Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico by Jim Schultz

My previous trips to Puerto Rico have been to San Juan and the Isla Verde and Ashford Avenue area of San Juan.
This is great if you like being in "the city".

This trip was different and we had the opportunity to stay in Fajardo which is just over one hour from San Juan.
Our destination was the El Conquistador Resort. I had read some earlier blogs and was concerned as reports were that it was "dated"
"worn" and the food costs expensive.
I am happy to report that since Luxury Resorts has purchased the resort from Wyndham there have been MAJOR changes. I had heard they were spending millions to update and improve the resort.
The first thing I noticed when I arrived was that the grounds were spectacular, lush and green . The resort sits on a ridge with the most incredible views of the ocean and off shore islands. The resort has something unique which is their private island called Palomino Island which is a seven minute yacht ride from the resort (free for resort guests). The island is fantastic with the most beautiful white sand beaches. They have a open air restaurant and bar and shops that are a one minute walk from the beach. You can go horse back riding or simply explore the island on foot or find a lounge chair in the sun or under a canopy of shade trees. (towels and shower facilities are accessible and one minute away from the beach.)
This area is very close to El Yunque (the rain forest with tours available from the concierge desk) and to Bio Bay which glows at night
(the water is not radioactive but a natural compound causes the water to glow at night....think of it as water borne fire flies and this yacht tour can also be arranged from the concierge desk.)
I stayed in the Las Brisas section of the property which is closest to the restaurants, casino and pool area. The hallways have been freshly painted with new carpet. The room itself had been completely renovated. The room, bath and furnishings were as if the property was opened this year and it was ultra modern.

The food costs are higher but this is the Caribbean. They have all dining choices available from quick service order at the counter, to family dining, to pool side dining all the way to the ultra fine dining. In short there is dining for every budget.

If you would rather not rent a car, a hotel shuttle can pick you up at the airport. This is the type of resort where one has everything available so you do not feel the need to every leave other than to take an optional tour if you choose.

I look forward to returning next year when the water park opens.

Look for the best values at this property in the Fall and late Spring. Some package deals include the transfers to and from the resort which is a great added value.