Hotel Review: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

On Dec. 1, 1958, American businessman Laurance S. Rockefeller opened the doors of Dorado Beach Resort on Puerto Rico’s north coast. Celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Joe DiMaggio, Joan Crawford and Mickey Mantle — as well as several U.S. presidents — soon found their way to this glamorous, sun-soaked property. 

Today, big names continue to visit Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, although they tend to keep a lower profile. But the hotel, which has belonged to the Ritz-Carlton portfolio since 2012, continues to polish its own reputation as it introduces new ways to wow guests. 

The resort, which stretches across 50 acres of naturally beautiful terrain on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic northern coast, is less than an hour by car from San Juan, but its paradisiacal setting is a world away in terms of ambience. (And you can arrive to paradise even faster if you opt for a helicopter transfer; the resort has multiple helipads and can arrange the service.)

The “Reserve” moniker indicates that this is among the most luxurious hotels within the Ritz-Carlton portfolio. There are only five Reserve properties in the world and, after a two-night stay at Dorado Beach, I fully understood why this property made the cut. 

I was enamored with the region’s natural beauty as soon as I arrived. A peaceful pond surrounded by lush greenery marks the entrance to the hotel component of the resort complex, and a few steps away, the small, open-air reception area is graced with eye-catching sculptures and offers a glimpse of the pool, beach and ocean. 

I appreciated how the contemporary architectural style never interfered with the abundant natural attributes throughout the expansive property. This became even more obvious when I viewed my accommodations, a spectacular East Beach Plunge Reserve room category, where my eyes were immediately drawn beyond the handsome furnishings to the large terrace, where a private plunge pool and unobstructed view of the ocean beckoned, almost like a painting. I also fell in love with the large bathroom, which includes both indoor and outdoor showers. 

And to think my 649-square-foot room is one of the entry-level categories; more sizable options include the 1,256-square-foot East Beach One Bed Suite and two- and three-bedroom residences, which come with all the comforts of home. All room categories include the use of bicycles. 

Favorite Experiences

I enjoyed many aspects of my stay at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, but one of the most outstanding was my time at Spa Botanico. Quite possibly the largest spa in Puerto Rico, this 5-acre facility seamlessly blends outdoor and indoor features to create a truly soothing environment. 

A 100-year-old ficus tree marks the entrance to this attractive venue, which has a variety spaces, an upscale gift shop, a swimming pool, a fitness center, open-air hydrotherapy pools and 10 freestanding treatment rooms, each of which features large windows that allow guests to feel connected to nature. There are even two treehouse platforms that can be used for spa treatments. 

Sampling the resort’s varied cuisine was another memorable pleasure. On my first day, I witnessed a chef make tasty mofongo — Puerto Rican fried and mashed plantains, one of my favorite dishes — at La Cocina Culinary Center, which hosts curated meals and cooking classes for up to 10 guests.

Another treat for my taste buds (as well as my phone camera) took place during a mouthwatering sunset dinner on the Surf Lawn terrace, an outdoor space that’s often used for weddings and other private events. Flor de Sal, the resort’s alfresco restaurant, provided yet another excellent dinner experience, with a mouthwatering array of gourmet, Italian-inspired dishes. 

Additional dining venues include Coa, a waterfront restaurant with a wine cellar that stocks more than 670 labels; Asian-fusion eatery Positivo Sand Bar; and Omakase, a Japanese restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood. The menus may be varied, but attractive design, gorgeous views and gourmet-level quality ensure a consistent experience at all of the hotel’s eateries. 

Outdoor Activities

There are lots of ways to enjoy the great outdoors at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. I joined a fascinating guided tour one day with Ambassadors of the Environment, a program created in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau that educates visitors about local flora and fauna. Our excursion featured a golf cart ride and stroll along part of the 11-mile Rockefeller Nature Trail, a nature trail that leads through preserved land. Guests can also choose from archaeology and educational snorkeling expeditions.  

Golfers, meanwhile, can test their skills at the resort’s two courses, one of which was modernized by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., based on his father’s original design. There’s also a waterpark with two swimming pools, and clients can additionally arrange sunset sails and private getaways by yacht and catamaran. 

Even with all those wonderful options, one of my favorite activities on the property was simply relaxing. I spent as much time as I could gazing at the beautiful beach and pools and leafing through giant coffee table books at Livingston Library, a comfy lounge featuring a concierge desk, snacks and drinks (including weekly rum tasting sessions). Bobbing around my private plunge pool was yet another experience I won’t soon forget — especially as the sun went down, when the sound of the waves was accompanied by the rising chorus of coquis (Puerto Rican tree frogs). It was the perfect blend of luxury and nature.