Gran Meliá Puerto Rico Implements Strict Beach Conservation

The Gran Meliá Golf Resort Puerto Rico has implemented a conservation program for its untouched beach and a stargazing program hosted by a professional astronomer for its guests.

Over the years, major recycling programs, water and energy conservation projects and community charity fundraisers have been major focuses for the resort and the resort has added the beach conservation program as a major additional eco-initiative.

The four-star resort is located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico at Rio Grande about 20 minutes from San Juan, along a natural beach in the foothills of El Yunque, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Parks System. The beach is unlike any other stretch of sand at a luxury resort, according to Gran Melia.

Untouched by bulldozers or developers of any kind, this state park is a natural sandy stretch with coral rock and sea life dotting the sea bottom. To protect the beach and its natural beauty, the Gran Meliá has banned motorized water sports and ensures that the staff understands the importance of maintaining the property’s natural beach in pristine condition.

Due to the resort’s secluded location far from any metropolis, the skies above are filled with stars and constellations foreign to many visitors traveling from major urban centers around the world. To showcase Rio Grande’s celestial sights, the property enlisted the help of a local astronomer, Gregory Garcia Morales, who every Saturday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m., provides guests with complimentary candlelit outdoor star-gazing tours, educating guests on general astronomy concepts, constellations, planets and the effects of global warming on the environment. Morales is a bilingual Puerto Rico resident who in 1985 founded the Puerto Rico Astronomy Society (Sociedad de Astronomia de Puerto Rico) and recently teamed up with NASA to develop industry projects on the island.

“Our star gazing activities have become wildly successful as an educational program, sparking unprecedented success and interest from not only our guests but local residents from the area as well,” says Hendrick Santos,the property’s managing director.

To preserve its untouched beach, the Gran Meliá Golf Resort Puerto Rico has banned motorized water sports and ensures that the staff understands the importance of maintaining the property's natural beach in pristine condition

The Gran Meliá Golf Resort Puerto Rico consists of 20 two-story bungalow-style buildings surrounded by tropical gardens. The 486-suite resort’s grounds feature several pools (one of which is a lagoon-style swimming pool that is one of the largest pools in the Caribbean), world dining experiences, a YHI spa and VIP Royal Service room categories for guests looking to retreat to an atmosphere of utmost discretion and upscale service and accommodations. The property is also located adjacent to the Trump International Golf Club, where guests receive preferential rates and tee times.

Room rates at the Gran Meliá Golf Resort Puerto Rico start at $139 and can be booked by calling (787) 657-1040 or online at www.gran-melia-puerto-rico.com.

Gran Meliá Hotels and Resorts is the first Sol Meliá Worldwide trademark. Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts claims to be the largest resort hotel chain in the world. More than 50 per cent of the company’s hotels are located in major cities.

The company says it is by far the biggest hotel company in Spain and one of the largest hotel groups in Europe. Its holdings include more than 350 hotels in 30 countries on four continents, and the company employs more than 32,500 people under its Meliá, ME by Meliá, Tryp, Sol, Paradisus, Sol Meliá Vacation Club and Luxury Lifestyle brands. For further information and reservations, visit www.solmelia.com.

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