waterfall

PUERTO Rico is known for salsa, pina coladas and street parties.

But following Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl half-time show this year, interest in the Caribbean island — which is a US territory — has surged.

And on my first visit, it didn’t take me long to realise what all the fuss was about.

Landing in capital San Juan, I made a beeline for Bad Bunny’s favourite neighbourhood, Santurce, a hip and arty spot littered with bright and enormous murals — the biggest of which stretches ten storeys high.

In the day, the streets here are peaceful, with quiet cafes spilling on to the pavement and a well-known elderly man selling flowers to passers-by.

Don’t let that fool you, though.

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The scene completely changes come Friday and Saturday nights, when locals cram into the many bars and party on the streets to live music.

It’s a great spot for a boogie and for those who love to let their hair down.

But if, like me, you’re not much of a party animal, you might prefer the region of Ciales, around 40 miles to the west, which offers sweeping, unspoilt countryside.

Instead of late nights stomping until sunrise, this area is all about early mornings and waterfall hikes.

You’ll never struggle to find a decent coffee to fuel those dawn starts, either.

After all, Puerto Rico is famous for producing some of the best in the world.

You’ll be able to pick up a brew anywhere, with makeshift stalls perched on the side of the road and halfway up mountains.

I even found one suspended from a treehouse. Called FinCafe, it serves its brews with a twist.

How does a ginger and cinnamon flat white sound?

FinCafe also offers tours of its plantation across the road. Book with Sofrito Tours (sofritotourspr.com).

Heading even further west, out of the countryside and towards the coastline, I stumbled upon some of the most beautiful seaside spots, including Crash Boat Beach.

Once a military site (hence the name) this shore is now a gorgeous stretch of white sand bordering clear blue seas.

Be prepared to jump off the fishing pier if you visit. It’s a cherished tradition here.

If you are keen to have a go at surfing then make your way to Jobos Beach, a few miles along the coast from Crash Boat.

Those who are new to the sport can book a private or group lesson with local group MOKU (mokusurfshop.com).

The staff are incredibly patient.

They even pushed my board against the might of the ocean to try and help me catch a wave.

You’ll find that all the exertion will build up quite an appetite — and lunch at the surrounding coastal restaurants is the best way to refuel.

I became very partial to a Medalla Light beer or an Ocean Lab Mambo, which has a hint of passion fruit and is delightfully fresh after a day of swallowing salty seawater.

Beers can be paired with local snacks such as fried fish, crab fritters and plantain chips.

You can bet your bottom dollar that it will be some of the freshest grub you have tried, too.

Much of the food in Puerto Rico is sourced from the island.

Pa’l Monte, in the small town of Rincon, is the place to head for proper hearty meals.

Try traditional mofongo, which is fried and then mashed plantain, topped with prawns, meat or veggies.

If you are more of a cheese fan then Vaca Negra is where to head. You can even have a go at making your own cheese (see vacanegra.com).

After busy days of surfing, exploring and gobbling back delicious food, the comfy beds at El Oasis, a retreat in the hilltops of Aguada, offered great respite.

With nothing but the call of the coqui tree frogs to disturb the peace, this spot felt like living in pure paradise.

And I can’t help but feel a little jealous that Bad Bunny gets to call this home.

EUROPE’S biggest mini-golf course spans 107,000 square feet – and it’s based in the UK.

With summer just around the corner, finding the best locations for a day out is key.

And it turns out that Europe‘s largest mini-golf course is located in an English town and boasts an epic Australian theme.

Adlington Golf Centre in Macclesfield is home to the huge Australian Golf Adventure experience, complete with an 18-hole course, a giant waterfall and snake statues.

Located around a 45-minute drive from Manchester, it’s the perfect family day out, described as “a fun, themed competition which involves putting a golf ball around challenging themed holes”.

Players can grab their club and tee off to enjoy each hole’s individual Australian-based decor.

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From the Sydney Opera House to countless kangaroos, the course’s design means you don’t have to catch a long flight to get a taste of life Down Under.

The game is played on 1500 square metres of greens based on the impressive 10,000 square metre Cheshire site, while caves, bridges and a 7.5m waterwall add to the thrills.

While players can book before they arrive, spontaneous arrivals are welcome too, with individual tickets priced from £5.

Adult entry to the course will set you back £15 per person and a children’s tickets for 13 years and under is a tenner.

A family of two adults and two kids can go for £44, while spectators and kids aged four and under will cost just £5 each.

It’s even cheaper to book as a group of twelve or more, with adults down to £12, children to £8 and toddlers and spectators for £4.

The on-site café and coffee shops are open all day for refreshments after a long round of golf – serving snacks, hot drinks, hot food and pastries.

For those hoping to get stuck into something more grown-up, the centre also hosts two nine-hole golf courses, a foot golf course and a driving range for a good whack.

There’s good news if you’re riding the padel hype, too. Adlington Golf Centre will soon be home to four brand new, state-of-the-art padel courts, set to open this year.