3 days ago
Natural Splendor Meets Five-Star Luxury At This Puerto Rico Resort
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located in Río Grande, a municipality located roughly half an ... More hour east of San Juan.
Equipped with lush jungles and pristine beaches alike, the island of Puerto Rico has earned worldwide acclaim as a top destination for a romantic getaway or ecotourism-focused adventure—and few hotels combine both concepts as well as the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. Officially opened in 2010, this palatial property offers ample opportunity to explore the ecosystems that have flourished across the island over the eons, all while enjoying upscale amenities along the way. Whether you're hoping to paddle along verdant mangrove forests, hit the beach for an early birdwatching session or just kick back in the spa with a glass of Champagne in hand, this lavish resort is certain to leave you with lasting memories of the natural splendor of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is renowned for its high level of endemism, with many of its native plant and animal ... More species found nowhere else on earth.
With roughly 195 hectares of carefully-cultivated land to explore, the St. Regis Bahia Beach sets itself apart from other hotels as a haven for native wildlife. Amidst the lavish suites and outdoor pools, visitors can immerse themselves in vast swathes of tropical rainforest biome, with complimentary bicycles available to aid in exploration. Along the property's four miles of hiking trails, guests can encounter colorful birds like the green-throated carib, bananaquit and purple gallinule, while the Boathouse & Nature Center is ideal for setting up a lengthy kayaking tour along the mangroves—and to sweeten the deal, the hotel also plays a crucial role in supporting one of Puerto Rico's most iconic native reptiles.
Over the past few decades, leatherback sea turtle numbers have struggled due to issues like plastic bag ingestion and fishing net entanglements—and today, the St. Regis Bahia Beach has made it their mission to provide a safe haven for the animals. Over the years, the property has developed a close working relationship with Alma de Bahía, a local conservation organization that's dedicated to preserving the intricate ecosystems across Puerto Rico. Through their presence, the hotel is able to monitor sea turtle nests, offer educational seminars and advocate for the preservation of the neighboring Río Espíritu Santo, with each action contributing to the property's status as the sole Certified Gold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary in all of the Caribbean.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located at the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, a popular ... More ecotourism destination in Puerto Rico.
After indulging in some of the ecotourism opportunities available across the property, guests can unwind with a trip to the hotel's crown jewel of tranquility—namely, the Iridium Spa. While treatment options span from algae vitalizer facials to couples massages, the space also boasts one of the most captivating designs in all of Río Grande, operating within a lush, open-air garden that's packed full of colorful air plants. Both pre and post-treatment, visitors can kick back and enjoy the idyllic ambiance of the venue and make use of some of its added amenities, with steam rooms, a hot tub and a cold plunge all available as well.
Beyond the spa, the St. Regis Bahia Beach also comes equipped with a wide range of other amenities designed with relaxation in mind. Golf fans are certain to delight in the property's 18-hole lakeside course, with splendid views of El Yunque National Forest found all throughout the area, while the athletically-inclined are welcome to hit the tennis courts or spend an hour at the fitness center. And for animal lovers in particular, the on-site Sato and Gato Rescue animal sanctuary comes equipped with an abundance of friendly cats and dogs available for adoption, offering an opportunity for guests to leave the hotel with a new best friend in tow after their stay.
Puerto Rican cuisine draws influence from West African, Spanish and indigenous Taíno cooking styles ... More and ingredients.
While Puerto Rico has given rise to iconic dishes like mofongo and arroz con gandules, the St. Regis Bahia Beach's prowess spans far beyond just the Caribbean, providing a chance for guests to enjoy upscale cuisine found both on the island and far beyond. For mixology buffs, the St. Regis Bar invites guests to sample craft cocktails like the agave-forward Witches' Siesta and the Regis Colada, an upscale take on Puerto Rico's beloved piña colada—but for a truly lavish experience, don't miss out on the daily Champagne sabering session. Taking place each day at 6:00 PM, this time-honored tradition has been a practice within the St. Regis brand since 1904, inviting guests to congregate along the Casa Grande lawn and enjoy a glass of wine bathed in the glow of golden hour.
In addition to high-end spirits and masterfully-mixed cocktails, the St. Regis Bahia Beach is also well-versed in the art of fine dining, with several can't-miss restaurants located on the property. Throughout the day, guests can pay a visit to Seagrapes to dine on crispy fish sandwiches, lobster tacos and cast iron-seared grouper in a charming al fresco setting—but when it comes to true gastronomy, it's tough to beat Paros. Equipped with a roster of refined Mediterranean dishes crafted by Executive Chef Diego Ortega, this polished venue provides guests with an opportunity to sample plates like DIY gyros, ladolemono-infused Caribbean lobster and whole grilled branzino, each one brimming with fresh herbs sourced from the on-property garden.
