There’s nothing quite like the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico. Perched on a bluff in the coastal town of Fajardo, this sprawling resort is divided into no less than five villages and boasts luxurious amenities such as the Golden Door Spa, an 18-hole golf course designed by Arthur Hills, an astonishing 10 room types, a casino, a private island, a water park, and a marina.
During my two stays, I couldn’t experience everything the resort has to offer, but I can certainly share insights about what I did enjoy. Here are five compelling reasons why a stay at this resort is worth considering.
1. Palomino Island
Puerto Rico is known for its stunning beaches, and I have visited quite a few of them. However, I was truly captivated by the pristine beauty of Palomino Island, the only private island owned by a resort in Puerto Rico. A courtesy ferry from El Con’s Marina routinely transports guests to the island, making this small paradise an exclusive retreat.
This idyllic spot features beachfront eateries, kiosks offering various water sports, bars, lounge chairs, a volleyball net, towels, and, perhaps most impressively, the even more breathtaking island of Palominitos just a short swim or kayak away.
In my opinion, Palomino Island is the crown jewel of the El Con resort.
2. The Coqui Water Park
If Palomino Island is the resort’s most dazzling jewel, the Coqui Water Park is undoubtedly the most entertaining. Complete with numerous pools, a lazy river, tube slide, rope bridges, and an exhilarating 60-foot slide tower, this venue can effortlessly captivate the entire family for the day.
The slide tower, named after Yokahu, a native Taino deity, must be experienced to fully appreciate the thrill of its near-vertical drop. The excitement cannot be captured in a photograph.
Similar to Palomino Island, the water park is exclusively for the guests at the resort. However, there is a $15 entrance fee per guest at Coqui.
3. The Guestrooms
The El Con has an abundance of retro chic charm, extending into the guest rooms. These spacious accommodations (the luxurious bathroom alone can rival some New York City apartments with its sunken tub, walk-in closet, and ample space) are adorned in white and neutral tones, outfitted with stylish modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, providing a tropical elegance reminiscent of early Bond films.
If comfort is your priority, the rooms at El Con exceed expectations. However, guests should be prepared for a lengthy walk to reach the rooms from the marina.
4. The Stingray Cafe
The El Con offers over 20 dining options for guests wishing to indulge in culinary delights. However, some dining experiences did not meet expectations. Nevertheless, for those seeking fine dining, the Stingray Cafe is the top recommendation. Here, the cuisine, inspired by the renowned culinary team from Perla at the Renaissance La Concha in San Juan, combines fresh, gourmet ingredients with sophisticated preparations. Notably, the grilled prawns accompanied by a risotto cake and the panko-crusted sole with lobster beurre blanc were exceptional.
5. The Funicular
For those unfamiliar with funiculars, it is an incline cable railway that operates from the main pool level down to the lower sections of the hotel. Even if you are not staying in this part of the resort, chances are you’ll ride the funicular at least once to access the marina, the water park, the Stingray Cafe, or the ferry to the island.
For guests residing in rooms at this level, the novelty of the funicular might diminish over a few days, often leading to light-hearted funicular jokes among friends. Nonetheless, it serves as an eye-catching mode of transportation that makes El Con unique.
