Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Spa

Hurricane Maria left a trail of devastation in her path last September 2017, destroying communities and closing down some resorts indefinitely in Puerto Rico. The island is slowly but surely reviving itself, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was one of the many resorts to officially reopen in fall 2018.

After living in Puerto Rico for nearly a year, I was thrilled to hear the doors of Spa Botánico were once again open and immediately booked a Botánico Orgánico facial. Driving past the grand guard gates and into The Ritz-Carlton community and resort grounds feels like you’re entering a mix of Beverly Hills and Bali. The spa is set to a backdrop of lush herbal and pineapple gardens and the entrance is a chapel-like apothecary lined with abundant floral displays and succulent chandeliers.

After checking in and being offered a chilled lemongrass-scented towel to beat the island heat, I was ushered to the women’s changing rooms in a lush, private garden. The setting was divine; large outdoor showers with luxurious amenities, secluded hot and cold plunge pools, a vast steam room and a lounge lined with plush white loveseats and wallpapered with sketches of different natural herbs and vegetation.

Elizabeth, my specialist, met me by the pineapple garden and guided me to a private indoor-outdoor treatment room where she gently washed my feet in a beautiful copper bowl before my facial began. The hour-long experience was exceptional; the perfect mix of nourishing with reviving that left my skin feeling rejuvenated and intensely clean. After the treatment was over, Elizabeth walked me through the healing plant extracts and restorative aromatherapy techniques she used so I understood the benefits and procedure.

For just opening its doors, Spa Botánico delivered an impressively seamless experience. I will definitely be back … very likely next month.

100 Dorado Beach Drive
Dorado, 00646-2000 Puerto Rico

+17876261100