luxury puerto rico getaway
Many cities, including my home base of Tampa, have non-stop service to San Juan. Hopping down to Puerto Rico is quick and easy for US citizens. With a carry on bag, just our US driver's licenses and no customs to clear, this was an easy hassle free getaway.
Our goal was to indulge in a luxury weekend at the Ritz reserve Dorado Beach. We got off to a great start right away when we were greeted on arrival with coconut and mango popsicles.
The entrance to the Ritz reserve Dorado Beach is stunning and you could tell right away that the word "reserve" adds a element of luxury beyond your standard Ritz hotel.
Our butler greeted us and showed us to our room. We took advantage of her offer to provide anything we needed and I quickly asked her to have room service send an order of chips and guacamole so we could start enjoying our plunge pool! And just like that it was delivered in about 20 minutes. We used the services of our butler many times which was made easy since she gave us her phone number upon arrival.
The east wing reserve with plunge pool room was impressive and of course our Virtuoso welcome amenities were waiting for us upon arrival including breakfast for 2 daily at MiCasa. There are many room types here which I was able to see during my room inspection tour with the on-site sales manager.
Activities were plentiful at the resort for both couples and families. We tried everything including the pools, the water park, the spa and the complimentary fitness classes and bikes.
We did run out of time for the amazing Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, which offers excursions such as snorkeling, hiking and exploring an archaeological site directly on property. Also featured in the program is the historic Rockefeller Trail originally conceived by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950s to create a walkable, open-air sanctuary through the resort's surroundings.
Of course we also had to try the food! This is one of the reasons I will go back to this resort. The food is outstanding at every restaurant. Of particular note are the restaurants Mi Casa and Positivo. Positivo features fresh sushi and ceviche, tapas style dishes and craft cocktails in a stunning poolside setting.
We also enjoyed a wine pairing dinner prepared and served in an instructional kitchen by chef Rori. The food was incredible and we enjoyed hearing about his career, favorite restaurants and cooking tips as we chatted and he cooked us our dinner served course by course with fantastic wines. I highly recommend this experience for foodies or people who are chefs at heart.
Chef Rori prepared each course in his private kitchen for 12 while we enjoyed a wine pairing with each course. He is an accomplished chef with an impressive background and he was fun and interactive. The food was incredible.
The Seabass with cherry tomato broth on a bed of handmade pasta and muscles was delicious but my favorite dish was the cannelloni white bean soup with scallop. The chocolate napoleon was fantastic as well!And for fans of cocktails and mixology the drinks were innovative and delicious. In fact the Mi Casa bar features weekly mixology classes in their "lab".
And last but not least was our visit to the Spa Botanico. The lushly landscaped 5 acre spa is unlike any other spa I have visited.
After entering the stunning reflection pool and garden area, men and women are divided into two separate tranquil garden areas. Each side features a warm pool, cold plunge pool, steam room, outdoor showers and garden paths leading to individual spa santuaries where treatments take place.
And when it was over, we had to sadly say goodbye! But with nonstop service to Tampa and a quick easy trip where I pack a swimsuit and sundresses, I will be back!