SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE THE GREAT GATHERING PLACE Infuse Latin flair into your reunion with friends or family by getting together on the sunny shores of easy-to-reach PUERTO RICO THE GREAT GATHERING PLACE ... PUERTO RICO SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE alk about a perfect reunion. Sprawling resort hotels invite guests to show islands are so quiet and so secluded, they’re Puerto Rico has warm sunny up and stay until it’s time to fly home. These especially appealing to families. The crystal- weather all year long, an getaways are loaded with extras, from elab- clear waters at Culebra’s Flamenco Beach, exotic Caribbean flavor, and orate swimming complexes to beach games, for example, have very shallow water, allow- activities ideal for every- from on-site diving schools to sizzling casi- ing children to splash comfortably. Head to one from kite-crazy kids to nos. Children’s camps, golf courses, tennis Melones or Carlos Rosario beaches so the martini-mad young profes- centers and serene spas are often in the whole clan can snorkel right off the beach. sionals. At 110 miles long, mix. Groups can spend time together when On Vieques, families can tour a Spanish fort the destination is filled with they want, then split up to pursue different and a lighthouse, then take an evening voy- tchic city streets, stunning natural sites and activities. It’s all too easy to meet back up age on a bioluminescent bay. Imagine the quaint historical towns. Its 272 miles of for a festive dinner. “What I did on my vacation” stories the kids coastline offers beaches that are secluded Then there’s the city vacation. Some will have to share! and others that bustle. As for its thousands of the island’s most tempting hotels are Sightseeing from any locale is tempt- of hotel rooms spread around the island’s located in San Juan. While pool, beach and ing in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re with diverse landscapes: Groups can choose casino are common, a city stay invites stroll- three generations of family or with pals from budget lodgings to five-star service, ing. Explore the historic streets of Old San from your high school days, chances are from adults-only action to family fun. In Juan, where forts and wrought iron are liv- you’ll discover places unlike any you’ve other words, you can meet for a reunion ing reminders of colonial times. Make time ever seen. El Yunque is the country’s only with friends, or a gathering with family, and to fly a kite in the gusty wind of El Morro. tropical rain forest; you can follow easy trails have a vacation that seems tailor made to Wander the Condado area to peruse the or challenging ones. Camuy Caves thrills the folks in your group. goods in stylish boutiques. Head to mar- with an underground cave system — and And it’s easy to get to. Puerto Rico has kets that feature local crafts, to Calle de plenty of bats. Education is the aim of the three major airports. The main one, in San Cristo for jewelry, and to SoFo to check out Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park, boast- Juan, welcomes hundreds of flights a day, the menus of fashion-forward restaurants. ing remnants of native Puerto Ricans from many nonstop from the United States main- For the ultimate in bonding, head to the approximately 800 A.D. land. Don’t worry about getting a passport. country. The mountainous portions of central If you’re looking for activity, you’ve come Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth. That Puerto Rico offer havens with dramatic views to the right place. Puerto Ricans enjoy the means you need no more than a driver’s and cool breezes The Spanish Virgin Islands warm, calm Caribbean Sea and the lively license to walk onto the plane. of Culebra and Vieques are among a hand- Atlantic Ocean. They invite visitors to do Reunions can take countless forms in ful of off-shore escapes with boutique hotels the same. Snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and Puerto Rico. Consider the one-stop scenario. – and little else besides nature. Because the surfing are among the many water sports trendy, if beauty can be called a trend. RATES FROM $ * Welcome to the place to see and be seen. Home to the largest casino on the island, the most popular lobby bar in the Caribbean WORLDWIDE WOW. NOW VIEQUES ISLAND. 149 and the most alluring pool complex in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Come experience this hotel’s transformation into a chic new haven. SOON: ST. PETERSBURG WASHINGTON D.C. BOSTON BALI-SEMINYAK NEW YORK-DOWNTOWN FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL US AT 877.201.0238 HOLLYWOOD MILAN MARRAKECH MACAO-STUDIO CITY KOH SAMUI ATHENS DUBAI-FESTIVAL CITY OR VISIT ELSANJUANHOTEL.COM 1 877 WHOTELS WHATEVER/WHENEVER® WHOTELS.COM/VIEQUESISLAND *Valid through 6/30/09 for sgl./dbl. occ. per room, per night and is subject to availability. Rates are not combinable with other offers or group rates. Tax & resort fees are additional. BN_007052_CTL0709.indd 1 4/8/09 12:11:36 PM BN_007171_CTL0709.indd 1 4/9/09 11:51:59 AM BN_007354_CTL0709.indd 2 4/15/09 12:48:46 PM BN_007354_CTL0709.indd 3 4/15/09 12:48:59 PM THE GREAT GATHERING PLACE ... PUERTO RICO SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE available. On land, take advantage of 12 area with water slides, pools and a lazy river. Conquistador complex. Here guests lodge docking station with alarm, robes and slip- Mandara Spa. The kids’ll be happy camp- championship golf courses and more than The main hotel grounds include a pool com- in one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. pers, and Clear® bathroom amenities. ers in Club Iguana, Wyndham’s Kids Club. 100 tennis courts. plex with private cabanas. Groups often take Each has a living room, a kitchen stocked The larger villas are a tremendous value While you’re enjoying massages and body Getting to these adventures is simple. a quick water taxi to Palomino Island, the with dishes and utensils, and other comforts for friends or family members who want scrubs, the 4 to 12 set will be racing crabs, Tour companies will be happy to guide you. hotel’s own 100-acre recreational area. of home. Upon request, a staff Vacation bonding time together. You can eat a bowl of painting coconuts and playing water volley- Or, rent a car. Prices are reasonable, the Here you’ll find a beach, horseback riding Planner will stock up on the groceries of cereal for breakfast (or enjoy a terrific morn- ball. They won’t have a chance to get bored, roads are well-marked, and the driving rules and water sports such as snorkeling, sail- your choice before you arrive. You can order ing meal in one of the restaurants), chat as creating loco hats, making cookies, com- are the same as they are back home. ing and windsurfing. Groups often charter THE more when you run out. With 24-hour butler together in the living room (or disperse to peting in sack races and learning Spanish Featured here are several lodging facili- yachts or deep-sea fishing boats from the service, you won’t want for anything at any various bedrooms for quiet time), and spend are also on the calendar. ties that specialize in reunions. private 35-slip marina. MOUNTAINOUS time during your stay. leisurely days by the private pool (or take Get back together for a bike ride. Rentals That’s only the beginning. Grown-ups Las Casitas guests have unlimited off for beach and activity-pool adventures). are right on property and invite exploration The Sprawling reSorts gather at the 10,000-square-foot casino PORTIONS OF access to El Conquistador’s many facilities 888-557-6372, lascasitasvillage.com of the 500 landscaped acres. Or, take it easy El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa and within the Golden Door Spa. With 25 and they also have use of exclusive areas The Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa — A by gathering on a charter boat. You can opt is a one-stop shop for reunions of friends treatment rooms plus the Edouard de Paris CENTRAL just for them. A secluded infinity pool, Wyndham Grand Resort will throw the party for a luxury catamaran or yacht. Deep-sea and families. For a mere foursome or a gang Salon, several of you can enjoy pamper- plus two other swimming pools, are quiet for you. You can show up with your pals or fishing, and sailing and snorkeling, excur- of 400, this luxury activity-filled destina- ing simultaneously. Meanwhile, little ones PUERTO RICO retreats available only to those staying in the with your extended family. Either way, when sions are also available. Discover SCUBA, tion will keep everyone entertained. And might enjoy Camp Coqui with its games and luxury villas. you’re feeling social, you can enter a dance an on-site diving operation, will teach you now, following a $120 million property- programs. Consider group challenges at the OFFER HAVENS In the one-bedroom villa, up two four contest, relax at a beach party or unwind at the basics or take you out to sea. wide renovation in 2008, El Conquistador seven tennis courts or on the 18-hole Arthur can spread out comfortably. The bedroom a cocktail gathering. The resort hosts these The Rio Mar makes it easy for groups proudly displays its banner as a member Hills champion golf course. Junior tees make WITH DRAMATIC has a king-size bed, a desk area, comfort- and other activities on a regular basis.