Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde is home to some of Puerto Rico’s most elegant resort hotels. Chief among these is the 382-room El San Juan Hotel & Casino, which just wrapped up a $52 million revamp. Upon entering the lobby, one is struck by the juxtaposition of dark carved wood and colorful, modern furnishings -- not to mention the hulking Czech chandelier.

Guest rooms match the techno beat that pervades the hotel: They are mostly white and Lucite, with ceramic tile floors and flat-screen TVs. Outdoors, a labyrinthine pool area (with a number of nooks for relaxing) winds its way to the beach. The El San Juan has 35,000 square feet of meeting space.