Puerto Rico is rich in its history and culture, exceptional food, abundance of beaches, majestic mountains, relaxing beauty, and 18 diverse yet complementary golf courses. You’ll find an invigorating experience through the vibrant culture, wonderful playing choices, and an array of after-golf leisure options.
Back and Better Than Ever!
For those wondering how the American Territory is rebounding pertaining to the pandemic, statistics show that as domestic travel continues ramping up, Puerto Rico is faring far better than the U.S. average according to the Travel Recovery Insights Dashboard from the U.S. Travel Association. This holds true for many of the Island’s travel niches, not the least of which is golf.
These encouraging facts bode well for overall travel to Puerto Rico, as well as for the golf niche, which has been thriving during the pandemic due to the inherent safeness and ideal social distancing found in the game and on the Island.
Island courses range from luxury resort to municipal, spread throughout Puerto Rico with several clustered near historic San Juan. Oceanside views, coconut trees, and mountain and rainforest vistas frame their settings. Price points, terrain, layout style, and related amenities are varied depending on the Island region.
Traveling to the Island is convenient with many choices as it is the air hub of the Caribbean. Further traveler friendliness is found in Puerto Rico’s bilingual culture, U.S. currency, and no passport required for American citizens.
Many of Puerto Rico’s golf courses are amenities of Island resorts. Here are five that provide an inspiring overview to stoke your tropical travel imagination.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club
St. Regis Bahia Beach includes 483 gated acres of lush maritime forest on the island’s northeast coast. The soothing oceanside setting and panoramic turquoise sea views welcome visitors, and the resort’s Iridium Spa and Bahia Wellness Center rejuvenate and inspire. An immaculate Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed 18-hole course ranks among the Caribbean’s best places to play golf. Coconut trees frame fairways, and the oceanside 18th hole is a stunning climax. Managed by Troon Golf, the course is certified Silver Signature Sanctuary by Audubon International.
After a fulfilling round, refresh yourself in a luxurious room or suite, then discover delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients at the resort’s beachfront restaurants. The dedicated garden offers just-harvested produce daily and accents the local flavors and fresh seafood. The exquisitely designed property is located between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, and it is home to two miles of secluded beach and two private bird sanctuaries. It is the Caribbean’s first and only certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary, Puerto Rico’s first AAA Five Diamond-rated resort, and a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rated resort.
Royal Isabela
Perched on the Island’s northwest tip and blessed with stunning Atlantic Ocean views, dramatic cliffs and a lush landscape, Royal Isabela is an epic backdrop for a thrilling golf getaway. Each villa style accommodation, charmingly named a Casita, is a private hideaway with its own plunge pool and terrace. The Links Golf Course at Royal Isabela combines dedicated conservation, breathtaking sea views, and astounding golf holes that are inspiring as they are unforgettable.
Farm-to-table dining in the resort’s restaurant provides remarkable tastes, and the Croquet Bar entices with stunning views and fresh breezes. After-golf leisure options include the library, swimming pool, tennis, fitness center, trails and two miles of sandy beach. Royal Isabela is located near where many world surfing championships have taken place. Venture down to the beach towns for a day trip and complementary activities.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
Framed against the backdrop of El Yunque rainforest on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is a family friendly luxury resort. Refreshed with a multi-million-dollar renovation that was completed in December 2019, the former site of the Gran Melia Hotel has been transformed into the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. Guests can enjoy beachside suites only steps from the water and a couple of inspiring golf courses nearby. Both courses were designed by Tom Kite and are named the Championship and International. Grand Reserve Golf Club hosts the Puerto Rico Open, a PGA Tour event that has been played on the Island for the past 13 years.
Guests can stay in one of the spacious suites with a balcony or terrace overlooking the resort’s gardens, pools, or the ocean. After you’ve unpacked and you’re ready to eat, options abound. Whether you’re craving sushi, steak, or Puerto Rican specialties, you’ll find it among the resort’s five restaurants and three bars. Wake up to a Caribbean buffet, grab snacks at food trucks, then enjoy an elegant dinner at Nami, the Asian fusion restaurant.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar believes that variety is the spice of life, which can be found in its superb collection of activities and amenities. Guests can relax alone on the oceanside resort’s beach and drift off into a blissful haze, or they can explore everything from salsa lessons and sand sculpture, to aqua aerobics, yoga, and Mandara Spa. Casino, two golf courses, multiple pools, and a dozen restaurants and eateries provide something for everyone’s tastes.
The resort’s River Course was designed by Greg Norman, and the Ocean Course by Tom and George Fazio. Ocean Course comes by its name honestly, with views of the sea and beach on the back nine. Likewise, River Course features the Mameyes River snaking throughout the property. Managed by Troon Golf, the golf service and new clubhouse are immaculate.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
There are six Ritz-Carlton Reserves in the world and only one of them in the Western Hemisphere. This is it – a special place, where ordinary doesn’t exist. Consider Spa Botánico, a place as stunningly unique as it is deeply satisfying. You must make your way around a 100-year-old tree at its center to begin your blissful journey. And if trees inspire you, enjoy a Tree House Massage in the breezy canopy of tropical foliage. The suites and residences feature Island “signatures”: the ocean just outside your door; the personal attention of an Embajador; outdoor living space; an open-air shower and artwork capturing the colors of nature. The newly transformed Su Casa, built in the 1920s, offers a two-story, five-bedroom villa along the coastline.
In the history of golf, pairing spectacular land with a top-notch course designer has resulted in many of the world’s best and most iconic golf courses. Pebble Beach and Augusta National are prime examples. This time-proven formula holds gloriously true with the East Course at TPC Dorado Beach (one of the property’s two championship 18-hole layouts). Robert Trent Jones Sr. created a classic seaside course that maintains a modern championship layout but is still fun for players of all skill levels. Panoramic sightlines of the ocean, bunkers filled with native beach sand, immaculate course conditions, and knowledgeable and affable caddies to enhance your game and experience. To play golf at TPC Dorado Beach, one must be a guest at the resort or of a member.
For more information on Island golf courses, resorts, destination attractions, and travel guidelines visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com