By Zain Deane
Puerto Rico Travel Expert, about.com
The Basics:
[post_ads]The Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is a lush resort
by the beach in Rio Grande, a short drive east of San Juan and an even
shorter drive away from the verdant slopes of the El Yunque rainforest.
The all-suite property has close to 500 rooms set in villas and
pavillions scattered along a pristine peninsula, offering privacy,
exclusivity and luxury. In addition to what is essentially private beach
access, amenities include several fine restaurants, a lovely outdoor
pool, a full range of massage and spa services at the Yhi Spa, tennis
and basketball courts, and of course, the Trump International Golf Club,
home to the PGA's Puerto Rico Open.
The
hotel prides itself on its RedLevel concierge program, which includes
guest access to the RedLevel Lounge, in-room butler service and priority
dining and spa reservations. Check rates at the Gran Meliá Puerto Rico.
Paradise on the Peninsula:
I
remember the first time I visited the Gran Meliá Puerto Rico and the
immediate impression of tropical luxury and comfort that the resort
exudes.
The open-air pavilions decked out with rich
polished wood lounge seating, marble floors and sumptuous decor felt
more like a grand clubhouse than a hotel lobby. Beyond, the meticulous
landscaping, swaying palm trees, elegant gazebos and spectacular pool
was like a siren call for a weary traveler in search of complete rest
and relaxation.
[post_ads_2]
And that's what the Gran Meliá is all about. Not
as well-known (or nearly as large) as the Hiltons and Marriotts of the
world, the Meliá is a Spanish hotel chain with luxury properties and
resorts around the world. I'll be honest; I've only stayed at a few of
their properties on my travels, but I've come away impressed each time.
And the Gran Meliá in Puerto Rico was no different.
The
accommodations at the resort are opulent and spacious. The bungalow
style of the hotel and expansive layout are designed to give guests a
sense of seclusion, and the warm tones, Caribbean accents and elegant
furnishings will lure you to stay indoors. A nice touch in all the rooms
are the glass doors that serve the dual purpose of letting in plenty of
natural light and putting you in immediate touch with your pristine
(garden or oceanfront) surroundings. If you want to go the extra mile,
check out the RedLevel concierge service which puts a butler at your
disposal and gives you VIP access to everything the resort offers.
Services and Amenities:
Even in Puerto Rico, the Gran Meliá maintains something of a low profile... at least, until it comes to golf. One of the best golf destinations on the island,
the Trump International Golf Club boasts two 18-hole championship
courses designed by Tom Kite. With El Yunque as the backdrop, these
oceanfront fairways offer an unparalleled setting and a challenge for
amateurs and pros alike.
[post_ads]Another outstanding amenity is the Yhi
Spa, a full-service facility equipped with a Hydrotherapy Ritual Center
with outdoor whirlpool, sauna, herbal steam bath, and tranquility pool; a
Relaxation Center with nine treatment suites and four poolside cabanas;
and a host of signature rainforest treatments to complement a full
range of spa products and services.
As for your dining choices, I was thrilled to find Chef Myrta's Pasión among the resort's restaurants. A follow-up to her acclaimed Pasión por el Fogón
restaurant in Fajardo, Pasión brings you authentic and flavorful Puerto
Rican cooking in an elegant setting. It's one of five restaurants you
can enjoy at the Meliá, which also include Asian and Italian cuisine.
The Gran Meliá is located at 200 Coco Beach Boulevard in Río Grande. For more information, call 787-809-1770.
