Men’s luxury watches and women’s designer handbags to drool over
Don’t leave the island without treating yourself to an accessory that will be a forever reminder of your time on the Island of Enchantment.
Self-indulge while in Puerto Rico by buying eye-catching timepieces and the latest chic bag
Don’t leave the island without treating yourself to an accessory that will be a forever reminder of your time on the Island of Enchantment.
Puerto Rico has always been identified as a destination for luxury in the Caribbean. Even back in the sixties heyday, the island was one of the most fashionable and glamorous island in the Caribbean. John F. Kennedy and Joan Crawford frequented what is now Ritz Carlton’s newly luxurious Dorado Beach resort and one of America’s richest family, the Vanderbilts, used to own the property now called the Condado Vanderbilt hotel.
So it’s no wonder why the world’s most upscale men’s watches and women’s handbag designers and brands have brought their signature style to Puerto Rico, catering to the most elite residents and visitors. From the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the ritziest shopping center, The Mall of San Juan, visitors can self-indulge in high-class, guilt-free retail-therapy.
In Puerto Rico, men can treat themselves to hardcore, vintage, collectible, eye-catching timepieces, and women can buy the latest chic designer bags that will turn heads and impress onlookers.
Timeless Elegance
Personal style and how a man carries himself make a strong first impression and it also lends to a man’s overall ethos. But it’s the watch that’s the definitive man’s style statement that has stood the test of time. And for men who value craftsmanship and quality, Puerto Rico is ideal.
Stretching from east to west to the north and south of the island, upscale retailers showcase extravagant timepieces. Casual buyers and experienced collectors find luxury brands in Puerto Rico like Rolex, Patek Philipe, Chopard, Harry Winston, and Girard-Perragaux, to name just a few. For their best customers, some local stores even provide white-glove service, offering limousine transportation to and from the venue and greet guests with flutes of champagne and other swanky amenities.
True watch connoisseurs know to get their wares at KURY Alta Relojeria in Plaza Las Americas which carries elegant timepieces from ritzy brands like Rolex, prized for its timeless form and function; Tudor, classic, sport, diving and heritage-inspired watches; Hublot, which represents the art of fusion and currently produces one of the world’s most expensive watches; Breitling, inspired by aviation and has specifically constructed watches for divers; Dietrich, styled after the wonders found in nature; Cartier, one of the most iconic brands globally due to its popularity in the mainstream press and celebrity culture; and TAG Heur, which is an abbreviation of ‘Techniques d’Avant Garde’ and known for its persisting sports-like look.
KURY Alta Relojeria is also recognized as an official Rolex retailer in San Juan.
Also over at Plaza las Americas, Reinhold Jewelers and Relojes y Relojes also focus on designer timepieces and modern accessories and the only Macy’s department store in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean carries top tier watch brands like Baume & Mercier, TAG Heur, Victorinox Swiss Army and Movado.
For those aficionados keeping an eye on watch trends, the buzzword is smaller. The current demand, according to Puerto Rico retailers, is for smaller, more affordable watches based on pure design.
The days of the 42-45 mm watches have come to an end as the attraction to smaller timepieces, driven by the popularity of vintage continues to grow. And steel continues to be fashionable. A timeless design and the three-hander have made a comeback, according to the retailers interviewed by Bienvenidos.
That’s right, watches that indicate only the hours, minutes, and seconds can be really exciting when they’re well made.
For example, the Tudor Black Bay 36 mm and its cousin at Rolex, the slightly larger 39 mm Explorer, have made a good impression when they were released.
Prestigious retailer Club Jibarito in Old San Juan carries A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet, H.Stern, Panerai, Roger Dubuis, IWC, Tudor, and other international brands that appeal to the serious collector for Haute Horlogerie timepieces.
Rest assure that Club Jibarito carries Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest manufacturers of luxury timepieces where historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, Harry Truman, and Pope Pius IX were said to have worn their watches; and Zenith, known as the creator of the El Primero chronograph movement and its timepieces were worn by aviators during several early historic flights in Europe.
Jorge Bared Jewelers, another well-known outlet, which recently opened at The Mall of San Juan and stocks limited edition designs from exclusive brands like Locman Italy, Shelby, Michele, CT-Scuderia, and Baume & Mercier’s Classima collection made from 18 karat red gold fitted with alligator straps and driven by self-winding movements, mostly visible through its sapphire crystal case back.
Elsewhere in The Mall of San Juan, Swiss crafted brands like Chopard, identifiable for its classic look and great craftsmanship, and Omega, the official timekeepers for the Britain’s Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and American army in 1918, as well as Bulgari, which combines the essence of Italian style with Swiss precision and has numerous celebrity brand ambassadors, create timeless watches with stunning designs to cater to the upscale clientele.
Whereas Movado, with its stunning lightweight design and Victorinox Swiss Army watches, among others are sold at the island’s only Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue department stores at the Mall of San Juan.
Or, head to Condado to shop exclusively for Cartier and Montblanc at their designer stores. These magnificent watches are stunning accessories and impressive investments that will last a lifetime.
Purse Perfection
A great purse is more than just something people carry. It’s a fashion statement, and Puerto Rico wants you to be seen out and about with a piece of scene-stealing arm candy.
Nowadays luxury authentic handbags are the not just for the well-to-do, celebrities and royals, but also for working women from all walks of life as well. And for those women who want to splurge and expand their ever-growing luxury collection of purses, handbags, and shoulder bags love Puerto Rico for its chic vibe and fashionable atmosphere. The small Caribbean island is packed with iconic exclusive fashion houses where bag-loving ladies can stock up on everything from oversized leather totes to bedazzled evening clutches perfect for sealing a woman’s status.
Puerto Rico also boasts designs from local talent who take their inspiration from the island’s people and places. With her line Una local designer Beatriz Sanchez blends materials from the Puerto Rico of her childhood with elements more contemporary to today’s woman.
“I love Puerto Rico mainly because of the tropical flavor we have,” says Sanchez. “You can always look casually elegant. Young Puerto Rican women dress classy but still in a tropical, summery, sporty way because of the weather.” Sanchez’s designs are meant to go from day to night, whether that means a lunch date, a day out shopping, or a cocktail party.
“You can use my bags all day long because they are like a conversation piece. I see them as artwork that you use to adorn yourself instead of wearing a bracelet or jewelry.” Sanchez’ handbags are available online at www.unadebs.com, at her workshop in Santurce, at boutiques in hotels like the Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan and the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande, Aaron Stewart Home in San Juan, and at upscale shops like Luis Antonio at The Mall of San Juan.
For recognizable names, some of the most renowned handbag brands in the world operate stores in Puerto Rico, offering everything from exclusive, limited-edition and special artist collaboration designs to classic silhouettes and styles.
In The Mall of San Juan, ladies can browse and buy a plethora of exquisite purses of all shapes and sizes at Gucci, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch and Coach for the ultimate fashion accessory. These upscale outposts get to know their clientele’s tastes and will even alert them when new inventory is scheduled to arrive so that they can be the first to wear them out and about town.
Also in The Mall of San Juan, high-end department stores Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue stock a wide array of exclusive designer handbags sure to make a statement. Ladies who revel in luxury will be in heaven in the handbag sections, where they’ll find the hottest designs from Chloe, Miu Miu, Fendi, Stella McCartney, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen, just to name a few.
The easiest way to lift your spirits while vacationing in Puerto Rico is to up your bag game and this year’s handbag trends according to industry experts are churning out a variety of standout options.
From drawstring stunners in all materials to a perennial cross-body bag craze to boxy bags in square or rectangular shapes. Let’s not forget to mention that leading fashion houses and designers are cranking out furry handbags of different sizes and styles and the fanny pack is outpacing even cross-bodies. Just call to mind the activities you can carry out with a fanny pack perched around your waist—starting from hands-free hot coffee drinking to cold ice-cream licking when walking down the street, not to mention the security of storing your mobile phone and money.
Another must-have trend is the backpacks but now the designers are encouraging its clients to carry them in hand from top handles absolutely ignoring those back straps. And once the clutches were meant for special events only with evening gowns and those days are gone. Clutches are now versatile enough to work for daily life and evening soirees.
We cannot forget to mention metallic shimmer and glimmer on stunning handbags. Silvery handbags have marched out from high-end brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Deal hunters, should spend a few hours shopping in Old San Juan where you will find Coach, Dooney & Burke and Burberry outlet. These stores are a discount-shopper’s dream, filled with high-end and luxury offerings at affordable prices. You can also visit the Coach, Michael Kors or Kenneth Cole outlets at Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta, approximately 45 minutes from San Juan.
Plaza las Americas, the largest mall in Puerto Rico and Caribbean, is a wonderful place not only to shop but to meet friends, have dinner and check out a live event or movie. Here bag lovers can shop at the Michael Kors store or visit Carolina Herrera to explore the latest collection of handbag elegance designed by the lifestyle label CH.
Haven’t quite found what you’re looking for? No worries. Stop by Macy’s at Plaza las Americas because this mega anchor department store has a wide selection of luxury bags from top designers like Michael Kors, Coach, Dooney & Burke, and Kate Spade, just to name a few.
For even more purse options, stroll the ritzy San Juan neighborhood of Condado known for its stellar shopping choices. Stop into Montblanc for buttery-soft leather, or snag smart clutches at Cartier.
Nowhere else in the Caribbean can match the high-end luxury shopping choices found in Puerto Rico. Don’t leave the island without treating yourself to an accessory that will be a forever reminder of your time on the Island of Enchantment. And, for a true bag lover, it’s all worth it.
The Best Caribbean Destination for shopping
For shopping in the Caribbean, no island quite compares to Puerto Rico. Whether at small, independently owned boutiques or international retail chains, shoppers are guaranteed to find what they’re looking for – and likely discover something new – no matter their style or budget.
From American brand shops to exclusive anchor department stores to incomparable local choices; it’s no wonder many flock to Puerto Rico to buy what they can’t get elsewhere.
For shopping in the Caribbean, no island quite compares to Puerto Rico. Whether at small, independently owned boutiques or international retail chains, shoppers are guaranteed to find what they’re looking for – and likely discover something new – no matter their style or budget.
San Juan is home to the Caribbean’s largest most-visited retail entertainment destination, Plaza Las Americas. This American-style marketplace houses more than 300 shops, including the only Macy’s in the Caribbean and the largest JCPenney in the world.
Tourist clothes hounds find what they’re looking for at spots like Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, BCBG, Old Navy, and Zara. While options like Pandora, Sephora, and Victoria’s Secret cater to adults, kids love stepping into the Disney Store and Build-A-Bear workshop. Kury Jewelers at Plaza las Americas is ‘the place to shop’ for an exquisite selection of modern and innovative trinkets for women and men alike that includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, watches, earrings and purses from all of your favorite designers like Pandora, Alex and Ani, Pesavento, Folli Follie, Endless, Double Bone, among others. This striking store celebrates plenty of special activities and promotions year round in their facilities that also include Plaza Caribe in Ponce.
When hunger sets in, grab a bite at eateries like Starbucks or The Cheesecake Factory, then end the day with a Hollywood blockbuster at the mall’s thirteen-screen movie theater.
The Mall of San Juan only opened in 2015, but it is already one of the island’s most impressive high end retail destinations. This 650,000-square-foot luxury shopping oasis features brands including Anthropologie, Desigual, Diesel, Oil & Vinegar, Tory Burch, Bulgari, Free People, Joaquin Blanco, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Daniel Espinosa, Herve Leger, Kate Spade New York, and is anchored by the only Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue in the Caribbean.
It also has incomparable choices to buy locally designed masterpieces by Columbian fashion designer Gustavo Arango, San Juan designer Luis Antonio featuring his modern and cosmopolitan, yet romantic and feminine collection, swimwear by designer Alexandra Escudero Thon, and accessories by Natalia Maldonado. Arango is an internationally known designer who has set up roots on the island and his boutique features a ready to wear clothing line. Escudero Thon is the daughter of renowned Puerto Rican designer Lisa Thon and owner of Bienteveo en el mar, a luxury swimwear line with other casual items for women who want to be the center of attention on the beach, on the yacht or at the resort pool.
Upstairs on the indoor/outdoor third level, shoppers can rest in comfortable chairs and couches, dine at eateries like Burger & Beer Joint and Prosecco Bar, and peruse an Italian market with a Puerto Rican spin.
For more American-mall-style shopping, check out popular shopping centers like Plaza Carolina in Carolina; Plaza del Caribe in Ponce; and the Mayaguez Mall, the third largest shopping center in Puerto Rico with a total of 1,050,000 square feet of retail space, and it is the main shopping center in western Puerto Rico. The island is also full of small strip malls found almost at every corner most with food court selections, movie theaters and mega stores.
Like its colorful facades and historic fortifications, shopping in Old San Juan offers a distinctly Puerto Rican experience. On the cobblestone throughways of Fortaleza Street and Cristo Street, for example, patrons can purchase a range of unique items, whether they’re in the market for custom-made hats from Ole Curiosidades, authentic cigars, coffee from Don Collins; hand-painted, city-inspired ceramic décor at Mi Pequeño San Juan or the most exquisite local artisan pieces at Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts. American brands like Coach and Polo Ralph Lauren also occupy some of the area’s prime real estate. In between spending sprees, shoppers can pop into the area’s quaint restaurants and cafes for a bite, a beverage, and world-class people-watching.
Nearby in the posh seaside neighborhood of Condado, high-fashion designer boutiques take on a laid-back, Caribbean sensibility. Ashford Avenue, the district’s main drag, is set just one block from the beach, and this sundrenched thoroughfare is lined with shops, hotels, cafes, casinos, and plazas.
Here, big spenders frequent upscale stores looking for harder-to-find clothing and accessories like Nativa Boutique, Suola, ABITTO, Marella and other independently owned boutiques.
Looking for high-end fashion without a hefty price tag? You’re in the right place. Puerto Rico’s outlet malls combine bargain hunting with fun seeking. Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta includes discount factory versions of retailers like Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Nautica, and Calvin Klein. In Canovanas, The Outlet at Route 66 is home to Burlington Coat Factory, Carter’s, Nike, Planet Fitness and even a crowd-pleasing, old-fashioned carousel. It also includes a movie theater, a U.S. Post Office, and a food court with a variety of food options as well as several restaurants surrounding the mall itself. The mall is fully air-conditioned and has plenty of parking for hassle-free shopping. The Outlets at Montehiedra in San Juan houses more than 100 stores ranging from Marshall’s to Guess. At all three malls, Caribbean Cinemas movie theaters show new releases in English and Spanish.
It’s no coincidence that residents of many nearby islands flock to Puerto Rico to purchase what they can’t get anywhere else. For everything from last-minute necessities to clothing to household goods, big box stores like Kmart, Walmart, and TJ Maxx all retain several locations throughout the island. Specialty chains like Home Depot and Best Buy operate here too, making it easy to find home supplies, necessities, and electronics.
So go ahead, splurge on a designer outfit, nab a one-of-a-kind souvenir, score a deep discount or pick up a few creature comforts. If you go overboard, don’t worry; you can always buy (and fill!) another suitcase to bring your haul home.
Looking Hot Hot Hot!
With nearly 300 beaches and more than 270 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico is a sun worshipper’s dream. Add in a dash of urban glam and it’s no surprise that this tropical paradise is considered the fashion capital of the Caribbean. Sexy, chic, and trendy describes Puerto Rico’s style in a nutshell.
With nearly 300 beaches and more than 270 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico is a sun worshipper’s dream. Add in a dash of urban glam and it’s no surprise that this tropical paradise is considered the fashion capital of the Caribbean. Sexy, chic, and trendy describes Puerto Rico’s style in a nutshell.
The island’s picturesque sandy stretches, powder blue skies, and poolside promenades double as year-round, real-world runways for the most stylish. High fashion meets low tide in Puerto Rico.
Beachgoers come here to strut their stuff, while designers draw inspiration from the postcard perfect scenery and energetic culture. The W Vieques Retreat & Spa, one of Puerto Rico’s most chic destination resorts played host last summer to Swimsuit Fashion Week. The four-day event showcased collections from 16 local and international designers like Eddie Guerrero, Sonia Rivera, Lizete Miro, Ruben Dario, and Luis Antonio that wowed guests and industry insiders with their creations, which embraced modern trends ranging from flowy floral cover-ups and kimonos to form-fitting cutout bikinis.
“Puerto Rico’s climate inspires you to dress light with tropical pops of color, which often means wearing a bathing suit under a cotton cover-up,” says Soleil Gray, owner of the resort’s on-site Sol Creation Boutique, where guests can find pieces by hot designers like Amuse Society and Acacia Swimwear. “Since beaches line the majority of Puerto Rico, the most important thing is to always be beach ready!”
Women in Puerto Rico dress to impress, even on the beach; but this awe-inspiring tropical paradise is also the perfect place to find your own signature style. Local, independent designers sell their wares at boutiques and department stores all over the island. Ana Cristina Ortiz’s Ombak Swimwear, for example, is inspired by tropical vistas across Puerto Rico and around the world. Ortiz uses plunging necklines, strappy backs and other on-trend elements in her line, which is available at Playero, a family-run mini-chain with outposts in San Juan, Rincon, and Ponce.
Local talents Lorel Torres and Shirley Fred design Mare Cheia Swimwear with the sexy Caribbean traveler in mind. The elegant yet eclectic line of bathing suits, cover-ups, and accessories enhances classic, simple looks with statement pieces like metal rings and pom poms designed with precise tailoring and sensual cuts to make one of-a-kind pieces that fit like a glove. House of Mustique in Old San Juan and the Piña Colada Club Store in Condado sell this popular Puerto Rican brand.
Luis Salazar y Melanie Lopes are the owners of House of Mustique, a boutique shop inspired by the small private island of Mustique in the West Indies. It offers chic resort wear clothing and accessories that include designer swimwear such as mix and match bikinis, and one pieces by Malai, Ancora, Manglar and Mare Cheia.
“To sell a bathing suit to a woman, one must understand their tastes and preferences,” said Salazar. “We (House of Mustique) have swimwear from different designers where each brand adjusts to different body types.”
For bright colors, youthful playful patterns, chunky accessories, and other trendy looks, stop into at Coco Box, Sttilo Boutique by Camille or Tangerine in San Juan. Or head to Tres Palmas Surf Shop to dress like a bona fide Puerto Rican glamour queen; the store carries SolAzul, a playful, sexy brand that’s also the official swimwear line of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant. Its swimsuits, sold at the most surf shops and boutiques, is based on colorful solids and exotic prints to provide a great silhouette.
Snag beachy accessories with touches of turquoise, and eye-catching corals like tassel necklaces, shark-tooth charms, and crochet bracelets at Passo Boutique in Caguas. This modern shop carries funky jewelry from several Puerto Rican designers, including Suher Rashid’s Susu Joyeria and Karma Valentin’s KV Jewelry.
Planning on going swimming or snorkeling? Be sure to remove your metal jewelry before you get in the water; several sea-dwelling species are attracted to shiny objects.
Bienteveo en el Mar by local swimwear designer Alexandra Escudero Thon, celebrates the female figure, combining cheeky bottoms and modern cuts with luxurious fabrics for women who want to be the center of attention on the beach, on the yacht or at the resort pool. The line is available at its eponymous store at the swanky Mall of San Juan. While there, stroll on over to Nordstrom, which sells the latest swimwear and cover-ups by popular designers like Top Shop, Trina Turk and TAVIK. The department store is also a great place to stock up on everything else you need for your day at the beach, including deluxe totes, shades, and sandals and even after-sun cosmetics.
Or visit Puerto Rico’s only Saks Fifth Avenue store to find extravagant swimsuits by renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, La Perla, and Brazilian line Agua de Coco by Liana Thomaz, among others.
With more than 270 retail stores, including Pacsun, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe, Puerto Rico’s second-largest mall, Plaza Carolina, is another fabulous option for beachwear and accessories. Discount shopping hubs like The Outlet at Route 66 in Canovanas, Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta, and The Outlets at Montehiedra in San Juan offer designer merchandise from stores like Sunglass Hut, and Nautica at incredibly low prices.
If you prefer not to leave your hotel, you can still dress to impress by the pool. Most major hotels and resorts in Puerto Rico like the St. Regis Bahia Beach in Rio Grande, Caribe Hilton in San Juan, El Conquistador, A Waldorf Resort in Fajardo; InterContinental San Juan in Isla Verde, and Tamboo in Rincon, among many others all feature on-site boutiques that carry stylish Caribbean swimwear and accessories.
Get the picture? While in Puerto Rico and on the beach, let your inner goddess out and have all eyes on you.