TRAVEL
Photo: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
112
The second day, breakfast was exquisite at Ola Ocean Front Bistro, with fresh fruit and a Puerto Rican coffee while enjoying the oceanfront view. I was then ready to take a relaxing(& private) yoga class at the outdoor patio of the fitness center, overlooking the vast ocean. Later, I explored the west tower of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, where one can immerse oneself all day into a posh oceanfront poolside oasis featuring a 200sq ft mirrored pool with a waterfall and surrounded by private cabanas. The infinity pool is perched on the edge of the Atlantic ocean, adjacent to an intimate wooden sundeck that can mutate at night into a cocktail party space! Actually, it was this patio where the second dinner of my visit at Condado Vanderbilt was held. Right at sunset we enjoyed a glass of chilled sparkling rosé at the VC Lounge, with the captivating San Juan’ s sea views from the grand terrace. The spectacular night called for a casual dinner set in the Ola’ s Bistro terrace, another impressively grand décor setting showcasing a table-scape designed in a white and green colour palette with copper accents. We dined under the stars with a delicious buffet-style menu, live music and the soothing sound of crashing waves in the background. Back at my suite there was a new surprise in the living room, a mini Patrón XO bottle;
Perfect Wedding Magazine A New Era / Spring 2017 the attention to every guest’ s comfort is way over the top.
The third and final day of this amazing experience started with a private tour to Old San Juan. The first stop was at Fort San Cristóbal, or Castillo de San Cristóbal, the largest Spanish built fort in America. WEDDING DESTINATION PLAN- NING TIP: Not only does the impressive fort make a stunning backdrop for your destination wedding pictures, you can actually get a permit for a wedding ceremony at the main plaza where the Chapel of Santa Barbara still stands. Paseo La Princesa is another sight to visit, with a promenade where you can enjoy a long walk and try the culinary creations from local food vendors. If you are feeling energized after Paseo La Princesa you can continue walking to El Morro then head back into town where you will find the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.
WEDDINGS AT CONDADO VANDERBILT HOTEL This upscale oceanfront property offers top-level wedding professionals, certified event planners that will help you produce the wedding of your dreams. They collaborate with the best décor event design company in Puerto Rico and will create the most opulent wedding you may ever see. Attention to every detail is key for the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel team, including a Chef Patisserie dedicated to on-site weddings. this forever! d Location
Luxury Level
Staff Friendliness Food Quality Sleep Quality Room Size Cleanliness
Beach / Water Access Overall Value
The catering service will delight your guests. Either a relaxed and intimate ceremony and / or reception to a grand ballroom affair, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel masters the art of weddings.
Three days of living the Vanderbilt Life left a great impression on me, covering all the aspects that one can expect when seeking to fulfill a desire for luxury travel. The‘ farewell’ night was celebrated with an excellent six-course dinner at the lavish 1919 restaurant, masterly commanded by Michelin Star-rated executive Chef Juan José Cuevas, who produced a menu with the freshest, high quality local ingredients. The design of the restaurant, with glass walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and an ambience lit by large chandeliers with cascading mother-ofpearl disks, adds a certain elegance to an intimate gastronomic experience. It was a night to remember and yes, when I went back to my suite there was one more surprise on the table: a bottle of premium Puerto Rican Rum, courtesy of the 1919 restaurant.
The time that it can take you to get to the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is relative, once you are there for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or a grand destination wedding. You will be living the luxury experience of the Vanderbilt Life and wish that your existence could be like
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5