The Perfect Place to Conquer

The Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club in Las Croabas, Puerto Rico stands on a 300-foot bluff and gives a magnificent overlook of the Caribbean and Atlantic. In fact, the No. 1 reason for visiting this resort is the life-altering panoramic views.

The most convenient aspect of this all-inclusive resort is that the vacationer doesn’t have to go anywhere else. That means you don’t have to rent a car to take in the sights – a real plus for Houstonians who drive everywhere. Here, there’s no confusion over what to do; here, you just relax and enjoy yourself.

The Wyndham experience starts at the San Juan airport. Guests are met by the staff and then driven the hour to the resort. A happy staff immediately greeted and efficiently escorted me through the entire check-in process. The bellboy took me to my room, went over the map of the grounds and explained how things worked.

Since this is a destination in itself, you can simply step out your front door and meet a barrage of fabulous food. In fact, there are 16 restaurants to choose from on site. Le Bistro, a Mediterranean restaurant, boasts impeccable service and outstanding food, including one of the best sea bass dishes I’ve tasted. Breakfast on Las Brisas terrace features a tasty breakfast buffet with outdoor dining, complete with birds flying overhead. Blossoms – an upscale Japanese restaurant offering Teppanyaki, Hunan and Szechwan specialties, as well as Sushi – serves up a fresh, upbeat atmosphere filled with customers having a good time. Isabela’s is a gourmet restaurant enhanced with spectacular views of the Caribbean. This culinary retreat is meant for the seasoned diner who loves slow, succulent meals over enticing conversations.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit El Yunque Rain Forest. Board a shuttle from the resort, and learn the history of Puerto Rico and the rain forest from a very informative guide. Trek down well-maintained trails on a nature walk through this vegetative fantasy. With a 97-step tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the rain forest and some of the most unique flowers the world over, a trip to El Yunque Rain Forest is an adventure in history.

The resort’s pristine placement on the edge of a 300-foot cliff makes the beach below a bit of an adventure. Palomino Island is a 100-acre private island that is only a 15-minute boat ride away. With beaches that offer swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, hiking and more, time spent at Palomino Island really is a day at the beach.

What is a vacation without spa treatments? You don’t have to ask that question here because visitors revel in the world-renowned Golden Door Spa at the Wyndham El Conquistador. The Thai massage, consisting of assisted yoga combined with acupressure, stretches muscles you never thought you had. The Spirit of Life experience is a combination of Ayurvedic treatments that combines exfoliation, massage, wrap, minifacial and herbal hair rinse to leave you unbelievably relaxed. Of course, the gym here is stocked with the latest exercise equipment; and don’t miss the steam bath and sauna with falling streams of water.

The Full Moon Yoga experience may take a brave soul, but monthly classes held on the nights of full moons are absolutely phenomenal. This hour-long instructor-led class is held outdoors to fully appreciate the smells, sounds and beauty of a full-mooned evening in Puerto Rico. It is a wonderful close to a fun-filled day and a fabulous way to fully appreciate the true splendor of this tropical paradise. H
For more information contact the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club; 1000 Conquistador Ave., Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico; (787) 863-1000; www.wyndham.com