Programs include Preservation of the Property's Natural Beach and Star-Gazing Activities for Guests
The Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico today announced ongoing guest enhancing ecological initiatives that have positioned the property as a leader in the greening of the tourism industry on the island. Over the years, major recycling programs, water and energy conservation projects and community charity fundraisers have been major focuses for the resort. Recently, however, the property has implemented a conservation program for their untouched beach and a star gazing program with a professional astronomer for guests to enjoy.
The four-star resort is located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico 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. 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, making it ideal for snorkelers and nature lovers to enjoy. For guests who prefer a pool experience, the resort features a lagoon-style swimming pool, one of the largest in the Caribbean. To protect the beach and its natural beauty, the Gran Melia 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 7:30pm, 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. Mr. 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.
The property's Managing Director, Hendrick Santos, stated, "It is the Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico's pleasure to share with consumers our ongoing ecological initiatives, highlighting our commitment to the environment and the well being of the community that we live in." He added, "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."
The luxurious 486-suite resort's expansive grounds feature one of the largest pools in the Caribbean, upscale world dining experiences, a spectacular YHI spa and VIP Royal Service room categories for guests looking to retreat to an atmosphere of utmost discretion, upscale service and stylish 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 Melia 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.
About Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico
Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts is the first Sol Melia Worldwide trademark and represents more than 50 years of the enterprise knowledge and strong values. With a significant architecture, this first class hotel company is designed to completely captivate the expert and multicultural traveler.
Nestled on the northeastern shore of Puerto Rico 45 minutes east of San Juan, between the ocean and towering rainforest mountains, Gran Melia Puerto Rico Golf Resort is uniquely poised to provide guests with the Caribbean's most luxurious resort experience, offering modern facilities, Puerto Rican flavor and a Spanish flair. This 486 all-suite resort is spread among 20, two-story bungalows surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and offers guests world-class dining options and expansive, award-winning pools.
About Sol Melia
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Sol Melia is the largest resort hotel chain in the world. A market leader, more than 50% of the company's hotels are located in major cities and it is by far the biggest hotel company in Spain, and one of the largest hotel groups in Europe. The company currently includes more than 350 hotels in 30 countries on 4 continents, and employs more than 32,500 people under its Melia, ME by Melia, Tryp, Sol, Paradisus, Sol Melia Vacation Club and Luxury Lifestyle brands. For further information and reservations, visit www.solmelia.com.
