyl.

“Create to educate” is the slogan at Bernardy Studio and that’s Monica’s goal – to continue producing accessories in order to educate her students.

“The espadrilles are fresh because the soles are made from jute, which permits the foot to breathe,” she says. She notes that they are also relatively easy for inexperienced sewers to produce. And while Bernardy is eager to encourage shoppers to buy from her students, she doesn’t sell her own designs. “I have a passion for educating and that is where I want to be.”

Much more than just a fashion statement, espadrilles are an unlikely means to helping to secure a better future for Puerto Rico, one pair at a time. For more information call Bernardy Studios at (787) 234-9898.

Striking architecture, brilliantly colored buildings, awe-inspiring Caribbean vistas, and a vibrant culture best describes Old San Juan, the oldest city in the U.S. and its territories. And when it comes to retail, its centuries-old blue cobblestone streets are lined with an enticing array of unique stores that can only be found in this enchantingly historic neighborhood.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or a colorful memento from an unforgettable trip, you’ll find it all in the Old City.

Puerto Rico’s intrinsic beauty has inspired artists for centuries, and many shops throughout Old San Juan, most on our list found on Fortaleza Street, highlight the work of local artisans. Stepping into Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts art gallery is like being engulfed in the imaginations of some of the island’s most creative residents. Operating out of a restored Spanish colonial home for more than 40 years, the shelves here feature treasures like Roberto Maldonado’s hand-carved wooden Pica horses, colorful carnival masks by Ponce’s Miguel Caraballo and coconut crafts from Francisco “Panchi” Tirado.

A short stroll away on Fortaleza Street is sister shop Mi Pequeño San Juan which sells hand-painted miniature replicas of San Juan’s colorful buildings and distinct doors, which can be personalized with names and addresses for a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.

By turning self-replenishing bamboo fields into crazy-soft bamboo fabrics, Cariloha offers an exclusive collection of bedding, apparel, active wear, bath goods, and accessories made from soft, cool, clean and green bamboo. Cariloha San Juan is located in 258 Fortaleza Street.

Fans of Latin tunes flock to Fundacion Nacional para la Cultura Popular, a center that honors the contributions of Puerto Ricans made to music, dance, television, theater, and film. This non-profit also found on Fortaleza Street serves many functions – it’s a museum, performance space, dance and music school, and an archive. The 300 year old building also includes a retail arm that sells music on CDs, vintage vinyl (LPs), and DVDs by celebrated local artists in every genre, from Jose Alfredo Mendez, Luryanne Villegas, and Glenn Monroig among others. Signed posters of El Gran Combo, Tito Puente, and Willie Colon embellish the wall.

If you are a cigar aficionado then a visit to the Cigar House on Fortaleza Street is a must-do. This shop is the biggest cigar emporium on the island. Enjoy a fine cigar joined by a whiskey or aged rum in air-conditioned comfort. If you want something to eat, the owners don’t mind you ordering food from an outside venue and eating at the cigar bar. The Cigar House has more than 300 brands from around the world and is kept in a large walk-in humidifier including fine quality Dominican cigars and a variety of brands using Puerto Rican leaf. The Spanish owners live upstairs and if downstairs at the shop, take the opportunity to converse with them since they are extremely knowledgeable about the products. Imagine, they are also close friends with Arturo Fuentes, owner of one of the best rated cigar brand in the world, who recently visited the shop.

The home of Coqui el Original, an endearing line of charm bracelets, cufflinks, and accessories inspired by Puerto Rico’s resident resonant coqui frogs, N. Barquet Joyero on Fortaleza Steet also features collections from Spain’s Carrera y Carrera, Italy’s Garavelli Gioeielli, and other world-renowned designers.

Pandora, a Danish designed brand world known for its hand-finished, contemporary pieces like charms, rings, earrings, necklaces and fashionable bracelets; sells items made with ethically sourced gold, sterling silver and rose metals. Its bracelets’ modular design allows customers to change the beads to dress them up for an elegant look or for a more casual wear at a moment’s notice.

For gifts that impress without breaking the bank, Blue Diamond on Fortaleza Street stocks duty-free jewelry at three locations, including an outlet store for even deeper discounts. Customers can enjoy a refreshment while gazing in awe at the most luxurious selection of diamonds, jewelry, and watches. Diamonds International also keeps its prices reasonable by cutting out the middle man and sourcing its gems directly from its own mines. The duty-free store, which began its business in the Caribbean over thirty years ago, is particularly popular for its patented Crown of Light cut, where a startling 90 facets create a brilliant sparkle that will make any jewelry fan swoon.

To dazzle and delight, purchase a timeless treasure that recalls the glittering, sun-kissed seas of San Juan’s harbor. For twenty years, travelers with a keen eye for exquisite watches and jewelry have been returning to Club Jibarito on Calle del Cristo, the island’s exclusive retailer for an array of elite brands like Vacheron Constantin. The beauty of its products, the magic of the place, and the friendliness of the staff creates a memorable shopping experience.

An entirely distinctive style of Puerto Rican wares is available at The Poet’s Passage art gallery on Calle Cruz. The multi-use venue engages customers with eye-catching pieces from local artists, including inspirational posters by owner Lady Lee Andrews and depictions of Old San Juan by her husband, French painter Nicholas Tomassin. Exuding a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the space also hosts poetry readings, movie nights, and other community-building events.

Every epic shopping excursion includes a chance to rest your legs and fuel up, and Old San Juan offers no shortage of delectable spots to grab a mouthwatering bite. To cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Chocolato on San Francisco Street for a scoop of creamy Italian gelato, and put a big smile on your face or swing by ice cream shop Señor Paleta on Tetuan Street, where the freezer is stocked with homemade artisan gelato and sorbet popsicles in deliciously creative flavors like guanabana (soursop), strawberry mojito and chocolate brownie, among many others.

To add some Puerto Rican spice to your own cooking, stop into Spicy Caribbee on Cristo Steet. A can’t-miss store for culinarians, the shelves here overflow with inventive bottled concoctions inspired by the Caribbean like banana ketchup, mango-pineapple jam, and spicy guava salsa, just to 
name a few.

Feeling the heat? Shade yourself from the San Juan sun with a trip to El Galpon. A staple in the city for 22 years, this intimate outpost on Calle de Cristo features authentic handmade Panama hats sold by Gustavo Lerner and Betsy Garcia from a specific variety of palm tree called toquilla that grows in 
Ecuador. The shop’s classic statement pieces are internationally lauded and have been featured on the runways of New York Fashion Week, loved by editors, celebrities and influencers across the globe. Complement your purchase with a guayabera shirt from La Casa de las Guayaberas on Tanca Street. Distinguished by their four pockets, vertical pleats and side slits, these traditional Cuban garments are designed for keeping cool in the Caribbean heat.

There’s no better place to find handmade tote bags than Concalma on San Francisco Street. The inviting brick and mortar store sells 23 different shapes and styles in eye-catching fabrics designed by founder Matilsha Marxuach, all of which are manufactured at an industrial women’s coop in Utuado in central Puerto Rico. For a more varied selection of goods you can feel good about, Eclectika on O’Donnell Street showcases Fair Trade-certified products from all over the world. Across the street, the tables that line the perimeter of Plaza De Colon offer the chance to interact directly with the artisans that create souvenirs ranging from ornate jewelry to blown-glass trinkets.

When evening nears and stores ring up their final sales, celebrate a successful day of shopping with a drink or an island-flavored gourmet meal at the charming La Casita de Rones on Darsenas Street. Sip authentic Puerto Rican rum at one of its two bars as you immerse yourself in the sweeping, scenic views of the harbor. Like what you’re tasting? Make your final purchase of the day a bottle or two to bring home.

No visit to the island of enchantment would be complete without taking a deep dive into Puerto Rico’s colorful folklore and traditions, and there’s no better way to experience this than through the rich talent fits artisans and their stunning crafts.

Make sure to explore crafts like the exquisitely carved Santos figures, delicate Mundillo lace fit for a queen, horns-bedecked carnival masks, and the wooden mortar and pestle known as pilons, and numerous other works of art produced by these skilled crafts persons. Items span home decorations in clay, wood, paper and metal; hammocks; greeting cards; jewelry; clothing; tote bags; foods like sweets and rum cake; musical instruments such as guiros; cigars; and knick knacks. All locally produced, all mostly made by hand.

From San Juan to Rincon, Ponce to Humacao, you will see talented artisans sell their beautiful wares at street stands, during crowded fairs and at popular parks and beachfront. There are also stunning craft stores and boutiques and art galleries across the island, especially around renovated downtown areas and at shopping malls.

Old San Juan, however, is a must-visit for the craft aficionado, with some of the finest crafts shops in the Caribbean. At Mundo Taino (Taino World) and Puerto Rico Art & Crafts the full diversity of small-scale production is in full display souvenir shops and crafts specialty shops are not the sole places to find Puerto Rican crafts. Craftspeople can be found most days in different sections of Old San Juan. On weekends, there’s the Plaza La Casita market next to Pier 1 and the Paseo La Princesa Market, both of which are sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Maria V. Rivera Delgado, a tourism administration official, said some 38 artisans show their wares along the Paseo, a wide, scenic promenade that runs along San Juan Bay and the ancient ramparts and leads up to San Juan Gate, one of five entries that once led into the city. The markets are held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Craft making in Puerto Rico is a rich tradition hewing to time-honored ways but that’s not to say it isn’t stepping up to the times. In fact, some of the crafts being produced these days by ceramists look more like art than artisanal objects. Some craftspeople are dropping autochthonous imagery and instead concentrating on more universal themes. While cheap and crudely made crafts are still to be found in souvenir shops, local production mostly reflects a high level of workmanship and skill. Tony Amador, the owner of Puerto Rico Arts & Crafts, which his mother Charm Amador founded in the late 70s, said the field is changing, with some artisans now incorporating technology into their process. It’s all an outgrowth of competition, the ubiquity of the internet which exposes artisans to new ideas and the artisans’ own evolution, he said.

One craft that remains strongly rooted in age-old tradition is Santos, Puerto Rico’s greatest contribution to the plastic arts, according to some art historians. These hand-carved figures, representing patron saints, angels, and Marian titles, have achieved such a cultural standing that antique Santos are now considered works of art and can be found in private collections as well as museums in Puerto Rico and the U.S., including the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Santos are found in all the countries that were at one time part of the vast Spanish empire. According to historians, Puerto Rico’s Santos may also have a link with the Tainos, the island’s indigenous people. It was their custom to keep small statues as objects of veneration in tribal villages. Carved in stone or wood, the statues — known as Cemi — represented a god, spirit or ancestor.

The men and women who carve santos are called santeros and santeras. Their tools are basic: a knife and paint to add color to the figure. The best of these artisans are considered masters and it has become their practice to sign each piece as proof of its value. This was not always the case. Juan Botello, whose Botello Gallery carries antique santos made between 1850 and 1950, noted that santos dating from 1800 to 1900 were not usually signed and are characterized by a primitive style that contrasts the classic Spanish Santos made in a more realistic vein.

Santeros tend to stick to a single figure but when they resort to a group scene it is usually to portray The Nativity or The Three Kings. Religious figures are usually identifiable through the symbols they carry. For example, St. Joseph might be depicted holding the child Jesus in one arm and a staff in the other while St. Francis is usually portrayed with birds and animals.

The allure of the Santo is essentially its pared down simplicity. As one writer put it, “Santos are made with a humble touch and homespun beauty.” In addition to Botello, on Cristo St., another old San Juan store that carries Santos is Antiguedades Olé, on Fortaleza St. Its Santos are between 80 to 100 years old.

Masks have always fascinated people and Puerto Rico’s caretas certainly stand out for their flamboyance and wild colors. The masks are worn at carnival times by vejigantes, revelers who wear bat-winged jumpsuits and roam the streets singly or in groups. According to Amador, of Puerto Rican Art & Crafts, two types of masks are made in Puerto Rico, each tied to a different part of the island. The ones made in the southern town of Ponce, a major center for this craft, are made out of papier maché while those made in Loiza Aldea, an area near San Juan known for its artisans and dancers, are fashioned out of corn husks.

Though differently crafted, the mask portrays the same type of devilish figure. Its main features are a leering mouth ringed by fangs, bulging eyes, and long horns that some artisans render as wavy Medusa-like tentacles.

Scary-looking, sure, but fun, the masks are painted in vivid, contrasting colors set off by pointillist details for greater decorative effect; the palette takes in practically all hues though the more traditional masks lean towards black, red and yellow, colors associated with hell, to which the masks are believed o allude.

According to historians, carnivals and masks are rooted in medieval Spain where, starting in the 17th century, processions of marching devils were held to scare sinners into returning to church. The vejigantes surfaced in Spain as part of the patronal festival of Santiago (St. James); they were meant to be a representation of the devil in the fight of good versus evil but also of the “evil moors.” In Puerto Rico, these Spanish traditions melded with others brought in by African slaves.

To experience the thrill of vejigantes in full mask regalia, consider attending the Fiesta de Santiago Apostol, or St. James Festival, held yearly in Loiza Aldea during the month of July. More masks are to be seen at the Ponce carnival. It has been running for more than 250 years but you’ll have to wait for the next edition in 2019 as the event is typically held the week ending on the day before Ash Wednesday.

One craft that seemed headed towards extinction has instead experienced a welcome revival, bringing it back to the forefront. It is the ancient art of mundillo or bobbin lace making.

Mundillo is a decorative lace made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread bound on bobbins. The word mundillo, which means little world, refers to the cylindrical pillow on which the weaving is kept in place. The finished product can be used as clothing, border finishes for tablecloths and handkerchiefs, or to decorate shirt collars, dresses and wedding gowns.

While some claim Mundillo lace is made only in Spain and Puerto Rico. Benito “Mokay” Hernandez Vale, founder and director of the Mundillo Museum in Moca, begs to differ. He said this type of lace making is popular in many European countries and likely originated between the third and seventh century A.D. though it could even be older as bobbin lace has been found in ancient pharaonic tombs.

According to Hernandez, interest in the craft has been growing over the past 15 years and he estimated that more than 3,000 people on the island are now practicing it, and it’s not just women.

The Mundillo Museum, located in a one-story building in the heart of Moca, on Puerto Rico’s north-western side, was inaugurated in July 2005. Its collection of hundreds of lace items includes a tablecloth from 1896 and, its most valuable piece, an 8 foot high by 4 foot wide lace map of the town of Moca made by a group of lace makers in 2014 to celebrate the institution’s 10th anniversary. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (telephone: 787-877-3815).

In San Juan, mundillo products can be found at Plaza Las Americas where lace maker Mary Quiñones runs a cart business named MQ Mundillo de Moca on the ground floor of the shopping center, near the Banco Popular branch and the tower. Items for sale include handkerchiefs and baby clothing, bibs and blankets made by her family workshop.

No self respecting Puerto Rican kitchen would be caught without a pilón. The mortar and pestle has a long history dating back to the island’s indigenous people. But unlike the small-sized mortars most people are familiar with, the ones used by the Tainos were waist high receptacles made from hollowed out tree trunks. The cavity, measuring approximately 25 inches in diameter, was burned out. The large pestle, or maceta, that went along with the large mortar were also carved out of trees. Tainos used the pilón and the maceta to mash corn, spices, and medicinal herbs.

Today, this kitchen utensil comes in handy to grind herbs for sofrito (the base for delicious rice, beans and stews), to prepare spice mixes and condiments, and for all sorts of crushing of garlic, plantains, corn and coffee. It’s the key tool to make mofongo, one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic dishes consisting of mashed plantains stuffed or accompanied by meat, fish or fowl.

The typical pilón is made from the wood of the Caoba or Guayacan trees, fine and durable hardwoods native to the island. Artisan Antonio Rivera, whose workshop is in the town of Morovis, in the island’s central region, said people tend to prefer pilones made out of caoba for its warm, red color. He has been making pilones since he was 13, a craft he learned from his carpenter dad. The pilones for kitchen use typically range in size from 6 to 10 inches high; Rivera also makes them larger by request. He can be contacted through his Facebook page under the heading Pilones de Puerto Rico.

Crafts, a source of independent jobs for countless Puerto Ricans, are an expression of a people’s artistry and history. Making an object by hand is an activity that takes time and effort. Either as a gift for family and friends or as a keepsake of a memorable trip, a crafts item is a small treasure.

With stylish malls and charming shopping areas across the island, 
Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s most sophisticated shopping destination.

It’s not all about the beach even though it’s a major distraction when visiting Puerto Rico. The island’s unique and fun shopping experience will dazzle you as much as its sparkling blue shoreline, lush green rainforest, highlands, and its majestic centuries-old castles and cathedrals.

Puerto Rico, a center of Caribbean trade for at least 500 years, retains the feeling of an exotic tropical bazaar with wonders from across the world brought all within your reach. There’s no better shopping paradise to venture to on your holiday.

With stylish malls and charming shopping areas across the island, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s most sophisticated shopping destination. It offers the glamour of New York City’s Fifth Avenue and Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive, as well as an inspired shopping experience in beachfront and tropical urban areas.

In Old San Juan, and at historic downtown squares across the island, chic boutiques rub shoulders with trendy shops, exquisite fine jewelers, and art galleries that are housed in renovated Spanish colonial and Art Deco architectural dreams. Artisans sell plenty of unique trinkets and beautifully fashioned wooden statues, original works of art and handmade ceramics, cigars as well as fashion accessories from stands set up along bayside promenades and on historic plazas. Treasure hunters just might find what they never knew they needed.

Meanwhile, fabulous haute couture and jewelry emporiums – emblazoned with the most famous names in fashion are ensconced in gleaming luxury condominiums that share space with swimsuit and trendy surf shops, local independently owned boutiques, and souvenir stores, along palm-lined ocean-side drives in the swanky and highly popular Condado and Isla Verde beach districts.

Elsewhere in San Juan, there is an explosion of retail creativity taking place in up and coming urban renaissance zones in downtown Santurce and along Loiza Street by the beach at Ocean Park as well as in the Miramar neighborhood and the Hato Rey financial district. You’ll find street fashion boutiques, dazzling food shops, and beachwear stores among others. There are lots of fun finds here.

The retail scene plays out across the island, with other coastal towns and cities having similar seaside boulevards with stores near historic downtown harbor and tourist districts, all along Puerto Rico’s coastline.

In small towns on the island, local artisans often sell their wares from stands along the waterfront area, known as el malecón, or harbor district. Areas of urban retail renewals are flowering in towns from Aguadilla to Humacao, along the coast and through the central highland. Patron Saint festivals held in towns across the island are showcases for Puerto Rico’s best artisans, as are agricultural fairs, musical festivals and other special events that take place through the year.

Meanwhile, a modern shopping mall is within reach from anywhere in Puerto Rico as a palm-lined beach, so there is always the ability to escape into a nearby world of cool air-conditioned retail wonder, whether it’s just to get a break from the sun or to get out of the gloom of a rainy day.

Island shopping malls offer as spectacular retail experience as malls throughout the rest of the U.S. but are livelier. Many hold live classical and jazz concerts, fashion shows, art exhibits, agricultural fairs, car and boat shows, and other special events. Malls offerings go way beyond just shopping; they are home to gourmet restaurants and popular bars, health and beauty spas, cinemas and an ever-changing array of additional entertainment options. They also often radiate a contemporary, tropical sophistication – a celebration of the island’s natural beauty and its refined culture.

You’ll find long-time favorite names and unique local and international brands still unknown in the U.S. market. Famous stores like Macy’s, Victoria Secret, Sears, Gap, Banana Republic and JC Penny have multiple locales. There are also international fashion boutiques, such as Zara from Spain and Totto from Latin America, among others.

Home-grown island boutiques like Valija Gitana and Hecho a Mano have also established a presence in the malls. The shopping districts collide with island culinary hot-spots. Some of the best chain restaurants in the world – like P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, and Macaroni Grill – operate out of island malls, and island tourism districts abound serving flavorful culinary creations by talented chefs from Puerto Rico or who have adopted the island as their new home.

Plaza Las Americas, which turns 50 this year, has been the largest – and most influential – mall not only in Puerto Rico but the whole Caribbean since it opened, and with more than 300 stores, it continues to exert an outsize influence on the retail scene today. Plaza, as it is called, has the broadest array of stores in the region and is also a perfect place to have dinner, check out a live event or movie or run errands, since there is also a post office and office buildings with doctors and healthcare professionals.

The fabulous Mall of San Juan, the newcomer on San Juan’s retail scene, has brought the island’s shopping experience to storied new heights, while also serving as an important hub for local boutiques and talent, and incredible restaurants. It all takes place in a thrilling, luxurious modern design, built on a privileged location just outside San Juan’s International airport. The mall goes out of its way to cater specifically to tourists.

The San Juan metro area also offers the Outlets at Montehiedra, a mix of brand name outlet stores and local offerings housing more than 100 stores ranging from Marshall’s to Guess.

Other major cities in Puerto Rico also have quality shopping malls like Plaza del Caribe in Ponce and the Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez.

There are two outlet malls, The Outlet at Route 66 in Canovanas and Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta that are shopping destinations in their own right and can be combined with a visit to other area tourist attractions.

You’ll find familiar names like Perry Ellis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap and Guess in the midst of exotic island locales. The Outlet at Route 66, which is situated east of San Juan, offers both discount pricing on brand names and a platform for local shopping experiences, in the shadow of El Yunque, Puerto Rico’s majestic rainforest. This outlet mall is home to Burlington, Urban Planet, Lids, Marianne, Tommy Hilfiger, Novus, Bakers and Caribbean Cinemas just to name a few. But the newest attraction in this outlet mall will be a bowling alley, crazy car ride, arcade games, a tight rope walking platform and go karts. Visiting the rainforest and the mall in a single trip is easy, and there are also beaches nearby at Luquillo and Fajardo, what else can you ask for.

You’ll have to drive through karst country, marked by limestone haystack hills, towards the northwest to get to the outdoor park and walk Premium Outlets, which looks like a colorful country village but house brand name outlet stores like Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Forever 21, Lacoste, and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store offering big bargains on famous clothing and other accessories. After your shopping spree you can hit the nearby underground wonderland of the Camuy River Cave Park and the celestial splendor of the Arecibo Observatory.

The range of shopping in Puerto Rico is so vast that some visitors can simply book their plane tickets purely for one reason: to shop til they drop!