Treasure Island

0
1205

Bahia Beach

Discover a bounty of luxury hidden in this shopper’s paradise, lush with handcrafted keepsakes and resort-ready retailers. – By Ashley Schaefer

From tropical breezes and pristine, white sand beaches to centuries-old forts and winding cobblestone streets, Puerto Rico offers up all the subtle touches for a quintessential Caribbean retreat, steeped in historic charm. That signature island allure applies to the many bespoke shopping experiences available throughout this tropical destination. Whether meandering through the ancient side streets dappled with family owned shops in Old San Juan, bustling through the cultural mecca of Plaza Las Americas or enjoying the caress of ocean winds while perusing the boutiques in Condado, the message is clear: This is Caribbean shopping at its finest.

With so many retail options scattered throughout the expanse of the island, knowing where to start can certainly be a daunting task. Before embarking on a treasure hunt, guests at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort should be sure to explore the premier selections found right at their fingertips.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is home to two distinct shops, the Golf Pro Shop at the Robert Trent Jones Jr. course and The Boutique. Peruse the variety of high-end golf attire, shoes and accessories at the pro shop, or find designer apparel, sunglasses, books, and local works of art inside the resort’s gift shop.

After indulging in the exquisite wares available at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, venture off-site to one of the island’s key shopping destinations. Before beginning the journey, guests can take advantage of the expert services available from the staff at the St. Regis. Jossell Velazquez, chef concierge at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, is on hand to provide guests with the knowledge needed for an unforgettable shopping experience.

“Puerto Rico offers some unique shopping options and the design scene on the island is also sure to impress,” Velazquez says. “Did you know the Plaza Las Americas shopping mall is the largest in the entire Caribbean? Local artisans offer incredible items [such as] custom and precious jewelry.”

Old San Juan: Cobblestones, Clothing and Crafts

The local fashion scene in Puerto Rico caters to a clientele as unique as the handmade couture confections themselves. Lightweight cottons, linens and other sheer fabrics are always in demand to complement the hot climate, and the emphasis on a cacophony of brilliant shades is unequivocally on trend. A handful of these local designers have their designs and storefronts nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, easily accessible for the locals who frequent their shops, as well as any visitor with a discerning eye.

Cappalli, a boutique located on the cusp of the SoFo (south of Calle Fortaleza) restaurant district, hosts a wealth of designs from local designer Lisa Cappalli. Originality, femininity and timelessness are the designer’s keystones, with a focus on craftsmanship, subtle detailing and rich fabrics. (lisacappalli.net)

Further down and around the bend of the cobblestone streets on Calle San Justo lies Pure Soul, a true gem offering up a selection of locally designed women’s apparel by shop owner Sylma Cabrera. Shop for one-of-a-kind designs featuring bright colors and natural fabrics, jewelry from among 30 local artisans and Pure Soul’s own beauty line. (puresouldesign.com)

While not the only store location, Cariloha on Calle Fortaleza is certainly the only store of its kind. With a range of items from apparel to home goods to golf tees, this store has one main commonality: All products are made from bamboo. The benefits of bamboo are endless—eco-friendly, sustainable, antibacterial and cooler than cotton. The buttery soft 100 percent bamboo sheets (comparable to 1,000-thread count Egyptian cotton) are the perfect indulgence. (cariloha.com)

Also of note is Old San Juan’s stature as a major destination for precious gems, sterling silver and exquisitely crafted jewelry of all materials. Effy, Bared, Pandora, Blue Diamond, Diamonds International and the several Barquet jewelers on the island are just a few shops recommended by The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort concierge team. Velazquez advises against making any impulse purchases on jewelry: “Always shop around before making a proper decision,” he says. “More importantly, prices can certainly be negotiated.”

Condado: Chic, Contemporary Couture

While both Old San Juan and Condado offer an al fresco shopping experience, the scenery could not be more different. Trade in 16th and 17th century facades of Old San Juan for Condado’s glamorous stretch of designer brand shops within direct view of the Atlantic Ocean’s crystal clear waters. The upscale retail mecca allows visitors to breathe in the salt air as they discover a wealth of high-end boutiques, including Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc, Cartier, Gucci and the St. Tropez-based men’s swimsuit brand, Vilebrequin. Continue west down Ashford Avenue for a journey through Condado’s contemporary collection of noteworthy local shops.

At the intimate shoe sanctuary SUOLa, shoppers will find only one type of women’s shoe: high-heeled stilettos. Without a flat in sight, the bespoke selection makes each stiletto all the more cherished. Shop designer brands like Christian Louboutin, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. (suolapr.com)

After being outfitted with a stunning pair of stilettos, female shoppers can find a hip yet sophisticated selection of resort and leisure wear at Marella, with options for office-ready outfits and special occasion evening apparel. Choose from labels like Ella Moss, 7 For All Mankind and Young, Fabulous & Broke, as well as bathing suits by AguaClara and OndadeMar. (787-722-0010)

A Condado exclusive, Colombian designer Paola Cavalli has blessed Puerto Rico with her only namesake boutique, bursting with bright, fresh innovations in couture footwear and accessories for women and children. These intricately crafted designs are all 100 percent handmade with an emphasis on quality, durability and beauty. The brand enforces an ecological approach by using recycled materials aimed to encourage wildlife, create consciousness and express respect for the environment. (paolacavalli.com)

In addition to the wide selection of women’s apparel and accessories, Condado’s fashion district also offers something for men. Men and women can find a wide selection of shoes, sunglasses and apparel at Abitto, which offers designer brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Moschino, Diane von Furstenburg and Edmundo Castillo. (787-724-0303)

Stylish men can also delight in the masculine elegance found at the fine clothing boutique Monsieur. A longtime local favorite, this 36-year-old shop caters to the sharply dressed, professional male. Brightly colored, impeccable shirts by Robert Graham and versatile pants by Alberto offer an undeniable attention to detail and are top local sellers. (monsieurpuertorico.com)

Plaza Las Americas

With the moniker “El Centro de Todo”—“The Center of it All”—Plaza Las Americas represents much more than just the largest mall in the Caribbean; it has created an estimated 8,000 local jobs and is a testament to Puerto Rico’s efforts toward a growing economy. Proud to host the largest JCPenney and the only Macy’s in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas is a powerful retail contender with more than 40 restaurants and eateries, a 13-screen movie theater and more than 300 shops or establishments.

“Since its beginning in 1968, [Plaza Las Americas] has been part of the Puerto Rican community,” says Lorraine Vissepo, communications director for Plaza Las Americas. “In addition to being the center for shopping, dining, and entertainment, it’s the place where people go to just have fun and have a great personal relationship with the community.”

The palatial structure, now covering 1.8 million square feet, has undergone vast improvements since its inception, with a $300 million expansion in the fall of 2000 marking its most comprehensive project.

“There is always something happening as Plaza Las Americas. We always have all sorts of fairs and festivals,” says Vissepo, adding that the center features numerous special events and exhibitions that range from car and bridal shows to food festivals.

With its impressive 300 stores and boutiques, Plaza Las Americas is the place to visit for a whirlwind tour of Puerto Rico’s finest shopping. Browse well-known designer boutiques, including Michael Kors, Swarovski, Lacoste, Façonnable, Armani Exchange, BCBG Max Azria and the recently opened Carolina Herrera. Local clothing retailers offer an eccentric Puerto Rican flair, with colorful jewelry and shoes at Eclectic and bright, bold cocktail dresses and evening gowns at Images. To finish the look with chic and easy to wear jewelry, visit popular Spanish jeweler, Tous. Vissepo also suggests local noteworthy jewelers, Reinhold Jewelers and Lido Jewelers.

In addition to its collection of upscale brands, Plaza Las Americas is home to more than a dozen local craft artisans, who sell captivating wares ranging from pottery and woodcarvings to handmade dolls, toys and the traditional Puerto Rican “vejigante” masks, among other items.

“It’s a very dynamic place,” Vissepo says of the artisan wing on the third floor. “One [artisan] is carving, the other one is painting; sometimes there’s special music.”

Next to the artisan wing, there is even a farmers market open to the public twice a month. In essence, one really never knows what to expect upon arriving at Plaza Las Americas, as each trip is sure to offer a singular, cultural experience. (plazalasamericas.com)

Whether guests decide to visit Old San Juan, Condado or Plaza Las Americas—or all three—shopping in Puerto Rico is a distinctive cultural experience overflowing with rare finds and artistic treasures. Any destination explored is sure to enhance a stay on the island and make for an unforgettable outing.

Just as spectacular as Puerto Rican fashion is the local art scene. With a cultural background so rich, with deep and varied influences from the Taíno Indians as well as Latin and American cultures, Puerto Rican artists are proud to display their heritage through a range of artistic methods. Here are a few must-visit shops recommended by The St. Regis Bahia Beach Chef Concierge, Jossell Velazquez:  Puerto Rican Art & Crafts offers handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, wall hangings, silk screens, sculptures, carvings and a variety of paintings. (puertoricanart-crafts.com)

The Butterfly People captivates guests and locals with thousands of beautiful butterfly arrangements in brilliant oranges and calming opalescent blues and pinks. (butterflypeople.com) Spicy Caribbee adds a Caribbean kick to any dish with sweet, spicy and savory gourmet condiments and tropical jams. (spicycaribbee.com)