I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I was going to spend 3 full days basking in the Puerto Rico sunshine while enjoying all that this paradise had to offer.
Million Dollar Views From El Conquistador Resort
Perched 300 feet above sea level high atop a cliff along the rugged coast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the El Conquistador resort has a presence that makes a powerful statement. Its intricate and stunning Mediterranean architectural design coordinates perfectly with spectacular Caribbean Sea views from different vantage points around the massive property.
We took a flight to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, a one-hour drive from the resort. We could have rented a car, but we decided to leave the driving to a professional. So, we took the airport shuttle that was recommended by the resort.
Driving up to the impressive entrance to El Conquistador Resort is a treat in itself. The long and winding driveway is a scenic drive through a golf course and lush gardens, eventually leading up to the hilltop resort. Its rich history began in 1962 with only 84 guest rooms and now stands with 650+ rooms with more guest rooms planned in the near future. This hotel has undergone a major renovation after the island took some unfortunate major hits from Mother Nature. Now it’s transformed into something magnificent.
El Conquistador Blends Luxury, Adventure, and Relaxation
Stunning both inside and out, the entrance into the lobby takes your breath away as you look directly at the pool practically built right into the cliffside. The lobby is such a welcoming hub, with everything you might need at that moment positioned perfectly around you from dining, coffee, and shopping, along with a helpful resort staff ready to handle your check-in and answer any questions you may have.
While it’s not an all-inclusive resort, the hotel’s luxurious amenities and accommodations make it ideal for you to seamlessly enjoy great food and beverages, swim, relax, and sprinkle in some adventure. There are multiple restaurants including my highest recommendation of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. There’s also a casino, spa, 18-hole golf course, the exclusive onsite Coqui Water Park and the resort’s private island, Palomino, just a quick water taxi ride away. Of course, nearby Puerto Rico attractions offer additional exciting activities as well.
Luxurious Accommodations at El Conquistador Resort
Set among the most beautiful landscaping and grounds, there are many accommodations to choose from based on the number of travelers in your party and budget. With 650+ rooms, suites, and villas at El Conquistador Resort, the rooms match the gorgeous vibe of this tropical paradise. Each room is decorated elegantly and I highly recommend that you request a balcony room with an ocean view.
We stayed in a newly renovated, Las Brisas room located on the resort’s upper level, with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The spacious 560 square foot guest room featured a comfortable king-sized bed, sofa bed, desk workspace, ceiling fan, television, high-speed internet access, make-up mirror, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, in-room safe, and most excitedly, premium Puerto Rican coffee and tea.
As an avid cruiser, I must say that the guest room at El Conquistador Resort and its water view, may have surpassed any cabin that I’ve ever stayed in on a cruise. That’s a huge compliment to the impressive accommodations found at this resort.
Resort Amenities and Activities: Lot’s to Do at El Conquistador Resort
I knew ahead of time what El Conquistador offered in the way of amenities and activities, but it wasn’t until I arrived that I truly understood how there is something for everyone at this resort. For example, you can simply sit by the pool and take in the views or take a short walk to the resort’s private water park. If you want to put your feet in the sand, you simply get on the ferry and visit their private beach island, exclusive for resort guests, and spend the whole day there. You can even take the hotel tram (funicular) from the resort rooms down to the private marina area and be presented with instant access to many more exciting things to do.
There are numerous swimming pools with poolside service for food and drinks, including an infinity pool where you feel like you’re suspended over the ocean. There’s a fitness center and a spa where you can book various treatments including massages and facials. Palomino Island, Coqui Waterpark, the spa, pools, and restaurants are exclusive to resort guests.
Resort Highlight #1: Palomino Island
Just as cruise lines offer private islands, so does El Conquistador Resort. The resort’s 100-acre private island of Palomino can be accessed by taking the East Coast Water Taxi from the resort. Palomino offers a beautiful, private beach for swimming, sunbathing on beach chairs, and a variety of beach activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling. You can also enjoy beachfront dining and drinks as there are multiple restaurants and bars.
Make reservations for the East Coast Water Taxi the minute you check in, and book it for your entire stay because you’ll want to visit the island every day of your stay.
Resort Highlight #2: Coqui Water Park
Located right on the property of El Conquistador Resort is the Coqui Water Park. This water park boasts a variety of slides, pools, and other attractions. In addition to water rides, there are cabanas for rental and places to get food and beverages. Of course, the lazy river was my favorite, and I spent a considerable amount of time just floating at my leisure, basking in the sun. If you like action and adventure, there are three slides, “Huracan,” “Gigante Dormido,” and “Marohu” that will add some excitement with heart-pounding speed and steep vertical drops.
Resort Highlight #3: Funicular
The Funicular at El Conquistador Resort is the tram system that can transport up to 30 passengers from the resort that is located up on the cliff, way down to the waterfront to access amenities like the Coqui Waterpark, water taxi, and the marina activities. The views are incredible when riding aboard the funicular. To me, it felt a bit like a theme park ride.
Resort Highlight #4: East Coast Water Taxi
The East Coast Water Taxi operates close to the resort and in addition to a stop at Palomino Island, you can also take the water taxi to explore other nearby attractions and beach areas. Water taxis depart frequently throughout the day.
Resort Highlight #5: Arthur Hills Golf Course
We did not bring our golf clubs, but you must consider playing at the resort’s 18-hole golf course as it offers stunning water views. It’s said to be challenging, but yet ideal for golfers of all skill levels. This award-winning par-72 golf course (with multiple elevation changes) offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and El Yunque Rain Forest.
Nightlife and Dining at El Conquistador Resort
In the evenings, we enjoyed live entertainment from some very talented performers. The resort’s casino added to the exciting atmosphere, the squeals of winners and slot machine sounds ringing continuously in the background.
Now, onto another favorite reason to visit Puerto Rico: THE FOOD! And the resort’s restaurants did not disappoint. There were so many places to choose from whether we wanted a casual atmosphere or fine dining. With so many on-site restaurants, you never have to leave the resort for food. Each restaurant offers flavors from local favorites or international cuisine including cafés and a coffee shop. Room service is offered for breakfast and dinner, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal from the comfort of your room.
To give you an idea of the diverse selection of cuisines and offerings, here is a list of the resort’s restaurants and bars:
:: Ballyhoo Seafood
:: Bar 21
:: Brapanta
:: Bono
:: Café Bella Vista
:: Cigar bar
:: Cutz Steakhouse
:: El Cafecito
:: Golf Bar & Grill
:: Hightide Rooftop Bar
:: La Ezkina
:: Market @La Marina
:: Oasis Bar & Grill
:: Oats Juice Bar
:: Okinawa
:: Paletta America
:: Palomino Bar & Restaurant
:: Sicilia
:: Splash Bar
:: Ventanas Restaurant
:: Vinos & Tapas
Explore Local Attractions in the Nearby Area
While the resort offers lots to keep you busy, Puerto Rico has many amazing must-see local attractions. You’ll want to plan a few visits including a hike in El Yunque National Rain Forest to enjoy nature, see waterfalls, and view lush landscaping, the observation deck at Fajardo’s Lighthouse, or take an excursion to witness the popular glowing bioluminescent bay. Remember, the East Coast Water Taxi, nearby the resort, allows you to explore the surrounding beaches and other areas.
Here are a few of our favorite local attractions:
El Yunque National Forest – A short drive from the resort, it’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It’s named after the benevolent Indian spirit, Yuquiyu. While visiting, we enjoyed fresh coconut juice.
Fajardo’s Lighthouse – “El Faro de Fajardo” is Puerto Rico’s oldest lighthouse located in the Nature Reserve. It’s iconic Spanish colonial tower overlooks the cliff, and you’ll enjoy amazing views from the observation deck along with a visit to the nature center.
Bioluminescent Bay – If you like magical experiences, then taking a kayaking tour through the glowing waters of Bioluminescent Bay is a must-have for you. Located just minutes from the resort, it’s a truly unforgettable experience as the water lights up with bioluminescent organisms.
Culebra and Vieques islands – Nearby the resort, you can take the water taxi over to the islands of Culebra and Vieques. The beaches are beautiful, with silky sand and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling. The sand on these islands is a bit nicer to walk on than the uncomfortable rocky sand on Palomino Island.
Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park is a few miles away from the resort. There you’ll find nature trails, more amazing views, and lots of activities. Enjoy a relaxing hike or go horseback riding, go-karting, or take an ATV adventure to explore the area.
Our Experience at El Conquistador Resort Can Only Be Described as “Extraordinary”
Our stay at El Conquistador was perfect. It’s not every day you can say you stayed at a resort perched atop a cliff overlooking the water. It was a million-dollar view that could never get old and we could have stayed at El Conquistador for many more days. There was so much to do, so much to see, and so much to eat without ever leaving the resort. And the nearby attractions enhanced the experience even more. A magical resort worth of Puerto Rico, a magical island.