In the evolving world of luxury real estate, branded residences have become the gold standard for discerning investors, and Puerto Rico is stepping firmly into the spotlight. According to Savills’ 2024/25 Americas report, the Caribbean has seen an astounding 240% increase in branded residential development in just one year. This isn’t a temporary boom—it’s a fundamental shift in buyer psychology. 

The desire for residences that blend architectural distinction with the operational excellence of trusted global brands is creating a new category of living. For buyers, it’s more than just prestige; it’s about security, consistency, and a turnkey lifestyle in exotic locales. Puerto Rico, once overlooked in comparison to Mexico or Brazil, is now drawing global attention due to its mix of available land, improved infrastructure, and expanding tourism market. At the center of this surge stands a trailblazer: Moncayo, the first Auberge Resorts Collection-branded residence on the island, set to debut in 2027.

Moncayo is not merely another luxury development—it’s a cultural and ecological statement. Set on 1,100 acres along Puerto Rico’s untouched eastern shoreline between the lush mountains of El Yunque and the Caribbean’s largest marina, Puerto del Rey, this resort community offers a synthesis of nature, architecture, and hospitality. Auberge Resorts Collection brings its refined brand of hospitality to a destination that celebrates both inward reflection and outward adventure. 

Designed by Hart Howerton, with interiors by Paolo Ferrari, Moncayo’s 68-suite hotel and its curated collection of branded resort villas and private residences are integrated into the landscape rather than imposed upon it. Residents will enjoy ocean views framed by wraparound balconies, plunge pools nestled in private gardens, and interiors that embrace light, texture, and movement. The design narrative invites the natural world indoors, reflecting Puerto Rico’s serene palette while introducing globally recognized luxury standards. Moncayo isn’t just built—it’s cultivated.

What sets branded residences like Moncayo apart is the integration of lifestyle services that were once exclusive to high-end resorts. At Moncayo, owners don’t just get a stunning home—they gain access to a full suite of amenities and experiences curated by Auberge Resorts. That includes a lagoon-style beachfront pool complex, a spa that draws from Taíno healing traditions, and diverse culinary venues ranging from a hilltop fine dining restaurant to casual beachside lounges. 

These services elevate the property’s value and create a lifestyle continuum where wellness, community, and leisure intersect. According to Savills, branded residences affiliated with hospitality brands command an average price premium of 34% compared to non-branded homes in similar markets. But this isn’t merely about resale value—it’s about time well spent, consistency in service, and the ease of a lock-and-leave experience that’s becoming more valuable in a time-strapped world. For the global elite, this combination is irresistible.

Today’s luxury buyer wants more than square footage—they want storytelling, authenticity, and cultural immersion. Moncayo delivers with a Puerto Rican narrative woven into its very DNA. The resort’s wellness programming draws from local botánica practices and indigenous healing modalities. Its cuisine features ingredients sourced from an on-site organic farm. Events celebrate the vibrancy of island life—think pop-up dinners with visiting chefs, live bomba y plena, and interactive art installations curated to reflect the soul of Puerto Rico. 

This local grounding is what distinguishes Moncayo from many branded residence projects in more sanitized destinations. Rather than replicating a generic luxury template, Auberge has built a sense of place into every element of the Moncayo experience. It’s not just luxury—it’s luxury rooted in culture and consciousness. That cultural relevance makes Moncayo particularly attractive to today’s buyers who value both authenticity and environmental stewardship alongside sophistication.

The branded residence boom in Puerto Rico is not happening in a vacuum—it’s the result of significant public and private investment in infrastructure, tourism, and real estate. With improved air connectivity, including proximity to Ceiba International Airport and Luis Muñoz Marín International in San Juan, getting to and from Moncayo is effortless for U.S. mainland and international buyers alike. 

Additionally, the Puerto Rico Real Estate Act 60 incentives continue to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking tax advantages and quality of life improvements. Puerto Rico’s political stability as a U.S. territory and its use of the U.S. dollar make it uniquely positioned to benefit from increased interest in Latin American markets, where currency risk and bureaucracy can deter foreign buyers. Moncayo capitalizes on all these macroeconomic tailwinds while setting a new benchmark in what branded real estate can offer. It is both a catalyst and a case study—proof that Puerto Rico is ready for the world stage.

As a Puerto Rico resident and writer for Resident Magazine, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness Moncayo’s rise firsthand. In my original article, “Moncayo: Luxury Living, Wellness, Education, Sustainability in Puerto Rico,” I explored the ambitious vision behind this development. Now, nearly a year later, Moncayo has evolved from a bold concept into a living example of how branded residences can harmonize with culture, ecology, and luxury. This follow-up dives deeper into that transformation—and what it means for the future of luxury real estate in Puerto Rico.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that Moncayo isn’t just one of Puerto Rico’s most ambitious luxury projects—it’s a turning point in the branded residence movement. With Auberge Resorts Collection bringing its globally respected service model, and Puerto Rico offering a fertile ground for innovation and sustainability, Moncayo represents a fusion of aspiration and execution. It’s a model that other Caribbean destinations will no doubt seek to emulate, but for now, Puerto Rico owns the moment.