TAKE A BREAK
sided daybeds, three private tiki-hut cabanas, spacious sundecks, a grotto waterfall, two pools (including a swim-up bar), hammocks and swings.
The adjacent Isla Verde Beach offers jet skiing, parasailing and a variety of water sports. When the sun sets, the resort’s ornate lobby with its mahogany paneling and antique chandelier becomes the backdrop for live music entertainment.
The property features three popular lobby bars – The Gold Bar, The Silver Bar and The Blue Bar – and a 16,500square-foot casino that’s San Juan’s most glamorous gaming spot.
When your meeting or event calls for a more reclusive retreat, El Conquistador Resort – A Waldorf Astoria Resort, could never disappoint.
A 30- to 45-minute drive from Condado, El Conquistador is perched 300 feet above the aqua waters of the Atlantic. The lush green environment is the perfect setting to induce guests to sign up for a guided tour or launch their own self-exploration of the adjacent El Yunque National Rain Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System.
Also not to be missed is Bio Bay. Puerto Rico has a total of three bioluminescent bays, one of which is just 10 minutes from the resort. “The mysterious blue-green light is created by micro-organisms which thrive in an environment uniquely suited to their needs, ”explains Captain Sharon Grasso of Island Adventures Biobay Tours. “A trip into the bay on a balmy night is a magical experience.”
If that’s not enough, Palomino Island, an El Conquistador exclusive to which the resort provides complimentary ferry access every 30 minutes each way, is the perfect place to camp out for a day. There, guests can eat and drink on the sandy beaches in between wading in the water. Activities include both motorized and non-motorized water sports, volleyball and more. Visit waldorfastoria3.hilton.com.
The Bahamas
Another easy-in, easy-out Caribbean destination situated just an hour from Florida by plane, is the Bahamas, where on balmy Grand Bahama Island, the offerings are plentiful at the island’s premiere resort, Grand Lucayan.
“The best part of any corporate retreat is definitely the down time, ”says Mary Pinto, director of sales and marketing. “Our 7.5acre whitesand beach usually tops out on the list of ‘must do’ activities while here. The resort is also home to three swimming pools, four tennis courts, a 25,000 squarefoot Senses Spa & Fitness Center, an 18hole championship golf course, and a Las Vegas-style casino. Plus, there are a variety of dining options, including Churchill’s, which features menus from renowned Michelin-Star Chef Gianfranco Chiarini,”
For a more fast-paced adventure guests can jump in a jeep or kayak, hike Lucayan From left: Grand Lucayan, The Westin Riverfront Resort, Condado Plaza Hilton, Caribe Hilton, Grand Lucayan National Park, or visit one of several underwater caves guided by Grand Bahama Nature Tours. Visit grandlucayan.com.
Jamaica
Jamaica is to many the quintessential Caribbean Island, thanks in great part to peace-and-love keepers like the internationally renowned music legend Bob Marley, surviving son Ziggy and the Rastafarian culture.
From one end of the island to the other, lavish oceanfront resorts meticulously mix island flavor with business acumen, making for exceptional meetings at the executive level.
The Round Hill is one such venue. Situated on and in view of – appropriately enough – a round hill of about 100 acres, The Round Hill Hotel and Villas are just 20 minutes away from the airport in Montego Bay. The property boasts 36-luxurious rooms and suites in the beach front hotel and 27 privately owned, fully staffed luxury villas of two to six bedroom, 20 of which have private pools.
Nestled in tropical, tranquil settings, the villas may also be broken down into suites. The layout is similar to that of a private island, three sides of which are always open onto spectacular views of the
One must not overlook the simple pleasures of an oceanfacing hammock or a swim
in the salt water pool