Best Beach Resorts in Puerto Rico
The Enchanted Isle is home to some of the Caribbean’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Here are our top picks of the best beach resorts in Puerto Rico.
The most exclusive resort in Puerto Rico, arguably the Caribbean, the Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach is set on a spectacular 2-mile beach. First unveiled by the Rockefeller family in the 1950s, it remains a magnet for tycoons, celebrities and cryptocurrency investors. The resort embraces a sustainable ethos combined with unbridled luxury and impeccable attention to detail.
Discretely nestled amid mature vegetation, beautifully appointed rooms are assigned their own private butler. Standard rooms start at 1,000 square feet and are decorated with natural woods and marble; deluxe suites also have private plunge pools. As you’d expect, the resort’s amenities are exceptional. Epicurean worthy restaurants include COA, which pays tribute to the region’s Taíno roots, and La Cava, the largest wine cellar in the Caribbean. Two gorgeous pools are fronted by swaying palms and there are three Robert Trent Jones Snr. designed golf courses. A roster of family-friendly activities includes the signature Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program.
“If you have a chance, book an appointment at the Spa. It’s stunning—it has a spice room when you enter (you have to see it to understand it) and they offer treehouse massages- where you can relax in the middle of the wilderness.”
Just outside El Yunque rainforest, 43km (27 miles) from San Juan, the St. Regis combines all the charms of an exclusive oceanfront enclave with easy access to some of the island’s top attractions. Following a complete renovation in 2018, sparkling public spaces channel a modern aesthetic with custom furnishings and artworks. The lush resort grounds were planted with over 4,000 endemic trees and plants—the resort is a certified Audubon Bird sanctuary. The colonial-style rooms were designed by native son Nono Maldonado and are stylish and generously proportioned. Resort amenities include an inviting oceanside swimming pool, three highly praised restaurants, a world-class spa and a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course.
Built in 1919 by Frederick William Vanderbilt, the Condado Vanderbilt is San Juan’s most historic hotel, playing host to heads of state, royalty and Hollywood glitterati for over a century. Impeccably restored in 2014, it stays true to its 1920s heyday. Plush, gilded furnishings and flamboyant decorative touches include a shark-filled aquarium in the Art Deco lobby. The vibe is bold and sophisticated, especially suited to couples looking to combine beach access with ample on-site amenities and swift access to the cultural attractions of San Juan.
Characterful rooms (starting at 300 sq. ft.) are richly appointed with period furnishings and marble bathrooms. There’s a 24-hour casino on-site, three swimming pools, a beach club and San Juan’s best spa. Myriad restaurant options include the famed 1919 helmed by Michelin star-rated Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas and the chic VC lounge with breathtaking Atlantic views.
“Executive chef Juan José Cuevas earned a Michelin star during his stint at the acclaimed Blue Hill in New York. Cuevas sources locally as much as he can: 100 percent of the eggs in the Vanderbilt are from Puerto Rico—no egg mix for your omelettes! His signature restaurant, 1919, is pricey, but you won’t be disappointed.”
With direct access to a long, golden sand beach and a just short drive to El Yunque and Fajardo’s bio bay, the Wyndham is a convenient, mid-range choice for families. Following a down-to-the-studs renovation, well-appointed rooms are bright and comfortably laid out. Beautifully landscaped grounds feature three swimming pools, lush gardens and a surfeit of lounge and deck chairs. There’s also a casino, kids club, tennis courts and nine restaurant options, including the Roots Coastal Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing local produce and seafood. An entertaining line up of daily activities includes rum tastings, nature walks, mixology classes and daily iguana feedings.
The ultimate mega-resort on the Northeast coast, near Fajardo, the Conquistador offers an unmatched array of kid friendly and adult-appreciated amenities. There’s a dozen dining options (all-inclusive available) two swimming pools, a lazy river, a waterpark and an Arthur Hills designed golf course. The Mediterranean-style building features just 230 spacious, well-appointed rooms (down from over 700 pre-Hurricane María), with luxe amenities, including deep soaking tubs and private balconies with great views. The highlight of the this upscale beach resort is unrivaled access to an idyllic, private Island, just offshore, with pristine white sand, shallow warm water and water sport amenities.
A stone’s throw from Old San Juan, this classic resort—built in 1949 as the first Hilton outside the mainland U.S.—is renowned as the birthplace of the piña colada. A city landmark, instantly recognized by its iconic neon sign, the Caribe is fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation. The hedonistic ‘50s verve has been traded in for a more family-centric vibe. With over 900 rooms, it’s a behemoth for sure, but 17 lush acres of gardens and ponds, several swimming pools, a (virtual) private beach and nine restaurants allow room to roam and relax. Well-appointed rooms are light and airy and offer a modern twist on the beachy theme with playful white on blue decor. Child-friendly amenities include a kids club, a roster of daily activities, a playground, a sheltered beach and children’s menus.
On the West Coast, near Isabella, the Royal Isabela is one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious eco-resorts. Set on 500 acres, bordering protected land, it’s the brainchild of Puerto Rican co-founder (and famed tennis pro) Charlie Pasarell. Laced with hiking and biking trails, the property has been described as a “Scotland in the Caribbean—but with great weather.” Best of all, this is a beach resort that treads lightly. Its beautiful design blends seamlessly with the environment—2 miles of pristine sandy beach and microclimates that preserve a profusion of flora and fauna. Each of the 20 freestanding casitas—decorated with natural woods and fabrics—is massive (1,500 sq. ft.) and features a living room, bedroom, lavish bathroom and separate outdoor terrace. A destination unto itself, amenities include swimming pools, a fitness center, a library, acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants and one of North America’s most praised golf courses.
