Meetings in the Caribbean
Luxury, natural beauty and culture in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
By Morgan Saltz
The small and sprawled land masses that are Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are home to some of the most beautiful scenery, rich history, deep-rooted culture and desired destinations on Earth. With tourism returning after Covid, the Caribbean is letting the industry know it is back. Whether it is a luxurious incentive trip, an outdoor team-building experience or team bonding over learning about the culture, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are rich destinations for corporate meetings and incentives.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
Puerto Rico Convention Center
With modern architecture that maintains an island vibe, the convention center in San Juan is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. It has flexible meeting space with a Puerto Rican flair.
152,700 sq. ft. exhibit hall; 39,500 sq. ft. ballroom; 12,800 sq. ft. outdoor terrace
Caribbean Convention Center
Surrounded by the lush greenery of Puerto Rican nature in Guaynabo, the resort on the northern coast of the island has the ability for a variety of meetings and events including political meetings, bazaars and product launches.
5 meeting rooms; 4,000 people capacity; 500 capacity outdoor gazebo
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
With a long-standing reputation as it opened its door over 100 years ago, the hotel embodies Puerto Rican history in the city of San Juan. Guests will enjoy luxurious oceanside suites while still immersing themselves in Puerto Rican culture.
317 guest rooms; indoor and outdoor event space
El Conquistador Resort
Stay in luxury with the best of Caribbean ocean views. Enjoy a paradise experience with the resort’s Coqui Waterpark and Palomino Island. The resort is home to one of Puerto Rico’s most famous golf courses, Arthur Hills – a great opportunity for team building.
368 guest rooms and growing; 49 meeting/event rooms
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort Saint Lucia
Host a meeting in paradise at this resort sitting on 100 acres of greenery in scenic Saint Lucia. Fusing outdoors/indoors with event spaces like Saltwood Restaurant & Terrace, you can bring paradise to your meetings.
3,280 sq. ft. boardroom; 2,376 sq. ft. sunset deck; 18 miles from airport
5 Fabulous Things to Do
Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico
With 500 years of history, Viejo San Juan is the historic gem of Puerto Rico. The architecture, the restaurants and even the cobblestone streets give a tangible connection to the history and culture. With free carts and guided tours available, groups can learn, eat and enjoy.
- Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar
On the Southern tip of Antigua is The Lookout, a part of the Shirley Heights Lookout military complex, this restaurant gives sweeping views of the English Harbour. With history, fine dining, indoor/outdoor seating and offering both catering and private events, this scenic restaurant is the best of the Virgin Islands.
- The Saint Lucia Three Peaks Challenge
Ready for some hardcore and active team bonding? Endorsed by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Three Peaks Challenge requires participants to hike each of the three mountains during their visit. Accompanied by an escort, groups can help each other through island nature and reach the peaks together.
- Tours by Locals
The small island of Martinique packs big views, history and hospitality. Offering several different options of half day and full day tours, Tours by Locals can take groups to the historic Balata Church, the St. Pierre ruins, the flourishing Botanical Garden and the famous rum distillery for tasting.
- Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours
Food can be an anthropological study of a region’s history and culture and these tours are inviting groups to experience just that. As the official food tour company of Puerto Rico and advisors to the Global Food Tourism Association, these local culinary experts will serve the best of the island.
This article appears in the July 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
