This Hotel in Puerto Rico's Ritzy Palmas del Mar District Is a Must-Visit

One way to truly capture Puerto Rico's spirit is step outside of the capital.

When you're in Puerto Rico, it doesn't take long to experience the kindness of the locals or the pride they have for their home. So much so, that the island’s tourism slogan is “Live Boricua.” (According to Discover Puerto Rico, "More than a name, Boricua is a state of mind and joy for life that is embodied by the Puerto Rican people and shared by all who visit.")

While it’s easy to stay and fall in love with San Juan, one way to truly experience the island, visitors should consider venturing outside the capital to a lesser-known community — Palmas del Mar.

Sitting in the southeast corner of Puerto Rico, Palmas del Mar is a large upscale gated community that includes secluded beaches, forests filled with wildlife, and a charming Puerto Rican community. The area is where island natives would go on vacation and it saw very few visitors from off the island. That is until Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort opened and became the first hotel in southeast Puerto Rico.

This resort offers all the luxury of a hotel with an opportunity to become part of the community. From seeing local kids drive golf carts to school to local bands playing at the farmer’s market, guests can become part of the Las Palmas community and truly “Live Boricua.”

The hotel itself offers boho chic suites with spa-like bathrooms and amenities. Picture a clawfoot tub with bath bombs at the ready and multiple shower heads from all angles. Not to mention the comfiest king bed you’ll find anywhere.

The on-site restaurant Trova is truly delicious with freshly caught seafood and elevated classics. The wood-fired grill churns out mouth-watering pizza, and I can’t recommend the sunflower pizza enough. The cocktail menu is infused with house-made elixirs that promote health like the Purple Rain, which incorporates lavender to help with anxiety and insomnia.

The property also has two pools—one to party and one to lounge—that are steps away from a beautiful secluded beach.

But the most unique offering at Wyndham Palmas is the ability to join the community. For example, guests are welcome to join the community yoga classes located at the Pterocarpus Forest. (The hotel can even provide picnic baskets to enjoy in the tree house after.) Wyndham also hosts regular Zumba classes that local residents attend.

Guests can use the community golf courses and tennis facilities, while the resort hosts a monthly farmer’s market and invites local bands to play during. They also have access to the local yacht club and marina where guests can stroll the shops and restaurants, like the locally popular, La Pescalaria.

Meanwhile, the Palmas Beach Club, which is usually members-only, allows guests to enjoy its whopping 16 waterslides and beachfront access. (The beach at the property is a hot spot for sea turtles and the hotel works with the community to help hatch and release baby turtles which guests are encouraged to take part in during the season.)

The property partners with Hacienda Buena Vista, a stable located beside the local high school for horseback riding excursions. With over 150 horses to guide you through nature and along the beach providing a unique way to explore the southeast part of the island. In fact, Wyndham Palmas can set up an excursion to almost anywhere on the island. From transportation to nearby Humacao Nature Reserve or organizing nighttime kayaking or paddle boarding tours.

Wyndham Palmas also works with local tour guides like PRdise to experience other famous island attractions. Find a secret swimming hole in El Yunque which is only 44 miles away or learn about history on a day trip to Old San Juan. Or see the natural wonder of Fajardo’s Bioluminescent bay that is only 30 miles from the property.

With so much to see and do in Puerto Rico, Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort serves as an excellent base to explore it all while getting to know the people who call the area home.