If you follow me on instagram or twitter you probably have already caught a glimpse into my trip to Puerto Rico, courtesy of Hilton HHonors. And to say it was an amazing experience would be an understatement. I was one of three bloggers chosen to experience one of the Relaxation Getaway options in the Great Getaway Sweepstakes from Hilton HHonors.
We got off to a bit of a rocky start as a flight delay pushed what should be a 35 minute travel time from San Juan to the small town of Dorado to more than 1 1/2 drive during heavy Friday rush hour traffic. Since I had never met Debra from A Frugal Friend or Jeni, a contributing writer for Jen’s Blah Blah Blog, we enjoyed some time getting to know each other.
Upon arrival to the Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Golf and Beach Resort, we experienced what is typically reserved for VIP guests. A greeting of staff who in unison exclaimed, “Welcome to Puerto Rico!” (Cross off “feeling like a celebrity” on my non-existent bucket list.)
We were immediately handed our very own Coco Loco Signature Drink and introduced to the hotel staff and what I would call our personal fun coordinators from the Hilton HHonors public relations team, Michelle and Matt. They were with us every step of the way during the trip and put together a wonderful itinerary to give us a relaxing and fun filled weekend. I was so impressed with how they both rolled with unforeseen obstacles and made everything run as smoothly as possible. I am very thankful they were there and we had a blast as a group!
(Debra, Jeni and I)
Our rooms certainly reminded me that we were on a tropical vacation. And while I had to resist the urge to immediately crawl into this amazing bed, I took a few moments to explore my room before heading down to our hotel reception.
The towel animals reminded me of my honeymoon cruise and made me immediately smile. I never wanted to break this little guy up so I pushed him over to the side of my bed and slept with him on the corner.
While some of gifts we received in our room were special for us, including a gift basket filled with souvenirs and tastes of Puerto Rico, some were simply part of staying at the Embassy Suites.
From little details like robes and monogrammed towels to must-haves like bug spray, sunscreen and toiletries, Embassy Suites has thought of almost everything to make your stay more enjoyable.
One of my very favorite spots was the balcony. I often relaxed out here in the morning and at night to listen to the sounds and feel the warm air. It was so peaceful and the views. Oh the views!
On Friday night shortly after our arrival we headed down for a wonderful reception at Pool Bohio located just past the main lobby. The chef certainly outdid himself with so many amazing appetizers. I loved everything I tried and could have eaten my entire meal here.
But the surprise of the night were the professional salsa dancers who put on a great show for us! They made salsa dancing look so effortless…until they called us over to join them.
I snapped this photo right before joining in on salsa lessons which were anything but private. Debra, Jeni, Matt and I had a fabulous instructor who did a great job of breaking all the steps down. Unfortunately we weren’t all dressed properly and I struggled a bit in my high wedge sandals. I won’t even mention the dozens of people watching us either. But that didn’t stop any of us from having fun and dancing through at least three songs. (Video does exist but I’m not in possession so I don’t even have to feel guilty about not sharing. Perfect.)
This ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the trip, no matter how silly I looked. And it meant we were able to really work up an appetite for our dinner at the Paradise Cafe.
The four course meal offered a glimpse into the local cuisine and everything was absolutely delicious. My very favorite dish of the night was the Coconut Pudding which featured a caramelized pineapple chip. The service was superb and the atmosphere was elegant without feeling stuffy.
The hotel offers many great amenities including complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and evening Manager’s Reception, yoga on the beach, spa services including poolside massage, Chi Rodriguez-designed golf course and of course the Dorado del Mar Casino. Kids can also enjoy the video arcade and a playground near the lagoon swimming pool.
And of course this doesn’t include the natural beauty that is everywhere you turn.
Even without all the other extras available, the relaxation opportunities to lounge around the pool, beach or on your own private balcony are always present.
A little reminder to slow down and just enjoy the sun, warm breeze and the view.
The scenery is so picture perfect, I often felt as though I had walked into my own postcard. Could this actually be real?
But it is. It is very, very real. And it could be you!
Travel is calling. Will you answer?
Enter to Win
If this resort sounds amazing (and it truly is) then be sure to enter to win the Great Getaway Sweepstakes from Hilton HHonors for your chance to experience your own getaway. Be sure to vote daily through June 21st for your choice of Relaxation Getaway, including a stay here in Dorado, Puerto Rico! And starting June 24th you can begin voting on the adventure category. The Great Getaway Sweepstakes ends August 4, 2013.
Be sure to watch for my next post which will detail all the fun we had relaxing while taking in the sights and sounds of Puerto Rico. I’ve got some more breathtaking shots I can’t wait to share with you!
Update: See Part Two of my Puerto Rico trip!
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hilton HHonors however all thoughts remain my own.
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ColleenMarie82 says
Looks like such a fun time, I know I was feeling jealous as I was seeing all your pictures on instagram.
Lyn says
The hotel, the food, the beaches, the view all look fantastic! Wishing I was there right now…lounging on the beach with a Margarita in my hand. Heaven!
Bekah Kuczenski says
Wow your stay looked incredible! Those drinks look yummy, I love the towel animals, the food looks delicious, and the views are incredible! I would love to go here with my hubby 🙂
Janet W. says
What an amazing place to stay and visit! This is really making me want to go on a vacation right now!!
Ellen Thrifty & Chic Mom says
This makes me want to go on my honeymoon again we went to the Dominican Republic, but I would love to visit Puerto Rico too! I just love the Carribean! So glad you got to experience this!
erin says
That looks fun and fabulous. I used to live in PR, but my husband and kids have never been. I want to take them soon!
Robin O says
This looks amazing. I am definitely jealous! The salsa lessons look like a blast. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos!!
Melissa A says
I have always wanted to go here, your post makes me want to go even worse! It looks like such a good time! But the best is the beach and the food. I think we will really try to make it here next spring. Thanks for the review!
Feli says
What a dream!
JR Frugalmom says
Wow, everything looks fantastic…from the towel animals to the great-looking food, and oh my the water….
Tegan L. says
Oh my your trip looks amazing! I particularly love your room, it feels so relaxing and nice!
Sarah L says
Drinks! Food! View! Towels! They all look fantastic.
Molly Bussler says
Beautiful place…lots of fun…hope to visit.
courtney b says
beautiful! makes me want a margarita!
courtney b says
beautiful! makes me want a margarita!
Christy Anderson says
It looks like an amazing trip!
Leslie says
How beautiful!
Tiffany Schmidt says
So rough! You poor thing. Such a hard work trip. I loves seeing all your Instagram pics and living Vicariously through your photos!
Cindi says
I hardly get to travel here in the USA…
The Place in these pictures is gorgeous and looks
like a lot of fun!
Many thanks, Cindi
Stephanie G says
What a beautiful island and place to stay, the food looks amazing and I love the touches like the towel animals. Looks like a lot of fun!
Phylicia Phillips says
I’ve never been disappointed with embassy suites! My all time favorite hotel. I haven’t stayed at one outside of the United States though. Looks like an amazing trip
Jennifer Marie says
Oh my gosh that fruit looks amazing. I love fresh fruit. I also love the cute little towel figures.
Betsy Barnes says
Everything looks amazing, beautiful beach and the food, yum! Looks like you had a blast 🙂
Tiffany Schmidt says
Maybe you’ll get a chance to go back with hubby and just enjoy yourselves!
Sarah says
Oh my goodness…that food! And the view isn’t too shabby, lol. What a great trip – looks like a great place for a tropical getaway!
Anne says
Puerto Rico is on my travel wish list, and your trip makes me want to move it up a notch or two in the list. Thanks for sharing.
Rhian says
I’ve never seen towel animals before! How cute! Also, I think you should make your non-existent bucket list existent!
Lily Kwan says
Glad to see you had fun. The food looks very tasty!
Sandy VanHoey says
Looks like so much fun! We stayed at an Embassy Suites in Florida and we had so much fun there…loved it!
Christina says
Ahh, you are making me miss PR. That is where hubby is from, we’ve been quite a few times but now that the kids are older (2 in school) its harder to get back and visit. Mar Chiquita Beach is one of my favorite places when we visit. So much to see and do around the island.. and the food!
Blessie Nelson says
I am loving the tropical trip you had! And the coconut water right from the shell is the icing!
Jesselyn A/Jesstinger says
A long long time (lifetime ?!) ago back when I was still single – I was a travel agent (first in Chicago and then in New York) and boy did I take advantage of the “travel benefits!)
Because I was often assigned to being a “tour escort” (chaperone!)on many cruises that departed out of San Juan – I always tried to extend my time after the cruise returned so I could take a mini-vacation for myself – sometimes renting a car and visiting secluded resorts all over the island: it was so beautiful!
Reading your account/review brought back a lot of wonderful memories and now I would love so much to go back with my Hubby so we can shared and make new (more romantic) memories!) Thanks!
Cindy Dawkins says
WOW! Treated like royalty, beautiful views, wonderful room, fabulous food what more can one ask for!
Debbie Welchert says
What a beautiful and relaxing looking beach and hotel. Oh and the food looks so wonderful too. I could spend all of my time in the pool or on the balcony just relaxing. Maybe someday…
Sarah L says
I want some of those shrimp and a swim in the ocean – great trip!
bailey joseph says
Puerto Rico! Looks amazing, I would love to take a relaxing trip just the girls!
Michele P says
lucky you! that trip looked amazing… I havent been to Puerto Rico, but I have a few friends that go home to visit and they tell me how beautiful it is over there. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pics and your experience with us…
Julie Wood says
WOW! What a wonderful trip to Puerto RIco. The drinks and food looks so delicious. The fruit is what I would like to try. The room was very nice and the scenery is breathtaking. What a great place to visit!
Meg Tucker says
I am almost weeping with jealousy! Gorgeous pics. by the way! Nothing like a trip to puerto Rico with awsome amenities and fun friends!!
Amy Clark says
The food looked so good! I would love to visit there.
Gianna says
How beautiful! It looks like so much fun too.
kolpin says
i’ve been to puerto rico before, but my hotel wasn’t half as nice. now I gotta go back when I have a little more moolah to spend!
laurie nykaza says
This hotel looks really nice and the food looks great I’ve never been there but it looks like an amazing place to go visit especially with the beaches too.
Meg Tucker says
This looks like paradise! Embassy Suites really takes excellent care of they’re guests!
Kristina L says
Awesome! Just Awesome. Sounds like you all had an amazing time! Your pictures are beautiful. Embassy Suites really knows how to treat their guests.