Merry Christmas to you all! This week’s Beach Thursday feature are my favorite East Coast Puerto Rico paradores.

Hope you enjoy the beautiful PHOTOS + videos! They are certainly some of my favorite spots in the entire island.

As you already know, a couple of weeks ago I was scouring the island for the best hidden gems and intimate spots as part of my first (official!) #TourBoricua.

Here’s a glimpse of what I found!

Puerto Rico Paradores: Photos + Video of my East Coast Favorites

I spent hours on the Internet looking for special properties in which to celebrate our second-year anniversary. I wanted to surprise him, make it special: none of that cookie-cutter, international hotel chain nonsense.

We were also on a budget!

While our time in a private Rincon beach house was perfect, I couldn’t find “The One” on the east.

That’s when I knew I had to look into Puerto Rican paradores.

Simply put, a parador is a local inn that offers an intimate atmosphere and services beyond the typical bed-and-breakfast. They feel cozier; more homey.

Naturally, when I discovered that the family-owned paradores chain Tropical Inns also offered all-inclusive stays, I knew I had to book a room in one of their East Coast properties!

All of them looked enticing though. Which to choose?

OPTION # 1: Parador Costa Del Mar, Yabucoa

First up was Parador Costa Del Mar, a cozy 16-room retreat in the Eastern beach town of Yabucoa.

Hmm…quite off-the-beaten-path.

Few restaurants on that road; more local bars than anything else. The spirit of a romantic spot?

I wasn’t so sure until…

THAT view from a room’s balcony. *Gasp.* Ok, I’m sold?! But theeeen:

OPTION # 2: Parador MaunaCaribe, Maunabo

Beachfront. Holy infinity pool. Off-the-beaten-path as well. But over 50 rooms… And quite popular with locals during holidays and weekends.

Not quite the romantic getaway I was looking for. Still though, I’ll keep in mind for my next family reunion!

OPTION # 3: Parador Palmas De Lucia, Yabucoa

Parador Palmas De Lucia was located on the same road as Costa Del Mar. Bigger property though, closer to the beach and walking distance to a local restaurant or two.

Went inside to take a look…

Super family-friendly. Lots of kids. Better suited for a weekend with my baby nephew and close family:

VERDICT: for a romantic retreat, Parador Costa Del Mar it is!

We stayed during the low season, for the long Thanksgiving weekend, and had the property to ourselves.

It was absolutely magical: the unobstructed ocean views from our room’s balcony; the peace of mind knowing our meals were all taken care of (even our afternoon snacks!); unlimited coffee (extremely important); and the silence…!

We only heard a few voices by the pool around lunchtime the day we were leaving. Just one more room was booked during our entire stay.

Anyone who has been to Puerto Rico before know this is a luxury.

I still dream about the mornings hearing the ocean come and go; the smell of coffee brewing in our bedroom; the chunks of coconut in their exquisite flan; the kick of their steak’s chimichurri sauce & crispiness of their yuca tostones; opening my eyes and seeing Vieques Island right off my sliding door…

Oh our dear Costa Del Mar: can’t wait to visit you again!

PLEASE NOTE: the lovely Tropical Inns family offered us a 3-day, 2 night stay in exchange of some press…

Little did they know, we would have raved about them anyway! 😉

All opinions set forth are entirely our own though: and honest. We were so impressed with this little piece of heaven, we can’t wait to go back 😀

Check out our full review here.

Have you stayed at a parador? What was your experience like?