BOWIE Md., Dec. 1, 2011 — Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico is a lush, 140-acre eco-resort built by Laurence Rockefeller as a part of his Rock Resorts collection. Along with four Robert Trent Jones championship golf courses, this luxury resort consists of an East and West beach, an 11-mile nature trail, and exclusive Ritz Carlton Residences.
The purpose of the eco-resort is to preserve and protect nature, and in doing so, 70 percent of the resort is classified as “green space”. Don’t let this deter you: the other 30 percent is worth exploring.
Dorado Beach is the only destination in the Caribbean offering 72 holes, which have been played by golf legends and sites of PGA tournaments. The 18-hole East Course is the most famous course, and a favorite of long-time resident and championship golfer, Chi Chi Rodriguez. In his words: “You know a golf course is amazing if you have been playing it for 50 years and it never gets old”.
The East Course had its grand reopening in November after being renovated to create panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean by dense tree removal, newly renovated and contoured bunker complexes, and new ultra-dwarf Champion Bermuda greens.
Course at Dorado/ Image Dorado
The West Course presents a unique challenge to golfers, as the holes run in different directions, making the ever-present breezes off the Atlantic a challenge to negotiate. The four par-3 holes on Dorado Beach’s West Course are considered the toughest par-3’s of all four courses. Ranging in distance from 150 to 200 yards, they feature sloping greens, challenging bunkers, and immaculately lined palm trees. The green on the 13th hole is 173-yards, and is situated on a mound of sand that seems to run right into the ocean.
The Plantation Courses consist of both the Sugarcane and Pineapple Courses. These courses were designed to be less challenging than the East and West Courses. The Sugarcane course is the more challenging of the two, due to its forced carries and deep bunkers. The Sugarcane course presents a scenic layout, where in addition to ocean views the back nine is surrounded by newly constructed rivers and lakes. The Pineapple Course consists of four holes with an ocean view, and a tough par 4 at the 18th hole that finishes up on a green that is just below the clubhouse terrace. The new $5 million clubhouse is available to relax in after a round at the Plantation Courses.
The resort has undergone many changes and renovations in the past year, including the addition of the Watermill, a $12 million private aquatic playground, which features 30-foot water slides, 1400-ft long lazy river, and a sand-play area. Also, the new 8,000 square-foot free-standing gym is a marvel for the fitness and spa-goers. The Spa Botanico offers treatments tree-house style, equipped with purification gardens, steam rooms, and outdoor vichy scrubs. Another new addition to the resort are the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reserve residences. The residences are single-family and condominium units located on the East and West Beaches: the only Ritz Reserve in the world besides Phulay Bay in Thailand.
There are many fun activities in close proximity to the resort. Puerto Rico boasts the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas, which is located just 30 minutes from the resort, and features hundreds of stores and local cuisine. Old San Juan, a popular tourist destination which contains hundreds of historic Spanish colonial buildings from the 16th and 17th century. Some adventurous pursuits include hiking the pristine El Yunque jungle, saltwater fishing on the coastal mangroves, and windsurfing.
Laurence Rockefeller quoted, “Man has a basic need for nature, recreation, contemplation, and stimulation of his senses”: a fitting summation of the Dorado Beach experience.
With lush surroundings of centuries-old trees, native wildlife, expansive beaches, and world-class golf courses, Dorado Beach presents a perfect getaway on the green.
Adrienne is a graduate of Hampton University, and helped develop the lifestyle section of the Hampton Script as a contributing writer. She is a passionate traveler, and loves to discover hidden gems and little known destinations.
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
