No passport required for this luxury beach destination. The Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is situated on 1400 acres just outside of San Juan where you can be as active or as relaxed as you like. The vibe is authentic and organic and decadent without being extravagant. The Dorado Beach area is not just a resort but rather a community. After the hurricanes in 2017 the resort was quick to rebuild and was able to open their doors to the local community and staff while their homes were being rebuilt.
Accommodations are either set on East Beach which is wider and has more privacy or West Beach which is calmer and has more beachfront. Standard rooms come either with a King bed and sofa bed or 2 kings and ground level rooms have a plunge pool, chaise lounge, table, and two chairs where the upstairs units have balcony. All rooms have oversized bathrooms with outdoor showers and a soaking tub. Each room comes with bikes.
If you’re looking for larger accommodations I recommend a villa with either 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms which come with their own golf cart. #3342 is a 4 bedroom residence plus den with a full kitchen, den on roof level with a pool. This space is a great option for an older child or nanny.
For the ultimate accommodation you can rent Su Casa which is the original 5 bedroom estate home and the only stand-alone villa on property.
There are 7 restaurants on property so you should never go hungry. Bar Levento is the beach bar and home to their surf shop. Positivo is their casual pool restaurant that serves lite bites, lunch and dinner. I recommend the chips and salsa and guacamole if you’re hanging out poolside! La Cocina has grab-n-go items and an array of sundries where you can also find local items to purchase. Connected to it is the Culinary Center where you will find private cooking classes and meeting rooms. Encanto is mediterranean style and adjacent to the kids pool. Panela serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located in the Club House overlooking the golf course. Lastly for fine dining, visit Melao for dinner to enjoy specialities prepared by the local chef.
For those wanting to relax, you can choose from the adult pool, Positivo, or for families splash around at Encanto with a zero-entry. Both have cabanas available for rental.
After a day sunning by the pool or beach I recommend taking at least a half a day to enjoy the spa. Situated on 5 acres within a pineapple garden, and 100 year-old ficus tree, and an apothecary that creates their signature scents, you will feel miles away from any stress. The motto of the spa is “manor Santos” which translates to “healing hands” based on local healers from the past. Be sure to allow at least 30 minutes for the arrival ritual which includes warm pool, then sauna, then cold pool. Request one of the 2 treehouse spa suites for your services and relax within the breezes of the surrounding trees.
If you’re looking for more activity you can play 18-holes at either of the two courses designed by Robert Trent (East Course) and Robert Trent Jr (Sugarcane Course).
For families I recommend visiting the Watermill area which has tennis, volleyball, basketball, fitness center, and gym. The highlight of the Watermill is their water park which is open seasonally and has water slides and a lazy river. If you’re hungry in this part of the resort Panela and Melao are close by.
If you’re looking to learn something while on vacation or if you’re just curious I recommend visiting the Ambassadors of the Environment which is staffed with marine biologists. With programs geared toward all ages you can learn about Puerto Rico’s culture and ecosystem created by Jean Michael Cousteau.
Guests of McAlpin Travel will receive the following amenities:
- Daily breakfast for 2 per bedroom
- $150 hotel credit
- Upgrade upon arrival if available
- Early check in, late checkout if available
- Welcome amenity
