Puerto Rico’s rapid rise as one of the Caribbean’s most desirable destinations continues this month with the opening of the island’s first Four Seasons resort—a milestone moment for both the hospitality brand and the region’s booming tourism sector.
The island has been experiencing an impressive surge in visitors, driven by its easy airlift from major U.S. cities, nearly 300 beaches, lush tropical scenery, and a vibrant cultural heritage. Targeted marketing campaigns—such as the Live Boricua initiative, creative collaborations with Pantone and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and the global spotlight from Bad Bunny’s three-month concert series that drew roughly 600,000 additional visitors—have added powerful momentum to Puerto Rico’s tourism growth.
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This upward trend has caught the attention of luxury hotel brands. Major redevelopments and new projects are underway, including the return of the Ritz-Carlton San Juan in 2026, the upcoming Moncayo Auberge Resorts Collection in 2027, and a planned Mandarin Oriental in 2028. But the most immediate headline is the Four Seasons’ debut.
A Major Caribbean Expansion for Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts—beloved globally for its elevated service and recently spotlighted in HBO’s The White Lotus—will open its first Puerto Rico property on November 20. The new resort, located in Bahía Beach on the island’s northeast coast, sits just 35 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
The retreat, previously the St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, joins Four Seasons’ expanding Caribbean collection, which already includes locations in Nevis, Anguilla, and The Bahamas. Resorts in Cartagena, Belize, and the Dominican Republic are also in development.
Antoine Chahwan, President of Hotel Operations for the Americas, shared that Puerto Rico has long been on the company’s radar. “It is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Caribbean,” he explained. Four Seasons partnered with Paulson Puerto Rico to bring the project to life.
What sets this property apart is its setting: a 482-acre private nature reserve surrounded by two additional protected sanctuaries and miles of pristine white-sand coastline. This combination of beachfront luxury and untouched natural beauty gives guests direct access to eco-adventures without leaving the resort grounds.
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Lush Natural Surroundings and Eco-Adventures
Guests can canoe or hike through the neighboring Reserva Natural Río Espíritu Santo, known for its waterfalls, pools, and rich tropical wildlife. Just nine miles away lies El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system—offering opportunities to explore orchids, exotic birds, and dense rainforest trails.
The resort is crafted for both short escapes and extended stays. There are 139 redesigned rooms and suites for weekend travelers, while villas and private residences cater to larger groups or longer vacations. Residence rentals include access to a dedicated “residence host,” who can assist with private dinners, chef-prepared meals, and in-residence spa services.
The smallest villa, a 5,569-sq-ft three-bedroom with a private pool, offers ample space for family travel. The largest, Casa Estancias—a stunning 15,305-sq-ft, five-bedroom home—features a saltwater pool and sweeping oceanfront lawns.
All interior design was overseen by Meyer Davis, the acclaimed firm behind the transformations of several other Four Seasons properties, including those in Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula and Mexico’s Cabo del Sol.
Culinary Variety, Resort Amenities, and Puerto Rican Flavors
Four Seasons guests will have ten on-site dining options to choose from, spanning beachfront restaurants, poolside bites, and elevated specialty venues. Expect everything from Riviera-inspired cuisine to sushi, alongside refined takes on Puerto Rican classics such as alcapurrias, bacalaitos, sorullitos, and fried plantains.
Local ingredients take center stage, with pizzas topped with longaniza sausage and avocado, and the lobby bar offering rum-tasting flights and creative reinventions of Puerto Rico’s beloved cocktails.
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Guests can also book experiential classes—like a hands-on Mofongo workshop or a lesson in crafting the perfect piña colada.
The resort includes two swimming pools, a full spa, tennis courts, and access to an oceanfront Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, further cementing its appeal to beach lovers, wellness travelers, golfers, and families.
Real Estate Demand on the Rise
Beyond tourism, Puerto Rico is attracting increasing investment in luxury real estate, aided in part by Act 60, which provides tax incentives for eligible homeowners and investors. Christie’s International reports a 23% increase in 2024 in sales of homes priced above $1 million.
Four Seasons is tapping into this demand by offering beachfront villas, oceanview penthouses, and golf-front homes for purchase. Owners receive access to resort amenities, concierge services, housekeeping, and private dining—blending residential privacy with hotel-level luxury.
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