The El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village, Waldorf Astoria Resorts, is a sprawling 500-acre property set on a 300-foot cliff on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The new, element-inspired Wellness Retreats—Earth, Fire, Water and Air—are built around guests immersing themselves in nature.
In addition to hikes in the El Yunque Rainforest and on the resort’s private 100-acre Palomino Island, plus a range of fitness activities such as twilight yoga and snorkeling, guests also receive a physical assessment, spa experience and personalized fitness plan to take home. Interactive demonstrations, from raw food and cooking with spices to juicing, make healthy dining something to look forward to.
“Wellness starts from the inside,” says Executive Chef Ernie Reyes, “and what you eat is a very important part.” Here are some of chef’s gluten-free, healthy—and delicious!—tropical recipes. elconresort.com
Banana Crème Brûlée Quinoa Oatmeal
A creamy, soul-soothing healthy vegan treat
1 cup steel cut oats
½ cup quinoa
1 teaspoon coconut oil
4 cups water
½ cup almond milk
3 slices banana
½ ounce brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1. Combine almond milk, water, oats, quinoa, salt and coconut oil in a large saucepan and mix well.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Continue to cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
4. Spoon oatmeal into ovenproof bowls, spreading evenly.
5. Arrange sliced banana over the quinoa oatmeal, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
6. Arrange the dishes on a baking sheet or in a large baking pan and place under a preheated broiler until the sugar starts to bubble and turn dark, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately. Alternately, you may use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar.
Coconut and Pineapple “Kisses”
Puerto Rican-style vegan coconut energy balls (makes about 20)
½ cup raw almonds
½ cup dried pineapple
½ cup desiccated coconut, unsweetened
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
¼ cup goji berries
¼ cup cranberries
Pulse the almonds in the food processor to make a meal. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until the mixture gets sticky. Make the “kisses” by rolling the mixture into balls with your hands. Refrigerate for at least one hour and enjoy.
Gluten-Free Banana-Blueberry Pancakes
1 large banana
½ oz blueberries
2 oz gluten-free flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
2 eggs
1. Peel, slice, and mash the banana.
2. Add the eggs and gluten-free flour. Mix until combined.
3. Heat a nonstick pan skillet on medium, and add the unsalted butter.
4. Pour 3 ounces of the batter onto heated skillet, and add blueberries.
5. Cook both sides until golden brown.