One evening I was strolling hand-in-hand with the love of my life along the raised wooden pathways through the lush grounds of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort listening to the sound of the coqui (tiny frogs which call Puerto Rico home). I felt like I was in a place so perfect it couldn’t be real. In actuality, I was only 30 minutes from historic San Juan, but the romantic, idyllic setting and indulgent pampering St. Regis is known for had taken its effect and I had been totally swept away. 

A mature Caribbean coconut plantation was carefully preserved as the beautiful St. Regis Bahia Beach was constructed on the northeastern end of the island of Puerto Rico and at the foot of the El Yunque National Forest. Needless to say, an abundance of flowers, orchids, trees, ferns and all manner of birds and animals bless the landscape. Miles of nature trails, kayak outings, oceanside golf, a sandy coastline and lavish pool…all on the resort’s grounds, make for daytime fun without venturing past the front gate. The resort’s culinary staff were genius in creating sumptuous dishes and tropical cocktails in each of their on-property restaurants.

Our exquisitely furnished suite was appointed with every amenity imaginable, including comfy bed linens, an oversized soaking tub, double shower, LCD TVs and high-end electronics everywhere you turned. A private terrace with a spectacular ocean view allowed us to cozy up and enjoy the afternoon rain each day. It truly felt like a retreat.

Most of us don’t know what it is like to have our every request met within minutes, but it does not take long to appreciate the en-suite butler service perfected by the St. Regis. Tired from the day and need a ride to dinner? A driver in a golf cart magically appears at the door to your suite. Decide to sleep in and have breakfast in bed? Morning coffee and pastries delivered within minutes. Your favorite shirt is wrinkled from the journey? No problem, they will take care of it right away….and always with a genuine smile and sincere desire to meet your every need.

The same flawless attention to detail can be enjoyed when planning a destination wedding at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. From a 9,000 square-foot expansive estate lawn with the ocean for a backdrop, to grand ballrooms, the St. Regis is able to accommodate weddings of all sizes. One of my favorites was the secluded and charming wedding pavilion, tucked away in a magnificent tropical setting, but only steps from the main resort. 

For an unforgettable destination wedding or a romantic honeymoon which exceeds expectations, there is no address like the St. Regis.