The El Conquistador Resort- A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful landscapes and gorgeous views. When visiting, you will want to find a resort that can offer an amazing experience as well as luxury. El Conquistador is just one of those resorts. Set at the top of a 300-foot bluff on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico, El Conquistador, a AAA Four Diamond resort, spreads across 500 acres. It overlooks the waters where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

El Conquistador is divided into 5 villages that offer guestrooms and suites and a separate luxury resort that has villas in 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms and 24-hour butler services. On site in the resort are 23 restaurants, bars and lounges that fit all styles and desires from gourmet to casual, including some with ocean views. (The views can’t be undersold- they are amazing. You will lose time gazing at them, and when you return home they will be one of the things you miss most.) Waking up to the sounds of the ocean lapping and a gentle breeze, then opening the curtains to see the magnificent coast below you is something you will carry with you long after your return to the daily grind.

While staying at the family friendly resort, there is plenty to do. Spend time at Coqui Water Park, a 2.4 acres water park that has exhilarating slides and rapids. Everyone can splash in the mail pool, covering 8,500 sq. ft or swim in the 9,000 sq ft infinity edge pool. If you start feeling a little water logged, relax in the sun on the 25,554 sq ft bathing deck. Make sure you try the piragua (pi·ra·gua), a Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert. They have stands and push carts around the island, and also offer it at the water park. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavors- yes, we tried them all (and I’m not ashamed to admit it!)

Take one of the resort’s boats to visit the Palomino Island, a private 100-acre island that has white sand beaches with recreational activities and water sports. There is a schedule to get you to and from the island, and it’s not hard to figure out. Bring your sand toys or buy them there- there are plenty of shops on the island. It is the perfect place to explore the coral reefs or take a shallow dive or o head out further with a boat dive. You can also sign up for a snorkeling tour to get a different look. If you are looking for a different way to explore the island, try horseback riding. The expert guides can lead you through the wilderness trails and natural beauty of Palomino Island, no matter if you are a beginner or seasoned rider. You could also just relax on one of the sun chairs, play with the kids in the ocean, go shopping, or take the scavenger hunt around the island.

Spending time on this island was my son’s favorite part of the trip. He loved every second of it, and would have stayed longer. He was able to take part in the arts and crafts time, painting an island coconut that he was able to ship home as a souvenir.

If you just want to relax, you can also book a spa treatment at the The Waldorf Astoria Spa. There are 25 treatment rooms, amovement studio with a variety of classes; state-of-the-art fitness center featuring comprehensive fitness assessments and personal trainers; a dedicated children’s spa program – Ki’ Spa; treatments incorporating products indigenous to the surrounding rain forest and ocean; juice bar; and a tea room.

My son and I got a mother/son massage, and we loved it. He was nervous at first, but the lovely masseuse put him at ease almost instantly. She joked with him and made him feel comfortable, and within minutes he was in silent bliss. (The same goes for mom- the second he was fine, I was in heaven.)

For kids, there is also a really fun scavenger hunt to take part in. You get a card and check off sights and “finds”, getting a fun rubber bracelet for each one. At the end, turn it in and hang it on the wall for a prize. My son LOVED this- was obsessed with it, really, both at the resort and also on Palomino Island.

Other activities you can partake in include-

Championship Arthur Hills 18-hole, par-72 golf course with practice putting green,
driving range, pro shop and clubhouse
Four freshwater swimming pools and three additional private pools at Las Casitas
Village including the magnificent Infinity Edge Pool (for Las Casitas guests only) and a
30,000-square-foot deck in the main pool complex, with private cabanas
Seven tennis courts featuring a stadium court and resident tennis pro
Fitness Center complete with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and free-weights,
along with dramatic views of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
35-slip private marina offering deep-sea fishing charters, sailboats, catamarans, and more

There is so much to see and do for families, no matter how long you spend you will wish you had more time. The wonderful people, amazing food, and relaxing atmosphere is just what you need to get away from the rigors of daily life.

For more information or reservations, please call 888-543-1282 or visit www.elconresort.com and www.lascasitasvillage.com.