We are located in the small beach town of Loiza, about 14 miles East of Sju airport and about 3 miles West of the prestigious St Regis Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club.
This beachfront gated community has 3 pools, gazebo, a small playground, a beautiful court yard, a Ping-pong table and security. A rental car is strongly recommended as there is practically nothing within walking distance but the beach.
Our 3 bedroom/2 bath, second story unit has cable Tv, 2 Tv’s, Wi-fi internet, beach chairs and towels, partial view of the pool area and a glimpse of the ocean, beach toys, a hammock and an electric grill.
Fully furnished to accommodate up to 6 guests.
About Loiza: Loíza is a small town and municipality on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, north of Canóvanas; east of Carolina; and west of Río Grande. Loíza is spread over 5 wards and Loíza Pueblo (the downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the San Juan-caguas-guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Loíza is famous across Puerto Rico because it has been a talent pool for dancers and artisans. Formerly a center for black Puerto Rican music, it is said to be the traditional birthplace of the musical form known as plena along with Ponce.
Each year there is a celebration in Loíza where people parade around wearing Máscaras de Vejigante. Máscaras de Vejigante are a type of mask made in Loíza. They are made from coconuts and are painted in multiple colors.
Loíza is known as "la Capital de la Tradición"- "the Capital of Traditions"- for its "bomba" music, traditional Taíno and African dishes, folk art, and distinct culture.
Loíza, on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico and just a short drive from the capital of San Juan, is unlike any other part of the island. Originally settled by African slaves from the Yoruba tribe in the 16th century, the town has long been the Afro-caribbean soul of Puerto Rico. It is said that the slaves who worked the lands here would be able to see the ships coming into port, bearing a fresh cargo of their brethren to farm sugar cane, coconuts and other crops for the Spanish settlers. (the native Taíno were largely decimated after Spain's arrival to the island, but those who remained shared a similar fate. )
The Legend Behind the Name
There are numerous folk tales and legends surrounding Loíza, but one that has lasted through the ages is the story behind the name of the town. Apparently, Loíza is named after Yuiza, who was the only female taíno cacique (the native word for "chief") in the history of Puerto Rico. Even more remarkable, there are records of only two female caciques in all of the Caribbean.
Loíza Today
The town and municipality of Loíza remain the largest culturally Afro-caribbean community in Puerto Rico, and their customs and culture retain strong ties to their historic heritage. Part of the East tourist region of the island, it's often passed over for other, more popular day-trip destinations from San Juan, like El Yunque and Fajardo.
But the town is well worth a visit, for a few reasons.
Among these are the chance to sample a more African-influenced brand of Puerto Rican cuisine, check out a truly historic cavern, and take a peek at the oldest active parish church on the island.
The Festival of Saint James
Loíza shines brightest during its annual patron saint festival, in honor of Saint James, or Fiestas Tradicionales de Santiago Apóstol.
A week-long event held every July, it is one of Puerto Rico's most colorful, vibrant and culturally significant celebrations. Stretching out from the Plaza de Recreo, the festival is an explosion of costumed Spanish knights and the vejigantes they are soundly "defeating," parades, concerts and great food. The musical star of the show is the percussion-heavy bomba y plena, an African-origin music style that originated in Loíza.
Visiting Loíza
While Loíza won't dazzle you with its tourist offerings, there are some cultural and natural gems here beyond its iconic festival. But one of the reasons to visit is to enjoy the journey to Loíza; because when you drive here, you'll pass through Piñones, the beachfront community of kiosks and local eateries that specialize in all manner of fritters, turnovers and other tasty finger foods. Kiosko "el Boricua" is among the most popular stops around.
Also, while you're in the area, don't forget to order a coco frio, or chilled coconut water, from one of the many kiosks lining the road. The vendor will hack off the top with a machete and serve it fresh (some locals like it with a dash of rum, naturally). Coconut water is one of Loíza's main exports. The other reason people come to this part of Puerto Rico (like so many other parts of the island) is to find that perfect stretch of golden sand, whether it's shallow pools wedged between the shore and a sandbar that was practically designed for families, or isolated crescents of golden sand just off the road.
You'll find both here, along with a large boardwalk and even a very pleasant bike trail (you can rent bikes at the Copi Cultural Center in Piñones.
One of the highlights of visiting Loíza is the Maria de la Cruz Cave. This large cavern was excavated by archaeologist Dr. Ricardo Alegria in 1948 and became an important landmark for the artifacts found within, which offered evidence of the very first human inhabitants of the island, dating back to the archaic period. Taíno artifacts have also been found here, and the cave is believed to have served both a ceremonial purpose as well as a shelter for the early inhabitants during hurricanes and storms. You'll see signs for the cave along Route 187 shortly after you reach Loíza from the west.
The other landmark in this region is the San Patricio Church, among the oldest churches in Puerto Rico.
Located in the town square, the modest church was built in 1645 and has been listed on the U. S. National Register of Historic Places.
Beyond its attractions, Loíza is important for its unique history, culture, and traditions, which it retains to this day. If you're looking for Off-the-beaten-path adventure, Loíza and nearby Piñones makes for a wonderful day out, just a short drive east of San Juan.
Loíza and nearby Piñones
If you are thinking about traveling to Puerto Rico but want to avoid “the old beaten path” and crowded beach-scene of Condado and Isla verde hotels zone, then Loiza might be what you are looking for. This humble coastal town, rich in Afro-cultural heritage & pristine beaches, is just minutes away from the International Airport Luis Muñoz Marin, Old San Juan and the metropolitan area. It’s also a perfect location to explore the East corridor engaging in hiking, snorkeling, boating, horseback riding & zipline tours. There are various beachfront “resort style” vacation rentals.
The start your vacation right away scenario: Immediately out of the airport, enter “Piñones Natural Reserve” through road #187. A coast line with beautiful beaches and coastal forest makes this a treasure of natural resources just minutes away from the city. What’s more, there are many kiosks to delight in firewood cooked fritters that are part of our African heritage, such as “bacalaitos” fresh cod batter fritters as well as “alcapurrias” made from a batter of plantains and farinaceous – such as Yautía – stuffed with meat or crab. Also, “pastelillos” turnovers, “mofongo” with lobster or seafood; and plenty of fresh fish. For those who like sweet & salty, “piononos” might do the trick. They are made from ripe plantains slices, wrap around a little mound of meat, crab stew or cod, dipped in egg batter and fried. Just the fact of stopping for a nice scenery, drink coconut water, a cold beer or a Piña Colada while trying these entrees starts your vacation right away. You may stop for sightseeing, sunbathing and swimming along this route.
Continue your drive through road #187 all along Piñones coast line, until you cross El Río Grande de Loíza, (Puerto Rico’s second longest river) and get to the town of Loíza. There is a wide offer of resort style vacation rentals that count with pools, gym, gazebos, basketball, beach volleyball courts and more. But what’s really special is the stripe of pristine beaches that runs behind these complexes. For example, Atlantic Beach Apartment in Loiza. These Puerto Rico vacation rentals let you experience a resort feel with the comfort of being at home, and the possibility to save some bucks by cooking and preparing snacks to go in a full kitchen.
At the heart of Loiza you’ll find “el Buren de Lula” a very rare & unique place. “doña Lula” is keeping alive the tradition of cooking on the “burén” – a rudimentary ceramic flat grill heated by blazing firewood. She learned from her ancestors and has written a book to keep this heritage for future generations. The food is very good, genuine Puerto Rican cuisine. The flavors of natural spices, sofrito and achiote for natural color are noticeable. Order “arroz con hueyes” rice with crab, “habichuelas” beans and “salmorejo de hueyes” crab stew. Make sure to order an “empanada” which is basically a batter of ground farinaceous with shredded coconut that is stuffed with crab, folded in plantain leaves and cooked on the buren. The light touch of coconut at the end of each bite is so well balanced out with the rest, like a subtle roller coaster ride of flavors. For dessert, try the “dulce de coco”, mushy concoction of shredded coconut, sugar and milk, to make these traditional sweet. Four people can easily share this wonderful artisan-meal for under 60 bucks. Opens Saturdays & Sundays only, at Road #187 Km. 8, Medianía Baja, Loiza Pr. (787).
Loiza is close enough to allow easy exploration of El Yunque National Park of The Caribbean (just 20 minutes away) or embark in a Catamaran snorkeling tour including food and drinks to either visit Icacos Island or Culebra Island home of “Playa Flamenco” or Flamingo Beach.
Rental Basis: Entire house or apartment
Amenities:
Electric stove / cooktop, Armchair, Sofa, Dining table, Seating area, Dining chairs, Terrace, Outdoor furniture, Alarm-clock, Towels (free), Free toiletries, View - mountain, View - pool, No heating,
Extra Rooms:
Common area, Dining room, Living room,
Wheelchair Access: No
Bathroom 1 info not found.
Bathroom 2 info not found.
Non Refundable: This is the strictest clause. As soon the booking is confirmed & payment is accepted, booking becomes non-refundable. Zero amount will be refunded to the customer if she or he cancels the booking.
Loud Music not allowed. Pets not allowed.
Security Deposit EUR 169.03 Fixed Amount Per Stay
