A hammam in Puerto Rico? You bet. The Turkish ritual comes to San Juan at The Spa at Condado Vanderbilt. The experience begins in a heated room, where you lie on a heated marble table with a bath towel laid over you. You lie there while the attendant exfoliates you, then showers you with water and pampering. As the room heats up, the therapist cools you down with ice cloths while continuing the treatment. The last step is a hydro-sensorial therapy shower, followed up by a refreshing carafe of mint tea.

Unlike an actual Turkish hammam, where the attendants can be rather brusque in technique, their island counterparts infuse the treatment with Puerto Rico soul, scrubbing and rubbing in just the right way to rinse away stress from head to toe. 

Of course, the hammam is just one of the many experiences offered at the spa, which also offers a range of massages, facials, Eastern-based energy treatments and others that are inspired by the sea. But wellness at the Condado Vanderbilt goes beyond the spa.

The historic hotel, which opened in 1919, is located right by the blue Caribbean Sea. For those not wanting to take a dip in the sea, the five-star property has plenty of pools, including an infinity pool with a spectacular view. 

The fitness center provides cardiovascular and strength equipment by Technogym, and personal training is available on request.

Most of the hotel’s many dining outlets feature healthy options. Michelin star-rated Chef Juan Jose Cuevas showcases his culinary prowess with contemporary, farm-to-table cuisine inspired by the locavore movement. Perhaps the best showcase for this technique is the 1919 Restaurant, which serves flavor-forward dishes crafted exclusively from products coming from local artisans and farmers. If dining outside drinking in refreshing breezes and a view of the shimmering sea whets your appetite, the best bet is OLA Oceanfront, where local ingredients are used to make dishes featuring the traditional flavors of Puerto Rico. condadovanderbilt.com