Springtime specials to the Caribbean

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Ready for the beach? CheapCaribbean.com offers a number of affordably priced springtime packages to sunny Puerto Rico (no passport required for U.S. citizens!). What makes these offers exceptional is that round-trip airfare from Atlanta is included in each package price with savings of up to 50% off (air and land packages to these upscale resorts are normally priced over $900 per person).

- Through midnight, tonight (3/10), book a four-night stay at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, San Juan's newest urban resort (opened in Nov. 2009). The resort is located just minutes from historic Old San Juan. This contemporary designed hotel has an impressive 57,000 square feet of pool and sun deck overlooking the Bay of San Juan, a spa, a Las Vegas-style casino and restaurants. Rates start from $499 per person. Valid on departures now through June 30. CheapCaribbean.com rates this property with 4 suns.

- Four-night stays at the grand El Conquistador Resort (part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection) start from $449 per person on trips taken May 1-June 30. The resort is set high atop a cliff above the sea on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, near El Yunque Rain Forest. Resort highlights include dramatic sea views, an Arthur Hill golf course, a world-class casino and the Golden Door Spa. Book by March 12. CheapCaribbean.com rates this property with 4.5 suns.

- Rates for four-night stays at the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa start from $549 per person on April 1-June 30 trips. This upscale 500-acre beachfront resort is located in Rio Grande and features a golf course and spa. Book by March 12. CheapCaribbean.com rates this property with 4.5 suns.

- Stay at the Ritz-Carlton San Juan, the first Ritz-Carlton to feature a casino. A four-night stay at this fine hotel is priced from $629 per person on April 11-May 30 stays. This stunning beachfront resort has an outstanding spa, five dining options, an oceanfront pool and Jacuzzi -- and an ideal location in Isla Verde. Book packages by March 13. CheapCaribbean.com rates this property with 5 suns.

- The El San Juan Hotel & Casino (part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection) is located in the fashionable Isla Verde neighborhood and its hot nightlife. A five-night stay here is priced from $639 per person on May 1-June 30 stays. Book by March 13. CheapCaribbean.com rates this property with 5 suns.

Taxes and fees are additional to the above package rates. Prices are based on double occupancy.

Book your stay or find more details on these Puerto Rico packages at CheapCaribbean.com, http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/core/qsByAirport/cc.ATL.xml

To explore all other Caribbean packages, visit the CheapCaribbean.com Home page at http://www.cheapcaribbean.com . Next, click on the Sale Finder tab inside the large yellow booking box on the left side of the page. Finally, enter Atlanta in the pull down menu and let the Search begin.

A valid U.S. passport is required to Caribbean and Mexican destinations (exceptions include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John).

Visit the U.S. Department of State for more information regarding necessary travel documents, http://travel.state.gov .