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Palmas del Mar

Even though it's been around since the early 1970s (the original developer was Charles Fraser, who also built Hilton Head's Sea Pines Plantation), Palmas del Mar, tucked away on the eastern coast, has been Puerto Rico's quiet resort.

Well, it's starting to make some noise now. Palmas is in the middle of a $7 million expansion program, has turned its hotel operations over to Wyndham, and has broken ground on a new Rees Jones-designed golf course.

It's all part of a shift in emphasis: Palmas del Mar wants to be known as a residential community first, and a resort second. There are vacation villas throughout the 3,000-acre property, including Club Cala del Palmas, a timeshare operation.

But resort-goers will still enjoy the ambiance of the place, set beside a lovely, half-moon beach fringed with palms. Guests can choose between the intimate Palmas Inn, a 23-room junior-suite facility, or the larger Hotel Candelero. There are also villas for rent, ranging from hilltop aeries to those set beside the fairways of the Gary Player-designed golf course or gathered around the pretty marina.

The architecture is Spanish Mediterranean, with white-washed adobe walls highlighted by blazing sprays of bougainvillea. Amenities? In addition to golf, there's a top-notch tennis complex, horseback riding, that great beach, a full-service scuba diving operation, several fine restaurants and a casino.
Also new is an upgraded highway from San Juan: It's now a quick and easy 45-minute drive from town.

For rates and information, call 787-852-6000.

Posted online 07/01/97.

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