The Best Resorts to Book in Puerto Rico

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Lose track of time at this Jimmy Buffett property, where shoes are optional and good vibes are guaranteed. Just outside of San Juan, Margaritaville has everything you’d expect from a Caribbean resort: a spa, golf course, casino, boutiques, 10 different restaurants, entertainment venues and, of course, a swim-up bar. Tropically designed suites with private balconies have their own bars, stocked with a Frozen Concoction Maker for those five o’clock cocktails.

The resort highlights at Dorado Beach, situated to the west of San Juan, speak for themselves: a visit to the Spa Botánico, designed around a 100-year-old tree; dinner at Coa Restaurant, which houses Puerto Rico’s largest wine collection with 3,200 bottles; and a round on the green at one of two TPC golf courses. Accommodation includes suites with private plunge pools, verandas or rooftops, and embajadores who serve as personal butlers. Larger groups can opt to stay at Su Casa, a villa built in the 1920s with two outdoor pools and five bedrooms.

There’s a reason Blue Horizon Boutique Resort was named one of the top small luxury hotels in the Caribbean by Condé Nast. Recline in a white wooden chair on your own private lanai to take in 180-degree views of Coconut Beach. Located on Vieques Island, just off of Puerto Rico’s coast, explore the 54 acres (22ha) with a palm-tree lined infinity pool and winding walkways between suites. Rent a Jeep for a day and take a picnic basket from Carambola Restaurant, helmed by chef Jorge Mercado.

Active guests at Royal Isabela, which spans over 500 acres (200ha) on the northwest coast, can enjoy endless outdoor activities – from playing golf at the Links and tennis on grass courts, to kite surfing and horseback riding at El Pastillo Beach. You certainly won’t be bored here. After an action-packed day, dinner at Jota Restaurant is in order, where the menu boasts farm-to-table dishes.

A favorite of families, the Hyatt Residence Club Dorado on Dorado Beach boasts plenty of activities to keep kids occupied, including beach volleyball, four pools, three tennis courts, a full basketball court, miniature golf and an arcade room. Come together as a family for casual bites and piña coladas at Mahi Mahi Bar and Grill.

One of the best indicators of a luxury hotel is its attention to service. At the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, personalized experiences include poolside drinks and luxury spa treatments – we recommend the signature hammam ritual. Built in 1919, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a historical landmark with opulent suites, sporting ocean-facing bathtubs and 300-thread-count Italian bed linens.

A stay at the Fairmont means floor-to-ceiling windows and a super-comfortable bed to sink into each night. Spend the day sunbathing by one of four pools or relaxing at the Well & Being Spa. The restaurant Caña by Juliana Gonzalez is our favorite of the five on offer. A nightcap at the Chandelier Bar is a must, set below a Czechoslovakian crystal centerpiece. Alternatively, try the Rum Bar, where cocktails are artfully crafted using the island’s national spirit.

Whether you’re a pool person or a beach person, the answer is La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort. The property boasts three pools, including one infinity-edged marvel with its own waterfall and whirlpool, as well as beach access for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing and windsurfing. Retreat from the sun at the Casino Del Mar, which is open 24/7.

Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best boutique hotels in Puerto Rico, or treat yourself to an unforgettable all-inclusive resort. Inspire your itinerary with the most beautiful destinations on this Caribbean island; don’t miss the must-see attractions. And, when in the Puerto Rican capital, book yourself a table at one of the best restaurants in San Juan.