Our visit to the Villa Cofresi Hotel, also known as Hotel Villa Cofresi in Rincon (Puerto Rico) was different than our previous visits. Going back to my home country for only a weekend it’s always hectic. Trying to see all the family and friends we can, while sacrificing not seeing others it’s never an easy task. Furthermore, for the last few years, we have only been traveling to Puerto Rico for weddings (and there are only a few things more hectic than a wedding). This time, we decided we were going to the island to enjoy ourselves, just like tourists do.
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Yes, that is a Pirate Ship.
We arrived in San Juan on a Saturday, with a schedule in our minds that was altered because of a terrible car rental experience, traffic, and the mandatory stop for ‘frituras’ (fritters). After our hunger had been satisfied, we started the “two” hour drive to Rincón. However, on a weekend afternoon, this is only an approximation, and you should never bet your life or a major event on it.
Tip: If you are driving towards the west in the afternoon remember your sunglasses.
Finally, we arrived at Villa Cofresí Hotel in Rincón, a little bummed out because we have missed the sunset. Sunsets are an event (and I can’t blame them) in Rincón. So much, that it’s known as “The Town of the Beautiful Sunsets.” However, the night in the Hotel looked like it was just starting. When we got to the hotel, the bar, restaurant, and lounge were packed. Tired and all, after getting our luggage in our room we were going back to enjoy live music, eat some snacks and drink something.
Cofresí Pirate: The Hotel is named after Puerto Rican Pirate Roberto Cofresí, better known as the Cofresí Pirate. Legend says he was the “Robin Hood’ of Pirates.
Room at Hotel Villa Cofresí
The night we arrived we knew we were in the right place, because aside from the food and drinks being delicious, the bartenders, even with the place incredibly full, were always attentive and delivered a fast and impeccable service. After a Pirate Special and a Chicken Kebab (ok, I can’t call it Chicken Kebab it’s a ‘Pincho de Pollo’) we were ready to go to sleep, and with the sound of the ocean waves filling the room I dozed off with no problem.
Morning View from the Room Balcony – #NoFilter
When we woke up, the place felt completely different than it did during the previous night. It was quiet, with the majority of its guests having breakfast or still sleeping. We also went for breakfast and finished our coffee outside the Hotel Restaurant while glancing at the sea and appreciating the beauty that for years we had taken for granted.
Courtyard
There are Pool and Ping Pong Tables to enjoy with Family & Friends
Seeing there was still a lot to do at the Hotel, we decided to stay there all day. Maybe we also didn’t want to deal with traffic. A friend was visiting us, and Villa Cofresí was a perfect place to host his visit. To start the day right, I had another Pirate Special, and my husband had a Mojito. They tasted even better than ones we had during the previous night if that was even possible.
The Famous Pirate Special
While we waited for our friend, we headed out for the beach behind the Hotel. Beaches in Rincón tend to have bigger than average waves, at least compared to other beaches in Puerto Rico. This has cemented Rincón status of being a surfer town. Nonetheless, if you are careful there should be no problem in going for a swim, but a better idea is to go bodyboarding.
Surfboard promoting the Pirate Special
It was time for lunch already, and I ate a Burrito with ‘Arroz Manposteao’, which is yellow rice with beans (in this case even yellow plantains) & Skirt Steak. It was so good, that by the time I remembered to take a picture it was too late.
Beach just before sunset
Our friend arrived, and we separated our space to enjoy the sunset. It was cloudy, but even with the sky full of clouds, the view was gorgeous. As I was watching the sunset, I started to feel nostalgic. Yes, I am lucky enough to live near Siesta Key (Florida), which is also home to beautiful sunsets. However, this one felt more personal. It was “my” sunset. The sunset I had probably seen countless times but had never taken a step back to experience. A sunset that made me wish for a moment to feel not like a tourist, but just as another local at home. Sometimes, more often than not, dreams do not come true, but that night mine did.
Cloudy Sunset. Still Beautiful.
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Sheila is a freelance writer and content creator based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. A biology and quality management major, night owl, and pseudo-photographer. She is originally from Puerto Rico and lives for finding magnificent sunsets and delicious food.