Operating as a separate entity to the neighboring El Conquistador, this delightful top-of-the-line enclave of Spanish heritage offers superb views of the Caribbean from its blufftop location 300 ft above the sea. Though linked to El Conquistador by a pedestrian walkway, it posts signs to keep rubbernecking tourists at bay. A series of pastel-painted buildings contains the one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, a cafe, two pool areas, and acclaimed Golden Door Spa.
Unlike the tourist herds waiting to check-in at El Conquistador, here guests are met by a butler and escorted to their suites, forgoing any lobby formalities. An alfresco cafe serving lunch and cocktails overlooks the small but classically designed pool whose infinity edge disappears into a stunning ocean view. Alternative
dining can be taken at any of the restaurants at El Conquistador.
Flower-trimmed pathways wend their way from casita to casita, which bend around the tranquil pool, fountained courtyard, bell tower and whirlpool terrace. The thorough staff tends to every need, and butlers are assigned to each casita. They unpack bags, shop for groceries, take care of laundry and watch over children.
The Golden Door Spa pampers guests with health and beauty treatments, massages and hydrotherapy. The full fitness center is shared with El Conquistador's guests, who pay supplementary charges. Other offerings include access to all the facilities of El Conquistador, including 
the beach at Palomino Island with watersports and restaurants, as well as a championship golf course, tennis and a marina.
The 221 one- and two-story casitas with terra-cotta roofs offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom arrangements on single or split levels. All have living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and a bath for each bedroom. Standard amenities include two TVs, VCRs, three multiple-line phones with voice mail and data ports, minibars, minifridges, safes and whirlpool tubs. Refrigerators are stocked before guests arrive, flowers are arranged on the tables, reading material is selected for the nightstand, and, for kids, age-appropriate toys are placed in the bedrooms. Guests should request to stay in the newer South Casitas, which have better amenities—full-sized refrigerators, 
DVD players—and fresher interiors. The older North Casitas have seen little renovation since opening 13 years ago, and signs of wear and tear are evident, including rusty fittings in the baths, outdated appliances and worn fabrics. Since each villa has an independent owner responsible for financing upgrades, it could take a while for the older units to catch up. Housekeeping makes rounds twice a day, and room service runs around the clock. Butlers assigned to each casita unit act as personal 24-hour concierges.
Although guest complaints are not infrequent here, these don't include the staff, which goes out of its way to placate guests.
