Wyndham Grand Rio Mar reopens partially

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, one of the largest resorts in Puerto Rico, reopened half of its 400 guest rooms on March 1, five months after Hurricane Maria shut it down.

The remainder of the rooms will reopen in April, following the departures of the last of the relief workers, who have been housed there as part of Puerto Rico's recovery efforts.

The Wyndham has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation of the lobby, other public spaces and guestrooms that had water damage. New bars and restaurants include the Caicu Rum Bar and the Marbella restaurant featuring American favorites and Caribbean specialties.

Still to come later this spring are Palio, an Italian restaurant; Hole in One near the golf course; and 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, offering burgers and beverages poolside.

The beachfront Tiki Hut and Pool Bar, which blew down during the storm, will reopen with expanded seating to accommodate 40 guests.  Also renovated is the Barista Cafe for coffee, light meals and snacks.

Facilities include a one-mile beach, the Mandala Spa, two 18-hole golf courses, a casino, a tennis center, lounges and entertainment venues.

The 500-acre resort is adjacent to the El Yunque National Rainforest, which has not reopened to visitors except for the lower trails.

One dollar of every room night booked by guests in March and April will be donated to the El Yunque Restoration Fund, with the goal of raising $10,000, according to Nils Stolzlechner, general manager.

"We're eager to welcome travelers back to our resort to celebrate this island," he said. "The spirit of Puerto Rico has grown stronger than ever, and we're grateful and proud that together we have restored this region back to an incredible travel destination."