Seven miles south of the city center, this resort is a sleeper that most people stumble upon by chance, and those that do are generally impressed. Although lacking the grandiose scale of the El Conquistador or the Westin Rio Mar, this small resort (only 253 rooms) is built to a personable scale along a relatively untouched section of coast near the municipal docks.
Once past the guarded entry, the long driveway leads to the stylish open-air lobby. Here, arrivals mingle with winners and losers spilling out of the neighboring casino. Wicker and wood furniture tops a vast expanse of tile in the reception area, and the newly-expanded casino (making it the largest casino in southern Puerto Rico) is off to one side. Next to reception, the new business center resembles a Starbucks with its sleek overhead lamps and wood decor. An actual Starbucks is scheduled
to open, but for now, a coffee cart provides early morning coffee.
The sparsely furnished piano lounge is favored for its Mexican drinks, and a sunken atrium houses a terrace dining area, lulled by the rush of a dramatic waterfall. The theme changes nightly in this multilevel terrace restaurant. A more elegant dining room serving international cuisine occupies windowless quarters and is decorated with wine displays. A pool grill serves burgers and sandwiches. Guests may also choose to eat at the two restaurants in the recently constructed Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club, located a three-minute shuttle away.
The large sundeck surrounding the fanciful if small lagoon-style pool and bar pleases guests. The gray-sand beach, fenced off from 
the resort, disappoints those expecting clear Caribbean waters. In addition, the fence gate is locked in the early evening, keeping guests from the beach. Children are kept busy with a miniature golf course and playground. The whirlpool, driving range, and quartet of lighted tennis courts add to the resort-like flavor. But the convention center, with a capacity of 1,440 people, is the real ace in the hole here.
Four-story accommodation wings sport pipe-rail balconies angled for sea views, each furnished with a couple of armchairs and a breakfast table. The tropical-styled guest rooms rely on tile floors and accents, rattan furnishings, overhead fans, and bright colorful fabrics to sustain the island look. Rooms in the Executive Tower have a more business-like atmosphere with reading lamps on the headboards and large desks. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and guests 
pay an additional fee for DSL in their rooms. Standard throughout are TVs set in plain cabinets, minibars, coffeemakers, and phones with data ports and voice mail. Baths have either combination shower-tubs or extra large showers, with Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. Hair dryers, safes, irons and ironing boards are found in the large closets. Ground-floor rooms are priciest and odd-numbered rooms face the ocean. Room service runs 6 am to midnight.
This property is the only high-end choice for those drawn to the historical and architectural charms of Ponce. Catering largely to business clients, this resort has a distinctly corporate feel. Those seeking a more soulful Caribbean resort do better at the Copamarina in Guanica.
