By Julie Schwietert Collazo

It's that time of the year again.

The holidays are over... those back-to-back weeks with an extra day off work or a three-day weekend are behind us. Even the thrill of the new year has worn off as resolutions have been forgotten, discarded, or allowed to slip away quietly.

It's cold outside. Forecasts of more snow, more wind. You're dreaming of spring, of a few days filled with sun, of crocus buds popping up through what you’re sure is permafrost.

It's easy, at the beginning of February, to feel desperate, as if there's nothing to look forward to until April. But if you're feeling that way, you've forgotten about President's Day. Coming up on February 16, President's Day offers many American workers the first three day weekend of 2009.

Don't just spend it at home, either hibernating in your heated home or braving the cold just to say you went out and did something. Plan a President's Day Weekend Getaway instead.

The Caribbean offers dozens of unique itineraries and quick getaways, especially for East Coasters. Here are two itineraries--one for Puerto Rico and one for St. Kitts--especially crafted for a three day weekend winter escape.

PUERTO RICO:

Fly into San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. If you want to go carless, book lodging in the neighborhoods of Condado, Ocean Park, or Isla Verde, which are serviced by public buses. Since you’re only in town for three days, you can manage fairly well on public transportation on this otherwise car-crazy island; plus, there’s plenty to explore in these neighborhoods.

Your best bet in Condado, which is peppered with chain hotels, is the San Juan Marriott, whose rooms were recently renovated with a bright yellow palette and super-comfortable beds [See my full review here]. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants, nightlife, and the popular La Ventana Park, where you can enjoy live music most weekend nights.

Ocean Park (Photo: Francisco Collazo)

In Ocean Park, pick Las Tres Palmas, an 18 room inn directly across the street from a beach that’s never crowded. And in Isla Verde, my pick is the popular Numero Uno Guesthouse, also directly on the beach, which also has an on-site restaurant, Pamela’s, which is frequented by locals and tourists. 

Regardless of where you stay, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Puerto Rico’s capital city. Start your day by acting like a local and having breakfast at Kasalta.

This popular bakery and café is packed any time of day, and you’ll see why when you ask for a cortadito (coffee) and an empanadilla (meat, chicken, or codfish filled pie).

Catch the bus headed for Old San Juan and be sure to make your first stop the Capitol building. Don’t forget your camera; the ceiling is an elaborate, colorful mosaic that depicts Puerto Rico’s history from the pre-colonial period to the mid- 20th century.

From the Capitol, make your way into Old San Juan proper. Catch amazing bay views from the top of either El Morro or Fuerte San Critstobal, two of the old city’s forts that commenced construction in the 1500s. Walk the city’s blue cobble stone streets, and peek into the secret garden at the Casa Blanca. If your feet get tired, catch one of the old city’s free trolleys, which will take you on a full circuit of this historic city.

You didn’t escape the cold just to catch the historic sites, though; you want to fit in some beach time. Escambron is the crescent stretch of beach that’s tucked away on the right as you enter Old San Juan from Condado; it’s free and open to the public. Try out some of the beach treats (pina coladas and any number of fried pastries) at the beach’s kiosks.

Art lovers won’t be disappointed by San Juan. The Museum of Art of Puerto Rico has a strong collection of local art, and works from abroad that date as far back as the 17th century. If you’re hungry, and if your budget allows, stick around for dinner at Pikayo (reservations recommended). One of three restaurants owned and run by Puerto Rican superstar chef, Wilo Benet, Pikayo specializes in the fusion of exotic flavors with traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Located in the museum, Pikayo is pricey, but the plates make memorable meals. Lunch is served Tuesday-Friday; dinner is Monday-Saturday.

If you’re looking for an incomparable local experience, stop by the Plaza Mercado, the fruit and vegetable market in the Santurce neighborhood (just across the highway from Condado). Stroll through the stalls and ask vendors to tell you about fruits and vegetables you don’t recognize. When your curiosity is overcome by hunger, duck into any of the restaurants that ring the plaza and try the special du jour. If you stop by the Plaza on Friday evenings, you’re likely to enjoy a planned or impromptu musical performance and dancing—for free.

**Remember: Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. As such, its currency is the US dollar (no need for currency exchange!) and American citizens do not require a passport for entry or exit.

ST. KITTS:

Fly into St. Kitts’ Robert Bradshaw International Airport. Don’t bother renting a car for three days; instead, rely on local taxis to sport you around from your lodgings to your activities. There’s plenty in St. Kitts that’s walkable, too.

Book yourself a spacious, well-appointed room at the Marriott, which has its own strip of beach, one of the few lodgings here that can make such a claim. It also has three pools, a spa with facilities, services, and staff that rival any destination spa, and several on-property restaurants that offer exceptional Italian (La Cucina; be sure to order the antipasti bar) and seafood (Blu; don’t skip the grouper). The Royal Grille Steakhouse has exceptional cuts of beef (including wagyu), and The Keys Cigar Bar may be predictable in its Cuban theme, but is comfortable, warm, and inviting.

Caribelle Batik (Photo: Julie Schwietert Collazo)

If the beach and Marriott’s amenities aren’t enough to keep you occupied, there’s plenty around Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, that will.

Few visitors skip Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor. Even if you’re the type who wouldn’t be interested in the live demonstration of how batik prints are made, the grounds of this property—once owned by the great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson—are rich with opportunities to photograph local flora. Be sure to stand beneath the spreading branches of the Saman Tree, a 350 year old tree that dominates the landscape.

Another popular activity for people who love collecting local handcrafts is a stop at The Potter’s House. This is the studio, gallery, and home of local artist Carla Astaphan. Learn more about her story when you stop by for a visit, and purchase a ceramic piece to take home for yourself or give as a gift (prices start as low as $15).

History lovers shouldn’t miss The Brimstone Hill Fortress, which is a national park. This is a massive fort perched atop a hill, offering unobstructed views of the ocean. There’s lots to learn about Caribbean history at this World Heritage Site, and the well-developed exhibits throughout the fort will contribute significantly to your understanding.

If you’re more inclined to stay outside and soak in the sun, there’s no local who’s more qualified to show you St. Kitts' varied landscape than Greg Pereira. Greg, a fifth generation St. Kittitian, will sport you around the island in his Land Rover, showing you the rainforest, the volcano, or old sugar plantations.

Greg is fit, and you’ll have the best time if you are, too, though he adjusts tours and itineraries for any need. Greg is also in the midst of a project to erect the island’s first zip line; it’s expected to be done by the end of February 2009. 

And if you want to get out on the sea, the glass bottom M.V. Seasurfer offers a view of the ocean floor—all from the comfort of the boat. You can call 1-869-661-7392 to make a reservation.

In the evening, it’s obligatory to experience local culture by cruising—whether in a car or on your feet—The Strip, a short, mostly dirt road, along which St. Kitts' most popular bars are located. There’s Ziggy’s Bar, which never closes, and Oasis, the local sports bar. But the hands down favorite of most locals and visitors is Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack. To show you’re in the know, drop the “Mr. X” and just ask to be dropped off at the Shiggidy Shack. Music, Carib Beer, local bites, and dancing… does it get any better than this in the middle of February??

**Tips: American citizens do need a passport but do not need a visa to enter St. Kitts. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (as of this writing, equivalent to approximately $2.67 USD); however, the US dollar is widely accepted. If using US dollars, though, expect your change in EC. You will be required to pay a departure tax at the airport, so be sure to save $22.00 USD to cover that expense.

• 
• Comment