Why go
Fresh to Puerto Rico’s beachfront scene, Condado Ocean Club packs heaps of energy and effervescence with buttermilk sand lapped by a lagoon. This newly opened retreat guarantees sufficient honeymoon-grade privacy, though there’s plenty of Pina-Colada fun to be had (the elegant, white shirt sort). It’s also a wholly grown-up affair– no children allowed to (let’s face it) keep the peace.
Honeymoon style?
For honeymooners unwilling to forgo culture for sunshine, a room at Condado Ocean Club is the ultimate launchpad for exploring arty, foodie San Juan, only to retreat to a more slovenly, poolside cabana state until sundowners beckon, with a DJ tastefully lifting the evening.
Set the scene
Everything about the Condado Ocean Club’s design masterfully twists towards, frames, or echoes the sea. The blue accents dribbled like ink over the white-washed interiors mimic the intense blue of the water that rolls and froths in blinding glittery rapture throughout the day, creating a hypnotic, almost sacred atmosphere. The spot is a favourite among fun-loving couples and friends taking that long overdue break to Puerto Rico, convening along the infinity pool dominating the Miami-white deck. It all feels like a scene straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph, particularly with the piercing Puerto Rico sunshine animating downtime escapades and sending ripples dancing across the pool floor. Sunsets are taken very seriously here, particularly at the pool bar and swishy al fresco restaurant, Social, while any sore heads the following morning are soon taken care of with refreshing tropical juices at Detox.
Rooms
Condado Ocean Club’s rooms exude a welcoming openness, breathing in the invigorating salty ocean breeze, the perfect scent and soundtrack for couples to slowly awaken. Like sunflowers straining towards the sun, everything faces that dramatic and stunningly sunny oceanview that will draw honeymooners’ attention and stress far out to sea. Of the 96 dazzling white rooms, we’d recommend those on the ‘oceanview’ side with terraces for honeymooners keen to feast their eyes on the sea and enjoy a private moment or a Champagne toast before descending to join the lively scene warmed up by a live DJ set below. Newlyweds will find it a delightful challenge to leave the comfort of the enormous beds – all swathed in that heavy, crispy linen – or summon the willpower to hoik themselves out the baths-with-a-view.
Food & Drink
Beachfront Sandbox is all about the tapas and cocktails, showcasing Puerto Rico’s Latino heritage in an Instagram-worthy setting. The ultimate sunset theatre seat can be found at beachside Social – a fun, casual restaurant with its own playful energy and modern riffs on Puerto Rican cuisine, like the must-try grilled catch-of-the-day. Linger here for cocktails deftly blended by mixologists, harnessing the Island’s abundant tropical fruit. San Juan days can get off to a healthy start at Condado Ocean Club’s new DETOX coffee and juice bar – where lemongrass and ginger concoctions can rejuvenate you after a night out.
Family-friendly
Some hotels are unapologetically adult-only – Condado Ocean Club is one of them, offering a serene environment without the usual family bustle. That means, no pool splashing, no purees lobbed around the breakfast room, and no screaming sprogs killing the DJ’s vibe as sun-worshippers (on their 3rd round of Piña Coladas) loosen up.
Spa
Though Condado Ocean Club doesn’t have a traditional spa, a superb Technogym-stocked fitness centre prevents any routines from being derailed. Workouts are rewarded with fresh, custom-pressed tropical juices and a long snooze under one of the cabanas lining the deck to the hypnotic whoosh and froth of the Condado lagoon rolling in.
The Story
Condado Ocean Club opened with a bang in 2020, luring in a lively, sun-loving set from the get-go. Living up to its prime oceanfront spot, the Miami-style resort is centred around a happening deck, where live DJ performances keep a poolside scene bopping till the early hours. The hotel’s essence is relaxation with a playful edge – lounging in that glorious Puerto Rico sunshine with velvety lounge music stretching out the sundowners and thrilling jaunts into the blue with a diving instructor or water skis.
Location
In plum position for a city-and-sun honeymoon, Condado Ocean Club is an easy walk away from restaurants and shops on Ashford Avenue, as well as a 10-minute cab ride to the time warp Old San Juan. Honeymooners can spend afternoons kayaking or paddle boarding on the lagoon in front of the hotel or edge a little further east for Condado Beach’s low-key, rum-cocktail energy.
Doubles from £278
To book, visit: condadooceanclub.com
Related Article: Honeymoon review: Parguera Plaza Hotel
