PUERTO RICO PASSPORT

JOURNESE ® OFFERS ACCESS TO FINE CARIBBEAN CULTURE. BY

JOYFULLY COMBINING FOUR CENTURIES OF SPANISH CARIBBEAN CULTURE, A DASH OF AFRICAN AND TAINO TRADITIONS, and a heaping spoonful of American influence, it’s easy to understand why Puerto Rico is part of, but also apart from, the US. The archipelago is an interwoven tapestry of ancient and avantgarde, vibrant and verdant, bustling and beach. Of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, three of these natural wonders are found in Puerto Rico. The island is also home to the world’s finest rums; little wonder it’s the birthplace of vacation’s official drink — the pina colada.

Enjoy everything Puerto Rico offers from any of these top lodging options.

AMY ROBERTS

THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT

Puerto Rico’s first and only AAA Five Diamond resort, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located on a former coconut plantation spanning over 480 acres and is perfectly situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve. This pristine natural setting is home to more than 240 unique species of flora and fauna, a Certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary, tennis center, expertly designed 18hole golf course, cabana-framed pools, nature trails, and endless tropical splendor. Even better, personal butlers are available 24/7 to tend to your every need; and they do so with legendary precision.

DORADO BEACH, A RITZCARLTON RESERVE

Putting the “ritzy” in Ritz-Carlton, the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of the finest hotels in the region. Spanning 50 acres, the resort entices the world’s most discerning travelers with an elevated ambiance and white-glove service. It also exudes romance. As fans of pop culture know, this is where rapper Colson Baker proposed to actress Megan Fox (she said yes). But the resort is more than celebrity fairytales and exquisite attention to detail. A top-rated kids program includes interactive and entertaining experiences featuring coral reefs and forests, recycling and sustainability, storytelling, art, and more.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

One of the Caribbean’s most soughtafter retreats, the Fairmont El San Juan is just minutes from downtown San Juan on Puerto Rico’s awardwinning Isla Verde Beach. Genuine Puerto Rican hospitality can be expected, as well as timeless stories sprinkled with island lore. The hotel is equal parts modern and a vintage icon — it’s not hard to imagine society headliners from decades past crooning in the nightclub, or locals celebrating milestone events in the hotel’s ornate ballrooms. These visions of the past are juxtaposed against the hotel’s luxe fullservice spa, well-appointed suites, exceptional pools, a world-class fitness center, live entertainment, and numerous dining options.

The Royal Sonesta San Juan

Overlooking palm-fringed Isla Verde Beach and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, the recently renovated Royal Sonesta San Juan houses seven restaurants and bars — including Ocean Breeze, Isla Verde’s only oceanfront bar where Mediterraneaninspired cuisine is served alongside stunning views. Additional amenities include a lagoon-style swimming pool with a swim-up bar, ocean-facing fitness center, and a full-service spa. Each of the 398 elegantly appointed and contemporary guest rooms offer picturesque vistas of the turquoise ocean or vibrant city of San Juan. The nearby El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and worthy of exploration.