Palmas Del Mar Oceano Beach Resorts

Guests arriving to Palmas Del Mar will enter through the main gate and speak to a guard for directions to the Oceano office. This is a standalone building on a hill close to the entrance that acts as the nerve-center for all 72 units that the company manages vacation rentals for, which are located in various condo neighborhoods around the sprawling property. Oceano's office is more than just a front desk -- this attractive building with indoor and outdoor seating areas is also the place for reliable Wi-Fi.

Once keys and directions to the unit are handed over (pay attention to directions as it is easy to get lost) guests get back in their cars and wind past manicured grounds and golf courses. Between the full-time residents (there is a school on property), employees, and those on vacation, these roads are quite active, but once settled into the unit, guests can expect to find more peace and quiet.

Since all units have kitchens, guests tend to stock up at a grocery store in Humacao before arrival. Once here, guests can spend their days golfing, playing tennis, and hitting one of the outdoor pools. Security is a major presence and guests should feel completely safe walking, jogging, or biking the grounds any time of day or night.

While certain areas of the property -- such as the marina with bobbing yachts and the expansive villa sections -- have a whiff of luxury, the quality does vary quite a bit in the actual units, and some are showing their age. The resort is in fact 30 years old, and is working hard to stay fresh for a new generation. There are a few restaurants on-site and the Wyndham Hotel has a romantic wine bar. Other than this, and the small casino, there is little in the way of nightlife.

The 2,750-acre property is Puerto Rico's largest resort in the town of Humacao along the southeast coast. Most guests will arrive by rental car from San Juan airport, about an hour away. The resort complex is gated with 24-hour security and is a veritable bubble of protection from the outside world -- appealing to those who want an easy vacation for all ages. There are several condo complexes right on the water with spectacular ocean views, while others are removed with garden or pool views only. While the ocean is pretty to look at -- especially on a clear day when one can see the island of Vieques in the distance -- this particular area of beach has choppy waves and it is not the best place for swimming. Most guests and residents use the multiple pools. For a beach excursion, however, guests can hit the beaches outside of the gates in Humacao, such as El Morrillo, Punta Santiago, Buena Vista, and Punta Candelero. Humacao also has multiple grocery store options within a 10-minute drive for stocking the fridge. There is a store on property but prices are typically higher.

Oceano manages vacation rentals for 72 condos and villas around the resort ranging from studios to seven-bedroom units. They are found in the following complexes: Crescent Beach, Palmas Dorados, Marbella Club, Maralogo, Crescent Cove, and Beach Village. Villas are located in separate section closer to the marina.

Since the owners decorate according to their own taste, it is hard to list consistencies, but each unit is fully furnished with a kitchen, living, and dining area. All have either a balcony or patio, as well as laundry facilities. Most units have outdoor grills and tables for al fresco dining. Each condo complex has an outdoor pool, and villas each have a private outdoor pool. These units are best suited for groups. For instance, the Harbour Lights (photographed here) sleeps up to 14 people.

This resort community has easy driving access to the real world (and town of Humacao), but for those who want to stay on-site, there is plenty to do. Many of these activities come with a fee, however.

There are two championship 18-hole golf courses that are visible from several areas of the property. Another popular feature is the Tennis Club, which has 20 courts (two artificial grass, 14 hard, and four Har-Tru clay) and a pro shop. The courts can be lit for evening play, and private lessons and clinics are offered. The fitness center is located on the second floor of the facility with treadmills, cardio machines and weights. It also offers group exercise classes from Monday to Saturday, including Pilates and water aerobics. Access to all of the above requires a fee.

The Beach Club is available to guests and Oceano staff can arrange day passes for a daily fee. There’s a large adult pool here with drink service, lounge areas, and reserved areas for lap swimming. Kids will have access to a water slides and wading pools in their own pool, and children's activities are included in the package.

Restaurants on-site include the grill at the Beach Club operated by the Wyndham team. This hotel (the only hotel on the property) has a few restaurants and bars that are open to the public including a new wine bar. There is another restaurant, Café de la Plaza, near the marina, and a bar and grill at the tennis center.

In-room spa treatments and outside excursions can be arranged through the front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.