Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club

The Bahia Beach Resort sits deep within a gated 483-acre nature reserve between lush, ancient rainforest, and pristine Atlantic beachfront. The property shares an entrance with the St. Regis, and a long driveway leads to the Bahia Beach Club, which serves as Bahia’s HQ. Here, you’ll find reception, pools, and the golf clubhouse and shop. During our stay, the most activity was on the scenic golf course, framed by palm trees and beachfront. The vibe at this resort is laid-back with an air of prestige -- but it isn't stuffy. The Bahia draws discerning families seeking an exclusive home-away-from-home with the freedom to self-cater in style and also utilize fine hotel amenities. 

The Bahia is hidden away in gated grounds on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast. The resort is about 35 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, 30 minutes from San Juan, 20 minutes from El Yunque National Forest, and about 10 minutes from downtown Rio Grande. Known more for its pristine, uncrowded beaches, Rio Grande offers travelers with a more relaxed, remote locale than neighboring nightlife hubs like San Juan. There are a few local retail stores and small restaurants in the area, but the biggest highlight nearby is El Yunque with a slew of nature activities from ziplines to waterfall hikes on offer.   

The contemporary condos at the Bahia have one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts with open floor plans. Decor varies, but the general aesthetic is chic, with bleached wood furniture and armchairs covered in attractive modern prints, and sophisticated neutral tones with beachy accents. All units come with full kitchens that are equipped with stainless steel fridges, islands with sinks and high stools, dishwashers, coffeemakers, microwaves, and cookware, and some have Nespresso machines. There are also large dining tables, spacious living rooms with flat-screen TVs, and furnished terraces. Sleek bathrooms have roomy walk-in showers and a generous supply of L’Occitane products, and some have deep tubs. Views are either of the golf course or beach. 

This resort's star feature is the 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., which has a driving range and an upscale golf shop. Another property highlight is the luxurious pavilion that houses the spacious fitness center, with separate areas for spinning, pilates, weight-training, and cardio, plus there's a fruit smoothie bar. There's also two on-site pools (one for kids) with plenty of loungers and poolside cabanas, and four on-site tennis courts.

Casual eats are served at Cocoteros, located at the golf course's ninth hole, and carts cruise around with drinks and nibbles for players. There are a few deli-style items for breakfast here, but full meals are otherwise offered at the St. Regis restaurants. The closest is the Beach Club, an upscale affair with a bar, and a choice of indoor and terrace seating overlooking the pool and beach. The Bahia offers free on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout, and there are elevators to reach second-floor units. 

Guests also have access to other St. Regis amenities, including the exquisite Remede Spa; and restaurants including Fern (a Jean-Georges establishment), Seagrapes (a poolside restaurant), and the St. Regis Lobby Bar. Loaner bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards are available at the boathouse, which has a floating water park for kids. Nature walks, river tours, bird watching, and nighttime kayaking to a bioluminescent bay can also be arranged here. Children are catered to at the Iguana Kids Club, which has everything from treasure hunts to birdwatching.