Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton

Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve is a tranquil oasis on the island of Puerto Rico. Its secluded location, lush greenery, and individualized Embajador service differentiate it from other resorts on the island.

Overview

This Caribbean resort was once a grapefruit and coconut plantation that developed into a luxury resort in 1958 and attracted jet-setting travelers. Amelia Earhart, Elizabeth Taylor, and John F. Kennedy were regular guests of the property. However, in 2012, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company rebuilt the property.

Following in the footsteps of its original developer, Laurance S. Rockefeller, they devised a sustainable architecture that could seamlessly integrate with nature. Hence, shortly after its inauguration, the resort regained its former glory.

But Hurricane Maria damaged the resort, and it had to close down for renovation purposes. However, in 2018, it was reborn with a new spirit. Today, Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, proudly presents its 50-acre lush green land with nature trails, pristine beaches, golf courses, and luxury residences.

Style and Design

The hotel is simultaneously modern and historic as it draws inspiration from the previous developer, Laurance S. Rockefeller's original design and eco-friendly policy. As a result, the building smoothly merges with its surroundings without affecting the natural environment.

A breathtaking landscape awaits you at the resort. You'll find yourself amid a tropical rainforest with palms, coconut trees, and ponds. Even the open-air lobby built with beige-colored stones appears to be an extended part of this vegetation. The hotel's design smoothly transitions from inside to outside and blurs the difference between the two.

Location

This beachfront property resides in Dorado, on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. It is a 45-minute drive from San Juan and around a 30 to 35-minute drive from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Several cafes, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets are nearby. Moreover, Casa Del Rey Museum and Cerro Gordo National Park are just 8 to 10 minutes by car.

Rooms and Suites

There are 114 guest rooms and suites in small double-story buildings located either West or East Beach. These buildings are linked with each other via tree-lined pathways. All rooms are exquisitely designed with modern furniture and up-to-date facilities. They have high ceilings, marble floors, and huge glass windows that give access to large terraces. You can find comfortable daybeds, loveseats, and small dining tables on terraces.

All guest rooms at Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton are very spacious. Their basic rooms, which are on the upper floor, are around 950 square feet. However, one-bedroom suites are on the ground floor. They are more than 1,200 square feet in size and feature a vast living room, dining room, kitchenette, and a private outdoor pool.

These rooms have super comfy king-size beds, armchairs with ottomans, desks, and large closets. Other thoughtful touches include mini-bars stocked-up with soft drinks, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. Moreover, Nespresso machines with kettles are also available. In addition, high-tech amenities include free Wi-Fi, large screen TVs, iPod docks, and Bose speakers.

Their marble bathrooms are also very spacious. They feature twin basins, large freestanding soaking tubs, and indoor and outdoor showers. Moreover, Spa Botánico bath products, straightening irons, and hair dryers are also available.

Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton raises the luxury level with its extra sumptuous Residences and Villas, which are available in two to five bedrooms. These private residences offer lovely ocean views and vast open-air areas to enjoy with families. Their five-bedroom, 8,000 square feet Villa Su Casa is a paradigm of luxury. In addition, guests in these villas and residences can enjoy some other facilities like a personal chef or golf carts.

Restaurants and Bars

There are many restaurants on-site to satisfy your taste buds. "Coa" is the main restaurant of Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton. It serves a buffet and a la carte breakfast which includes many dishes like eggs benedict, avocado toast, yogurt parfait, etc. The restaurant also serves dinner along with cocktails. There is a bar area adjacent to the Coa restaurant to enjoy live music on weekends. It also features an extensive wine cellar where you can taste their special wine.

"Positivo Sand Bar" is a poolside open-air restaurant where most seating arrangement is on the sand. It is open all day, serving both lunch and dinner. This restaurant mainly offers the oishii flavors of Japan. You can try sushi, fish tacos, ceviches, and other seafood dishes in a beachy environment.

Another open-air option by the poolside is "Encanto Beach Club Bar and Grill." It boasts incredible views of the ocean. It is a family-friendly restaurant and offers kids' favorites like pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, etc. However, their primary specialty is seafood and grilled meat.

Also, there is an on-site food mart, "La Cocina Gourmet," from where you can get grab-and-go food items.

Spa and Fitness

Spa Botánicois is the most outstanding feature of Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve. It resides amid a 5-acre verdant landscape. Upon entering the gates, a century-old large ficus tree will greet you. Once inside, you can perceive a calm and serene environment with relaxing swimming pools and lush gardens. Guests can take a leisurely walk around to take in the natural surroundings. Several loungers are available to relax and unwind.

Spa Botánicois also features saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and cold water pools. In addition, it offers a variety of treatments using local herbs. Moreover, several types of body scrubs and massages with Shea Butter, Coconut oil, and other healing products are available either in a treehouse, hammock, or a standard treatment room.

The fitness center at the property is roomy and spacious. It is flooded with sunlight and offers several cardio and weightlifting machines. It also provides complimentary protein and energy bars.

Services and Amenities

Service is flawless at Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. You get a pleasant welcome on your arrival. A staff member will offer you fresh popsicles. And after the check-in process, they will introduce you to your personal embajadore (ambassador), who will attend to you during your stay.

A mile-long stretch of private beach with hammocks, umbrellas, and beach chairs attracts guests to relax and enjoy sunsets. Beach service offers sunscreen lotions, water bottles, and chilled towels.

Furthermore, there are two swimming pools, the Positivo and the Encanto Beach Club Pool. The latter is a family-friendly pool and offers a splash pool for younger guests and a larger one in the center.

Moreover, guests can explore the picturesque11-mile Rockefeller Trail. In addition, the resort is also renowned for its TPC Golf Courses. Robert Trent Jones Sr. has designed these two courses, which are definitely a lure for golf enthusiasts.

Additionally, guests at Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, have access to the resort's amenities as well. However, they have to pay the extra resort fees to enjoy facilities like snorkeling, water sports, tennis courts, valet parking, and much more.

Takeaway

Dorado beach resort offers endless amenities. Moreover, there is something for everyone with picturesque scenery, beautiful pristine beaches, Rockefeller Nature Trail, and golf courses.