“Few golf destinations deliver this much beauty, biodiversity, and soul — all without needing a passport.”
In an era when travelers crave more than just a getaway, Puerto Rico stands apart — an island where luxury intertwines with authenticity, and where every round of golf comes framed by culture, cuisine, and the hum of the Caribbean. For those who value destinations that engage both the senses and the spirit, this U.S. territory offers a rare fusion of ease and adventure.
For the sophisticated traveler, convenience is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Puerto Rico delivers it effortlessly. No passport is required for U.S. citizens. The dollar is the local currency. English and Spanish flow interchangeably. And with direct flights from dozens of U.S. gateways, the island’s vibrant capital, San Juan, feels refreshingly accessible yet worlds away.
But beyond its traveler-friendly logistics lies something far more compelling: a mosaic of experiences that reveal the island’s natural beauty, cultural heartbeat, and refined sense of hospitality.
In Puerto Rico, golf isn’t just a sport — it’s a journey through landscapes of astonishing variety. From sea-sprayed cliffs to mountain foothills and rainforest perimeters, each of the island’s 18 courses tells a story.
The much-anticipated reopening of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico in the exclusive Bahía Beach community marks a new chapter in Caribbean luxury. Set within a 492-acre private nature reserve, the resort’s Robert Trent Jones Jr. course is a living canvas of wetlands, lagoons, and coastal serenity. Guests transition seamlessly between the fairways, a state-of-the-art spa, ten inspired dining venues, and quiet stretches of pristine beach — all framed by a philosophy of sustainability and refined simplicity.
Equally captivating is the return of TPC Dorado Beach’s West Course later this year. Closed after Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, the rebirth of the West Course merges that former layout with the former Pineapple Course at Dorado Beach. The result is a glorious reimagination by Robert Trent Jones II’s golf architecture team. It blends classic lines with a modern vision of playability and prestige. Under the Ritz-Carlton Reserve banner, Dorado embodies barefoot elegance — a place where design, history, and luxury converge beside aquamarine waters.
From Tom Kite’s thoughtful shaping of 18 holes at Grand Reserve Golf Club where the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open is played, to Gary Player’s strategic artistry and Chi Chi Rodríguez’s island-inspired imagination, Puerto Rico’s golf blend is diverse yet complementary. Visitors appreciate the differing styles where something new constantly awaits discovery.
Yet what truly elevates the golf and travel experience is the island’s humanity — the warmth of the welcoming smiles, the post-round mojito served with a local story, the sense of connection that transcends scorecards.
Regions of Resonance: Where to Stay and Play
Southern Serenity – Costa Caribe, Ponce
Between mountains and sea, Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club offers 18 holes of pure contrast, highlighted by an unforgettable island-green par-3. Stay at the neighboring Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, where the rhythm of the surf and a glass of aged local rum signal the day’s end.
Chi Chi’s Legacy – El Legado Golf Resort, Guayama
Created by Puerto Rico’s own golf legend, this southeastern retreat pairs challenging play with an intimate villa experience surrounded by emerald hillsides — ideal for travelers who prefer seclusion with authenticity.
Northeast Luxury Loop – San Juan to Río Grande
Just beyond the capital, a constellation of premier resorts awaits: El Conquistador, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, and Four Seasons Bahía Beach. Each merges golf excellence with epicurean dining, ocean panoramas, and effortless access to culture. Several of these courses consistently rank among Golfweek’s Top 50 in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Western Edge Adventure – Royal Isabela & Punta Borinquen
At Royal Isabela, golf becomes theater. Perched on cliffs 150 feet above the Atlantic, each casita has a private plunge pool, each fairway a breathtaking ocean vista. Just down the coast, Punta Borinquen — Puerto Rico’s first course, built in 1940 — remains a timeless classic where every swing is accompanied by salt air and history. Further south, Club Deportivo del Oeste combines golf, surf culture, and coastal tranquility in Cabo Rojo.
While Puerto Rico’s golf is inspirational, its greatest luxury may be its biodiversity and cultural depth. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, where colonial facades frame boutiques and cafés. Hike through the emerald canopy of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. system. Drift by kayak through bioluminescent bays that shimmer under starlight.
Then there’s the flavor — and it’s unforgettable. With more than 4,000 restaurants to choose from, the culinary options are many. Savor a tasting menu at Condado Vanderbilt’s 1919 Restaurant in San Juan, explore the island’s Rum Route or Pork Highway, or discover how farm-to-table principles meet Caribbean flair in mountain towns like Utuado. Every meal tells a story, every cocktail a history lesson.
Puerto Rico’s hospitality is as inclusive as it is exuberant. The island celebrates diversity and togetherness — whether through its family-oriented warmth, or its community-based ecotourism programs that invite travelers to engage with, not just visit, the land.
For the discerning traveler, that balance of authenticity and accessibility defines modern luxury. In Puerto Rico, it’s not about escaping — it’s about arriving, fully.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Bahía Beach – Elevated eco-luxury amid a protected nature reserve
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Iconic refinement and oceanfront splendor
Royal Isabela – Cliffside to marina lodging that epitomize intimacy and design
Wyndham Grand Palmas – Twin courses by Rees Jones and Gary Player with resort vibrance
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort – Laid-back coastal chic with cultural charm
If You Go
Currency: U.S. Dollar
Language: English and Spanish
Entry: No passport required for U.S. citizens
Best Time to Visit: November–April for peak sunshine; May–October for lush landscapes and fewer crowds
More Information: www.discoverpuertorico.com
