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Jet Life: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Dorado Beach a Ritz-Carlton Reserve September 08, 2016
Before I arrived
at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, I’d decided that I couldn’t leave
without having its Island Cobb Salad. A friend had asked me, as I was planning
my trip, what I most look forward to when I travel and I admitted it was the
culinary escape. Without even realizing that was top of mind for me, I’d
already browsed the resort’s fare between its five options for dining.
A serene sanctuary tucked away on the Puerto Rico Caribbean
coast, Dorado Beach is one of those dwellings where your mood adjusts as soon
as the sound of the ocean welcomes you on property. Nothing about what you’ll
experience has been left to chance.
From the reception area, a wide-open airy corridor, you are
immediately tranquilized by a concoction of what you see and hear. The
stimulation of senses is key here. While waiting for my room, I idled for lunch
in a very modern, chill Encanto Beach Club Bar and Grill where the sand, breeze
and view taunt you just steps from the shoreline. The Island Cobb Salad, I was
assured, was an excellent choice. Medleyed corn, egg, cheese, avocado and
plantain chips aside skewered grilled lobster and mango dressing – essentially,
perfection. In the background, a subtle hum of good music which would shift to
an ambient thump for evening diners. I was with it.
I had settled in, prepared to spend a bit of the afternoon
on a sofa between the pool and Grill when my “Embajador” or butler, who would
attend to my every need on-property, arrived to escort me through the carved out
jungle. As we walked along the curvy path to a vista overlooking the eastern
side of the beach, I shed all consideration of time in the balmy breeze. In my
room, I straightaway opened the sliding doors to extend the space outside in
from the terrace and stretched out on the chaise. I’d seen people below but
somehow it was quiet; the resort’s take on guest individuality was
well-achieved.
Dorado Beach, with its private residences, spa sanctuary,
and harmonious sense of place that flows uninterrupted into the natural
surroundings, is where you go to overload on relaxation. An intimate retreat
blending Laurance Rockefeller’s novel environmental design philosophies and
modern, yet minimal décor, this resort blurs the boundaries between outside and
in, creating an open-air enclave that embraces the natural splendor and diverse
culture of an unspoiled corner of the world. From the dedicated butler
appointed to create an experience tailored to your needs to the lush indulgent
spas, dining experiences and adventurous recreational prospects, the resort is
clearly designed to allure the world’s most discerning travelers. It's not
often you’re treated to the option of an indoor or outdoor shower. The choice
isn’t difficult.
Hands On: Spa Botánico, its five-acre spa set within a fragrant
pineapple garden, could almost singularly define the experience of being away
here. Inspired by nature to impart a holistic sense of well-being, the refuge
pairs local Puerto Rican ingredients with indigenous soothing traditions performed
in the most unique of spa settings for a full sensory experience. Body scrubs
are blended in the spa’s kitchen, combining Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and
healing ingredients indigenous to the island. This integration with the natural
world is reflected in its fresh and unique offerings which take place entirely
outdoors within a lush, private garden setting. For me, the Coffee and Clove
Scrub – a revitalizing treatment using caffeine, sugar and the essential oils
found in cloves to exfoliate, remove impurities and leave the skin feeling
soft, refined and moisturized.
Beyond the usual: Though I wouldn’t peg myself as adventurous, the lure to get
out on the water of its swimmable beachfront is almost inescapable. And so I
ventured out in a combo-kayak with a guide stopping to explain the geology of
the surrounding mountains, the sea grass beds and marine life below. My
first-time kayaking nerves were for nothing as the water was calm for quite a
relaxing hour spent paddling out from the shore. If in fact you crave
adventure, however, there are options like kitesurfing, paddle boarding,
windsurfing and sailing.
In the early evening, when the air is soothing and the sun
has set, you will note movement throughout the pathways where you’ve felt
almost completely secluded in other moments. You see families and couples alike
heading to dinner at Mi Casa by José Andrés for a menu of tapas and featured
meals that focus on Puerto Rico farm-fresh ingredients, flavorful unions and a
novel signature style; and you very well may meet them on your stroll back in
for the night. And the next day, in this retreat where time stands still, it is
your pleasure to do it all again.
- Katrice L. Mines
- Katrice L. Mines
