Four Puerto Rico Resorts that will have You Hollering “Fore” More
A Puerto Rico golf vacation is a golfer’s dream, packed with stunning landscapes and world-class courses. From the lush El Yunque Rainforest to over 300 pristine beaches along the Atlantic, the island is a dream destination—especially if you love hitting the links!
In particular, these four diverse resorts offer the ultimate golf getaway: El Conquistador, Hyatt, Wyndham, and St. Regis.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or learning, these courses offer an unforgettable experience for every golfer.
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): La Monserrate Beach in Luquillo is an amazing beach frequented by locals. (Photo: Discover Puerto Rico) Ziplining at Toro Verde Adventure Park (Photo: Courtesy Toro Verde). Constructed by the Spanish, Castillo Felipe del Morro has guarded the harbour of San Juan for more than 250 years. (PHOTO: iStock)
Moreover, the resorts for this Puerto Rico golf vacation offer incredible amenities like luxurious pools, gourmet dining, and beach bliss. And if you’re up for an adventure, Puerto Rico has plenty to explore. Firstly, stroll through the historic streets of Old San Juan, where Spanish forts have stood for over 500 years. Then, be sure get your adrenaline pumping at Toro Verde Adventure Park, home to the world’s second-longest zip line at a thrilling 2.5 kilometres.
Whether you’re chasing birdies or just soaking up the island vibes, Puerto Rico has something for everyone.
Puerto Rico Golf Vacation Resort #1: El Conquistador Resort
Perched on a 300-foot cliff, the El Conquistador is a four-star resort that offers 368 rooms and suites, and will expand to 750 rooms by 2025. The resort features one of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses, with a wide array of activities, including the resort’s private Palomino Island.
The resort offers an infinite array of culinary delights at its many restaurants. Ventanas Restaurant offers some gastronomic pleasures created by Executive Chef Osvaldo Oretga. Puerto Rico’s famous dish, Mofongo, is made with crispy plantains mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork rinds. Many restaurants offer variations of this guilty pleasure. Mine was served with a creamy garlic shrimp sauce — delicious, to say the least!
With an 8 a.m. tee time, we played a moderate 18-hole par-72 course by world-renowned Arthur Hills. A masterpiece of elevation change, this course includes whispering palm trees and great views of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and El Yunque Rain Forest. However, despite its grandeur, El Conquistador’s golf course is suitable for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Perfectly manicured greens, enriched by surrounding fauna and flora, it is a golfer’s haven.
ABOVE: Palomino Island is privately owned by the El Conquistador Resort and includes part of the Cordillera Reef Nature Reserve. (Photos: Courtesy El Conquistador Resort)
When visiting, take the 20-minute ferry to Palomino Island to the beach for the famous Piña Colada. The 100-acre island is surrounded by warm turquoise waters and offers snorkelling, horseback riding, nature walks and, of course, different sizes of iguanas. Did you know that filmmakers chose this location for one of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels?
Puerto Rico Golf Vacation Resort #1: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
The five-star Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico’s motto is “Doing Nothing Means Everything”. Recognized as a family-friendly destination, it offers a choice of over 579 rooms, from presidential suites to ocean-view terraces and features a lagoon-style pool, multiple restaurants, bars, and a rainforest spa. The Hyatt Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is home to one of only two champion golf courses in the Caribbean that host PGA TOUR events. Designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member (2004) Tom Kite, it is a paradise with rainforests and beautiful beaches and is a perfect golf course to host the PGA.
Next, we started the 2025 Puerto Rico Open Pro-Am with a champion-worthy breakfast and a resort tour. The atmosphere was electric, with sponsors, vendors, and media crews all gathered to watch the pros battle it out for a slice of the $4 million USD purse, including a cool $720,000 for the winner. As a beginner golfer, I geared up to play alongside the pros in a scramble-format round. My team of amateurs boasted over 40 years of golfing experience—meanwhile, I rocked my solid five years of golf enthusiasm. Thankfully, the format was perfect for a player at my level, but that didn’t stop the pre-game jitters as I anxiously counted down to our noon tee-time.
ABOVE: Writer and golf enthusiast Helene Levesque with PGA Golfer Norman Xiong. RIGHT: On the course at the 2025 Puerto Rico Open. (Photo: Discover Puerto Rico)
We teed off with pros Pierceson Coody and Norman Xiong, who tied for 12th in the Puerto Rico Open. Undoubtedly, both pros were incredible players and great guys, offering tips and helping us read the greens. Shockingly, I managed to sink two birdies for the team—who would’ve thought?! A huge shoutout to Karl Vilips, the 23-year-old Aussie who walked away with his first PGA TOUR title and nearly three-quarters of a million dollars.
Puerto Rico Golf Vacation Resort #3: Wyndam Grand Rio Mar
Photos: Courtesy Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Gold and Beach Resort.
Our next accommodation was the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, which just completed a multi-million-dollar renovation. Boasting over 500 acres of recreational fun, it has nine restaurants and lounges, a casino and spa, three beachfront pools and tennis courts. Furthermore, it features two 18-hole golf courses designed by Tom and George Fazio and Greg Norman.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t play the golf courses due to schedule, but enjoyed dining at Rio Mar’s Roots Coastal Kitchen. Farm-to-table goodness, this Caribbean comfort food was opened by Executive Chef Ramon Carillo in collaboration with Top Chef finalists Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth. I opted for the Lobster Mac & Cheese with Maine lobster and creamy goat cheese with lemon and chives. Other members of our party enjoyed grilled swordfish served with coconut sticky rice and yellow coconut curry. The food was bursting with flavour; we were not disappointed.
Puerto Rico Golf Vacation Resort #4: The St. Regis Bahia
This breathtaking resort is an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary. The certification from the nonprofit recognizes the environmental sustainability efforts made to ensure that nature and golf coexist in harmony. The St. Regis spans 483 acres between El Yunque and Espiritu Santo, with two miles of beachfront and Atlantic views. From exceptional cuisine to an expert 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the resort blends tropical beauty with a spirit of adventure. Additionally, the site boasts stunning sculptures by world-renowned South American artist Fernando Botero, perfectly complementing the luxurious landscapes.
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): The incredible golf course at The Regis Bahia Beach. (Photo: Courtesy Regis Bahia Beach Resort) A whimsical, cherub-like sculpture by Fernando Botero greets guests at the resort. (Photo: Helene Levesque) The inflatable water playground at the resort’s Boat House and Nature Center. (Photo: Courtesy Regis Bahia Beach Resort)
Thirteen of the 18 holes are bordered by water, making for a thrilling yet challenging experience. The course winds through interior lakes before culminating along the breathtaking Atlantic coast. However, knowing my track record with water hazards, I wisely opted for the Juniors’ tee boxes—because if there’s water, my golf ball will find it! But what truly won me over wasn’t just the thoughtful options for beginners; it was the course’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant landscapes.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a bistro-style lunch with spectacular ocean views at the charming Seagrapes Restaurant. I couldn’t resist ordering the savoury empanadas, each one packed with flavourful fillings and paired with delicious dipping sauces—a must-try at Seagrapes.
More Delicious Cuisine
Lastly, we ended the trip with a farewell dinner at Chef Mario Pagán’s renowned San Juan restaurant. A culinary visionary with over 20 years of experience in Puerto Rican cuisine, Pagán has earned international acclaim for his innovative dishes. The menu was an exquisite offering of Latin-inspired creations, from Spiny Lobster Thermidor to locally caught yellowtail snapper, and a delightful chocolate soufflé. Obviously, I opted for the Angus Beef, expertly cooked and seasoned to perfection with deep flavours to satisfy any palate.
Overall, if you’re dreaming of golfing in paradise, Puerto Rico should be at the top of your list. I know I’ll be back—hopefully as an improved golfer! One day, I might even yell “fore” with confidence after some much-needed lessons.
Lastly, a huge thank you to Discover Puerto Rico for an unforgettable experience!
For more information on golf excursions to Puerto Rico, check out this article or visit discoverpuertorico.com
Header photo: Courtesy Discover Puerto Rico
