SAN FRANCISCO & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SB Architects is pleased to announce the completion of its latest resort project: Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Dorado, Puerto Rico. This one-of-a-kind destination, which opened on December 12, is the second Ritz Carlton Reserve property in the world and the first in the Western Hemisphere. Located on one of the most desirable and naturally beautiful sites in the Caribbean, the property has been designed to provide a ultra-luxury experience with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Set amid 1,400 acres of the former estate of Laurence Rockefeller, Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve includes 100 guest rooms and 14 one-bedroom suites, all set directly on the beach, as well as Su Casa – the original plantation hacienda – which has been renovated to serve as a four-bedroom VIP villa. When complete, the resort will include a world-class spa, beach and golf-oriented condominiums and townhomes, several grand villas, a beach club and golf club.
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve embodies the elements, philosophy and site-sensitive, authentic approach to design that are the hallmark of this new Reserve brand. As the designer of this ground-breaking resort, SB Architects is helping to define the brand through design, and creating a new definition of luxury for Puerto Rico in the process.
SB Architects has been a leading figure in Puerto Rico’s emergence as one of the Caribbean’s most desirable destinations. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the design firm’s third luxury property to open on this Caribbean Island - a burgeoning resort destination - in the past several years. The San Francisco and Miami-based firm also has designed the hugely successful Bahia Beach Golf Resort, anchored by the St. Regis Bahia Beach, and has orchestrated the renovation of the Ritz-Carlton San Juan.
Dorado Beach has long been one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated destinations - more than 50 years ago, Laurence Rockefeller opened the Dorado Beach Resort & Club on the property, introduced the world to the concept of the environmentally-friendly “luxury island resort.” In keeping with the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand commitment to stewardship and Mr. Rockefeller’s legacy of conservation, the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve has been designed to LEED Certification standards.
The unique architectural style developed for Dorado Beach takes its cue from two important influences: the site itself and the rich, multi-layered history of both Puerto Rico and Dorado Beach. The architecture is contemporary, and draws heavily from the mid-century modern vernacular in a direct reference to the period that gave rise to the original Dorado Beach Resort. Rockefeller’s iconic Surf Room has been meticulously replicated as an event space. Yet the environment and structures are warm and inviting, infused with layers of references to the surrounding natural world and to the many cultures – both ancient and modern – that have influenced life on this unique island.
In over 50 years of design practice, SB Architects has maintained a long-standing reputation for excellence in the planning and design of large-scale, multi-phased projects. The firm regularly competes with some of the largest architecture firms in the world, yet maintains a hands-on, boutique practice. The firm’s portfolio spans the globe, and includes projects throughout the United States, in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East. Known for site-sensitive, contextually appropriate design, SB Architects has received over 200 awards for design excellence.