3. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico is the oldest city on US territory (St.
Augustine, Florida the oldest city in the continental). Founded in 1521 by Juan
Ponce de León, who named it City of Puerto Rico ("Rich Port").
The history of San Juan begins a logn time before its official foundation, in 1493,
during his second voyage, Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico. He
named the island "San Juan Bautista", in honor of John the Baptist. But was not
until 1508, that the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de León as the
first governor of the island. He founded the original settlement in Caparra, now
known as Pueblo Viejo, behind the almost land-locked harbor just to the west of
the present metropolitan area and the city quickly became Spain's most
important military outpost in the Caribbean.
A year later, the original settlement was relocated to a nearby coastal islet (to the
site of what is now called Old San Juan) and named Puerto Rico (Rich Port).
Sometime during the 1520s, confusion over the names led to a switch, the island
took the name of Puerto Rico and the town became San Juan.
Today, San Juan is known as "La Ciudad Amurallada" (the walled city) and is one
of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean and is the second oldest
European-founded city in the Americas (after Santo Domingo, which was
officially founded on August 5, 1498.)
4. Average high temperature in San Juan in
January 82 F, average low 71 F.
During the cold season, which lasts from
December 7 to March 6, there is a 63%
average chance that precipitation will be
observed at some point during a given day.
When precipitation does occur it is most often
in the form of light rain (59% of days with
precipitation have at worst light rain),
moderate rain (20%), and heavy rain (17%).
5.
6. 4.5 Star Hotel
The hotel has won the AAA Four-Diamond Award for 12 consecutive
years and in 2009 was voted one of the top 500 hotels in the world by
the readers of Travel & Leisure.
Distance from hotel to airport, 5 minutes.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan is located on eight acres of prime
beachfront property in Isla Verde, convenient to both the city's
business district and historic Old San Juan. The elegant
accommodations and gracious service compliment three fabulous
restaurants and the first "Ritz" casino.
In contrast to the electric atmosphere of the casino, the hotel offers
guests a quietly luxurious retreat with its spa, featuring massages,
body wraps and scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicures and a beauty
salon. Close by, guests enjoy privileges at six championship courses,
reef areas for diving and snorkeling, fishing clubs, horse racing,
water-skiing, sailing and horseback riding.
7.
8. A pool bordered by lion-head spouts, stately royal
palms, flowering gardens, and a 6-person spa tub to
refresh sunbathers. Attendants distribute chilled towels
and fruit.
Guests have use of floats, mats, and snorkeling
equipment (weather permitting and subject to
availability).
A spa offers hydro therapies; treatments such as Piña
Colada Scrub; and hair/nail care. The spa includes
unisex sauna and 4-person spa tub and women's and
men's steam rooms all complimentary.
Live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge, Thursday –
Sunday.
A 24-hour casino offers blackjack, Texas Hold'Em,
Caribbean stud poker, 3-card poker, mini-baccarat,
craps, roulette, Let It Ride, slot machines, and bingo
Monday - Wednesday.
9.
10.
11. • BLT Steak - Reinvention of the classic American steakhouse,
specializing in aged, perfectly prepared meats. Fresh seafood, such as
broiled Maine lobster, delicate Dover sole, and spiced swordfish are
offered plus signature side dishes, from delicate potato gratin to earthy
sauteed mushrooms. Open for dinner.
• Il Mulino New York - Diverse menu of vibrant Italian flavors inspired
by the cuisine of Italy's Abruzzi region. Signature dishes include
Spaghettini Bolognese, Rack of Lamb, Veal Chop, and legendary
Langoustines. Impressive wine list, personal service, and tableside
meal preparation.
• Mares - Innovative, modern cuisine prepared by Chef Simon Porter.
Exotic blend of tropical, European, and Pacific flavors. Casual, yet
sophisticated, Caribbean atmosphere. Main salon, private dining room,
and outdoor terrace overlooking the tropical gardens.
• The Ocean Bar & Grill - Al fresco lunch specialties include
sandwiches, pastas, and salads. Casual beachfront eatery. Views of
the white-sand beach and the Atlantic ocean. Direct access to the
ocean and pool.
• The Lobby Lounge - Light fare and cocktails, extensive wine list and
live entertainment Thursday - Sunday.
• Room Service – Yes, 24 hours
12.
13. All rooms and suites include the luxury
touches of a marble bath, use of terry
bathrobes, Frette linens, plush chaise
lounge, select artwork, wireless Internet
access, 3 telephones with dual phone lines
and data port, twice daily housekeeping
service, and a fully stocked honor bar.
Ocean View Room
• Atlantic Ocean and Isla Verde Beach view
• King bed
14.
15. Distance from Attractions:
Ocean Park - 3 miles
Museum of History, Anthropology and Art -
4 miles
Castillo de San Cristobal - 7 miles
San Juan Cathedral - 7 miles
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina -
7 miles
Puerta de San Juan - 7 miles
16.
17. 4.5 Star Resort
35 miles from San Juan Airport
40 miles from downtown San Juan
El Conquistador Resort is one of the most spectacular destination
resorts in the Caribbean. It is located on the east coast of Puerto Rico,
and comprised of a hilltop complex and waterfront complex, in
addition to the famous Waldorf Astoria Spa. The hilltop resort has 3
environments, each offering their own Spa. The hilltop resort has 3
environments, each offering their own personality - the Grand Hotel is
in the heart of the resort, Las Brisas has scenic ocean views, and La
Vista sits between the golf course and pool with views of the sea and
rainforest. The waterfront complex is also comprised of 3 unique
resorts within a resort - the Ocean Resort is connected via funicular to
the Grand Hotel and offers both mountainside and waterside views,
Las Olas Village is built into the cliff and has breathtaking views, and
La Marina overlooks, naturally, the marina and resembles a
Mediterranean village.
18.
19.
20. 6 Pools, plus Couqi Water Park featuring a large
main pool, speed slide, tube slide, body slide, kids
slide, rope bridge, lazy river, kids pool, Oasis Bar &
Grill, and restrooms within the park. There is an
admission charge to the waterpark.
Several whirlpools
Not on the beach, access requires funicular ride to
dock, then 20- minute boat ride to private island
The resort also includes a 100-acre private island
with a restaurant, horseback riding, watersports,
swimming beach, and other activities
21.
22. Blossoms - Japanese and Chinese cuisine
featuring a Sushi bar
La Piccola Fontana - Northern Italian cuisine by
candlelight
Chops Steakhouse - A traditional all-American
steakhouse
Stingray Café - Mediterranean-influenced,
creative Caribbean cuisine
Cafe Caribe - Contemporary restaurant, complete
with Coffee Shop and Ice Cream Parlour
Las Brisas Terrace - Buffet dining
Iguana's - Light dining
Pool Grill - Light dining
Golf Grill - Light dining
Ciao Mediterranean Cafe - Light dining
Ballyhoo Bar and Grill - Light dining
23. Amigo's Lounge - Located in the lobby
Casablanca's - Late night spot with live
entertainment and salsa, merengue reggae,
and flamenco dancing
Drakes Library & Piano Bar - Relaxing,
clubroom atmosphere featuring billiards, and
extensive library, outstanding cigar selection,
after dinner drinks, and broadcasts of
televised sporting events
Lobby Bar - Featuring local pianists
Mino's - Located on Palominos Island
Splash Pool Bar - Swim-up bar
24.
25. Las Brisas Ocean View
• Garden setting rooms perched on a 300-foot cliff
with views of Las Cabezas Lighthouse or
Palomino Island. Las Brisas rooms are adjacent to
dining, and main pool with easy access to the
marina via cable car.
• King Bed
26.
27.
28. 4 Star Hotel
Distance from hotel to town, 25 miles (40 kms). Distance from hotel to
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), 19 miles (31 kms).
On a palm-lined beach in the shelter of lush mountains, Wyndham
presents a premier Caribbean destination resort. At the Rio Mar
Beach Resort & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Resort, all 600 luxurious
guest rooms, including 72 suites, feature private balconies and
inspiring views. Rich, natural woods, Italian tiles, plush fabrics and
quality amenities pamper each guest with privileged comfort. The
resort's 11 superb restaurants and lounges satisfy every appetite with
great food and relaxation. A golfer's paradise, the resort offers two
championship golf courses, a 35,000 square-foot clubhouse, putting
green and driving range. Other recreational options include a tennis
center with 11 tennis courts, one mile of secluded beach, two
oceanfront swimming pools, an array of watersports, the exclusive
Mandara Spa with fitness center, an on site casino and several
specialty shops. The resort's youngest visitors will enjoy Club Iguana,
Wyndham's Kids Club, which features daily supervised activities for
children ages 4-12.
29.
30. Two oceanfront pools provide freshwater swimming
flanked by thickly cushioned wood lounge chairs, a 105-
foot freeform "quiet" pool with rock waterfall is paired
with an 8-person spa tub. Flanked by padded lounge
chairs, a 200-foot free-form activities pool with a 60-foot
water slide and a volleyball net is paired with a 20-
person spa tub. Adjacent to the activities pool is a 22-
foot toddler's pool paired with fountains spurting up from
a play area.
A 1-mile beach with hammocks and wood-shingle
shades extends past the resort.
Rental watersports gear and kite surfing, banana-
boating, parasailing, scuba/snorkeling excursions, and
eco-kayaking tours are available.
Two golf courses
A Peter Burwash International tennis center includes 13
courts
Full casino
31.
32.
33.
34. Palio - Award-winning restaurant indulges your good taste
with Italian specialties and gracious service in elegant
surroundings.
Marbella - Savor local Puerto Rican dining and American fare
in a delightful ocean-view and casual setting at the all-day
Marbella Restaurant.
Shimas - Delight your taste and enjoy fresh fish and seafood,
plus a wide array of tantalizing dishes, featuring an authentic
Japanese sushi bar.
Iguana's Pub - Enjoy sandwiches, salads, and local cuisine
garnished by stunning golf course and Rain Forest views that
are unmatched.
Seabreeze - Enjoy sandwiches and snacks throughout the
day in a tropical outdoor poolside setting featuring live calypso
and beach music.
ERL (Eat, Refresh, Live) - Casual, family-friendly. Serving
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Perfect for "grab-and-go" snacks,
pastries, and soft drinks.
Room Service – Yes, 24 hours
35. Lobby Bar - This lovely Spanish-Caribbean setting
welcomes you to the perfect place for quiet
conversation, garnished with entertainment and
dancing each night
Boleros Lounge - For an enjoyable difference, visit
the tapas lounge offering tempting appetizers and late
night snacks.
Player's Lounge - Enjoy the excitement and thrills of
the casino in the extensive casino bar with 5, 50-inch
plasma television screens.
Tiki Bar - Right on the beach, you can enjoy fruity
tropical beverages, beautiful ocean views, and live
music.
Casino is open from late morning to early morning, the
casino offers slot machines, Caribbean stud poker,
blackjack, bingo, roulette, and Texas hold'em
tournaments.
36.
37.
38. Junior Suite Ocean View
• Located in the corners where the wing meet. One
large, spacious diagonally shaped room with a
large tiled entry foyer leading into carpeted lounge
area which includes: all amenities of the regular
guest room, king size bed, lounge area which
includes love seat sofa, coffee table, two side
tables, lounge chair, desk and chair.
39.
40.
41. Isla de Vieques, one of the offshore islands of Puerto Rico,
remains like the Caribbean of the past; quiet, lush, uncrowded
with unparalleled natural beauty. The island has the largest
natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean covering 3,100 acres
of very green and land.
Vieques Island is blessed with spectacular beaches that rival
any beach in the Caribbean islands. You will be mesmerized
with waters that seem to have been painted by a master artist
using coordinated shades of blue, turquoise and
greens. Vieques Island is one of the true last undiscovered
treasures of the Caribbean waiting to be explored.
Vieques is the home to the brightest bioluminescent bay in the
world. When the sun goes down the most magical attraction in
the Caribbean comes to life at Puerto Mosquito
43. 5 Star Hotel
The first W Retreat & Spa in the Caribbean, W Vieques is located 8 miles off the
Southeast coast of Puerto Rico on the peaceful and untouched island of Vieques
where the everyday recedes with each tranquil wave. Offering a mix of serenity
and natural beauty on a 55 square mile island, this beachfront oasis is an invitation
to escape the hustle of the city for a desired and untainted paradise that blends
soft adventure with soothing relaxation. Blessed with two private palm-lined
pristine beaches and tangles of mangroves stretching as far as the eye can see,
W Retreat & Spa- Vieques Island is the ultimate Caribbean wonderland.
W Vieques features a total of 157 stylish, W-branded guestrooms all with private
patios and balconies, providing guests with some of the best contemporary
lifestyle hospitality with the energy of a non-traditional luxury; four scrumptious
dining options from a highly acclaimed chef and waterfront leisure spots including
Paradise Edge, a serene sanctuary with lush landscape dominating the ocean
located on the western edge of the property, Lawn, an intimate locale adorned with
the charm of tropical surroundings and Fire Pit, a campfire atmospheric hangout;
Spa Chakra for ultimate relaxation and revitalization; and an island full of natural
wonders, adventure and exploration. Guests arriving at the Vieques' Antonio
Rivera Rodriguez Airport are invited into a private W Welcome Lounge where they
begin their escape out of the mundane into the WOW before the 10 minute drive to
a luxury playground. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the first taste of the
Retreats exclusivity, escape and indulgence.
44.
45. Dip and double dip again into the outdoor
infinity-edge WET® splash pool
overlooking the ocean as you consider
spending your entire day lounging on a
deckchair or draped across a sun bed.
Poolsidewait service
Private cabanas available
Two private white sand beaches
Complimentary snorkeling gear and
kayaks
46.
47.
48. Sorce, (pronounced sore-say) is the name of an important archaeological site located on the
south side of Vieques near the town of Esperanza. A long-term excavation project on the site
revealed ceramic materials from 'La Hueca' culture that flourished on the island between 160 BC
and 500 AD. The ceramic styles found include influences from throughout the Caribbean and as
far away as the Orinico River Valley of Venezuela, suggesting Sorce may have been a site of
trade, strategically located at the entrance to the Greater Antilles. This unique history of blending
materials and cultures influences the menu of Sorce, pulling together tastes passed down
through generations of Viequense and created with locally sourced and in-season ingredients.
Signature dishes include fresh-catch fish marinated in a local mojo recipe; Puerto Rican
mofongo; stuffed Caribbean lobster; whole coli rubia; churrasco with garlic; brujo oregano herb;
and sopa de marisco (a Viequense version of bouillabaisse or seafood soup). The extensive wine
cellar is high on premium wines from around the world, with an accent on vineyards from North
and South America, and complimented with an expert list of signature cocktails and specialty rum
flights.
Wet, is open for lunch till the sun sets... The mix of food includes a selection of specialties,
Nicoise Salad, Panini & Tabouli Salads coupled with other traditional foods like burgers and
seafood.
W Café- Energize at W Café before heading off for island exploration. Design your own
sandwich, indulge in Puerto Rican coffee and mix it up with a freshly-made smoothie.
Living Room
• Pool table
• Board games & books
• Outdoor terrace with fire pit and ocean views
• High-speed internet access
• Signature cocktail list & bar service
• Happy hour
49.
50.
51. Spectacular Oceanview Oasis,
• Features an airy living space with all the comforts. Curl
up in the alcove's window side chaise lounge and
catch a flick from the W library on the crystal 42" LCD
television. Or just hang out and listen to a CD from the
W collection. Network from the oversized desk or with
Wireless High Speed Internet Access and dual line
phones (one is cordless). Slip through the sexy curtain
and into dreams on the W signature king (or two
doubles) bed, complete with 350 thread-count linens,
pillowtop mattress, goose-down comforter and down-
filled pillows. 638 square feet. View: Ocean.