oh canada Urban Escapes Overlooking Isla Verde Beach in Carolina, groups can enjoy tropical luxury oases in the heart of the city. The 388-guestroom Fairmont El San Juan Hotel fuses contemporary amenities with timeless sophistication, starting with the iconic 7,000-crystal chandelier hanging over the lobby bar. More than 30,000 sq. ft. of space is well-equipped for modern gatherings, including the exclusive Chico Cabaret lounge and Grand Ballroom with a 2,500-sq.-ft. terrace. elsanjuanhotel.com At the Royal Sonesta San Juan, 398 guestrooms (each with a French balcony), seven dining options, a lagoon-style swimming pool and tranquil spa create a sumptuous retreat for business travellers. Gatherings are covered too, thanks to 24,000 sq. ft. of fl exible indoor and outdoor meeting space. sonesta.com Local Flavours Have a SPOON guide lead your group on a culinary adventure through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, tasting modern and traditional interpretations on authentic Puerto Rican dishes while learning about the history and culture of the island. thespoonexperience.com Coastal Conferences In the eastern coastal town of Fajardo, El Conquistador Resort offers more than 100,000 sq. ft. of fl exible meeting and convention space, 299 bright and spacious guestrooms (increasing to 750 when renovations are completed next year) and 42 villas. Guests can stay cool in the pools and waterpark, or hit the beach on their private isle, Palomino Island. conquistadorresort.com Río Grande Retreats Framed by the lush 28,000-acre El Yunque rainforest in the town of Río Grande, guests can indulge in idyllic retreats at exclusive beach resorts. With breathtaking mountain views on one side and azure waters on the other, the 500-acre Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is a destination in and of itself. The plantation-style resort features two championship golf courses, casino, three pools, 400 vibrant rooms, more than 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space and nine restaurants, including Roots Coastal Kitchen that serves up delectable farm-to-table fare. wyndhamriomar.com A sprawling oceanfront property, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico ticks all the boxes for both conferences and incentives, boasting 579 spacious guestrooms, a 12,000-sq.-ft. spa and two 18-hole golf courses. The high-touch experience extends to the 31,208 sq. ft. of fl exible indoor space, including a ballroom with a cutting-edge video mapping wall, and a variety of outdoor event venues. hyatt.com PHOTO: DISCOVER PUERTO RICO, DAN HAM 2012 PHOTO: DISCOVER PUERTO RICO, BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS PHOTO: DISCOVER PUERTO RICO, TREY PELZ PHOTO: DISCOVER PUERTO RICO, KIP DAWKINS Living roof, Vancouver Convention Centre Meet Beachside Hilton’s fi rst international hotel and birthplace of the fi rst Piña Colada, the 652-room Hilton Caribe in San Juan has been welcoming guests since 1949. For meetings and conferences, more than 65,000 sq. ft. of fl exible space is available and charming outdoor venues are perfectly suited for cocktail receptions. In their leisure time, groups can lounge on private beach cabanas, snorkel and SNUBA over the coral reef and visit the nearby 17th century San Geronimo Fort. caribehilton.com Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort Fairmont El San Juan Hotel Fall 2022 | Ignitemag.ca | 51
