Why Honeymoon in Dorado
Dorado combines the comfort of a high-end resort with the convenience of a short drive from San Juan. You can land in the afternoon and be watching the sunset from your terrace before dinner.
The beaches are quieter than those in San Juan's Condado and Isla Verde neighborhoods. Sardinera and the coves around Dorado Beach have calmer water for swimming. The resort shoreline stretches about three miles. Golf is a big draw too, with several courses designed for players of all levels.
Dorado also works for couples with different ideas of a honeymoon. One of you can play a round in the morning while the other heads to the spa or rides a bike along the coast. Afternoons are for the pool. Evenings mean dinner on the beach or a trip to Old San Juan. Puerto Rico's food, music and history are all within an hour.
When to Go
December through April is the most popular time to visit, with sunny days, lower humidity and pleasant evenings. Prices are highest around the holidays and in February and March.
May and June are good shoulder months, with warm weather and lower rates. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk from August through October. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused major damage across Puerto Rico. If you travel in the fall, choose flexible bookings and buy travel insurance.
The north coast can see big winter swells, especially from December through March. Some beaches become rough or dangerous, while protected coves stay calm. Surfers love this season. Swimmers should stick to sheltered beaches and follow local advice. Summer brings calmer seas on the north coast, along with heat and more rain.
Where to Stay
The Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the standout for honeymooners. It sits on about 1,400 acres of former plantation land, with rooms and suites spread along the beach, a spa built into the trees, several pools and restaurants and access to golf. Many rooms open directly onto the sand. Expect top-tier prices, often well over a thousand dollars a night in high season, so treat that as approximate.
Other options in Dorado include the Hyatt Hacienda del Mar, which offers villa-style units near the beach, plus the Embassy Suites at Dorado del Mar, a more affordable resort with a pool and golf course. Vacation rentals and luxury homes are also available in gated communities such as Dorado Beach East.
Couples who want a city stay first can spend a few nights in Old San Juan or Condado, then move to Dorado for the beach.
Romantic Things to Do
- Swim at Sardinera Beach or one of the protected coves near the resort, where reefs calm the water.
- Play a round at Dorado Beach East, an oceanfront course with holes along the shore.
- Kayak or paddleboard on the Río La Plata, which flows into the sea at Dorado.
- Visit Ojo del Buey, a coastal park named after a rock formation said to look like an ox's eye.
- Spend an evening in Old San Juan, about 40 minutes away, for its forts, blue cobblestones and bars.
- Take a day trip to Toro Verde, an adventure park in the mountains with some of the longest ziplines in the world.
- Tour the Bacardí distillery in Cataño, about 25 minutes away, for rum tastings and views over the bay.
- Visit Cueva Ventana near Arecibo, a cave with a window overlooking a green river valley.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, which has nonstop flights from more than 30 mainland US cities. Flights take about two and a half hours from Miami and close to four from New York. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, these are domestic flights. US citizens need no passport.
The drive from the airport to Dorado takes 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Most resorts can arrange transfers. Taxis and ride-hailing apps also serve the area.
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore the island. Driving is on the right, as on the mainland. Road signs use kilometers. Traffic around San Juan can be heavy at rush hour. Within the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, golf carts and bikes are the main way to get around.
Food and Drink
Puerto Rican food is one of the joys of a trip here. Try mofongo, mashed fried plantains with garlic, often filled with shrimp or meat. Look for lechón, slow-roasted pork, served with arroz con gandules, rice with pigeon peas. Alcapurrias and bacalaítos, fried snacks sold at beach stands, are a local favorite.
Dorado's resorts have restaurants ranging from casual beach grills to fine dining. The town of Dorado has local restaurants, bakeries and bars, many along its main streets. Ask your hotel for favorites.
Puerto Rico is famous for rum. The piña colada is said to have been created in San Juan. Try one made with fresh pineapple, or sip a local rum neat. Coffee grown in the island's mountains is excellent. Many cafés serve it strong and sweet.
Honeymoon Tips
- US citizens need no passport for Puerto Rico. Bring a valid government photo ID for flights.
- The US dollar is the currency. US phone plans usually work without roaming charges.
- Watch for rip currents on the north coast, especially in winter. Swim at protected beaches and follow posted warnings.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a hat. The sun is strong all year.
- Bring insect repellent. Dengue occurs in Puerto Rico. Outbreaks have been declared in recent years. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Dress for dinner. Resort-casual is the norm at high-end restaurants, with collared shirts and smart dresses or slacks.
- Book golf tee times, spa treatments and popular restaurants in advance during high season.
