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You are here: Home / escape / A quick getaway

escape

A quick getaway

I have become the QUEEN of the quick getaway. If you follow my travels you know EXACTLY what I  mean. While my FAVORITE style is to rent a spot and stay in a neighborhood for a while it’s not always practical. Especially if you just need a quick escape from everyday life. Sometimes that means a weekend with hubby, a short but sweet family vacation, or even BETTER – calling your best girlfriend up and saying

What are you doing next weekend?

What if I told you, we could hop on a plane to a fabulous beach resort, act like a kid again in a water park,  hit one of the BEST spas you’ll ever experience, spend time on a private island where you can go horseback riding, and have a handsome waiter bring you a pina colada? OK, you can stop scouring the house for your passport, and you don’t have to break in to your 401K because we’re heading to Puerto Rico. I just checked online and TripAdvisor lists flights starting at $178 RT (from West Palm Beach).

What if I said you’d be staying at a Waldorf Astoria?

And no it doesn’t have to cost you $600 a night. That’s right a WALDORF ASTORIA – one of the BEST hotels on the planet. While the prices normally start at around $179 per night by being patient you should be able to find deals. I’ve seen LOTS of specials for Florida Residents this year, and I happen to know that they’re also offering spa packages for girlfriend getaways that are A-MAZ-ING.

one of the waterslides at Coqui water park

WELCOME TO PARADISE

What can I say? The El Conquistador Resort (there I revealed it) is just one of those places you dream about going…so STOP DREAMING and GO.

  • Golden Door Spa
  • Palomino Island
  • Las Casitas Village
  • Coqui Water Park
  • 2 levels of SHOPPING (great stores)
  • Golf
  • Horseback Riding
  • Marina
  • and….

 

Order the local artisanal cheeses from room service

I HOPE that you’re hungry because

I can tell you from experience that you won’t need to leave the property for some of the BEST restaurants in the area. I know I’ve overeaten at ALL of them. Here are my PERSONAL recommendations (and yes I returned a bit heavier – but if I had visited the Golden Door spa for more than a sugar scrub I would have been fine).

The Strip House – the MUST stop spot for dinner

Sultry, sexy, and saucy The Strip House offers classic dining with a Puerto Rican twist. Just because you’ve dined in one of their New York or other locations that you think it’s more of the same…just take a look and see what I mean.

  • Start with the local calabaza bisque with spiced pumpkin seeds – don’t ask  – just DO IT.
  • Baby greens, jicama, crispy cheese and guava vinaigrette – who needs boring salads?
  • Coriander dusted local snapper, spaghetti squash, Palomino coconut broth and root chips – even the meat eater wants THIS one
  • Local herbs marinated beef tenderloin served with mashed ripe and green plantain “Mofongo” and roasted shallots demi – OK, if you’re a die hard carnivore like my hubby and you just don’t eat fish – this is my 2nd choice
  • For desserts you HAVE to have the Strip House signature chocolate cake and NY cheesecake – order both and share.

Dining with a view at the Stingray Café.

You’ll be hard pressed to concentrate on the view of Palomino Island and the ocean when you have to choose between

  • Pan Roasted Sea Bass with lobster and black truffle risotto in a lobster beurre blanc – I can go peacefully now
  • Veal noisette in a natural jus with hen of the woods ragout, leek confit and fingerling potatoes
  • Braised short ribs in a port reduction with fresh corn polenta
  • Grilled lamb chop, Romesco with lentils du puy
  • and a Chocolate Soufflé topped with a Chambord creme Chantilly
So, are you ready to go?
I’m thinking that I’d LOVE to head back for Thanksgiving, only this time with the FAMILY, but then again Sandy has been begging me to do a girlfriend’s getaway. Decisions, decisions….

For more information about the fabulous El Conquistador Resort 

Go to ElConResort.com

Fan them on facebook for great up to the minute deals 

Ask them questions or see what they’re up to on twitter: @elconresort

Watch Champagne Living

for more about the FABULOUS El Conquistador Resort as well as other FUN spots to visit in Puerto Rico.
I was a guest of Hilton/Waldorf Astoria in Puerto Rico, all opinions are strictly my own.

 


67 Comments

About Zipporah Sandler

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.

« Flip the bird
Tis the season for giving »

Comments

  1. Ellen Christian says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Wow that looks amazing and the view from your room is gorgeous! What a great place to spend time!

  2. Jodi - Family Travel Magazine says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Amazing! Puerto Rico is on my travel bucket list – and this resort looks absolutely fabulous!

  3. Deb says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Oh how I wished I lived in Florida so I would be eligible for the Florida resident discount. We LOVE Puerto Rico and quick getaways. Now you have me searching airfare to PR so I can stay at the El Conquistador Resort (drooling over your photos). Looks like the perfect weekend escape from Michigan weather!

  4. Shana D says

    October 17, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Those dishes look absolutely amazing, and that view and a water slide! This place look stunning.

  5. Holly says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    Oh another spot to add to the list for our anniversary! This year we’re getting away and this looks romantic to boot!

  6. Abby says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    PR has always been on our To Visit list, and after this review the El Conquistador Resort is going to be our go to resort- thanks for sharing, it looks like you had a great time!

  7. Lee Reyes-Fournier says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    I haven’t been there in years. It is top of our list as a romantic getaway.

  8. Melissa M says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Looks amazing!! I have never been to Puerto Rico and would love to go one day. I must say that water slide looks like fun!

  9. Rebecca E. Parsons says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    I am in Florida and didn’t know about this until now!!! Thank you for sharing the resort and the discount!! I may just be up for a road trip soon!!!

  10. Marla Zickefoose says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    I can’t wait for our trip to Florida to visit!

  11. Lisa says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    I wish Iived closer because this place looks awesome!

  12. diane says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    the food looks phenomenal and my kids would go nuts over that water slide! Awesome vacation!

  13. Naomi says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    Puerto Ricooooo… you know I’ve wanted to go ever since I first saw West Side Story… someday.

  14. Kristy says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    Wow – I would love to plan a trip before baby #4 arrives! I am drooling over the food pictures too!

    I wouldn’t have guessed it could be so affordable! I am definitely going to be doing some more looking in to this – there just might be a “babymoon” trip after all!

  15. A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    Wow! This looks like an amazing resort! I love the detail in your pictures! Makes me want to go there NOW!

  16. Jodi @ A Mom Having Fun says

    October 17, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    Wow, that looks heavenly! The kids would have an absolute blast on that slide! I will definitely keep that in mind for future reference!

  17. Mellisa says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    Oh how this makes me want to hop on a plane right now! Such a beautiful resort.

  18. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    It’s a great place and the spa is incredible. Definitely a place I want to return with my friends.

  19. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Jodi, there’s a great waterpark for the kids, the scout about children’s program and more. I only touched the surface.

  20. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    Deb – they have deals all of the time, so keep on the lookout. I just contacted them today about their women’s wellness retreat coming next month.

  21. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    It’s an amazing location with so much to do, and yes the food is AWESOME.

  22. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:33 pm

    For romantic there is Las Casitas Village which are private villas (you can even have your own butler…for a price). Now that’s romantic! http://elconresort.com/Guestrooms/Las-Casitas-Villas

  23. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    It WAS great and it was my first time to PR as well. It’s such an easy place to visit and I’ll be updating with some great finds (including a historic coffee shop in Old San Juan) soon.

  24. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    I’m shocked you haven’t been there in that long. It’s so far from you now. Guess you’ll just have to move back to Florida for that special rate (wishful thinking on my part).

  25. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    That was my VERY FIRST water slide. There are two others that are a little slower. I went down those with a writer from Conde Nast Traveler who was a first timer like myself. We had a BLAST.

  26. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    Hmmm….Florida bloggers getaway? I think I like this idea.

  27. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    When are you coming down?

  28. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    It is, it is. I’ll have to keep an eye on discounted airfares and specials for you.

  29. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    Yes, it’s one of those resorts that TRULY has something for everyone.

  30. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Yes, while I was there I kept hearing the song America playing over and over again in my head.

  31. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    There’s something for EVERYONE there, so it would be a great babymoon trip.

  32. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    Go, go. I want to organize a bloggers trip there!

  33. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    There are 2 MORE slides and a lazy river. On Palomino Island there’s windsurfing, sailing, etc. as well.

  34. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    It is GORGEOUS.

  35. Louise says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:53 pm

    I’m so jealous right now.

  36. Karen says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    That does look like an amazing getaway place. I would love to go there someday. And the food! it all looks so divine!

  37. Colleen says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    So why isn’t my phone ringing? Hello I would LOVE to hop on a plane and act like a kid in the sand, especially with YOU!

  38. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

    October 18, 2012 at 12:27 am

    Gorgeous! Now I want to go. I wish I lived closer.

  39. Tricia Nightowlmama says

    October 18, 2012 at 1:03 am

    Girl friend GET AWAY now your talking love all your travel posts zippy

    if Only I could escape

  40. Rajean says

    October 18, 2012 at 1:34 am

    Honestly, I can see four separate trips there, each special. No, make it five. Family, romantic, girlfriend escape, blogging (even a writers retreat) and a solo escape – me time! I’ve never been to PR. Now it is on my list!

  41. Lolo says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:35 am

    Look at that view!! Such a beautiful place!

  42. Maria says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:01 am

    Looks fantastic!! I hope it was as enjoyable as it looks. I’m jealous! lol

  43. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:22 am

    Don’t be. I’m back in Florida. Instead we need to find a way to get there as a blogging group.

  44. Still Blonde after all these YEARS says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:22 am

    You make me want book my flight this morning, those restaurant shots alone…ummm..what was I saying?? Enjoy…

  45. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:23 am

    Karen the food all over the island is amazing, but it’s especially nice when you can get wonderful creative chefs right where you’re staying.

  46. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:24 am

    Let’s go.

  47. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:25 am

    I’ve realized lately that flying makes EVERYTHING close, so there’s never an excuse.

  48. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:25 am

    You can, you can.

  49. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:26 am

    The history of Old San Juan makes PR so special. It’s very European and at the same time you have these resorts that are Caribbean.

  50. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:27 am

    It’s amazing to wake up to this. You HAVE to get here…have to!

  51. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:28 am

    It truly is paradise.

  52. Zipporah Sandler says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:29 am

    The food, the food, the food (and I wonder why this weight is still on).

  53. Billie says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    That room looks awesome, I love the view! The food sounds amazing, but I’m too chicken to try the water slide.

  54. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says

    October 18, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    It sounds amazing! And the food looks delish.

  55. Becca @ Mama B says

    October 19, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    I could definitely use a quick getaway!

  56. Stefanie says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    I still need to visit Puerto Rico.

  57. Kathy says

    October 20, 2012 at 6:28 am

    This sounds amazing. I could use a little getaway right about now!

  58. Shop with Me Mama says

    October 20, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    wow, I have never been there, but would LOVE to go! That place looks/sounds amazing and that food? Um, ya, I am STARVING now!

  59. Debbie Mitchell says

    October 20, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    Zippy,

    I think I will need a vacation at the end of November so I better look into the El Conquistador.

    It’s been a few years since my last trip, loved it then and from your review, it looks like I’ll still love it.

    Thanks for the great photos too.

  60. Leilani says

    October 20, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    I’d love to go to Puerto Rico some day.

  61. Groovy Mamma says

    October 21, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    I have family in Puerto Rico that I have never been able to visit. This would be so fabulous.

  62. Jenn @therebelchick says

    October 21, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    You know, I live in Miami and I travel all over…yet, I’ve never been to Puerto Rico! I really need to start planning a weekend soon!

  63. Toni says

    October 21, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    I’m going to go there one day.

  64. Beeb Ashcroft says

    October 21, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Now that sounds like a nice way to spend a weekend!

  65. Nichol says

    October 21, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    I’m ready for any type of getaway right now! But wow El Conquistador resort sounds and looks beautiful. I love that they provide fab tips for first time guests.Ahh someday soon I hope!

  66. Sara Phillips says

    October 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Oh it’s beautiful!!! It’s on my list – but it’ll have to wait until my kids are older.

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