Palmas Del Mar is a resort community located in Humacao, Puerto Rico that boasts a variety of offerings, including beaches, restaurants, natural reserves, trails, there’s even a church in there. It is a gated community so there is security to get past, just have to have a proper destination in mind to get in such as one of the restaurants inside or some of the other attractions then you have access to everything in the area.
Just a note that by law, all beaches in Puerto Rico are public so everyone has access to the beaches and spots found in this gated area. But, in order to get past the manned gate, it is ideal to state your destination being one of the commercial spots opposed to “Punta Icacos” for instance, since they will turn you away if you state that as your destination.
Bosque de Pterocarpus Nature Preserve
I visited the Bosque de Pterocarpus Nature Preserve last year in 2023 and it was a bit sad and disappointing to see everything still recuperating since Hurricane Maria. But, super unique little reserve – while I cannot pronounce the name of these trees, they are quite the sight to see. I love how the path is all wooden and immerses you right amongst the trees. Outside of the walkway is definitely a super serene area to maybe do yoga or meditate as well. Very peaceful and there is a nicely sized gazebo in the center which is where I would do some yoga. 🙂
Restaurants I love in Palmas
As far as restaurants, there are a few available to choose from but my favorites were hands down, Ember & Vine Steakhouse which I’ll link here. Had many amazing steak dinners here, they also have an amazing wine selection and lovely staff. Also was able to have an amazing set of appetizers, dinner and cocktails at Chez Daniel, which is a French restaurant also located in Palmas Del Mar. Highly recommend that specific one for a date night.
For brunch, I love Koffy Brunch & Bistro which I’ll link here. Great coffee, yummy breakfast, cozy seating area and sweet staff. La Pescaderia is a more chill spot right by the boat yards, I loved their ceviche and salmon. Cafe de la Plaza has some delicious Italian dishes and decent cocktails along with cute outdoor seating.
Punta Icacos
This tiny little spot is actually located in Yabucoa, but is accessible through Palmas Del Mar. The Google maps location won’t be able to tell you how to arrive there but I will 🙂 To access the trail to Punta Icacos, you can go two different ways. One is a paved path which is a trail located between Palmas Dr and Shell Castle Rd, I have the exact coordinates linked here.
If you are able to get a parking spot or are staying at the resort, you can access the trail from the other end and is significantly shorter, I have linked the starting point for that version here. This version of the trail is a little more treacherous but you follow the cement ramp down with homes to the left of you and the beach in front. As you approach the beach, you’ll turn right until you see a path leading upwards. Once you’re at the top of that trail, which hopefully you have found – you’ll turn left until you arrive at the Punta Icacos lookout. If you have any questions, shoot me a message!
Beaches are a plenty in Palmas Del Mar, every other path takes you to a nice secluded spot. I really liked going to Playa Tita which is located here specifically. You can access it through this pathway linked here.
