Puerto Rico Editor Picks

Puerto Rico’s largest resort is located near El Yunque rainforest and sprawls across 500 acres atop a 300-foot bluff – a funicular descends to the sea where a catamaran shuttles guests eight minutes to a private island with a small beach. The property encompasses four “villages” with 750 rooms on different levels of the hill, plus Las Casitas, a hotel-within-the-hotel offering 154 luxury villas. But most of the action takes place at the top level, home to the outsized lobby, casino, tennis, 18-hole golf, a multi-level pool area and extended convention facilities. With more than a dozen restaurants, there are plenty of dining choices, though most of it skews expensive. The Asian-themed Golden Door Spa is one of the Caribbean’s most renowned.

When it’s pitch dark, paddle out to one of these bioluminescent inlets (in Fajardo, Parguera, and Vieques) and jump into the water. Your entire body will glow, caused by the defense mechanism of the dinoflagellates that swim in the water. Vieques is said to have the best “bio-bay” in the world; note that tours don’t take place the two nights before and after a full moon.

The elegant, comprehensive museum is worth the drive to the west side of the city. The permanent collection highlights local artists ranging from the 18th-century to contemporary; you’ll also find a five-acre sculpture garden, children’s interactive gallery, and smart gift shop. A meal at Pikayo, chef Wilo Benet’s on-site restaurant, will show diners all that Criollo (Spanish for Creole) cuisine can be. Also nearby is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, a collection showcasing modern works from Latin artists throughout the Americas.

The 28,000-acre preserve is almost as much mountain as it is rainforest, so get ready for some serious hiking. You’ll hear the Coqui (pronounced co-KEE), a tree frog named after its squeaking mating call.

Explore the vestiges of iconic El Morro and, a half-mile east, San Cristóbal, two massive forts dating from 1539 – and used by the U.S. army until 1951 – at this protected Old San Juan site. Hiding behind the battlements is a maze of tunnels, barracks and spiral staircases, while a blanket of green grass dotted with kite flyers extends toward the city.

Ride a trolley into these majestic caves, carved out eons ago by the Rio Camuy River, which still runs through them. The sound-of-body can sign up for spelunking trips through adventure-tour operators; the weak-of-heart will be more than impressed with the trolley tour. The total number of visitors each day is limited, so book early.

Located 22 miles west of San Juan, the Rockefeller-built, Hyatt-flagged resorts are closed, but the four golf courses by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. are still the most beloved on the island. The East and West courses are probably the most demanding, while Sugarcane dishes out wind and water hazards. Hit a lousy shot and you might have to pay for Chi Chi Rodriguez’ window (he has a home there).

Located near Fajardo, the El Conquistador’s course is known for steep climbs and breathtaking views of the ocean and rainforest.