Puerto Rico is one of my favorite islands escapes, especially during the holidays. It’s a easy flight from Fort Lauderdale. El Conquistador, a Waldorf Astoria Resort property, was my first choice on where to stay. It is conveniently located in Fajardo just an hours drive from San Juan. The hotel is nestled on a cliff-top oasis on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
El Conquistador offers golf, a private island, a water park, lots of pools and jacuzzis, and multiple restaurants to choose from.
My family and I reserved a two bedroom ocean view suite during Christmas week last year. We had only heard great things about this resort. I booked a little late and was bummed out when we couldn’t get into “Las Casita Village“. Las Casita is the villa accommodations which are great for large families. They are secluded one-, two-, and three-bedroom style villas, ideal for family gatherings. Everyone says that once you stay in “Las Casita” you will never consider another resort again. We’ll have to go back and see for ourselves.
Our two bedroom ocean view suite was located on the top corner floor, closest to the spa and Las Casitas Village. The room was spacious, and so was the bathroom which came with a soaking tub, shower and double vanity. Next to our bedroom was a common living room, dining room area. The kids room was on the opposite side of the living area.
The lobby area was festively decorated for the holidays with a large gingerbread cookie house and tree. We decided it was a great photo opportunity for a family picture.
The property has 3 pools including 3 hot tubs to choose from if you want to spend the day lounging around the pool. One of my favorite places to have lunch was by the pool.
Since the hotel is located up high on the clifftop, they offer a tram that takes you down to the Marina area below. On your way to the tram you can stop at one of the shops for last minute sunglasses, sandals, beach coverups, and even suntan lotion. The Marina has a few restaurants, also with hotel accommodations. It’s also where you take the ferry that departs very hour to the fabulous secluded beach on their private island: “Palomino Island“.
It takes 10 minutes on the ferry from El Conquistador to reach Palomino Island. The beach area has beach chairs, restrooms nearby, and a few places to grab something to eat. They even supply the beach towels for you. All you need to do is show up with your sunscreen.
The waterpark is a favorite among the younger kids, it’s located to the right of the Marina area called Coqui Water Park.
At El Conquistador you can golf, utilized the spa, enjoy the Coqui Water Park, or take the ferry boat ride to Palomino Island, There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy the great flavors of their Puerto Rican cuisine.
Karyn @ Not Done Travelling
December 26, 2014 at 4:59 amThis place looks gorgeous! I am a sucker for a good pool.
Shaun
December 27, 2014 at 2:55 amPorto Rico is on my list! I am going to be in Florida for close to a month in 2015 so looking at hopping over for a few nights. Thanks for this!
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
Carmen
December 31, 2014 at 10:05 pmHi Shaun, If you happen to been in or around Fort Lauderdale, give me a shout. Puerto Rico is a fun island with lots to see. We especially liked hiking the rain forest.
Jessi
December 27, 2014 at 4:53 amWow, that looks like a fantastic resort! And the pictures of Puerto Rico are just gorgeous. I would love to make it there sometime.
Carmen
January 8, 2015 at 7:45 pmHi Jessi,
We really enjoyed the resort and the location was perfect. One of my favorite things about it was the private beach.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
December 28, 2014 at 5:22 amHubby and I had a romantic escape to Fajardo, PR a few years ago but didn’t have a chance to stay at any place as fabulous as this. It looks lovely, and I think my family would really enjoy La Casita. You are so fortunate to be just a short plane ride away from this beauty.
Carmen
January 8, 2015 at 7:47 pmHi Michele,
Living in South Florida that’s one of the perks that we are just a short plane ride to many of the islands near by. I’m sure you’re kids would really enjoy this resort, especially the water rides.
Esther
December 28, 2014 at 9:36 amWhoah!! This looks beautiful. Thank you for hosting the linkup 🙂
Carmen
January 8, 2015 at 7:48 pmHi Esther,
Thanks for linking up. This is definitely one of my favorite resorts in Puerto Rico.
Upasna / Life On My Plate
December 29, 2014 at 7:07 amHow gorgeous! Looks like you had a holiday in the lap of luxury 🙂
Carmen
January 8, 2015 at 7:49 pmHi Upasna,
It was a last minute decision but well worth it. We were glad we went.
Lauren
December 29, 2014 at 9:24 pmI love Puerto Rico. I’ve only stayed overnight in PR one night before a cruise a few years back and loved it. I’m dreaming about those palm trees and that water right about now as it snows out here!
Carmen
January 8, 2015 at 7:51 pmHi Lauren,
You’ll need to go and spend a few days next time. There is so much to see in Puerto Rico, we’ve visited several times over the years.
Marcus
September 16, 2016 at 12:46 pmHey Carmen I don’t have my passport but there are nice places you can go where you don’t need a passport and Puerto Rico is on the list. I am looking for a nice place to take my girlfriend for her 30th which is on Oct. 27. Something nice and inexpensive I like this resort you posted.
Carmen Edelson
September 16, 2016 at 12:53 pmYou don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. This hotel is great! See if you can book in the Casitas for that date.
Marcus
September 16, 2016 at 12:56 pmok will look into it now
Marcus
September 16, 2016 at 1:20 pmcan you help me with planning this trip?
Carmen Edelson
September 16, 2016 at 1:35 pmI just emailed you. You are welcome to call me and I can assist you.
Marcus
September 16, 2016 at 1:36 pmok thanks i will call you