Rio Grande, Puerto Rico—September 2018—The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. José Torres as General Manager. A seasoned and respected leader in the luxury hospitality arena, this designation marks his return to island and comes at a momentous time for the property. This December, the beloved resort will open following an extensive $60 million renovation, additionally, the property has announced a new $85 million beachfront, ultra-luxury residential development, Ocean Drive Beachfront Residences, the new Atlantic Drive Estates and plans for a resort expansion.
“I am thrilled to be back in Puerto Rico and part of the team during such an exciting chapter for The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico’s first ultra-luxury resort and the best address in the Caribbean,” said Mr. Torres, General Manager of the resort. “The investment in Bahia Beach and the reopening of the property signals an important milestone in the recovery and resurgence of Puerto Rico and I look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world back to this vibrant destination and the beloved St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.”
With over 24 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Mr. Torres brings a wealth of experience to his new role at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. He comes to the property from the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica, where he served as the General Manager. Under his leadership, the resort saw immense success, increased sales and profitability while ensuring an unforgettable guest experience. Prior to joining the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Mr. Torres was General Manager at the JW Marriott Panama Gold & Beach Resort and at the San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel. Additional positions held include: Food & Beverage Director at the La Concha Renaissance Resort, Food & Beverage Director at the Marriott Courtyard Isla Verde Resort, and Assistant Food & Beverage Director at the Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino. Mr. Torres also served as General Manager and Co-Owner at Pasha Restaurant in Puerto Rico and spent time as a Corporate Food and Beverage Director for Caribbean International Investment Group.
Raised in Puerto Rico, Mr. Torres began his esteemed career in hospitality at the Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan and St. Regis is delighted to welcome Mr. Torres and his family back to Puerto Rico. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps (1993-1997), Mr. Torres achieved honorable discharge as a Sergeant. He has been an active board member and involved in community affairs with both the Puerto Rico Hotel Tourism Association and, while in Costa Rica, served on the Board of Directors of Cámara Costarricense de Hoteles.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort will open in December following a $60 million renovation. The extensive renovation will touch every guestroom and suite, Casa Grande, the heart of the resort where guests will enjoy The St. Regis Bar and Paros, the property’s signature restaurant, the seaside pool and esplanade, which will offer a casual dining option for guests, and a first of its kind Iridium spa. Each space and room underwent a ground-up transformation, redefined and reimagined by celebrated Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado together with internationally renowned Hirsch Bedner Associates of San Francisco. The 139 refurbished rooms and suites will boast a light, modern and organic aesthetic in a contemporary and residential setting. The design is inspired by the property’s surrounding sea, sand and foliage, and details include a tranquil color palette of shades of whites and light blues that beautifully complement ocean and lush tropical garden views, as well as custom furniture pieces such as a glass bar cabinet evoke an inviting and luxurious home. The modern, light-centric design is also seen in Casa Grande, which will greet guest upon arrival. Anchored by The Long Awaited Voyage, a mural by Puerto Rican artist Arnaldo Roche Rabell that has been restored following the storms and hangs above The St. Regis Bar, the two-story building is a warm, lively and glamorous gathering space that overlooks the ocean and invites guests to simply relax and take in the view, as well as experience the brand’s champagne sabering ritual and enjoy live music. All structures have been built below the tree line, affording spectacular and unspoiled views along the resort’s two-mile stretch of secluded beach and lush landscapes.
Guests at the resort have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities for every type of traveler such as, an outstanding golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., a seaside swimming pool and esplanade, private beachfront cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, four deco turf hard tennis courts, a St. Regis Kids Club, the St. Regis’ legendary Butler Service, which will be available in every room, and equipment for non-motorized sports including, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and fishing. The property also offers numerous trails for biking, walking and running, all nestled under the canopy of the tropical setting and inviting one to further discover and immerse themselves in the preserved surrounding nature. For guests interested in volunteer opportunities and activities that give back to the community and destination, the property is working in collaboration with the Bahia Beach Resort Golf Club and its non-profit organization Alma de Bahia on several initiatives to support the affected communities in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is proud to offer these opportunities and assist those who were impacted by the storms.
Located on a former coconut plantation and situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is set on 483 pristine acres. The resort embraces the island’s stunning natural beauty with verdant landscapes and spectacular views. It is the Caribbean’s first and only certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary, Puerto Rico’s first AAA Five Diamond rated resort and a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rated resort. The property is a short 30-minute drive from the vibrant town of Old San Juan.
