Some travelers want private beaches and curated cocktails. Others prefer flip-flops, fish tacos, and a surfboard in hand. Luckily, our Marco Polo Travelers have options with two destinations east of San Juan—Bahía Beach and Luquillo. A short drive from each other, both offer stunning shorelines but completely different moods. Whether you’re craving a secluded escape or a laid-back beach town vibe, here’s how they compare.
Enjoy serene poolside afternoons at Bahia Beach.
Bahía Beach: Where Nature Meets Luxury
Set within a 483-acre gated resort community, Bahía Beach is part nature retreat, part high-end hideaway. Here, days unfold between golf greens, mangrove trails, and a private stretch of coastline where the loudest sound is the breeze through the palms.
Best For:
✔️ Travelers who prefer privacy, refinement, and uninterrupted relaxation.
✔️ Couples, families, and nature lovers who like luxury with a side of wildlife watching.
✔️ Golfers who appreciate a course designed to be played, not endured.
What You’ll Love
- The two-mile private Crescent Beach with zero crowds and plenty of shade.
- An 18-hole championship golf course with sweeping coastal views.
- Scenic walking and biking trails through a protected nature reserve.
- Gorgeous pools and other resort resort amenities
Where to Eat
- Paros and Seagrapes restaurants at The St. Regis Bahia Beach, located on the property grounds, where the dress code is “breezy but elegant.”
- Explore casual dining options in nearby Río Grande (because variety is key).
Where to stay
🏡 See our collection of villas at Bahia Beach here.
Take in the local vibes at Monserrate Beach in Luquillo.
Luquillo: A Beach Town with local Character
If Bahía Beach is seclusion and quiet luxury, Luquillo on the Northeast Coast is spontaneity in flip-flops. This is the kind of place where you follow the sound of the waves, eat whatever smells best, and swap schedules for surfboards.
Best For:
✔️ Travelers who like a little sand in their suitcase and a lot of variety on their plate.
✔️ Beach lovers who want a casual, social vibe with room to roam.
✔️ Adventurers looking for easy access to surf, rainforests, and late-night food stalls.
What You’ll Love
- Monserrate, Costa Azul & La Pared Beaches—whether you prefer floating or surfing, the choice is yours.
- Proximity of El Yunque National Forest—15 minutes away, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush rainforest.
- Access to the natural destinations on Puerto Rico’s eastern shore like the bioluminescent bay
Where to Eat
- The Luquillo Kiosks—a legendary lineup of casual eateries, serving everything from fresh lobster to crispy empanadas.
- Boardriders—for tacos, cold drinks, and the best sunset seat in town.
- La Parrilla—fresh seafood, simple and done right.
Where to stay
Stay at our Montemar property in Luquillo