When you visit Puerto Rico, you’ll quickly notice the warmth of the locals and the pride they have in their island. The tourism slogan, “Live Boricua,” reflects this sentiment. According to Discover Puerto Rico, “Boricua isn’t just a name; it’s a state of mind and a zest for life embraced by Puerto Ricans and shared with visitors.”
While many fall in love with San Juan, those looking for a deeper experience should explore beyond the capital. Consider a trip to the lesser-known area of Palmas del Mar. Located in southeast Puerto Rico, Palmas del Mar is an upscale gated community featuring quiet beaches, vibrant wildlife-filled forests, and a delightful Puerto Rican community. In the past, it was primarily a vacation spot for locals, seldom visited by off-island tourists. That’s changed with the opening of the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort, the first hotel of its kind in southeast Puerto Rico.
The resort provides guests with luxurious accommodations and a unique chance to be part of the local community. Imagine seeing kids ride golf carts to school and enjoying lively music at the farmer’s market, truly immersing oneself in the “Live Boricua” lifestyle.
Accommodations at the hotel include boho-chic suites with spa-like bathrooms. You’ll find clawfoot tubs with bath bombs ready and showers with multiple heads. And the king beds are among the comfiest you’ll ever experience.
Dining at the on-site restaurant, Trova, is a treat with dishes like freshly caught seafood and gourmet classics. The wood-fired grill serves outstanding pizzas—the sunflower pizza is a must-try. The cocktail menu features house-made elixirs designed for wellness, like the Purple Rain, which uses lavender to ease anxiety and insomnia.
The resort includes two pools, one for lively gatherings and the other for relaxation, located just steps from a serene beach. One of the hotel’s standout features is its welcoming approach to community involvement. Guests can join local yoga classes at the Pterocarpus Forest and enjoy picnics in the tree house after. The hotel also holds Zumba classes attended by residents.
Guests have the opportunity to use community golf courses and tennis facilities, plus participate in the monthly farmer’s market with live local bands. The nearby yacht club and marina offer options for dining and shopping, including favorites like La Pescalaria.
Although usually reserved for members, the Palmas Beach Club allows guests to enjoy its 16 waterslides and beachfront. The beach is a popular spot for sea turtle nesting, and the hotel collaborates with the community to assist in hatching and releasing baby turtles, inviting guests to join in during the season.
The resort partners with Hacienda Buena Vista, near the local high school, for horseback riding adventures. With over 150 horses available to guide you through nature and along the beach, it provides a special experience for exploring the southeast. Wyndham Palmas also offers excursions across the island, arranging transportation to the Humacao Nature Reserve or organizing night-time kayaking and paddle boarding tours.
Wyndham Palmas collaborates with local guides like PRdise to help visitors explore the island’s famous attractions. Discover a hidden swimming hole in El Yunque, just 44 miles away, learn about history on a day trip to Old San Juan, or marvel at the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo, only 30 miles from the resort.
With countless attractions to explore in Puerto Rico, Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort serves as a fantastic base for both adventure and connecting with the local community.
