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| The Condado Vanderbilt |
Puerto Rico is already known as a sophisticated meeting destination, and with the recent surge of luxury property offerings, Puerto Rico is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for incentive travel and high-end corporate gatherings.
To that end, following is a round-up of Puerto Rico’s top luxury properties and meeting space:
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Located along three miles of coastline in the former setting of the renowned Laurance Rockefeller property, the all-oceanfront 100-room, 14-suite low-rise, low-density Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand property is one of two in the world. The property features Spa Botánico, several dining options including Mi Casa by José Andrés, three championship golf courses, and is the site of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s eco-educational program Ambassadors of the Environment. Indoor and outdoor meeting space include a 4,558 square-foot meeting room, a boardroom and several private dining areas including Su Casa, a 6,000 square-foot, four-bedroom villa for private events.
Condado Vanderbilt
Following a $270 million renovation and expansion project, the Condado Vanderbilt brings back the grandeur and style of when the property first opened in 1919. With its Spanish Revival architecture, opulent interiors and dramatic ocean views, the Condado Vanderbilt offers 15,000 square feet of meeting space including a stunning oceanview ballroom, private lounges and boardroom rich in dark woods. Other meeting spaces including space with outdoor oceanview breakout and reception areas. In 2013, the property will open its 450 guestrooms to include a full-service spa, dedicated butler service, and restaurant 1919, featuring chef Juan Jose Cuevas, who has developed his culinary skills at Ducasse, Lespinasse and Blue Hill.
Hotel El Convento
A 350-year-old former Carmelite convent, the 58-room Hotel El Convento offers an alluring mix of Spanish colonial architecture and contemporary styling. With seven conference spaces able to host groups from 10 to 300 guests, El Convento offers gathering spaces as well as a business center, private catering, three on-site restaurants, a fitness center and veranda plunge pool for a one-of-a-kind group experience right in the heart of Old San Juan. The historic property situated in the heart of Old San Juan, recently completed a $300,000 update of Salon Paoli, one of the hotel’s venues for hosting intimate ceremonies and receptions for up to 80 people. The refreshed 1,500 square-foot space features crystal chandeliers, oak-framed mirror-lined walls and new flooring to go along with the updated décor.
Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
An enclave of private villas located adjacent to the grand El Conquistador Resort, Las Casitas, A Waldorf Astoria Resort offers 157 one- to three- bedroom luxury cottages complete with butler service, sweeping ocean views, full kitchens and an exclusive pool area. With myriad meeting and function space options for board meetings to beachfront gatherings, groups can enjoy activities such as golf at the Arthur Hills Golf Course, spa treatments at the Waldorf Astoria Spa as well as scuba diving, horseback riding and even taking a plunge at the on-site Coqui Water Park.
Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
Located on prime beachfront in Isla Verde, the 416 room and suite Ritz-Carlton, San Juan features dedicated concierge service; five on-site restaurants including Laurent Tourondel’s BLT Steak and Il Mulino New York, as well as a 12,000 square-foot spa, a 24-hour casino and an elegant pool area with signature lion-head spouts and lush landscaping. Nine meeting rooms and more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space are able to accommodate groups of up 1,300 people.
St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Located between a national rainforest and the sea on the northeastern part of the island, the 139-room St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico opened in late 2010. The St. Regis features a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course, Remede Spa, as well as Jean-Georges' cuisine at Fern, just one of three on-property dining options. More than 26,000 square feet of function space includes three outdoor venues, a sixteen-seat boardroom, and the Astor Ballroom, which is able to accommodate up to 420 guests.
W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island
Located eight miles off the Southeast coast of Puerto Rico on the island of Vieques, the W Retreat & Spa features 136 guest rooms and 21 suites set along two private beaches. With 3,548 square feet of meeting space able to accommodate up to 176 guests, the property takes an experiential approach offering the distinctive lounge, pool and fitness areas along with four on-site dining options, and the AWAY Spa.
Visit www.meetpuertorico.com