We planned our journey to the Caribbean to include a stop over
in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Our research revealed that The Ritz-Carlton
Hotel and Spa in San Juan was a logical choice for the stop,
due to its close proximity to the airport.
Puerto Rico is the
gateway
to the Caribbean. It has big city action in San Juan and
tranquility in the countryside and glamorous resorts.
After a city tour we learned that Puerto Rico’s celebration
of its 500 years of history in 1992 was centered on the exquisite
restoration of old San Juan.
This is the oldest city under the
U.S. flag. The tour took us along old cobblestone streets, magnificent
mansions that included some of the city’s smartest restaurants,
shops, art galleries and museums.
Then we drove 30 minutes from San
Juan to the Caribbean National Forest commonly known as El Yunque,
which is the only tropical
rain forest managed by the U. S. Forest Service.
We saw the beautiful recreation areas and trails.
The 165-mile Panoramic Route winds through the mountains, which
provides spectacular
lookouts. Across the center of Puerto Rico there is a spine
of tall green mountains, which divides the northern and southern
coasts.
We enjoyed the contrast between the old style charm and the
modern facilities afforded at The Ritz-Carlton. Located in Isla
Verde on eight beachfront acres, five minutes from the International
Airport, this hotel is a Ritz-Carlton inside and out, with its
signature architecture and design. We felt that it had a style
and character all of its own. Upon entering the impressive lobby,
we noted the beautiful harp music flowing throughout the hotel!
We noticed the azure-colored pools and glorious scented gardens
stretched to a wide beach.
We were shown to our tastefully appointed Junior Suite that overlooked
the pool with an expansive view of the white sandy beach that remains
one of
the trademarks of this exceptional property. Nestled beneath our
terrace was a hammock located in an inviting garden area near the
pool.
This exceptional Spa was housed in an elegant marble and stone
building.
The entryway ceilings were painted with exotic vegetation and wildlife,
creating a serene environment.
As we approached the treatment rooms, we noticed the beautiful
wall-encased aquarium with brightly colored fish. They offered
eleven treatment rooms for facials, massages, manicures, pedicures
and body wraps. The fitness center offered yoga, aerobics, and
other strength and fitness activities. The locker rooms were
well stocked with their own signature products. We enjoyed a
peaceful environment for massages by the very skilled technicians.
We were graciously provided access to Club Level, which is
only accessible by a key-activated elevator. Here we enjoyed
a bountiful lunch which included home made tasting soup, and
wide variety of gourmet prepared foods. This was one of four
presentations offered on a daily basis. The Club Level offers
the guests larger deluxe rooms, a private lounge and a truly
helpful Concierge staff to assist the various needs of the elite
traveler.
We both felt refreshed and energized by our treatments and
gourmet lunch which caused us to be inspired to swim in the
junior Olympic
pool.
Following our swim, we retired to our suite to follow the
local custom of the “siesta”. We found the outdoor
location of the suite to be the perfect choice for a candlelight
dinner
under the stars on this beautiful evening in San Juan.
Our musical entertainment was provided by nature thru the chirping
frogs, night singing birds, crickets, and ocean waves. Following
our meal we returned to the Club Level to enjoy the desserts and
cordials that were complimented by the beautiful city lights of
old San Juan.
We would recommend that this property be considered not only as
a stop over prior to traveling to the various islands, but also
as a destination hotel and Spa.
Thank you for joining us.
See you at the Spa!
Finest Health Spas Review Staff.
Please contact us at: [email protected]
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