Four Seasons is on quite the expansion kick at the moment, and has just announced yet another new property. However, this isn’t a newly built property, but is instead the rebrand of an existing resort that many in the miles & points community may be familiar with.
In this post:
Basics of the Four Seasons Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
Four Seasons and Paulson Puerto Rico are partnering to open the Four Seasons Puerto Rico in late 2025. This isn’t a newly built property, but instead, it’s the rebranding of an existing property. While it’s not stated in the press release, it’s pretty clear that the St. Regis Bahia Beach is the property that’s being converted, given that all the property details match, and Paulson Puerto Rico also owns the resort.
The Four Seasons Puerto Rico will be nestled on 483 acres of lush landscaping along Bahia Beach. It will feature 193 guest rooms and suites, plus 85 private residences. The resort offers direct access to two miles of white sand beaches, walking trails, multiple pools, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, a destination spa, fitness facilities, and more.
It’s worth noting that when the hotel transitions from St. Regis to Four Seasons, it’ll undergo a significant renovation of interior spaces. Furthermore, the arrivals experience will be changed, to better showcase views of the ocean from the moment guests arrive. Pools will also be reconfigured, to provide unobstructed views of the ocean, and there will be new cabanas. A steam room and sauna will also be added to the spa facilities.
This property is an easy getaway, given that it’s just a 30-minute drive from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
This new property joins Four Seasons’ other Caribbean properties, including in Anguilla, the Bahamas, Nevis, and upcoming properties in Belize and the Dominican Republic.
For what it’s worth, as of now I still see the St. Regis Bahia Beach bookable through November 3, 2025. So I think it’s safe to say that the property will leave the Marriott portfolio as of then. I’m curious if the closing timeline is possibly moved forward a bit, or if renovations just start while the property is still open, in the lowest season.
My take on the “new” Four Seasons Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
Obviously the rebrand of this luxury Bahia Beach resort is a mixed bag.
On the one hand, many won’t be happy to see a luxury points hotel join a hotel group without a points program, since obviously that limits the ability to earn and redeem points for stays at the property. Luxury hotel prices are through the roof nowadays, so it’s nice when a luxury resort can be booked using points.
On the other hand, it’s good that the property is undergoing a refresh, as it could definitely use a bit of attention at this point. Furthermore, Four Seasons is simply a better hospitality company than Marriott, so this should lead to higher service standards, and more of a focus on guest experience.
It seems pretty clear to me that this rebranding is a function of the owners being unhappy with Marriott, rather than the other way around (given that the owners are investing in the resort). I suspect the owners felt that the market was just too saturated with Marriott properties, especially given Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and thought they’d have better luck with another brand.
Bottom line
Four Seasons has announced that it’s opening a property in Puerto Rico in late 2025, and it appears that this will be a rebrand of the St. Regis. The property will undergo a refresh prior to opening as a Four Seasons, so that’s a positive development. On the other hand, it’s sad to lose a points hotel.
What do you make of the St. Regis Bahia Beach becoming a Four Seasons?
I hope the keep the art piece behind the bar. Very local and made with the detritus from the hurricane.
Points people may not compensate the room fully, but hey it was going empty anyway, but they do, especially at a location like this contribute massively to the F&B spend. This hotel also had a big amenities fee. My last two night stay there had me with $1000+ of incidental spend.
As others have posited, probably has more to do with owners being unhappy with how Marriott compensates property owners for guests booking with points than wanting fewer guests who otherwise could not afford to stay there without Marriott's point program. There may be a little class snobbery going on here but I doubt that's the main issue. Property owners don't make as much on guests who book with points, so they'll stand to make more...
As others have posited, probably has more to do with owners being unhappy with how Marriott compensates property owners for guests booking with points than wanting fewer guests who otherwise could not afford to stay there without Marriott's point program. There may be a little class snobbery going on here but I doubt that's the main issue. Property owners don't make as much on guests who book with points, so they'll stand to make more money re-branding to FS who doesn't have a frequent stay program.
Somewhat taken aback by the points people comment as if lower class and don’t belong at a luxury property- kind of pompous imo. I don’t mind getting a deal and have and stay at many FS property’s, but having Bonvoy Ambassador status it can be a determining factor. I happen to be at SR now reading this blog and booked with 88k points for the night and were here 2 months ago booking with 182k points for 2 nights. I think it makes we a wise traveler
Yet another uninspiring FS rebrand.
Four Seasons was trying to build their own resort in Fajardo (east of the island) but the construction site has sat for years without any activity. They must have thrown in the towel.
Four Seasons has not built anything. No hotel or resort is owned by Four Seasons itself.
Omar is correct.
They had been trying to build a FS resort in Fajardo since the early 2000's. Maybe FS specifically wasn't building it but, it was going to be a FS resort.
Hopefully they're also fixing the terrible room AC so the rooms no longer smell damp!
One wonders if this is a case of an owner unhappy with how Marriott is running its business.
If it wasn't broken, there'd be no reason to fix it!
Bro this is a points blog. Weird thing to celebrate
@ Stvr -- I'm not sure how I'm "celebrating" it? I'm reporting on it, pointing out the pros and cons.
I’m fully on board with this hotel transitioning to a Four Seasons. With fewer points people staying at Four Seasons, it means a better atmosphere.
With a beachfront RC Reserve, Marriott, Renaissance (so be autograph), and the soon to reopen RC all in the San Juan metro; it's not surprising that at least one owner feels the San Juan metro is oversaturated with bonvoy resort properties
Since when is the RC reopening?
What ever happened to St Regis Princeville? It was a beautiful location
They turned it into a 1 hotel and it’s absolutely gorgeous now.