Ritz-Carlton Announces First Reserve Property in the Americas

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and Dorado Beach Resort announce the grand return of Dorado Beach – one of the Caribbean's most celebrated destinations – with the introduction of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. More than 50 years ago, Laurance S. Rockefeller introduced the world to the ‘luxury island resort' when he opened his eco-friendly RockResorts, including Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico. The exquisite Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a 115-key oceanfront hotel and residences, will be the centerpiece of the renovation of the Dorado Beach Resort set to open in December 2012.

The developers of the Dorado Beach Resort are also creating West Beach and East Beach, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded Residences showcasing a new level of luxury and sustainability. The initial phase of 13 beachfront condominiums at West Beach is already sold out and under construction. The developers are currently accepting reservations for a second phase of 14 additional West Beach units, plus 18 villas and townhomes at East Beach.

"With world-class golf, a lush forest environment, and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Dorado Beach is the perfect setting to debut the first Reserve experience in the Americas,” Herve Humler, Ritz-Carlton President and COO, tells us. "Blending serenity, a secluded landscape and a wealth of recreational options, the resort will reflect the original developer Laurance Rockefeller's vision more than 50 years ago of a natural sanctuary in one of the Caribbean's most pristine island locations," Humler added.

Ideally situated on three miles of Caribbean coastline, with 1,400 acres of natural beauty, privacy and luxury, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, includes 100 guestrooms and 14 one-bedroom suites, all directly on the beach, plus Su Casa, the original plantation hacienda renovated back to its original 1920s style to serve as a five-bedroom beachfront VIP villa, perfect for weddings and private parties. Dorado Beach will also include a five-acre, 'botanical' spa; a new Beach Club; and a Wind and Waves center featuring Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment, a celebrated program that will provide innovative, hands-on eco-adventures for adults, teens and children using Dorado Beach as a natural classroom. The new Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel was ‘grandfathered' to be built on the footprint of the original hotel, so every guestroom, residence, and the restaurant is directly on the beach, only steps from sea.

"Since 1958, Dorado Beach has lured generations of discerning families, celebrities and dignitaries to its rare tropical paradise, and we are thrilled to work closely with The Ritz-Carlton to bring this legendary resort back to the forefront of Caribbean destinations," Mark Lipschutz, Caribbean Property Group CEO tells us. "Dorado Beach today is already an amazing resort with four Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf courses, three miles of magnificent beaches, an 11-mile Rockefeller nature trail, The Watermill water park, and a new 8,000-square-foot Dorado Beach Fitness and Wellness Center. Now, with the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel and spa and Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences, Dorado Beach will again take its place as one of the finest resorts in the world."

The project secured construction financing one year ago with a guarantee from the Tourism Development Fund of the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel and spa, and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences, are under construction and scheduled to open in December 2012.

As the first Reserve in the Americas, Dorado Beach embodies the elements, philosophy, unique style and design of the Reserve, an exclusive brand extension of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves into a one-of-a-kind resort, Dorado Beach's contemporary design will incorporate many historical influences and references from the property's long, rich history, creating a distinct sense of place for guests and residents.

With its serene coastline and palm-fringed beaches, Dorado Beach feels worlds away, yet it is a quick domestic flight from many major cities on the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico's vibrant capital city of San Juan. From there, it is only a 35-minute drive to the gates of Dorado Beach. Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. with no U.S. passport required, no customs and no currency exchange. Hotel guests and homeowners will have both the convenience of a U.S. location and the exotic luxury of a legendary Caribbean resort.

For additional information on the Dorado Beach Resort, please visit www.doradobeach.com.