Dorado Beach A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Hailed as one of the island’s most opulent resorts (it cost $342 million to build), Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve unfolds along three miles of white-sand beaches bordering the beautiful Dorado Beach Reserve -- a former coconut and grapefruit plantation turned playground for Hollywood royalty. Laurance S. Rockefeller was a former owner, and Amelia Earhart, John F. Kennedy, and Liz Taylor were all regulars in this property’s former heyday. Today, the 1,400-acre nature playground draws couples and families alike with its swish rooms, water park, and high-end spa. The resort did suffer some damage from Hurricane Maria, but after closing down for renovations, it reopened in October 2018. 

Past the security gate, a winding road through a forest of coconut palms and rainforest-like gardens transitions guests to a private world of exclusivity. Guests are greeted with mini homemade popsicles, and are guided up stairs past giant agaves and moat-like ponds to a grand open-air pavilion built entirely from sand-colored travertine. There’s an emphasis on luxury, but the design and materials complement the natural landscape. After check-in, a private "embajador" (ambassador) escorts guests to their oceanfront rooms via golf cart along boardwalks shaded overhead with canopies. 

The Ritz-Carlton is essentially split into two neighboring zones either side of the entrance. East Beach embraces most facilities, such as the lobby, Positivo Sand Bar, Signature Restaurant, and the fitness center. The main cabana pool is also located here -- it’s a jewel-like expanse of emerald green, overlooking the beach. West Beach encompasses the Encanto Beach Club facilities. Spa Botanico in itself spans five-acres, housing both indoor and outdoor areas throughout a gorgeous pineapple garden. Getting around at the Ritz is done by foot, on a free-to-borrow bike, or by golf cart. 

This is not a cheap place, particularly with resort fees and pricey restaurants, but most guests find the superb service and amenities worth the high rate.

This Ritz-Carlton is located in Dorado, a beachside township on Puerto Rico’s central north coast. It’s a popular tourist destination with good surfing waves, around a 40-minute drive west of San Juan. Dorado is around 40 minutes to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and 35 to 40 minutes to Old San Juan. A number of golf courses reside in the Dorado area either within or surrounding the Ritz property; they include East Golf Course (six-minute drive), the Sugarcane Course (nine minutes), and the Pineapple Course (14 minutes). The Ritz resides on its own private stretch of beachfront. A number of fast-food joints such as Pizza Hut, along with a Walmart, Supermart, and Starbucks, are all about 10 minutes away. Other highlights include Cerro Gordo National Park (11 minutes by car), and Casa del Rey Museum (12 minutes). 

Occupying two-story, villa-style dwellings, rooms have either ground or second floor placements in theEast or West Beach zones. All categories are handsomely designed, with contemporary, ocean-inspired decor consisting of marble floors, wave-like wooden headboards, patterned linens, and wall hangings. Huge floor plans (the smallest room is 941 square feet) feature breezy high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to big terraces with dining tables, loveseats, and lovely water views. Upgrades include private pools, while those on the second floor have private rooftop terraces. 

Beds are comfy and rooms with king-size beds have sleeper sofas. A highlight here are the big marble bathrooms, which have separate indoor and outdoor rainfall showers, freestanding oval tubs, and dual vanities. Spa Botanico toiletries come in eco-friendly dispensers, plus there are hairdryers and straightening irons. In-room tech features consists of flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, Bose wireless speakers, and free Wi-Fi. Well-stocked minibars come with an assortment of wine and medium-sized liquor bottles, plus a range of sweet and savory snacks. Kettles and espresso machines are provided. Light-up, walk-in closets feature bathrobes, slippers, ironing facilities, safes, and bug spray.

There’s plenty to keep guests of all ages occupied here. First and foremost, the private beach is beautiful and lined with plenty of hammocks and umbrella-shaded sunbeds. Two spectacular pool areas include the Positivo pool, which is located between the lobby pavilion and the beach. Chair service comes with free ice buckets of bottled water, little bottles of sunscreen, and regular cooling towels to take the sunny edge off. The Encanto Beach Club pool caters more to families, with a large central pool and smaller splash pools for the kids. 

Spa Botanico is a destination in itself, with a range of treatment spaces unfolding through manicured gardens. An extensive range of treatments is conceived around aromatic ingredients native to Puerto Rico, and massages in a hammock, treehouse, or traditional room are available. The fitness center is state-of-the-art, located in a vast industrial warehouse-style space with an extensive range of modern cardio- and weight-training equipment. Free classes and personal training sessions are on offer.

Goodwinds Watersports offers a range of water activities (at extra cost) that include sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing. There are five Har-Tru Clay Courts tennis courts available for day and night play free of charge. The Dorado Beach property is home to the Watermill waterpark, which has waterslides, a lazy river, and wave machine, but is only open on weekends. A great kids' program is available for fun daily activities. There’s also an 11-mile nature trail that snakes its way through the lush Dorado Beach area. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property.

Three restaurants are on offer here. Positivo Sand Bar specializes in sushi and ceviches alongside tapas-style dishes and yummy cocktails. Signature Restaurant is contemporary Spanish, and Encanto Beach Club Bar & Grill offers open-air dining with a seafood focus. La Cocina Gourmet is a gourmet market featuring homemade gelato, local coffee, and plenty of other delicious fresh-made delights. Cooking classes are also available, as is 24-hour room service. While food is well-regarded across the board, as is typical for luxury hotels, prices are sky-high.