ToroVerde and Guinness World Records Present a Collaborative Agreement for New Attraction in Bayamon’s Parque de las Ciencias
Renovated facilities will reopen in April 2024
Nov 2023
The municipality of Bayamon will have an innovative attraction where visitors can have fun and experiment new emotions while enriching their knowledge. Its approach is to boost the quality of unique experiences in technology and education, while focusing on elevating knowledge and amusement.
The proposed strategy in the park’s operating model is to keep its roots and history intact, while introducing state-of-the-art technological advances. It will provide enjoyment for the whole family but will also include a different concept for night activities.
This adventure will take place in Parque de las Ciencias Luis A. Ferre by ToroVerde, when it reopens in April 2024. The renovated facilities will also offer updated experiences for its local visitors and tourists. Its new interactive world-class attraction Galeria Guiness World Records (GWR) will be installed by a renowned organization recognized as the global authority on world records. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate to obtain an official GWR record.
Galeria GWR will allow visitors to discover their world through an auditive tour by GWRs’ experts. It will include interviews with people with world records to determine their profound knowledge on these incredible deeds. They could also be part of an attempt to break the official GWR for the paint-by-numbers drawing.
It is expected that the reopening of the park will be another step towards strengthening tourism in the region. Its unique approach modeled by the ToroVerde brand, and exceptional and innovative world-class offering are expected to be a magnet to visit and explore the zone. It is also expected to distinguish and position Puerto Rico as an iconic tourism destination.
Parque de las Ciencias Luis A Ferre was inaugurated in September 1988. It immediately became a sensation given its singular approach on learning sciences while having fun. Damages caused by hurricanes Irma and María in September 2017 caused its closing almost three decades after it was opened. It will now have a new life in 2024 after a six-year hiatus.
Picture caption: From left to right: Xavier Colón, Sylvia Rivera, Enrique Fiqueroa, Ralph Hanna, Jorge Jorge, Jorge A Jorge, Walbert Pabón, Solenil Matos, Raquel Marin, Katherine Otero and Janet Pagán.
Grand opening of TRYP by Wyndham Mayaguez
A new Wyndham hotel has opened its doors in Mayaguez.
A new Wyndham hotel has opened its doors in Mayaguez. It’s the second TRYP by Wyndham in Puerto Rico, joining the existing TRYP by Wyndham in Isla Verde.
The pet-friendly hotel is located in the historic center of Mayaguez, with a total of 51 rooms and suites. Amenities at the $6.8 million property include a pool, gym, a market, ample parking, a business center and high-speed internet.
The hotel has already begun a $1.6 million second phase of expansion, one that will add eight more suite-style rooms to the property, an activity center and a restaurant, which will be located in the Old Casa Cabeza, whose concept will focus on promoting local gastronomy, beers and rums from the western region.
“The tourism project has rehabilitated several neighboring properties, creating a multiplier effect in the area,” said Erick Ruiz, owner of the hotel. “This development generates more than 40 direct jobs. In addition, to the 50 jobs generated in its design and reconstruction. The new hotel welcomes business travelers as well as families with a unique design and one-of-a-kind amenities.”
The TRYP hotel in Mayaguez offers a new alternative in lodging to visitors to the Porta del Sol region, said Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Executive Director Carlos Mercado.
“It’s gratifying that Puerto Rican entrepreneurs take a step forward in carrying out new projects for the growth and strengthening of the island’s tourism industry that will result in the creation of new jobs and sustained economic development for Puerto Rico,” Mercado added.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico Cuts the Ribbon
The property is the first development in the plans for the 946-acre peninsula on the Island’s east coast.
The property is the first development in the plans for the 946-acre peninsula on the Island’s east coast.
The visionaries behind the development of the new Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in the company of members of the Puerto Rico tourism industry and the community. The event officially inaugurated the 579-room oceanfront haven designed to deliver the ultimate stress-free escape, following a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2019.
“By full completion in June 2020, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico will have undergone a capital expenditure and rebranding program of over $70mm,” explained owners’ spokesperson Rich Cortese, senior vice president of Aimbridge Hospitality, adding that as of December 2019, the development had generated 580 jobs”, he concluded.
The inauguration featured a tour of the property by General Manager Luis R. Rivera Cabrera who led guests through some of the most distinctive features of the hotel, set in a secluded 72 acres of tropical gardens, against the backdrop of the island’s northeast coast and El Yunque National Rainforest. “We aim to redefine the luxury resort experience for leisure guests with high-touch, empathetic service, paired with the Hyatt Regency ethos,” said Rivera Cabrera.
For his part, Hyatt spokesperson Robert Martínez, Hyatt Senior Manager for Latin America & Caribbean, explained that the resort represents the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Puerto Rico. “Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico joins a portfolio of more than 200 properties worldwide under a brand known for offering an upscale vibe and everything guests need to make meaningful connections,” he enthused.
Carla Campos, executive director of the Government of Puerto Rico’s Tourism Company said, “We are excited to be part of the launch of the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve flag in Puerto Rico. This opening marks an important milestone for Puerto Rico, as it is the first of a series of hotel developments on the Coco Beach peninsula which promise to serve as a catalyst for tourism growth in the region. Every aspect of this renovation and rebranding has been carefully planned, in coordination with our team, to provide guests with the best of our renowned hospitality and service. These qualities combined with easy access from major U.S. and international hubs plus a diverse range of attractions and tour options, are what make Puerto Rico a preferred destination and industry leader in the Caribbean.”
For his part, the secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Manuel A. Laboy Rivera said: “the economic development of the tourism sector will be strengthened after the opening of this new Hyatt hotel in the municipality of Rio Grande. Puerto Rico expands its lodging offer so that tourists can enjoy the beautiful natural attractions that the Island offers in this area, which will generate the creation of hundreds of jobs and represents a positive boost for the commerce of the eastern region. We believe in the success of this project that is in Puerto Rican hands.”
The event culminated with a three-course lunch prepared by Executive Chef Efraín Cruz and his culinary Team.
Formerly known as the Gran Meliá Hotel, and relaunched as The Resort at Coco Beach, a Hyatt Affiliated Hotel, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico was acquired in 2019 by Monarch Alternative Capital in partnership with Royal Palm Companies and an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality, LLC. The resort then underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, creating 300 direct employees with 525 direct jobs upon the opening of the hotel. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is the first entity of RPC Holding’s development plans for the 946-acre peninsula.
Tucked away in the pristine tropical paradise of the northeast coast of the island, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is the closest full-service luxury resort from the San Juan International Airport. The oceanfront oasis also offers convenient access to nearby attractions such as Old San Juan, El Morro Castle, and Bio Bay Fajardo.
The new Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico joins four select-service Hyatt hotels open in Puerto Rico: Hyatt House San Juan, Hyatt Place Manatí, Hyatt Place San Juan Bayamon and Hyatt Place San Juan City Center.
Bahía Beach Golf Club crowned the best golf course in Puerto Rico
The certified Silver Signature Sanctuary golf course located in the picturesque Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, has recently been crowned the best golf course in Puerto Rico by Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide – the premier Golf Magazine.
The certified Silver Signature Sanctuary golf course located in the picturesque Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, has recently been crowned the best golf course in Puerto Rico by Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide – the premier Golf Magazine.
The announcement was made in the magazine’s list of the Top 50 Best Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico. Every year, Golfweek’s elite team of course raters, which currently boasts more than 850 evaluators, survey more than 3,600 courses – grading each nominated course based on Golfweek’s 10 strict standards of evaluation. Collectively, these knowledgeable raters have turned in more than 75,000 votes to compile Golfweek’s Best Courses lists.
“It is a matter of pride for the entire team at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club to be recognized as the best Golf course on the island. With the most exclusive membership program and being a 5 Stars / 5 Diamond resort, we understand and appreciate true luxury and a world class golfing experience. With this achievement, we aim to continue to cater to our highly distinctive clientele and provide them the finest golfing experience” expressed Fahad Ghaffar, partner of Paulson Co., owners of Bahía Beach Resort & Golf Club.
The pristine golf course at Bahia Beach resort has been designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., one of the world’s pre-eminent golf course architects. He terms it a haven of golf that will challenge and delight your soul and spirit, as will the lush natural landscape that surrounds the course.
Given its exclusive clientele, it is no surprise that the golf course at Bahia is heavily invested in. During 2019, 48 out of 60 bunkers at the course were renovated using imported silica sand from Florida resulting in an enhanced playing experience for its members. The course is maintained by a Golf maintenance team of 25 highly trained individuals who cater to over 300 members. The team is supervised by Golf course superintendent William Ocasio along with Alberto Rios, the club General Manager, who have been responsible for further enhancing the course’s conditions to achieve this accolade.
Celebrating the achievement, Alberto Rios, club General Manager stated, “It’s a real honor to be named as one of the top golf courses in the Caribbean and the best golf course in Puerto Rico. The golf course maintenance team, led by William Ocasio, golf course superintendent, work arduously in maintaining the course in excellent playing condition. The recognition highlights the exceptional golfing experience Bahia Beach offers our members and guests.”
Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club is a 483-acre property where more than 65% is green area and natural preserves. The Resort collaborates with different public and private environmental organizations to protect endangered species, habitats and ecosystems and foster environmental sustainability in the region. To implement and monitor its adherence to best environmental practices, the property has an in-house resident biologist and a department of natural resources.
The Condado area welcomes La Marqueta, a new oceanfront gastronomic destination
La Marqueta, is an upscale take on the immensely popular food truck movement, with 10 culinary offerings and two bars all in a covered, ocean front location in the heart of Condado, San Juan.
La Marqueta, is an upscale take on the immensely popular food truck movement, with 10 culinary offerings and two bars all in a covered, ocean front location in the heart of Condado, San Juan.
Visually, La Marqueta’s design ties the sensory experience of flavors, sounds, smells and tactile sensations with a maritime theme that uses materials typically found in luxury yachts, such as structural aluminum, wood, and textiles. The distribution of the open space creates an ample central patio with no architectural barriers, which opens to the Atlantic Ocean.
Located at 1005 Ashford Avenue in Condado, next to the Condado Plaza Hotel, La Marqueta’s gastronomic scene is led by chef Mauricio Santelice, who conceived and developed the diverse culinary experiences. They include Asian, Puerto Rican, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, seafood, and vegan, with each menu offering a selection of emblematic dishes curated from local ingredients. The drinks menu has fresh fruit cocktails as well as a variety of freshly squeezed juices from local fruits.
La Marqueta is open 7 days a week, from 8:00am to midnight. Parking is available.
A Hyatt Affiliated Hotel The Resort At Coco Beach To Redefine the Resort Experience in Puerto Rico
On August 2019 Puerto Rico embraces a one-of-a-kind premium wellness and lifestyle
experience with the opening of A Hyatt Affiliated Hotel The Resort at Coco Beach, in Rio
Grande.
On August 2019 Puerto Rico embraces a one-of-a-kind premium wellness and lifestyle experience with the opening of A Hyatt Affiliated Hotel The Resort at Coco Beach, in Rio Grande. The 579-all suite ocean-front property on the island’s serene northeast coast is situated on a secluded 1,000-acre peninsula within a private development. The resort is managed by an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality LLC, North America’s largest independent hotel management and investment firm.
“The Resort at Coco Beach was designed to embrace and nurture the mind, body and soul,” said Dave Johnson, Chairman and CEO at Aimbridge Hospitality. “We aim to center on the guest’s experience and look forward to providing the ultimate escape for each of our guests.”
Amenities designed to foster the experience feature three expansive swimming pools, The Rainforest Spa – a full-service spa, wellness center, and salon. In addition, daily activities include tennis, volleyball, basketball, jogging, as well as golf in two world-class, Tom Kite-designed, 18-hole championship golf courses. Meanwhile, a dedicated concierge service provides lifestyle management, transportation, travel and vacation planning, and personalized guest services.
For gourmands who delight in experiences centered on food, The Resort at Coco Beach presents four food and beverage establishments. The onsite outlets include PRIME 787, an upscale fine-dining environment offering the finest prime steaks and fresh local seafood; Nori, an Asian fusion offering sushi, sashimi, ceviche bar, and teppanyaki grill; Water’s Edge, Caribbean-style buffet serving breakfast, lunch and dinner utilizing local ingredients; Pasión by Chef Myrta, offering a Puerto Rican gourmet culinary experience; and an inviting Lobby Bar featuring craft cocktails and live entertainment.
Accommodations at The Resort at Coco Beach include 480 junior suites, 93 deluxe suites, five club suites, and one presidential suite. Each airy, expansive unit is decorated in soothing neutral shades and enjoy all modern conveniences, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, large flat screen television with PPV, premium bath amenities, coffeemaker, laptop safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, and air conditioning.
Beyond redefining the resort experience for the discerning traveler, the property applies the same concept to the meetings and events market, with 41,208 square feet of total function space and state-of-the-art meetings facilities and services.
Following the passage of Hurricane Maria over Puerto Rico in 2017, Monarch Alternative Capital, acquired the former Gran Meliá Hotel in partnership with Royal Palm Companies, and an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality, LLC. The Resort at Coco Beach underwent a significant investment in the property and will create over 300 direct jobs.
Historic, Storyful, New: Iconic Caribe Hilton Is Officially Open
Legendary Puerto Rico hotel welcomes first guests following the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation transformative restoration
Legendary Puerto Rico hotel welcomes first guests following the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation transformative restoration
Caribe Hilton , admired as one of Puerto Rico's most beloved resorts, retakes center stage, officially debuting a more than $150 million restoration following a 15-month closure. A gem of the Caribbean since 1949, the highly anticipated opening marks a major milestone as the storied property
celebrates its 70 th birthday, and as Hilton marks its 100 th anniversary.
Plunged into the limelight as a hotspot for celebrities, politicians and royalty since its mid-century opening, Caribe Hilton earned its place at the forefront of tourism in the Caribbean, instantly embodying the jet-set glamour of the era during its early days and remaining a social institution for decades to follow. Just in time for summer, the beachfront resort’s top-to-bottom makeover pays homage to years of cherished history and oceanside allure, complemented by modern accommodations and amenities at an arm’s reach from Old San Juan’s pulsating, colorful center.
“Caribe Hilton was our first hotel to open outside the continental U.S. and the birthplace of the piña colada, and for that reason, has always been an incredibly important hotel for Hilton. It is with great pride that we say ‘welcome back’ or ‘bienvenidos’ to this emblematic property,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton. “We are extremely proud of our new product and the resilient Team Members who worked to re-develop a resort worthy of its history. We can’t wait to welcome guests and members of the community back to the hotel.”
Caribe Hilton, which has been meticulously restored by owner Park Hotels and Resorts (NYSE: PK), delivers contemporary guest room and suite renovations; reimagined F&B concepts (sweet history was made here in 1954 when Ramon “Monchito” Marrero created the Piña Colada at the former Beachcomber Bar); fitness center; spa; tennis center (in collaboration with Puerto Rican Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig); and landscaping re-designs, paired with an incredible 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor
event space.
Boasting touches inspired by ‘the island of enchantment,’ Caribe Hilton’s reinvigorated look is deeply influenced by the vibrant culture, lively colors and rich history of San Juan, as well as the warmth and charm of the locals who call it home.
“The reopening of Caribe Hilton is one more symbol that Puerto Rico is back in business,” said Pablo Torres, General Manager, Caribe Hilton. “The sun is shining, there’s energy and rhythm on the island, and once again our famous piña coladas are flowing. We’re welcoming our return guests back home, as well as introducing new ones to the enduring Caribe Hilton experience and legacy.”
To celebrate the opening, for a limited time, guests can extend their stay in paradise an additional night with “One Night on Us” — a complimentary 3rd night free. Travel must be booked by June 30 for travel between May 15 and December 20, 2019.
To make reservations or for more information, please call +1 800 445 8667 or visit www.caribehilton.com.
Glamping Arrives to Puerto Rico
Glamping Arrives to Puerto Rico
Bringing a new and interesting approach to the alternative hotel division of Puerto Rico’s tourism industry, Pitahaya Glamping Eco-Retreat became the first certified by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This new concept on the island brings all the excitement, adventure, and beauty of outdoor camping with the added comforts of a luxury retreat just footsteps to one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beaches.
“Glamping” gives the experience of camping in a natural low impact space, but with elements of comfort. In the specific case of Puerto Rico, this type of accommodation requires obtaining, in addition to the inspection of its facilities, a certificate of compliance of ecotourism guides. The certificate is to validate that the principles of conservation of the natural and cultural resource, citizen participation, local economic development and the element of education and interpretation are fulfilled.
Alberto Ramos, owner of this new project said that at Pitahaya Glamping they aim to promote Puerto Rican culture, music, art, gastronomy, agriculture, and adventure tourism, as well as create jobs and raise awareness about nature and its conservation, contribution to the economy.
Among the services that Pitahaya Glamping Eco-Retreat offers are wooden deck huts with bed area, fans, private bathrooms, waterproof awning, refrigerator, barbecue, kitchen utensils, among other amenities. The facilities also includes a swimming pool and an area for a bonfire. The innovative hotel is located in the Pitahaya neighborhood at Llanos Costa sector and close to the beaches of Boquerón, Combate, Buyé and the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.