The Best Beach Hotels in Puerto Rico

On the west-facing side of the island, Rincon Beach Resort has a front-row view of exquisite sunsets. Accessed by a private driveway, the property has 112 guest rooms and 24 condo villas. Romantics should book the junior suite – it has an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. After a day of sunbathing by the infinity pool (that nearly spans the entire width of the resort), dine at Brasas Restaurant, serving Caribbean fusion cuisine.

Just east of San Juan along Playa Isla Verde, this boutique hotel offers expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean from its distinctive rooftop pool and restaurant. With blue hues to mirror the waterfront outside, each room comes with Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities and an in-room Puerto Rican Yaucono coffee service.

The Caribe Hilton in San Juan was the first Hilton hotel outside the contiguous US, and it also claims to have mixed the first piña colada cocktail ever made. The property’s 650-plus guest rooms are set on 17 tropical acres (7ha) that boast a large pool complex, a giant beachfront spa, tennis and volleyball courts, a hammock garden, a bird sanctuary and more.

For a more intimate experience, book a room at La Jamaca. This small hotel on the southern end of Puerto Rico is known for its secluded feel, complete with surrounding gardens and an outdoor pool. Also, adventurers will enjoy its proximity to turquoise water cays and mangroves channels, which are explorable via kayak.

Villa Montaña Beach Resort claims miles of pristine coastline in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico. Choose between simple suites and multi-bedroom garden villas at this stylish, plantation-style property. A real draw is the oceanfront Eclipse Restaurant, led by chef Rafael Grau; the outdoor dining room sources its menu from local growers and fishers. Surfers will enjoy the resort’s proximity to world-class breaks – book transportation at reception.

A laid-back, surfer vibe pervades at the Casa Verde Hotel, a 19-room boutique property in Rincón on the west coast. The top tower suite offers ocean views and a private patio, perfect for sunbathing. After spending the day scuba diving, snorkelling or fishing, recoup with comfort foods from Kahuna Burger Bar & Grill.

For more than 50 years, Parador Villa Parguera has been a staple in Lajas, on the island’s southwestern corner. A shaded pool deck and garden border the Caribbean Sea. Stroll out onto the pier for sea swimming, fishing and water sports. Views of the bioluminescent bay at La Parguera are best enjoyed from the Aquamarina Restaurant, which serves Creole food. Try the lobster – it’s the speciality here.

For an apartment feel, book a studio or one-bedroom accommodation at Coconut Palms Inn. Complimentary beach accessories – such as floats, coolers, beach chairs and barbecue grills – come as standard. The hotel’s highlights include a beachside veranda, gardens peppered with hammocks and its proximity to Domes Beach, the top surf spot in Rincón.

Set between the ocean and El Yunque National Forest, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is a golf lover’s dream, with two 18-hole championship courses on-site. There’s no bad view here – suites and rooms offer vistas of the ocean, golf course or rainforest and mountains. Beyond hitting the green, you can enjoy other on-site activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and spa treatments.