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The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
There’s a reason The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is referred to as “the best address in Puerto Rico,” and from the moment you enter the resort’s expansive 483-acre grounds, you’ll understand why. Situated between the lush rainforest of the magnificent El Yunque National Forest and the Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, the hotel boasts two miles of secluded beaches and jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic.
Located on a former coconut farm, tranquility envelopes you upon arrival. There’s all the grandeur and luxury that St. Regis properties are revered for, yet the hotel is expertly designed to reflect the rich history of its surrounding land in a way that only enhances its natural beauty, rather than taking away from it. A tranquil color palette throughout the hotel mirrors the gorgeous views beyond the walls and an airy, contemporary design keeps those breathtaking views on full display. Featuring 139 spacious rooms and suites, each is complete with luxe amenities for the most glamorous and relaxing stay. Think crisp 400-thread-count Frette bed linens, butler service, spacious marble spa bathrooms with a large soaking tub and oversized shower, and breezy private terraces to soak in all the spectacular views.
As gorgeous as the rooms are, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can outdoors. Whether you’re looking to explore or relax, there’s plenty to satisfy every traveler. For the latter, there’s an abundance of beachfront bliss to be found. Snag a chair on the beach, plant your feet firmly in the sand with a tropical cocktail in hand, and lose yourself in the calming sound of the waves hitting the shore. And the pool at St. Regis Bahia Beach is just as enticing. Aptly named the seaside pool, sparkling blue water winds around gorgeous greenery and ocean views with plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and beautiful cabanas available. Enjoy fresh fruit, delicious food, and refreshing drinks from the poolside restaurant, Seagrapes, while you enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin D (and sea). There are also several hammocks and cozy seating sprinkled throughout the resort to bask in the beauty of island time. Further your rejuvenation with a treatment at the resort’s five-star Iridium Spa. Indulge in pure, tranquil bliss with curated services, including massages, body treatments, facials, in-suite and couples’ massages, hair and nail services, and more. There’s also a steam room and cold plunge pools to enjoy before or after your treatment.
And if you’re looking to fill your days with activities, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your trip. Golf lovers will find their own slice of paradise at the hotel’s pristine 18-hole golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. And the resort’s boathouse and nature center offer a plethora of excursions and activities to help you explore with options, including kayaking, paddle boarding, an inflatable water playground, bike rentals, nature walks, and more. If you’re looking to venture beyond the grounds of the hotel, there’s even more to discover nearby, and the 24-hour concierge and St. Regis butler service is happy to help with recommendations and arrangements. One of the most unique and noteworthy nearby sights is the El Yunque National Forest. Of course, you’ll take in stunning views of it from the hotel, but tours are also available of the 28,000-acre preserve, which is the only tropical rainforest within the national park system.
With so much to see and do, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, St. Regis Bahia Beach is home to an exceptional offering of cuisine. In addition to al fresco dining available at Seagrapes, a visit to the hotel’s signature restaurant Paros is a must. The restaurant offers refined, Mediterranean cuisine innovatively crafted using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Dazzling ocean views and elegant décor make for a perfect date night, or even just a celebration of all there is to love about vacation. And in the spirit of celebration, there’s something to celebrate every day at St. Regis Bahia Beach with the hotel’s Champagne Sabering. The daily celebration happens at 6 p.m., where guests gather to raise a glass and toast the transition from day to evening in this iconic ceremony. You can also book a private sabering with 24-hour notice.
As impressive as the resort itself is, perhaps the most beautiful thing is the way this luxurious property honors the land it calls home. Recognized for its exceptional commitment to environmentally thoughtful development, the resort earned the Gold Signature Sanctuary certification by Audubon International. Drawing inspiration from its exquisite, natural setting — which is home to over 240 unique species of flora and fauna, exotic birds, and leatherback turtles — over 65 percent of the property is preserved as green areas, sanctuaries, and nature trails. Guests can explore nature in all its glory with Naturalist-guided bird-watching and kayaking tours to learn more about the fascinating ecology.
The hotel is also a nesting site for the four different sea turtle species and works closely with the Natural Resources Authority to support their wellbeing. Another unique and heartwarming element is the Pet Shelter & Cat Sanctuary, managed by The Soul of Bahia, that rehabilitates and rehomes stray dogs and cats found around the property. Guests can foster these animals during their stay, take them for walks, or volunteer at the shelter. And if you fall in love with one of these sweet fur babies and wish to take them home, The Soul of Bahia can assist with all the necessary paperwork and travel arrangements.
Puerto Rico’s beauty doesn’t just lend itself to the backdrop of an exquisitely designed hotel; it’s an integral part of The St. Regis at Bahia Beach. Here, natural beauty is not just a manufactured aesthetic or an obstacle for development — it’s what makes this gorgeous property as unforgettable as the memories you’ll make during your stay.
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Just a 17-minute flight (yes, literally) from Puerto Rico gets you to the crystal blue waters and white sand beaches of St. Thomas. The most populous of the four major U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is located just 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, and picturesque doesn’t even begin to describe this breathtaking slice of Caribbean cloud nine. (Editor’s note: There is so much to discover at each destination individually, but if you’re able to visit both for an extended vacation, it is beyond worthwhile.) For a stay that matches all the island’s tropical beauty, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is your ticket to paradise.
The Ritz-Carlton name is synonymous with elegance and sophistication, and the brand’s St. Thomas property is no exception. The 30-acre, oceanfront luxury hotel was inspired by the traditional island architecture that makes St. Thomas so breathtaking, while also incorporating upscale amenities for a stay that encompasses the best of modern luxury. Nestled on the island’s east end, the resort offers stunning, panoramic views of the turquoise waters of Great Bay, along with easy access to the neighboring islands of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Whether opting for a room or a suite, each lavish accommodation exudes opulence with spacious layouts, plush bedding, large marble bathrooms, and balconies showcasing marvelous ocean and resort views.
To further elevate the experience, upgrade your stay with Club access. A staple among loyalists of the brand, The Ritz-Carlton Club offers signature, personalized service through a dedicated concierge, a private Club Lounge, unique in-room amenities, and exclusive experiences. Club Lounge access makes for an exclusive home base as you venture through the day, with delicious breakfasts (including made-to-order omelets along with plenty of breakfast staples), a variety of light lunch options, a spread of hors d’oeuvres to pop in and enjoy before dinner, and a dessert buffet to end your evening. There’s also a plethora of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy throughout the day and night. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink and a bite while planning your day, and the dedicated Club Concierge team is there to help with reservations, recommendations, and anything you need to make your stay exceptional.
Those standards of excellence are also apparent in the hotel’s culinary offerings. Wherever you dine, you’ll find fresh local ingredients that inspire delicious dishes to be enjoyed in the most stunning settings. The poolside Sails Restaurant & Bar makes for the ultimate breezy, beachfront meal. Vibrant pops of pink embody the spirit of island living that welcomes you to enjoy lunch with a view, or sip on a tropical cocktail while you soak up the sun. The coastal vibes continue into the evening as the open-air restaurant offers a variety of fresh, signature seafood dishes. Another beachfront favorite is Coconut Cove, serving coastal fare that’s as impressive as its ocean views. Pop in for a bite during the day or savor the calming evening ambiance over dinner and a drink. And for a more upscale experience, head to Alloro for fine Italian fare, including mouthwatering pastas, seafood, and more, all crafted with delicious seasonal ingredients. Strikingly designed to create an atmosphere perfect for date nights and festive celebrations alike, it’s an idyllic place to end your evening.
But the real star of the show is the unparalleled natural beauty of St. Thomas, and The Ritz-Carlton was designed with that in mind. Featuring an adults-only 125-foot freeform infinity edge pool along with a family pool and waterslide, guests of all ages can enjoy some fun in the sun set against a backdrop of ocean views as far as the eye can see. Private pool cabanas are also available to reserve, complete with a personal attendant to assist with all food and beverage needs. Plenty of comfortable lounge seating is also available on the beach along a stretch of powdery white sand to sit back and enjoy the unforgettable views of tranquil blue waters and neighboring islands in the distance.
Of course, the best way to soak up the sights of the U.S. Virgin Islands is on the water, so The Ritz-Carlton assists with plenty of watersports and excursions as well. The calm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are an adventure seeker’s dream for snorkeling, sailing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. From the beach of The Ritz-Carlton, you’ll notice the hotel’s exclusive, luxury sailing catamaran, The Lady Lynsey II. Book a sunset cruise and set sail into the most picturesque views beyond your wildest dreams while the energetic crew provides a selection of gourmet bites and delicious drinks.
And one of the biggest perks of a St. Thomas vacation is the opportunity to easily visit multiple islands during your stay. Island hopping is popular among visitors and locals alike, thanks to the close proximity of the islands, and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is ideally located near St. John and the British Virgin Islands, making it seamless to explore multiple islands in one day with departures and returns directly from the hotel’s beach. Visit the island of Jost Van Dyke or take a power boat to the Baths of Virgin Gorda — whatever your adventure of choice may be, the possibilities are endless and the team at The Ritz-Carlton is happy to help guide you in exploring all the wonderment of the Caribbean within the property and beyond.