Elite Traveler HRS 2019-2020

Casa Grande

EXPLORE Take advantage of the resort’s pristine location and learn about its wildlife. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and head off on a nature tour, where you’ll see iguanas, fish and several species of exotic birds. The resort also has an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr-designed golf course, which is widely considered among the best golf in Puerto Rico. For relaxation, there are several pools to enjoy, as well as a seemingly endless stretch of beautiful beach. If you want to get out and explore the island, the butlers can arrange a day touring Old San Juan or exploring the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River Natural Reserve. KIDS The Iguana Club takes full advantage of its proximity to nature, taking children on excursions across the property to learn about the native flora and fauna and to feed turtles. Should there be a rainy day, there is plenty to do indoors, including aWii gaming system, movies, crafts and games. Big kids (and adults too) will love the on-water trampoline. By Kristen Shirley

and a matching coastal-inspired decor awash in shades of blue and white. It has a magnificent terrace set among the tops of palm trees, which is perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast with only the soundtrack of the crashing waves as company, or for a midnight supper prepared by a private chef. Inside, there is a large living area with a dining table for eight, a large lounge, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious master bedroom. The master bathroom has an oversized infinity tub and two separate showers. A stay here comes with a personal butler, who has private elevator access to the suite for discreet service. RELAX The indulgent Iridium Spa highlights tropical ingredients and techniques in a lush setting. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the steam room, sauna, hot tub with waterfalls, cool plunge pool and outdoor relaxation area, all separated by gender. If you find you can’t leave the beach, enjoy a massage in a beachside cabana. Signature treatment It wouldn’t be a trip to Puerto Rico without a little rum, so why not add it to your massage? The Encanto Rum Massage uses local Don Q Rum during the treatment, which can help treat inflammation. delightful nonetheless, the resort’s main restaurant, Paros, serves contemporary Greek cuisine. Come hungry, so you can enjoy as many divine appetizers as you can. Highlights include classic spreads with pita bread, pan-seared halloumi, spanakopita, grilled octopus and a classic Greek salad. You can continue the Greek theme for your entrée with a DIY gyro or order a superb steak. Enjoy lunch and breakfast poolside at Seagrapes, or have your meal delivered to your beach chair. Don’t forget to head to Casa Grande each evening for the charming St Regis ritual of sabering champagne; they will even teach you the art of sabrage if you ask. DINE Perhaps a bit unexpected in the Caribbean, but

THE ST REGIS BAHÍA BEACH RESORT RÍO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO After sustaining serious damage during Hurricane Maria in 2017, The St Regis Bahía Beach re-opened in 2019 refreshed and revived. The resort took advantage of the forced closure to undergo a $60 million renovation and update its rooms, suites and Casa Grande with a new contemporary aesthetic and create sensational views at its fine-dining restaurant, Paros. Thankfully, the landscape recovered quickly due to the island’s tropical climate, and an abundance of flowers, trees and plants flourish across the grounds, especially around the raised boardwalk that weaves through the property. Simply walking back to your room after dinner makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a far-flung, exotic locale. Conservation is important to the resort, which sprawls over 483 acres and is situated next to two miles of practically empty beach. Over 65 percent of the grounds is preserved for green areas, trails and nature sanctuaries, and it’s the first and only resort in the Caribbean certified by Audubon International as a Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary. The resort is 30 minutes from Old San Juan, but with the abundance of activities and restaurants on property, you might not find a reason to leave. CONTACT Julie Miller, director of sales and marketing, reservations.bahiabeach@stregishotels.com, +1 787 809 8000, bahiabeachpuertorico.com STAY Governor’s Suite Size 2,510 sq ft Nightly rate from $6,000 The one-bedroom Governor’s Suite is a lovely oceanside retreat: It has stunning views of the water

Governor’s Suite bedroom