Arguably the top beach resort in Puerto Rico (the other contender is The Ritz-Carlton San Juan), and among the best in the entire Caribbean, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort was renovated after Hurricane Maria, boasts a Aaa Overall Beach Resort Rating, and caters well to both couples and families. Set on a secluded, 483-acre former coconut plantation well east of San Juan where rainforest and 100-foot palms meet the ocean, the grounds are gorgeous and tranquil, with resident coqui frogs. There isn’t much in the area in terms of shops, restaurants, and nightlife (the Ritz-Carlton is closer to such attractions) and on-site food and drink is expensive and limited in variety; but the luxurious, eco-friendly property offers an impeccable golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr that meanders through mangroves with ocean views, a beautiful beach with plenty of space and serenity, top-notch cuisine at on-site restaurants Paros and Seagrapes, a great fitness center with yoga and Pilates classes, large and alluring swimming pools, pool and beach cabanas for rent, a superior kids club for ages 4-12 with an array of activities (from treasure hunts to turtle feedings), a bird sanctuary, exceptional overall service, and an outstanding 10,000 square-foot spa that leverages local ingredients (such as gold, coffee, rum, and tropical fruit). The very upscale, refurbished rooms come with comfortable beds with 400-thread count Frette bed linens and cashmere throws, large flat-screen TVs, cathedral ceilings with ceiling fans, high-end marble bathrooms with rain showers and soaking tubs, plush bathrobes, soothing white and blue tones, down pillows, and butler service with morning French press coffee delivery. Activities include kayaking, tennis lessons, art classes, nature walks, paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, bikes for rent, surfing, bioluminescent bay night excursions, and romantic dinners for two on the beach. El Yunque National Forest makes for a great day trip; it’s only seven miles away and offers ziplining.
As Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, the CDC COVID-19 testing requirement for U.S. travelers re-entering the U.S. from international destinations does not apply.