By Adrienne Jordan
Three miles of golden-sand beaches, four championship golf courses, and an 11-mile nature trail are just the beginning of the exciting features of the famed Dorado Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Designated as the “Hamptons of the Caribbean,” this luxury 140-acre eco-resort was built by Laurence Rockefeller in 1958 with his vision of preserving nature. This image was carried out by creating a lush, romantic atmosphere with 70 percent of the resort being “green space.” Take a walk, jog, or bike down the 11-mile Rockefeller Nature Trail and cross paths with lazy iguanas and tropical birds amidst the cool shade of palm trees.
Dorado Beach is a perfect destination for those seeking private and exclusive accommodations. The Plantation Resort Residences are three- and four-bedroom condominium units available to be rented on a nightly or weekly basis and equipped with 24-hour security. Each unit is between 1,900 and 3,600 square feet: luxury-sized suites ideal for couples, groups, or families. Each room comes with a complimentary golf cart for trekking the resort, as well as open access to the golf courses, fitness center, beaches, and waterpark.
The resort has undergone many changes that attract families with children. For example, the recent addition of the Watermill, a $12 million private aquatic playground themed after a traditional Puerto Rican sugar mill features 30-foot water slides, a 1,400-foot-long lazy river, and a sand play area. Also, the new “Ambassadors of the Environment” program is a perfect way for families and kids to participate in educational experiences such as underwater photography classes and protecting fragile ecosystems through hands-on activities. During the holidays, the resort schedules activities for youth such as Easter egg hunts and brunch with Santa.
There are many fun activities available in 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 is a popular tourist destination with its hundreds of historic Spanish colonial buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. 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, there is something for everyone to indulge in at Dorado Beach.
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