30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Birthdays are always special and I knew I wanted to getaway for my 30th birthday celebration. As a January baby, it can be a bit depressing to celebrate it during the winter. More often than not, the weather isn’t pleasant and it’s usually extremely cold, raining or snowing. Instead of freezing and feeling miserable, I decided to spend it in sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Isn’t it a bit odd that there are some years that seem to be more significant than others? Turning the big 30 definitely falls into that category. While I embrace being a winter baby, it’s not always so enjoyable to spend it in NYC. Over the years, I’ve had to endure  unpleasant forecast, so I decided to get some sun instead.

I’ve also always been the type of person to gather all my friends together, especially during my birthday. While I don’t find anything wrong with that, I found myself more concerned about others having fun during that special day than myself. So instead of trying to make this day about others, I decided to celebrate this day for myself. It’s actually quite refreshing to welcome the first day in my 30s without the noise of the world.

Booking a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico

I was lucky enough to spend it with my best friend since we are both January babies. Getting some sun and relaxing by the pool and beach was everything that I needed and more. El Fairmont San Juan was so kind enough to host me for three days. I owe it all to them to giving me a memorable 30th birthday! They definitely went out of their way to make me feel special and I appreciate their hospitality and generosity 🙂

I’ve been to Puerto Rico before but it had probably been about 10 years since my last visit. Puerto Rico is only approximately 3.5 hour flight from NYC, so it was a smooth flight. El Fairmont San Juan is conveniently located only 5 minutes from the airport and only 15 minutes from Old San Juan. Since I was staying for just three nights, I didn’t spend too much time outside of the hotel. We did however, spent one quick afternoon of exploring Old San Juan because it’s a cute area with colorful, charming buildings.

El Fairmont San Juan

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, where lively vibes and peaceful ocean views meet. Located minutes from Old San Juan, on the award-winning Isla Verde Beach in Puerto Rico. The resort features four pools, villa rooms, live entertainment, a Well & Being Spa and Fitness Center, paddleboards, luxury cabanas, signature dining at Caña by Juliana Gonzalez, El San Juan Beach Club, Meat Market, Riva and Chandelier Bar featuring a 7,000 Crystal Chandelier.

Upon arriving at El Fairmont San Juan, I was blown away by how spacious the hotel was. The entrance lobby is beautiful and inviting with a mesmerizing hanging chandelier. There is also a casino and shops. The hotel has several dining options including Caña by Juliana Gonzalez, Riva, Meat Market, El San Juan Beach Club, Crudo Sushi at the Lobby, and Bayan Tree Grill as well as El bistro coffee shop.

For the majority of the trip, my friend and I spent laying by the pool and walking by the beach during sunset. I felt a sense of calmness as I unplugged from my hectic life in New York City. On my actual birthday, I spent it at the cabana, sipping champagne and eating small bites. I tried my best to soak in as much sun as possible because I knew I would return to NYC cold temperatures.

Caña by Juliana Gonzalez

El Fairmont was so generous to also send me a bottle of champagne and dessert and I thought it was the sweetest gesture! At night, we dined at Caña by Juliana Gonzalez, which is a Puerto Rican restaurant.

“Each one-of-a-kind dish invites guests to celebrate San Juan’s traditions old and new, with the international zest and fresh ingredients Chef Juliana Gonzalez is known for.”

We ordered the following:

• BUÑUELOS DE YAUTIA Y QUESO CAPAEZ: taro root fritters, capaez cheese, cilantro & jalapeño alioli
• TARTAR DE REMOLACHA coal roasted beet tartar, bucheron cheese, amarena cherries, walnuts balsamic vinaigrette, baby kale
• ENSALADA DE TOMATE, SANDIA Y AGUACATE GF tomato, watermelon and avocado salad
• ÑAME GF white yam, coconut milk braised shiitake mushrooms, pineapple “pique,” celery leaves
• POLLO GLASEADO CON TAMARINDO roasted free range ½ chicken, tamarind glaze, carrot romesco

Everything was delicious and it was great to share the plates. I made sure to also save some room for dessert because we all know that’s the best part of dinner. We had the chocolate moose which came with three layers of chocolate and it was the perfect way to end the evening. (Alexandra, our waiter was wonderful and made our dining experience enjoyable! I also want to mention that I don’t have too many photos from the restaurant because I wanted to be present and enjoy my birthday dinner.)

Embracing this New Chapter

And just like that, our three days passed and soon enough, I returned back to NYC and not surprisingly, back to a snowstorm. All in all, I had a wonderful 30th birthday! Even though, I don’t feel a huge difference, I can say that my mindset and headspace is definitely better than ever. I am welcoming this new decade with ease, grace, joy, self compassion and self love. I have never felt more happier or confident in my own skin. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m the oldest I’ve ever been, but that fact doesn’t scare me like it used to. I’ve realized over the last few years that happiness and inner peace comes from within. And I can truthfully say that I am grateful for where I’m at today because I know this is exactly where I’m meant to be. 30, your girl is ready for you!