Blissful Beachfront Vacation with Sublime Ocean View
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
This little corner of paradise is located on the 18th floor of Playa Azul 1, a beachfront building in the seaside town of Luquillo. From its spacious 27 ft balcony one looks out on an unobstructed, glorious sweep of tropical ocean and palm-treed beaches. Overwhelming eye candy that photos simply cannot capture (try as I may). The balcony is where a breakfast of mango, papaya and pineapple is lazily taken in the morning, where, ensconced in a hammock, piña colada in hand, we watch the day slowly fade to dusk, where dinner is served al fresco. It is the dolce farniente sweet spot of our vacation.
The living space consists of two air conditioned bedrooms each complete with in-suite bath and walk-in closet and attractive furniture with ample storage space. Bedroom 1 has one queen sized bed and opens to the balcony. Bedroom 2 , a bit larger, has two queen sized beds and a wall of windows overlooking the ocean. A ceiling fan whoops up a gentle breeze if you prefer to shut out the breaking waves outside the window. Bed linen for all beds is high end cotton. So are the towels.
There is a fully equipped kitchen suitable for any culinary challenge. There is tableware for 8, enough that you don't need to run the dishwasher after every meal. There is also a washer and a dryer so you can pack lightly when travelling.
The sitting room is situated between the two bedrooms, insuring privacy at both ends. It is comfortable without being stuffy. There is a 40' HD TV with a cable connection and a BluRay player . There is broadband internet (cabled or wireless). There is a landline phone (although your mobile should do just fine on the island) There is a mini library of take-one/leave-one beach reading material, board games, and several complete (one hopes:-)) decks of cards . There is a wall of windows to let the outside in and a wonderful gentle breeze to keep things cool.
Playa Azul 1 is part of a gated complex of three buildings that share a swimming pool, and tennis and basketball courts. The complex has its own security detail at the front gate, and the lobby of the building is manned 24 hours a day. A provided special key will let you out the back door onto the local beach. It is a convenient elevator ride away, sparsely used and very pleasant. Beware however, it is not monitored by lifeguards. There are in the apartment coolers, folding chairs and towels for your use on the beach. Alternatively, Balneario La Monserrate, AKA Luquillo Beach, the most renowned palmed beach on the island, is a picturesque stroll away along a secluded narrow stretch of beach, (or a 2 minute drive with plentiful parking). It has the benefit of lifeguards, very calm water and amenities such as food stands (yes, they serve piña coladas) and rentals of chaises-longues and umbrellas. The grounds are clean and well maintained: La Monserrate is a 'Blue Flag' rated beach by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education).
Stores are close enough to be convenient for all necessities. Area supermarkets offer familiar goods in familiar settings, Walgreen is nearby for all your drugstore needs, there is a bank with an ATM right outside the gate and there is even a Wal-Mart and a small shopping center a short drive away. Although not everyone speaks English, generally, language is seldom a problem.
There is in the area a multitude of small friendly local restaurants for easy dining ( for example, try the colorful 'kioscos' right down the street for surprisingly good eating or walk up to the Brass Cactus, an 'American' style sports bar right outside the gate). Our favorite is Lolita's, about 3 miles east on Rt 3. If you prefer upscale there are fine restaurants at the Conquistador hotel 15 min to the east or the Wyndham Rio Mar, 10 min to the west. If haute cuisine is what you want, San Juan, 45 min away, has a copious selection of fine world class eateries.
There is also plenty to do: Casino, Golf, Scuba, hiking, swimming and sunbathing at any of several beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, zip-lining across the rain forest, touring the island's many wonders, daytrips to Ponce, the Arecibo radiotelescope and other fabled destinations, sightseeing in Old San Juan (did you know that San Juan is the oldest city in American territory, founded in 1521 by Ponce de León, less than 30 years after Columbus made his voyage?), ferry rides to Vieques and other islands... In the apartment you'll find a binder that we compiled with all our favorite things to do/places to go/where to eat. Try www.Puertoricodaytrips.com or any of the myriad other sites Google will proffer on the subject of what to do in Puerto Rico... La Isla del Encanto.
Mi casa es su casa; Come stay with us, you'll be glad you did.
NB: A QUICK NOTE TO THE PARENTS OF VERY YOUNG CHILDREN: The balcony of our 18th floor apartment is an ideal place for vegetative contemplation of the immensity of the universe. Beware however that there is a potential for problems if very young children are left unattended. This IS the 18th floor, and there are tables, chairs,outdoor furnishings and such that might serve as launching pads for a young hyperactive budding aviator curious to experience flight. It is not a totally insurmountable problem (most things can be moved away from the precipice) but I think you should be aware of the issue. Call me for more information.
Keywords: Puerto Rico apartment rental, oceanfront, 2bdrm 2bth, condo, condominium, vacation rental, beachfront, Caribbean, flat, let,
Property Type
- Condo
- On floor 18
- 1000 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Alternative Lifestyle
- Pets Not Allowed
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Children Welcome
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Queen size Beds (3)
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
Kitchen & Dining
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Kitchen
Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Linens Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Satellite / Cable
- DVD Player
Communications
- Broadband Access
- Wireless Internet
- Telephone
Pool & Spa
- Communal Pool
Outdoor Features
Location & View
- Beachfront
- Oceanfront
Activities
- Restaurants
- Deepsea Fishing
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Snorkeling
- Golf Privileges Optional
- Parasailing
- Basketball Court
- Jet Skiing
- Golf
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Wind-Surfing
- Surfing
- Medical Services
- Laundromat
- Zoo
- Cinemas
- Beachcombing
- Eco Tourism
- Gambling Casinos
- Scenic Drives
- Massage Therapist
- Shopping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
- Sight Seeing
- ATM/Bank
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Boating
- Tennis
Reviews
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WHAT A VIEW
WHAT A VIEW
- Guest Anonymous
- Date of stay 04/14/13
- Review Submitted 05/16/13
We chose this condo for the great view and we weren't disappointed! We traveled as 2 couples so the layout of the condo was perfect for us. A bedroom w/bath on both sides and then we met up in the middle for the kitchen, living room and sliding doors that opened to a very large deck. There was an a/c in each bedroom but we only used that the first few nights and then we opted to open all the window/door vents along with the patio doors (one of the bedrooms also had one (the 1 with only one bed). If you do this - a word of warning...it can be a challenge to hold open the front door when going out. We always had a great laugh when it happened though. Everything was decorated beautifully and stocked with everything we needed. We really appreciated the beach chairs left for our use. They even had a small cooler in the back of them. The beach was only steps from the condo lobby...cross a small manicured lawn, through a keyed gate, and walk across a dead end street. We walked quite a distance on the beach in both directions. Interesting how the sand and water color change in such a short distance. If you walk to the left on the beach you will come to Luquillo Beach and if you walk to the right you cross over the condos on the large rock and come to a more natural area where we seen the markings for a sea turtle nest. We explored the island each day and ended up in the rainforest -do stop at the Caribeean Trading Company on the way in or out, Old San Juan, Fajardo and even went in the mountains to the town of Cayay which was very pretty. We hiked to the La Mina Falls which was a wonderful hike plus stopped at all the points of interest along the way. You can park close to most spots or even see them from the road which was nice for the ones that don't like to hike. We wanted to do some water excursion but that did not work out for us with either rain or not enough people booking. For food we tried the burger joint at the kiosks, Metropol (when we p/u car) - very good local food, Lolita's Mexican - loved the margarita's - pricey but oh so worth it, Sizzler (because we all remembered loving in the states many years ago) - don't don't go there, Erik's Gyros for breakfast (really enjoyed - check it out) and on the last day we finally went in the Brass Cactus around the corner. Wished we would have check that out sooner...cool décor, American bar food that was good and some music from home which we were ready to hear. STAY HERE...YOU'LL LOVE IT!!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you Jackie for all the kind words and all the information you provided. I hope you will stay with us again in the future.
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Execellent Vacation in Luquillo
Execellent Vacation in Luquillo
- Guest Brett S.
- Date of stay 04/02/13
- Review Submitted 04/13/13
Luquillo is a great central location for a lot of the things to do in Puerto Rico. San Juan, El Yunque rainforest, Fajardo (where the ferry leaves from), and even the casino at the Wyndham are all very short drives. You will want to rent a car. There is an awesome beach right in front of the condo. There is also a public beach about a mile away that is very nice. The condo has everything you should need for trips to the beach and making meals. This is a great condo to share with another couple. Two separate bedrooms with their own private bathrooms. The only thing that was tricky was that there was only 1 set of keys and you need to take them with you each time you leave the condo. So it is difficult to coordinate the key situation if anyone in your group wants to split up.Recommended for: Sightseeing.
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Great time in Puerto Rico!
Great time in Puerto Rico!
- Guest AndyMN
- Date of stay 04/02/13
- Review Submitted 04/12/13
A group of 4 of us stayed at Bert's condo recently. It was spacious enough for two couples, and we had enough privacy for the week. The balcony is great... we enjoyed coffee and breakfast overlooking the ocean every morning. There is everything you need to make any meal/drink... very nice to have so many kitchen amenities! There is a Subway within walking distance, and a grocery store/other fast food restaurants within a 2 minute drive. I was very cautious driving though as it seemed as if there were no driving rules in Puerto Rico! The beach outside of the condo is great. It was very quiet on weekdays. Sunday was definitely the day that all of the locals come to the beach. We walked to town along the beach a few separate times and checked out some restaurants in town. I would recommend walking along the beach as it is much more scenic than walking through town. Boardriders had a good happy hour. The surrounding neighborhood of Playa Azul is fine, and nicer than expected based on things I had read. The 'main downtown Luquillo' towards the east of Playa Azul is definitely in need of repair, but there is no reason to go there unless driving into town for a couple meals. It was a bit difficult only having one set of keys, but we managed just fine. The TV was not working when we arrived, but we reached out to Bert and a new one was installed within a few days. The new one is even nicer! It was nice to be able to watch American news/sports at night (Definitely an advantage over Mexico) Some final advice would be to check out the kiosk restaurants (keep an open mind) and avoid the island ferries on the weekends!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
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Lucious Luquillo
Lucious Luquillo
- Guest Carolie
- Date of stay 02/26/13
- Review Submitted 03/19/13
What a beautiful apartment and location for a Puerto Rico stay! We loved the place and especially the configuration of the apartment. Having a two bed bedroom meant that we were incredibly comfortable, could share or not share nightly according to mood. Loved having a large closet and really nice bathroom with a separate bedroom for a dressing room was a treat as well. The price was really reasonable considering the amount of space. We felt very secure, parking was never an issue and the location was central to everything we wanted to do: Fajardo, El Yunque, San Juan. Local shopping was good, excellent grocery store (Ralph's) not far from the place and plenty of restaurants - several were walking distance which was another treat. The great breeze and window set up meant that we didn't even use the air conditioning system, it just wasn't necessary even though the days were up to high 70's and low 80's every day. It was lovely to hang out on the really private balcony overlooking the beautiful beach below. How fun when the Hawk landed on the rail and hung out for more than a minute - huge thrill!!!! The balcony was even better because although it was very large, it didn't extend to the bedroom we used for sleeping which meant that I didn't bother my partner when up late or early with lights or noise which was perfect for me since I keep odd hours at times. I highly recommend this apartment and the owners are wonderful to deal with and I recommend them, too! I would rent this place over and over again, it's that nice and that reasonable. The kitchen had everything one could possibly need and the furnishings were both good looking and very comfortable - we loved the beds, wonderful and nice sheets, too.Recommended for: Sightseeing, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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lovely beachside condo
lovely beachside condo
- Guest Emily
- Date of stay 02/16/13
- Review Submitted 03/16/13
My husband and I went with my parents over February break this year and used Bert's apartment. We had a lovely time. The location is really ideal. 2 years ago we stayed at the Wyndham Rio Mar and it was OK, the food was bad, the drinks were expensive, the beach was fine but not fabulous and it was a pain to leave the resort. I found this location much more ideal if you want to go out on your own and explore a bit. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. We loved the convenience of a condo and the beach is definitely nicer than the Rio Mar location. The beach is more locals than tourists on the weekend but we felt safe and we enjoyed the energy on this beach. There was a "pumping" party until late on Sat night but it made us remember that we were in Puerto Rico and to enjoy to latin american influences. By far our favorite place for eating is the Kiosks, I was a bit sad we couldn't walk there. The condo was well decorated, comfortable, with a great view. Everything we could have asked for. The only thing I would change is an extra set of keys because it does get a little tricky if you want to go your separate ways. We can't wait to come back!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, pet owners.
Owner response: I am glad you found staying in our condo to be a pleasant experience. Thank you for your nice review. The condo administration is in process of changing the keying in the lobby to improve security. The distribution of new keys to every one is still going on. Normally there should be at least two sets for the apartment. I am sorry you were inconvenienced.
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Spectacular Setting in Luquillo
Spectacular Setting in Luquillo
- Guest Peaceful
- Date of stay 03/05/13
- Review Submitted 03/14/13
If you like the beach, the entrancing sound of the crashing waves and a spectacular ocean view, this is the place to be in Puerto Rico! My son and I spent a week in this 2 bedroom with balcony residence and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He would roam the Yunque Rain Forest during the day and I volunteered at the Puerto Rico Open, that was being held at the Trump International Gold Course just 7 miles down the road. The location of this residence is very central to exploring the coast or rain forest attractions. Numerous places to eat within several miles and the Kioskos ( Kiosks) just one mile away with dozens of informal restaurants with a variety of fare, right on the beach. The unit itself has bedroom air conditioning units but we never turned them on! Always a breeze blowing through and there were fans on the ceiling. The balcony is a destination on it's own. Great for eating, playing cards or just taking in the view and "people watching" the beach goers. Gated security was a nice plus and was open 24 hours with easy in and out access. We had a rental car and put over 400 miles on it during the week. A car is a must in this location. I heartily recommend this property to devotees of Puerto Rico and beach who desire an independent, exploring vacation experience. Just keep in mind, the surrounding area of Luquillo is a bit "rough on the edges" and is very "Caribbean" in terms of inconsistently maintained dwellings and environmental cleanliness.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+.
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J V Chicago IL
J V Chicago IL
- Guest JOSE V.
- Date of stay 02/02/13
- Review Submitted 02/25/13
Traveled with 4 adults, found the property exactly as described, which is to say wonderful. Every possible amenity we needed was in the condo, and beach, view, and staff were great. It is a great location to stay just in the area, or use as a springboard for driving around the island. Rate it as good or better than any property I have rented. Only complaint was the pool is shaded most of the time, but we just took the condo beach chairs to the beach, no problem.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Great location. Great owner.
Great location. Great owner.
- Guest A.J. & Amy
- Date of stay 01/26/13
- Review Submitted 02/09/13
We stayed for 1 week and enjoyed our time there. The location was perfect, right on the beach and close enough to San Juan to be convenient. The rain forest was only a few miles away, and the famous kiosks were right there as well. The condo itself had pretty much everything you'd need for an extended stay. Bert was also great to deal with and was very helpful with any questions. The condo is not as new as some others we've stayed at and this is why I can only give 4 stars. I still think it's a good place to stay and having an owner like Bert who is good to work with makes recommending the place easy.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Owner response: Thank you so much for the favorable comments, Bert
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We loved it!
We loved it!
- Guest happybee
- Date of stay 11/27/12
- Review Submitted 12/20/12
The apartment is every bit as beautiful as it looks in the photos. The view is just gorgeous and we loved watching it change throughout the day and night. The place has comfortable beds and is nicely equipped with kitchen gear. We went out for dinner every night (there is a lot to choose from nearby), but we generally had lunch and breakfast at home. I wasn’t crazy about the closest grocery store (Amigo), but at least it has the basics. There are better grocery stores not too far away. The beach next to the condo buildings was nice. It was a little rough closest to the building, but if you walked a little ways to the right it was calmer. The water was so warm! It was also fun to walk to the left all the way to the blue flag balneario, but I don’t think that beach was that much nicer. But I really liked the walk to get there. You could also walk the other direction to the beach next to the town of Luquillo and watch the surfers. In general, it’s a nice location- close to El Yunque, the ferries to the islands and the biophosphorescent bay. We did all those things! The condo complex was secure and well maintained. The guards who man the desk in the lobby were friendly and helpful. We also enjoyed the herd of stray cats who greet you when you come home in the evening. Be sure to save some scraps from your dinner- they know the sound of a takeout bag. Bert is an honest and genuinely nice guy. When we had a problem, he immediately acted to come up with a solution. I hope we get the chance to stay there again some day.Recommended for: People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
Owner response: Thank you Sue, for your generous words and for your forbearance. We also hope that you will come back some day.
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Perfect location!
Perfect location!
- Guest Ryan
- Date of stay 11/10/12
- Review Submitted 11/19/12
Absolutely the perfect location for your ideal main island Puerto Rico vacation. 30 minutes to Old San Juan and the airport, 15 minutes to the El Yunque rainforest, right on Playa Azul, and 2 minutes to the stunning Playa Luquillo, food Kiosks and other great restaurants like Pasta y Pueblo in Luquillo. This condo has the most stunning view. Seriously. Very large balcony with 2 tables and 2 hammock seats. So relaxing. Kitchen is well stocked with all plates and cooking utensils you'd need, and grocery is close by. Great books in the living room, and comfortable bedrooms with fans & AC. Very easy to access, and feels safe with a gated and supervised parking lot. And the owners are absolutely lovely to deal with and so helpful! Highly, highly, highly recommend this place for your next vacation.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thank you for the kind words, and I hope your next visit will not compete with the NY marathon.
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Rates
Hi Season: (Dec15-Aug31): $995/1week, $157/nite (min 3 nights) Lo season: (Sep1-Dec15 excl Labor day & Thanksgiving which remain hi season): 900/1wk.. $135/night (3night minimum). Cleaning fee $75, local lodging tax 7%, one-time parking fee $20. Refundable $200 deposit required. Available all year subject to prior commitement All rates quoted in US dollars
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
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- Attraction
- 12 miles to rental
- View on map
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- Restaurant
- 31 miles to rental
- View on map
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- Restaurant
- 1.3 miles to rental
- View on map
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- Attraction
- 25 miles to rental
- View on map
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- Attraction
- 1.2 miles to rental
- View on map
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- Attraction
- 11 miles to rental
- View on map
- Nearest Airport: San Juan International at 30 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2004
About the owner: We first vacationed at Playa Azul when our older daughter was 9 months old - three decades ago! Each year we thought of different winter vacation destinations, and each year we all agreed nothing could be better than this place in the sun. It has become our family hub - for us and our two grown daughters, and their friends, and our friends. It is the perfect place for a day of exploring, or a day to do nothing much at all. The apartment has room for our extended family to hang out, play games, listen to music, serve dinner for two or twelve on the balcony, swing in the hammocks and laze away the evenings watching the incredible sunsets. From the time that they were little, it has been our 'dolce farniente' place. We hope it will be yours, too.
Why the Owner Chose Luquillo:
We started out renting and finally realized we wanted to have a place that we could make our own, and make special. So many rental units didn't have the quality we wanted or the many amenities that make such a difference. So we bought the two bedroom/two bath configuration that we liked the best, and renovated it to be the dream vacation place we always wanted..
The Unique Benefits at this Condo:
Owner speaks both Spanish and French, as well as English for your convenience
Contact us
- Primary: + 973 984 6976
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Sunrise on the balcony
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Bedroom 1 with French doors opening onto the balcony and the ocean beyond
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View into the kitchen
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The Pool
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El Yunque - The Rain Forest- (view from the south side of the building
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Luquillo Beach, El Yunque (Rain Forest) in background
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Nightfall on our little village of Luquillo,
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Playa Azul I - Home, Away from Home
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Only useful if it's raining
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Room with a view
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Aaah, breakfast al fresco
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It's always 5 o'clock in Luquillo
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The strange world of El Yunque
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Palm Beach? in Luquillo
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If you are lucky you'll see a full moon ( and the occasional rainbow as well)
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Date last modified - Thursday, January 10, 2013