Puerto Rico boasts many championship golf courses, all of which are open to the public. They include some designed by preeminent golf course architects like Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Rees Jones. With a warm, sunny climate all year round, beautiful ocean, forest and mountain scenery and numerous five-star hotels and resorts to choose from, Puerto Rico makes an ideal destination for a golf vacation.
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris
This AAA Four Diamond resort is located on Coronado Beach, only five miles from San Juan airport. The hotel's 513 rooms and 12 suites all feature air conditioning, one king or two double beds with premium bedding and down pillows, soundproof windows and tea- and coffee-making facilities. For entertainment, LCD-screen televisions with premium cable channels and pay-per-view movies are provided as standard. Some rooms have a balcony; the suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and sleep up to four people.
There are five golf courses within 25 miles of the hotel, including Trump International Golf Club and Dorado del Mar Golf Club. Visit the Marriott's concierge desk for assistance choosing a course, making tee times and arranging transportation. After a round, relax in the oceanfront pool, spa or whirlpool. Several dining options are available on site: Ristorante Tuscany is an award-winning Italian restaurant; the Lobby Lounge serves drinks with live music and dancing; and there are a casual coffee shop, Wan Chai Noodle Bar, and the Beach Bar, just steps from the ocean.
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris
1309 Ashford Ave.
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
(787) 722-7000
www.marriott.com
Gran Melia Golf Resort
The Gran Melia Golf Resort is located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. It sits next to Coco Beach and is surrounded by El Yunque rain forest. The biggest draw for golfers is Trump International Golf Club, adjacent to the hotel. Grand Melia was the host hotel for the PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open at Trump International. The club offers two 18-hole championship courses, designed by Tom Kite, along 1,000 acres of oceanfront. Professional instruction, practice facilities and a pro shop are available.
Hotel accommodations include 486 suites with golf course, ocean and/or rain forest views. Suites include one king or two double beds plus a sofa bed, a lounging area, cable channels, pay-per-view movies and video games and a coffee maker. Ocean-view suites have a private terrace or balcony. Upgrade to a "Royal Service" suite to enjoy a whirlpool on your terrace or balcony, access to the adults-only swimming pool and beach, a daily continental breakfast and complimentary cocktail hour at the martini bar. All guests have access to a large lagoon-style pool with integrated whirlpools set amid lush foliage.
Gran Melia Golf Resort
200 Coco Beach
Río Grande, Puerto Rico 00745
(787) 809-1770
www.gran-melia-puerto-rico.com
Hotel El Convento
The Hotel El Convento makes a chic alternative to a beach resort. The 1651 building in the heart of old San Juan is a former convent, its Spanish colonial architecture restored to AAA Four Diamond hotel standards. The décor includes period touches like handcrafted furniture, mahogany beams, Andalusian tile floors and a landscaped interior courtyard. El Convento is an intimate hotel, with only 58 air-conditioned guest rooms. All rooms include luxurious amenities like marble bathrooms, Bose Stereo systems, a refrigerator stocked with bottled water, plush robes, goose down pillows and LCD satellite televisions. Guest rooms provide views of Old San Juan and/or the bay. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. The hotel provides 24-hour guest services, handy if you need assistance booking a tee time or choosing which golf course you want to play. There is a plunge pool and Jacuzzi on site with views of the bay, and guests enjoy a complimentary daily wine and canapé reception.
Hotel El Convento
100 Cristo St.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
(787) 723-9020
www.elconvento.com
About The Author
Joanne Lewis is a freelance writer who has written for newspapers since 2005. She is currently the editor of a weekly community newspaper in Los Angeles, Calif. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
