Dorado Beach Wellness Retreat

I chose to go to Dorado, which is about 45 minutes west of the airport in San Juan, because it is the perfect retreat from the city. It’s on the coast, but surrounded by mountains, which provides a very peaceful environment. In line with the tranquility of the area, all of the resorts are designed with privacy in mind with guarded entrances that are set back several blocks from the highway.

I stayed at the Hyatt Vacation Club in Dorado, which is less than 10 minutes from the Ritz Carlton where I had planned two reservations on two separate days at the Spa Botánica. The Hyatt is a wonderful property that costs about 20% of what it would cost to stay at the Ritz for those who are on a budget. The rooms are large and apartment-style accommodation that includes 1 full and 1 half bath, a large balcony, living room, full kitchen and gorgeous mountain and ocean views. If you are traveling as a family, there is also the option to book two rooms that share an entry.

The customer service was excellent and I ate at the beachfront bar several times. Everything was delicious. I took an Uber from my hotel to the Spa Botánica where I had booked 2 separate spa days. The spa was converted from what used to be a private family property and garden. Most of the treatments can be performed outdoors within private courtyards. You can walk freely through the gardens on the property while awaiting your services. This even includes groves of “carambolas”, which translates to star fruit, and you can pick them right off the trees and eat them.

The amenities are separated by gender. On the woman’s side, there are huge, luxurious, private outdoor showers, an ice pool, heated (very warm) pool and steam room. Indoors, there are additional showers, a locker room and waiting areas with complimentary snacks, tea and water. They also provide robes, towels and Hoka slippers during your stay. I received two massages and both are still ranked as the top two massages of my life and I’m a spa junkie! I also ordered food while I was there, which was conveniently prepared and waiting for me upon completion of one of my treatments. Overall, Spa Botánico is the best spa I’ve ever been to and the setting makes you feel as if you are walking through the Garden of Eden!

I recommend making reservations for spa treatments well in advance to make sure you can get on the schedule. Dorado is not a pedestrian-friendly place; it’s more country/beach and things are spread out, so I recommend a car if you want to move around.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Puerto Rico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Casey Stein’s guide, Relaxing and Adventurous Puerto Rico 5-Day Itinerary.