Puerto Rico is enjoying a record tourism boom. In 2025, the island welcomed 6.8 million visitors by air and 1.6 million cruise passengers, according to Discover Puerto Rico. Much of this growth is fueled by the island’s easy access from many U.S. cities, the “Bad Bunny effect” and the multimillion-dollar renovations and openings of luxury accommodations.
The most highly anticipated of these hotel openings was the November 2025 debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico.
Nestled among lush tropical greenery that lines a 2-mile stretch of pristine sandy beach, the resort is a thoughtful reimagining of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico. In 2024, Four Seasons assumed management of the property — located some 20 miles east of San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport — and renovations began last summer.
The newly branded resort had only been open a couple weeks, but it was already sold out when I arrived in early December. However, unlike properties in the tourist-heavy areas of Old San Juan and the beachfront Condado district, which bustle with camera-toting families and boisterous bachelorette parties, the vibe here is serene — almost remote.
The resort offers two swimming pools.
Photo Credit: 2026 Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico
As I sat on the terrace overlooking the great lawn with the ocean beyond, I was amazed by how few people I saw. A few guests were lounging by the pool and in the spa’s serenity garden, and a handful more were playing rounds on the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course, but the resort’s expansive grounds certainly offer clients plenty of opportunities for seclusion.
The entire property stretches across 483 acres of tropical forest and encompasses the two-story Casa Grande arrival pavilion, 12 guest buildings, two swimming pools, a full-service spa, tennis courts, a lake with a boathouse and inflatable waterpark, an Audubon-certified nature center with an on-site animal sanctuary and more than 7 miles of nature trails and bike paths. Guests can spend hours wandering through the verdant rainforest, navigating the many canals by kayak or paddleboard, or simply relaxing on a secluded hammock concealed among the towering palm trees.
A Luxurious Retreat
The redesign of the 139 guest accommodations — 104 rooms and 35 suites — was overseen by New York-based design firm Meyer Davis, which has also worked on Four Seasons properties in San Francisco; Houston; Athens, Greece; and Cabo del Sol, Mexico.
Soothing palettes of creamy beige and soft grays are accented by pops of pale turquoise, reflecting the sand and sea and allowing the outdoor scenery to take center stage. As I opened the door to my ground-floor patio, I was immersed in the dense surroundings. A pathway lead to the beach, where gentle waves blew across the shore and salty breezes mingled with the pleasant perfume of tropical blooms.
The resort’s 139 guestrooms and suites have been redesigned.
Photo Credit: 2026 Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico“The resort thoughtfully integrates a strong sense of place, ensuring that every touchpoint feels both unmistakably Four Seasons and authentically Puerto Rican,” said Pablo Molinari, general manager for the resort.
Accommodations are spacious. Rooms range from 674 square feet with a single king or two queen beds to 748 square feet, while suites include 1,255-square-foot and 1,295-square-foot one-bedrooms, as well as the 2,510-square-foot Governor Oceanfront Suite.
In keeping with the “residences” part of its name, Four Seasons also has 85 private residences with two to four bedrooms. Eight of these are part of its rental program. As I explored the resort by golf cart, I passed through a cluster of luxury homes on the grounds. One, known as Casa Estancias, is an eye-catching glass-and-concrete modernist vacation villa with five bedrooms and a private saltwater pool that rents for upward of $15,000 per night.
Island Flavors
After a morning of exploring, I headed to the terrace of El Bembe, the lobby lounge in Casa Grande that serves a tapas-style menu of traditional Puerto Rican dishes. I soaked up the warm Caribbean sun while snacking on salmorejo de jueyes croquetas (stewed crab fritters in a coconut-curry emulsion), sorullitos de maiz (corn fritters with cheese sauce), tostones (fried plantains) and Parker House rolls with a roasted pepper-and-cheese spread.
A spread at El Bembe
Photo Credit: 2026 Four Seasons Puerto RicoLike the food, the cocktails showcase local ingredients and flavors. Tropical fruits and regional herbs blend with island-based spirits such Ron del Barrilito and Don Q rums. A guest favorite is the Coqui Martini, named for the island’s tiny beloved frogs and made with gin, vodka, recao (culantro), manzanilla sherry and celery bitters. I opted for the Flamingo, a refreshing mix of tequila, guava, vanilla and club soda.
Four Seasons Puerto Rico offers eight diverse dining options, from laid-back eateries such as El Bembe to fine-dining restaurants and even 24-hour room service. All are overseen by executive chef Victor Rosado. Born and raised on the island, Rosado trained under some of the world’s top chefs — including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Jose Andres — but it’s Puerto Rico’s culture that has had the biggest influence on his menus.
“My cooking is deeply inspired by the traditions and flavors of Puerto Rico and memories of family recipes,” Rosado said. “I want to reinterpret familiar tastes with a modern perspective and honor the authenticity of our cuisine, while elevating it through refined technique and presentation.”
Guests can opt for an island-inspired breakfast at the open-air Seagrapes Restaurant or dine on fresh seafood at Sand Dollar, a beachside grill open only on weekends. Paros Restaurant, the resort’s specialty venue located in Casa Grande, takes diners on a journey across the ocean. Celebrating Greek cuisine, Paros highlights include Mediterranean sea bass with skordalia (a garlic spread), crispy kale and marinated beets, as well as the tongue-twisting astakomakaronada (spaghetti with Maine lobster).
Rosado sources most of his ingredients from local purveyors, while many herbs, greens and fruits come from the resort’s private gardens — reinforcing a sense of place and seasonality. Dining also is part of the resort’s long-term vision, with two new restaurants slated to open later this year.
A Focus on Sustainability
Maintaining the resort’s natural surroundings and championing local environmental initiatives are at the core of Four Seasons’ value system. The company’s Four Seasons for Good program seeks to not only preserve the ecosystems in which the brand operates, but also to support local communities by providing education and employment opportunities, along with creating a positive impact.
Four Seasons Puerto Rico collaborates with Alma de Bahia Foundation, a nonprofit that fosters range of environmental initiatives, including the conservation of endangered leatherback turtles. According to Adriana Negron, director of public relations and marketing for the resort, there are currently 18 active leatherback nests along the oceanfront.
More than 65% of the resort’s acreage is considered sanctuary area.
Photo Credit: 2026 Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto RicoMore than 65% of the resort’s acreage is considered sanctuary area. During the renovations, many non-indigenous plants were replaced with native ones, and the topography of the landscape was restored to assist with natural cooling. This also resulted in a more attractive native-bird habitat, featuring more than 50 species.
During the day, small lizards darted across the pathways, and colorful birds flitted from tree to tree. At night, the high-pitched chirps of tiny coqui frogs pierced the darkness. In the afternoon, as we headed by golf cart to the boathouse, we swerve to avoid a large green iguana sunbathing without care in the middle of the road. The colder months, meanwhile, bring manatees to the canals.
In March, the resort received Green Hospitality Platinum Certification from Audubon International. It’s the highest eco-rating awarded to hospitality facilities, and properties must meet rigorous sustainability standards in areas ranging from energy use and waste reduction to water conservation.
“Everything is paying attention to the location that we’re at,” Negron said.
Whether clients are looking for an active vacation filled with hiking, kayaking and surfing or prefer more relaxation and pampering, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico has something for everyone.
