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Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Dorado, Puerto Rico · Ritz-Carlton Reserve · Apex Luxury
Laurance Rockefeller opened his resort here in 1958 with the founding rule that no building shall be taller than the surrounding palm trees — a mandate that endures across the 50-acre estate on Puerto Rico's north shore. Ritz-Carlton Reserve took over in 2012 as the first Reserve in the Americas and second worldwide; its five-acre Spa Botánico holds a Forbes Five-Star rating, and the hotel earned both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond for 2026.
- 114 rooms
- Opened 2012
- Neighborhood: Dorado Beach
- Interiors: Champalimaud Design
About Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- The Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened on the 50-acre former Rockefeller estate in December 2012.
- Philanthropist and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller opened Dorado Beach as a luxury eco-resort in 1958, with the founding principle that "no building shall be taller than the palm trees." The property hosted luminaries including Ava Gardner and Joan Crawford.
- Rockefeller opened his resort in the 1950s, he took care to preserve what made the former plantation, and Puerto Rico, special.
- Somewhere between idyllic and perfection sits a Dorado, Puerto Rico resort of such intimate luxury and rare character that it calls to those who believe every journey should be a voyage of discovery.
History
Philanthropist and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller opened Dorado Beach as a luxury eco-resort in 1958, with the founding principle that "no building shall be taller than the palm trees." The property hosted luminaries including Ava Gardner and Joan Crawford. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened on the 50-acre former Rockefeller estate in December 2012 — the first Reserve in the Americas and second worldwide — honoring the original conservation philosophy.
The setting
The 50-acre site lies within the 1,400-acre Dorado Beach private gated community on the north shore of Puerto Rico, 26 miles (approximately 30 minutes) from San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Su Casa, the property's crown jewel villa, was originally built for Clara Livingston — one of the first licensed female helicopter pilots in the U.S. — who owned the coconut plantation in the 1920s before Rockefeller acquired the land. 6 km from Cerro Gordo National Park.
Restaurants and bars
- COA — Restaurant · Grill-inspired contemporary cuisine with a native essence
- Posi+ivo Sand Bar — Poolside · Asian-inspired with Latin flavors
- La Cocina Gourmet — Restaurant
- COA Lounge — Bar
Experiences
- Dorado Beach's Naturalist Experience — Discover the natural wonders of Puerto Rico, from coral reefs to the historic Rockefeller Nature Trail.
- Dedicated Embajador Service — A dedicated Embajador, described as more than a butler and a personal liaison, assigned to each guest for the stay.
- Private West Point Beach Club Access — Access to the secluded West Point Beach Club, a private oceanfront sanctuary reserved solely for Residence stays, with a residence-only pool, beachfront restaurant, and game and lounge areas.
- Golf at Dorado Beach — Two TPC golf courses; the East Course, reimagined by Robert Trent Jones Jr., overlooks the ocean.
- Spa Botánico private session with the spa's traditional healer — Treatments performed amid lush gardens and shaded treetops, with a private session with the spa's traditional healer.
- La Cocina Gourmet classes and demonstrations — Culinary classes and demonstrations in the hotel's culinary center, plus a café and market with Puerto Rican coffees.
Amenities
- West Beach (golden sand, swimmable, protected by coral) and East Beach
- Rockefeller Nature Trail with wood-planked walkways through 300,000 native plants
- Private pool
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
- EV charging
Awards
- AAA Five Diamond (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (Spa Botánico) (2023)
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