Recommend August 2010 - (Page 60)

PuERTO RICO a community experience continued from page 58 Of course, that golf course, that spa, and those restaurants might not exist at all without the support of community residents—which makes vacationing inside a resort community a savvy choice for clients, too. “There are so many more amenities, generally, when you have a resort community [around you],” Holck says. Communities are generally anchored by a golf course. At the Wyndham, make that two championship courses. The Ocean Course, designed by Tom and George Fazio, features a signature 16th hole set right on the water. Greg Norman’s River Course follows alongside the Mameyes River, with shots framed by picturesque mountains and tropical greenery. The 7,000-sq.-ft. Mandara Spa offers state-of-the-art treatments, and strength training and cardiovascular equipment in its adjacent fitness center. There’s also a beach club separate from the Wyndham’s central swimming pool. “That helps occasionally when we’re doing work on our pool, because there’s always another pool to go to,” Holck explains. Because clients and locals staying together in resort communities use the same facilities, Holck says, clients are able to get a more authentic experience of their destination—another bonus for travelers. “About a month ago, I was at the clubhouse and we had some live music for members,” Holck recalls. It was part of a regular series of live music on Friday nights that’s mainly for community residents. That night, “There were a whole bunch of guests who came from the resort, and they loved the music and danced and got to mingle with members of the resort. They got the chance to go beyond just the hotel to experience the flair of the local culture and people.” That’s just one example, she continues, “I’m sure it happens more times than I’ve seen it.” Resort communities add value to guests’ experiences and help the resorts themselves stay active. So is that why building within them has become a trend in light of recent economic downturn? Holck is skeptical. “I don’t think it’s happening because of that. Even 10 years ago in resort communities, residential membership and guest components combined in a beneficial way. And that wasn’t during a tough economy, it was just because it made good sense.” Rates at the Wyndham Rio Mar start at $379 per room per night. coming soon It’s that same good sense that’s bringing the St. Regis brand to the Bahia Beach resort community also set near El Yunque. General manager David Kurland says that the new, 139-room property, opening in November, features the highest level of personalization, elegance and guest experiences of any St. Regis in the world—owing partly to the community that surrounds it. “Being situated in 483 acres of a perfect paradise, the larger community improves the guest experience by simply being able to offer our guests more,” he explains. “From nature walks and water activities to dining establishments and access to a magnificent golf course, our guests have a multitude of exciting activities to choose from.” The resort’s anchoring golf course is a Robert Trent Jones II design, with holes overlooking the ocean and lakes, and views to El Yunque from nearly every one. Clients and resort residents will also share access to the 10,000-sq.-ft. Remede Spa, with hot and cold plunge pools 60 august 2010 and treatment rooms featuring private outdoor terraces. St. Regis will also increase the area’s culinary profile with Fern, a restaurant using Puerto Rican ingredients developed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The community supports all this, “...in addition to the 2-mile stretch of beach and expansive natural grounds of the resort,” Kurland says. “The residential offering at Bahia Beach is a wonderful complement to the resort as a whole.” Clients familiar with St. Regis resorts elsewhere will recognize signature touches. “One particular familiarity our guests will notice is the signature St. Regis Butler, who will be on hand to tend to their every need,” Kurland explains. But not all resort community properties are created equal. The St. Regis also has the distinction of being a certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary, the only one in the Caribbean. That designation “...is extremely important to the resort, as our mission focuses on preserving the ecological innate environment surrounding the property,” Kurland says. And that’s just the beginning. “The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is unique in that it provides the timeless elegance and bespoke guest experience the brand is celebrated for, as well as flawless service levels and lavish facilities that have never been seen in Puerto Rico,” he continues, “all while celebrating the community’s rich heritage and individuality.” In 2012, Regent Hotels & Resorts will add another five-star property to Puerto Rico’s lineup, this time in the Palmas del Mar resort community 35 minutes southeast of San Juan. With 96 guestrooms and 52 suites, plus a roster of community amenities including the largest tennis center in the Caribbean, an equestrian center, a 160-slip marina and 18 restaurants in clients’ backyards, the Regent Palmas del Mar will offer community living at its finest. The resort will “...enhance the product that the island has to offer. It’s a different type of product that is not already on the island,” says Luis F. Muniz, a developer of Palmas del Mar resort community. “People that can afford this type of product are coming to Puerto Rico, but they’re not staying in the type of hotels that they are used to. This is going to be a great benefit to the tourism industry.” It’ll also benefit clients, community members and the resort itself. “There will be a synergy between the hotel and the community,” he says, a symbiotic partnership that trades amenities for usership. “Our two golf courses right now are underplayed.… The hotel benefits from the closeness of the golf courses, and the community will have more rounds played on the courses,” Muniz explains. And unlike Holck, Muniz says that the economy has much to do with the boom of community-located resorts coming into the island. “Certainly there are a lot of amenities already there [at Palmas del Mar]. It’s a gated community, so there’s a lot of security, and the infrastructure is already done. It’s definitely offsetting the downturn.” n contact information Regent Palmas del Mar: (800) 545-4000; regenthotels.com St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort: (877) 787-3447; stregis.com Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa: (800) 4-RIO-MAR; wyndhamriomar.com recommend.com http://www.regenthotels.com http://www.stregis.com http://www.wyndhamriomar.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Uniworld's River Royale
Discover flanders
Five-Star Taiwan
Karisma Sweetens the Pot
Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe
Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
Central America Calling...
Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa
Israel With Goway Travel
Puerto Rico: A community Experience
Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
The Bahamas: Players' Paradise
Orlando World Center Marriott Resort
All-American St. Louis
PH Towers by Westgate, Las Vegas

Recommend August 2010