Bull Dorado Beach & Spa

The Dorado Beach Aparthotel is all-inclusive with a la carte style. The lobby is ordinary, but the rest of the public spaces have a vibe of comfortable elegance. The pool is lagoon-like, with plenty of sunbeds and an adorable poolside bar where food is cooked to order, drinks are self-service, and guests can relax in the shade or sun with their cocktails. Inside is a spacious pavilion with a large Keith Haring painting over the bar and a few fishing nets by way of additional decor. Rooms don't feel quite as upscale as the rest of the property's spaces, and perhaps this is why guests -- and equal mix of couples and families -- can be found perusing the grounds and making use of the many on-site facilities.

The Dorado Beach Aparthotel is in the fishing town of Arguineguin, near Puerto Rico and about 30 minutes' drive from the airport. The hotel has direct access to a small tidal beach, which is very safe and great for kids, and there is excellent snorkeling right down the beach from the hotel. The seafront promenade is lined with bars, shops, and restaurants -- the local fish is highly recommended. The party town of Playa del Ingles is 15 minutes away by car. Rental cars are available on-site.

Rooms at the Dorado Beach Aparthotel are immaculate and well-kept, but decor is bland: Picture basic, clean furnishings, tired red-and-gold bedspreads, and tiny pullman kitchenettes that are concealed by closet doors. These come stocked with utensils, cookware, and dishes, but there is not a lot of counter space to cook elaborate meals. Apartments come with a separate sleeping alcove, but not a bona fide bedroom with a door that can be closed. Rooms near the dining room can be noisy, and rooms on higher floors have better views; hotel balconies are charming with wrought-iron railings. Wi-Fi is free.

The centerpiece of the Dorado Beach Aparthotel is the incredible wellness center with steam rooms, whirlpools, and tanning beds, and a salt sauna, snow cabin, solarium, and Dead Sea pool. Massages and wraps cost extra; everything else is free to guests. The spa feels like a secret grotto, with rock walls and arches, fountains, flagstone floors, and opalescent mosaic-tile. The fitness center is skylit and cheery, with numerous cardio machines, as well as weight equipment. The business center is located in what resembles a space pod; it's all white, with plenty of iMacs for guests' use, and fun, funky purple lighting. The kids' club has a huge playground and variety of games and activities, and the rooftop solarium is a peaceful deck with hammocks, a whirlpool, and outdoor showers.

The fifth floor Bar Mirador is an open air piano bar, with an indoor/outdoor terrace that is all windows and skylight, giving guests an uninterrupted ocean view. There are private nooks with chaise lounges, and comfortable wicker sofas and chairs for larger groups. Dinner is served buffet-style and has numerous international options. For the evenings, there is the Disco Bar, with a small dance floor and a shiny, shiny disco stage.