Four Puerto Rico Resorts that will have You Hollering “Fore” More

Puerto Rico is a golfer’s paradise, 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!

If you’re looking for the ultimate golf getaway, the courses at these four diverse resorts should be on your must-play list: El Conquistador, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, and The St. Regis Bahia Beach. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into the swing of things, 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)

Beyond the fairways, the resorts are packed with incredible amenities—think luxurious pools, gourmet dining, and beachfront bliss. And if you’re up for an adventure, Puerto Rico has plenty to explore. Stroll through the historic streets of Old San Juan, where Spanish forts have stood for over 500 years, or 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.

 

EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT

Perched on a 300-foot cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the El Conquistador is a four-star resort that currently offers 368 rooms and suites, and will expand to 750 rooms by 2025. With a wide array of activities, including the resort’s private Palomino Island, it is home to one of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses.

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. One of Puerto Rico’s famous dishes is called Mofongo, which 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 were ready to play both a challenging and player-friendly, award-winning 18-hole, par-72 course designed by world-renowned architect 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. Despite its grandeur, El Conquistador’s golf course is suitable for and welcomes 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 the resort, take the 20-minute ferry to the famous Palomino Island to experience a few hours on the beach while sipping Puerto Rico’s national drink, the famous and very tasty 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 one of the movie sequels for Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed at this location?

 

HYATT REGENCY GRAND RESERVE PUERTO RICO

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.

We kicked off our day at the 2025 Puerto Rico Open Pro-Am with a feast fit for champions—an extensive breakfast buffet, followed by a tour of the buzzing resort. 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 was gearing up to play alongside the pros in a scramble-format round. My team of amateurs boasted over 40 years of golfing experience—meanwhile, I was rocking 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 on the back nine with pro golfer Pierceson Coody—grandson of five-time PGA champion Charles Coody—while the front nine had us alongside Norman Xiong, who went on to finish tied for 12th in the Puerto Rico Open. Both pros weren’t just incredible players but also genuinely great guys, offering tips and helping us read the greens. And guess what? 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.

 

WYNDHAM GRAND RIO MAR GOLF AND BEACH RESORT

Photos: Courtesy Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Gold and Beach Resort.

Our luxury accommodations for the next two evenings were 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. It also features two 18-hole golf courses designed by Tom and George Fazio and Greg Norman.

We were unable to play those golf courses due to schedule constraints, but we experienced a fine evening of 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 filled their palates with grilled swordfish served with coconut sticky rice and yellow coconut curry. The food was bursting with flavour; we were not disappointed.

 

THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT AND GOLF CLUB

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. Situated between the lush El Yunque National Forest and the serene Espiritu Santo River State Preserve, The St. Regis spans 483 acres with two miles of secluded beachfront and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. 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. Adding to its charm are 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. 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.

After an unforgettable round, we headed to the charming Seagrapes Restaurant, where we indulged in a bistro-style lunch with a spectacular view of the ocean. 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

As our golf excursion was reluctantly coming to an end, we capped off the experience with a farewell dinner at Chef Mario Pagán’s renowned flagship restaurant in San Juan. 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. I opted for the Angus Beef, expertly cooked and seasoned to perfection with deep flavours to satisfy any palate.

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.

A huge thank you to Discover Puerto Rico for an unforgettable experience!

For more information on golf excursions to Puerto Rico, visit discoverpuertorico.com

Header photo: Courtesy Discover Puerto Rico