A wall of sea rocks protects the swimming lagoons at the
Hyatt
El Dorado Beach Resort from the crashing Atlantic surf,
creating some of the best beaches on the island. Laurence
Rockefeller originally created this low-slung resort spread out
over 1,000 palm-groved acres of north shore coastline - a 45-minute
drive from
San Juan. Carved four-poster beds add panache to
comfortable seaside rooms. Reserve an outdoor terrace table at the
ultra-romantic Su Casa restaurant lodged in a former hacienda,
where the coqui frogs serenade diners when the strolling musicians
aren't. Rooms from $185. (800) 633-7313,
www.hyatt.com
The sprawling cliff-side
Wyndham El Conquistador Resort is a
self-contained world of 918 rooms, 13 restaurants, 18 holes of
golf, six pools, a casino, and the highly rated Golden Door Spa,
featuring products extracted from the nearby rainforest. Spread
over four distinct areas, accommodations range from suites with
private pools to marina-view rooms. Near Fajardo, the resort is a
45-minute drive from San Juan. From $295. (800) 996-3426,
www.wyndham.com
An upscale inn near the surf haven of Rincon, the
Horned Dorset
Primavera specializes in quiet seclusion. The resort, a
two-hour drive from San Juan, just added 22 new bi-level villas
stacked up a coastal hill, all with sea views, antique
appointments, terraces, and private pools, increasing its appeal as
a couples-oriented luxury escape with top-quality
food. From $440.
(800) 633-1857,
www.horneddorset.com
San Juan, Anyone?
If your tastes hew to modern food, lively nightlife, and urban
culture, stick around San Juan.