Photo courtesy The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
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Puerto Rico is certainly making a name for itself as an up-and-coming luxury travel destination. Boasting sophisticated retreats that combine a dash of local tropical indulgence with world-class service, the island’s luxury hotels and resorts provide experiences that nowadays rival the finest destinations around the world.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant historic property in which to stay or something a little more cutting-edge and contemporary, these most luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico are ideal for your next Caribbean island getaway.
The Most Luxurious Hotels in Puerto Rico
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort occupies 483 lush acres between El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, featuring two miles of secluded beach with stunning Atlantic views. This AAA Five Diamond property represents the only resort of this caliber in Puerto Rico, establishing new benchmarks for luxury hospitality on the island.
The resort’s design collaboration between Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado and Hirsch Bedner Associates creates a light, modern aesthetic with contemporary residential settings, where suites feature tranquil color palettes of whites and light blues that complement ocean and tropical garden vistas. All 139 rooms feature pillowtop St. Regis beds with 400-thread-count Frette sheets, marble spa bathrooms with dual vanities, and private balconies.
Iridium Spa offers services incorporating local ingredients, while the resort’s culinary program includes Paros, serving European cuisine with ocean views, and Seagrapes for al fresco dining in private cabanas. The property’s Audubon International Signature Sanctuary designation, protecting the diverse ecosystem that makes this location so extraordinary, is another plus in the resort’s favor.
Why You’ll Love It: The architectural integration with El Yunque’s rainforest creates an unmatched sense of place, while the Robert Trent Jones Jr golf course provides championship-level play just steps from your suite.
LuxuryPuertoRico Recommends: Find out more about one of our favorite luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Originally developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in the 1950s on his 50-acre estate, Dorado Beach maintains the founder’s vision of preserving nature while providing discretion, human connection, and tailored luxury. This Ritz-Carlton Reserve property represents the pinnacle of the brand’s portfolio, with sprawling beachfront accommodations featuring butler service and a five-acre spa that includes two treehouse treatment rooms.
The property’s posh centerpiece is Su Casa, a detailed reconstruction of Clara Livingston‘s original plantation house. It features four plush bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and an infinity pool, all adding up to one of the most impressive luxury places to stay in the Caribbean in terms of both luxury and atmosphere. Wherever you lay your head, accommodations feature signatures that let you know you’re in Puerto Rico: ocean access, personal Embajador attention, outdoor living spaces, open-air showers, and artwork capturing nature’s splendor.
The culinary program includes Mi Casa, José Andrés‘ Spanish restaurant, complemented by Encanto‘s open-air setting and Positivo Sand Bar for sunset cocktails. The property features two TPC golf courses, with the East Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr overlooking the ocean. Every detail reflects Rockefeller’s legacy with buildings no taller than palm trees and unobstructed ocean access.
Why You’ll Love It: Your personal Embajador (ambassador) anticipates every need, while the property’s position on Laurance Rockefeller’s former estate provides unparalleled privacy and sophistication.
LuxuryPuertoRico Recommends: Visit Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, for details, including the best rates and to make a reservation.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Frederick William Vanderbilt opened this architectural masterpiece on October 16, 1919. Originally designed by Warren & Wetmore, the firm responsible for Grand Central Station and the Biltmore Hotel back in the United States, a $270 million renovation in 2012 brought this incredibly elegant property back to life. Now known as the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, it features four ocean-view swimming pools, a world-class spa and wellness sanctuary, and two elegant 11-story towers housing exclusive Commodore and Biltmore Suites with dedicated five-diamond butler service.
The property’s distinguished culinary portfolio includes the 1919 Restaurant, named for the hotel’s opening year; STK with its steakhouse menu; and Ola, providing family-friendly Puerto Rican dishes with traditional flavors.
As for amenities, The Beach Club provides spacious cabanas and chaise lounges with personal butlers offering beachside service and fresh towels, as well as assistance from tanning specialists. With over 30,000 square feet of newly renovated meeting space and 5,000 square feet of Atlantic-overlooking terraces, the property maintains its position as San Juan‘s most prestigious address.
Why You’ll Love It: The resort’s restored 1919 architecture transports you to a golden age of Caribbean travel, while modern five-diamond service ensures contemporary luxury throughout your stay.
LuxuryPuertoRico Recommends: Find out more about this incredible resort at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Located on award-winning Isla Verde Beach, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel boasts 388 luxurious accommodations including exclusive Signature Experience villas, suites, and bungalows with dedicated services and amenities. For the resort’s ultimate in indulgence, the $50,000 “Best in Class” Epicurean Retreat Package provides exclusive tailor-made experiences connecting guests with Puerto Rican people and culture.
Four sparkling pools, Well & Being Spa treatments, and daily live entertainment at Chico Cabaret create an atmosphere top the property’s high-end amenities. Meanwhile, food and drink offerings include eight restaurants and bars, from Caña by Juliana Gonzalez (known for its gourmet Puerto Rican cuisine) to the Meat Market‘s New York-style steakhouse experience.
Why You’ll Love It: The legendary lobby’s nightly entertainment creates an electric atmosphere, while Isla Verde’s award-winning beach provides the perfect daytime retreat.
LuxuryPuertoRico Recommends: Check out Fairmont El San Juan Hotel for the latest news, reviews, and rates as one of the most luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico.
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Lee Steele is the founding director of Mérida-based Roof Cat Media S de RL de CV and Publisher of Yucatán Magazine and other titles. He was Hearst Connecticut’s Sunday Magazine creative director and worked in New York City for various magazine publishers, including Condé Nast and Primedia, for over 20 years.
