An impressive economy-to-mid-range option just north of El Yunque National Forest, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar caters well to both couples and families (especially golf and tennis enthusiasts) with an extensive list of activities and excellent customer service. It’s one of Puerto Rico’s best overall values (the TripValue is +4). Off-site shops and restaurants in the vicinity are lacking, the fitness center is fairly dull and dated, and on-site water sports are mostly lacking; but the resort offers a beautiful golden-sand beach, two championship golf courses designed by Greg Norman and Tom and George Fazio (it’s the only resort in Puerto Rico to offer two 18-hole courses, and one of just a few in the Caribbean), one of the largest tennis centers in the Caribbean (13 courts), a large on-site casino, three lagoon-style swimming pools with a kids pool and waterslide, strong dining variety (six eateries to choose from), Balinese-style spa services, a tiki hut and excellent swim-up bar overlooking the ocean, a rum bar, a Landshark/Jimmy Buffett-themed “5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar” (with swim-up access), and an atrium lounge with views of the El Yunque rainforest. Although the hotel is popular among families with children, the atmosphere is fairly relaxed; there isn’t much a party scene, either. Rooms feature Italian tiles, natural wood furnishings, Karité Paris bath amenities, private balconies or patios, large flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers with Puerto Rican coffee. Some rooms have bunk beds. Activities include horseback riding, ziplining, beachside yoga, ATV tours, iguana feedings, and hiking and biking the surrounding trails. Activities for kids include salsa dancing, movie nights, arts and crafts, nature walks, hair braiding, and more.
As Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, the CDC COVID-19 testing requirement for U.S. travelers re-entering the U.S. from international destinations does not apply.