Puerto Rico Trip
Thursday 13th June Departed on American Airlines after a leisurely morning tour of South Beach, which was very colourful.
First impressions of Puerto Rico were more Miami than Caribbean. Many high rise hotels. We arrived at La Concha, a Renaissance property, in time for dinner. A modern hotel, with an open plan lobby incorporating a bar, with music so loud, you could imagine that you were in Ibiza.
All rooms overlook a beautiful beach and the ocean, although on the Atlantic side, was calm and inviting. Dinner in the Italian restaurant was in generous American style. There is also a Japanese and seafood restaurant at the property. The evening ended in the casino.
Friday 14th June Hosted breakfast at La Concha and then a visit to the El Yunque Rainforest. We undertook a moderate trail to a waterfall, which was beautiful. We enjoyed our packed lunch before continuing to El Conquistador, part of the Waldorf Astoria group.
On arrival, we were shown around Las Casitas, privately owned villas, managed by El Conquistador, that can be rented out to the public. They range from 1 to 3 bedrooms and have exclusive use of 3 swimming pools and various other facilities, not available to El Conquistador clients. However they are permitted to utilise any facilities at El Conquistador.
The main hotel is vast and very busy. We were allocated rooms in a low rise block overlooking the Marina, that is accessed by a funicular from the main hotel. Palomino Island is the main beach and sports facility area and the hotel has 2 catamarans, operating on a regular basis to take clients across. The group made use of the island and the snorkelling is superb.
With 750 rooms, the hotel's facilities include a casino, numerous food outlets, an 18 hole championship golf course, 7 tennis courts, a spa and fitness centre, a water park and a children's club.
After dinner, we undertook our kayaking experience, which takes place at night. We paddled through the mangroves until we emerged into a bio-luminescent bay. The glow when you put your hand in the water was amazing. This occurs in very few areas worldwide and is caused by micro-organisms and only visible depending on the lunar cycle. Unmissable!
Sat 16th June We moved on to the St Regis resort. From the moment that we entered the property, set in 483 hectares, it was clearly special. Breakfast was superb, with the most delicious french toast ever! The rooms are either at ground level or one above, with garden or ocean views. Resident naturalists, are bursting with information about the various conservation projects undertaken at the resort. We were shown an area where a huge turtle had lain eggs on the beach. Guests can snorkel, sail, kayak, ride bikes and the beach is superb. The golf course is immaculate.
Hosted dinner at the Rio Mar Resort. Another large property with 600 rooms. This is a great family option, with the possibility of interconnecting rooms, accommodating up to 12 guests. We dined at the Argentinian restaurant and the service was superb. This hotel has 2 golf courses and a spa.
Sunday 17th June
We embarked on a tour of Old San Juan. You can imagine that you are in Seville or Grenada. Beautifully preserved and close to the cruise ship terminal, so not to be missed by any cruise passenger.
We visited El Convento, a beautiful historic building, converted into an hotel. Great atmosphere in the enclosed courtyard for a cocktail or a meal. Our last night was spent at the Marriott, which is perfect for a pre cruise stay. Good food, bars, casino and beach.
Monday 18 June Breakfast at the Intercontinental, which is close to the airport , but on the beach. All rooms to be renovated by mid-December.Beautifully manicured gardens. My second choice after the St Regis and perfect for couples.
Another hotel worth considering for the 'hip' set, is the Water Beach Hotel. Contemporary, with a fabulous rooftop bar.
Overall summary A great destination for clients who love beaches, but also the excitement of a casino. A visit to the Bacardi distillery is also a must. Puerto Ricans are charming, fun loving people. There are also opportunities to zip line and salsa. BA's direct weekly flights are a bonus.