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Private Luxury Dorado Beach Vacation Home - FAQs

Q: Is the Property part of the resort?
A: Yes – Our Property is located within the exclusive Dorado Beach East security gated community, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort. It’s about a seven minute golf cart ride along the beach from the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. You’ll enjoy the privacy of our unique Property while still being inside the main Dorado Beach Resort grounds.

Q: How are the Main Residence and Villa arranged? Are they private?
A: Our Property was custom built and architecturally designed by a locally renowned Dorado architect as a Modern Hawaiian Ohana-Style Family Compound, to function as a private, secluded, “Resort within the Resort’. The 6,300 sq. ft Main Residence (5-BR, 6-BA) is in the front and our 2,100 sq. ft Villa (3-BR, 3BA) is in the rear. Each dwelling residence is separate and self-contained, but together, they share a pristinely maintained shared Olympic size stone tile 60,000 gallon swimming pool, wading area, and hot tub with capacity for up to 30 people. The Villa has its own well-lit, beautifully landscaped walkway from the front entrance and is situated on the opposite side of the shared pool and patio area which separates the two residences which are not attached. Both homes are extremely private and equipped with dual privacy blackout blinds and sound-proof and hurricane-proof windows to ensure privacy and minimize noise. The only shared spaces between the two residences are the front driveway for parking, garage with five dedicated golf carts for guest use, walkway on the left side of the Property, pool, outdoor furniture, fire pit, and hot tub. All indoor spaces (and each house’s individual patio/deck areas) are for the exclusive use of that residence’s guests. If you rent only one of the two dwellings, it’s possible another guest group may rent the other during your stay. Rest assured, you’ll still have plenty of privacy during your stay and so far, we have never had any issues with guests sharing or alternating use of these areas during their stay.

Q: Is the pool private or shared?
A: The pool and hot tub in family Ohana-Style pool and hot tub area are shared between the Main Residence and the Villa. This is not a communal pool for the whole resort – it’s just for the two houses which make up our 8BR, 9BA family compound. If your group rents both dwellings together, then your party has private use of the pool/hot tub. Otherwise, if you’re renting only one house, the other house’s guests will also have access to these common area amenities. We strive to ensure all guests can enjoy the pool courteously. (Both houses have shades and separate entrances to maintain privacy while using the pool area.

Q: How far is the beach, and can we walk or use a golf cart to get there?
A: The nearest beach is very close – roughly a 5-minute golf cart ride from the house. You can also walk if you’d like (about 15 minutes on foot), but the dedicated golf charts provided for each house make it quick and easy. Depending on which residence you choose, you’ll have plenty of access to one of the five golf carts during your stay for zipping around the resort. Three (3) golf carts are exclusively reserved for guests staying in the Main Residence (seating capacity for 14 adults). Two (2) golf carts are exclusively reserved for the Villa (seating capacity for 8 adults). They are all conspicuously labeled as “Main Residence” and “Villa”, so there will be no confusion.

Q: Is the beach private to the resort? Do we have access?
A: All beaches in Puerto Rico are public, including those within the resort. As our guest, you can visit GoodWinds Beach (the local beach inside the resort) freely without membership. There are lounge chairs available at the beach, and a water sports center for rentals (kayaks, kite& surf boards, etc.). We provide beach towels at the house (you’ll find them in the laundry room), so feel free to take them with you for beach days. The only limitation is the exclusive Encanto Beach Club area, which is a private members-only club (access is available if you opt for the temporary membership – see the Membership FAQ section below). But all of the general resort beach areas are open for you to enjoy. (Note: The Goodwinds Beach restaurant on-site Barlavento is reserved for Club members only, but you can still enjoy the beach itself without membership.)

Resort Amenities & Membership FAQs

Q: What amenities can we use without purchasing a resort membership?
A: Great news – there are many amenities included for all our guests without any extra fees! You will have access to:

Pools & Parks: Bunker Pool & Park, which features a swimming pool, beach volleyball court, tennis courts, and basketball court (no membership required). There’s also Livingston Park, a playground and shallow kiddie pool with slides and water features for little ones.
Beach Access: The resort’s beach areas (e.g. GoodWinds Beach) with seating/benches are open to you as described above – just bring along the beach towels and plenty of sunscreen!
Trails & Nature: The Rockefeller Nature Trail, a beautiful rainforest trail, is accessible to all guests for walking, jogging, biking, or golf cart rides. (Note: the trail is closed from sunset to sunrise for safety.)
Fitness: A 24-hour Residents’ Gym is located in the community and available for your use anytime. No membership is needed to use this fitness center.

These amenities are free of charge to our guests. We want you to enjoy the community! In addition, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Spa and the resort’s three signature restaurants (COA, Positivo, and Flor de Sal) are open to the public – you do not need a club membership to dine or book spa treatments, though advanced reservations are required for these facilities. (Tip: If you’d like to dine at the Ritz-Carlton hotel restaurants, you can reserve for parties of 4 or fewer on OpenTable, and larger parties by calling the resort’s reservation line. For Spa Botanico appointments, you may email or call the spa directly. We’re happy to provide contact info.)

Q: What is the Temporary Resort Membership, and do we need it?
A: The Dorado Beach Resort Temporary Membership is an optional program for guests that provides access to additional exclusive amenities. Whether you need it really depends on how you plan to spend your vacation. If you’re an “island explorer” with a rental car, eager to venture out to local eateries and attractions, you can absolutely enjoy your stay here without a membership. You’ll still have the beach, one of the resort pools, the gym, trails, etc. at your disposal. However, if you intend to relax on-site most days – for example, sipping piña coladas while your kids play at the private Encanto Beach Club pool or the Watermill water park, playing rounds of golf or tennis, joining group fitness classes at the Dorado Beach members’ gym (shown in our photos) , and sampling all the resort’s restaurants – then the temporary membership is the key to unlock all those experiences. In short, it’s not required, but it does tremendously enhance your access to all of the Dorado Beach amenities if you want the full resort experience. For this reason, we highly recommend that you add the membership to your stay. Note: the Ritz Carleton pool and hot tub is reserved exclusively for their hotel guests and is not included in the Temporary Membership.

Q: What does the Temporary Membership include, and how much does it cost?
A: A temporary membership grants you exclusive access to a range of luxury amenities at Dorado Beach Resort. With membership, you can enjoy:

Encanto Beach Club – a private members-only beachfront club with a pool, lounge areas, and service.
The Watermill Aquatic Park – a family-friendly water park with slides and lazy river (great for kids and adults alike!).
Golf Courses – two 18-hole championship golf courses on-site (reservation and greens fees are still required to play)file-vrg17shbqmzrnfjyyp6dy9.
Tennis & Pickleball – access to tennis courts and sports facilities (lessons or court fees may apply in some cases).
Fitness Centers – three state-of-the-art fitness facilities including those at the Encanto Beach Club and Golf clubhouse.
Spa Botanico – the world-class spa at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve (membership allows access; treatments are billed separately).
Dining and Club Events – entry to exclusive member-only dining venues and social events. For example, the Goodwinds Beach restaurant, Barlovento, (and several other clubhouse dining experiences) are accessible to members. In total, the resort offers up to eight unique dining experiences, many of which are available or enhanced via membership.

The cost for a temporary membership is a one-time $350 per person (for adults and children 6 years and older) for the duration of your stay. Kids under 6 are free. In addition, the club requires a refundable deposit (a pre-paid spend) that varies depending on the number of guests and length of stay. This deposit covers any charges you make to your membership account (for food, services, etc.) and any unused portion will be refunded after you depart (typically about two weeks after checkout).

Q: How do we apply for the temporary membership?
A: We as your hosts will sponsor and handle the application on your behalf – making it very easy for you! If you decide to enroll, just send us the full names of all guests aged 6 and over, and one email address to use for the application. We’ll submit the paperwork to the Club Membership Office (usually about 2 weeks before your arrival), and you’ll receive an electronic acknowledgement to sign. Once processed, you’ll be issued a temporary membership number for your stay. We will pick up your membership cards and have them waiting at the house when you arrive (we will leave them either at the front door or on the kitchen table for you) – easy!

Keep in mind, resort activities and most of the restaurants require reservations even with membership. Tee times for golf, for example, should be booked in advance (fees for actually playing golf are separate from the membership). Likewise, dining at the Ritz Carleton Reserve restaurants should be reserved ahead of time (more details in the dining answer above).

Q: Does membership let us use the Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel or West Beach pool?
A: No – the main Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel pool is exclusive to hotel guests only, and the West Beach pool is for west beach residents only and not accessible to you. (Even with a club membership, these particular pools are off-limits to you, although you may use the beach in both places. However, with a temporary membership you’ll have Encanto Beach Club’s pool and the Watermill water park as fantastic alternatives. And remember, the resort’s three Ritz-Carlton Reserve restaurants (COA, Positivo, Flor de Sal) and Spa Botanico are open to the public – you’re welcome to enjoy those with reservations. In fact, if you book a lunch or dinner at COA or Positivo, you’ll get to experience the beautiful ambiance of the hotel area (dining at those restaurants is a way non-hotel guests can see the Ritz hotel grounds). So while you can’t just use the Ritz’s pool or hot tub without risk of being caught and asked to leave as we sometimes do - you won’t feel like you’re missing out – there are plenty of other pools and amenities in Dorado Beach that you can enjoy!

Q: How can our whole group enjoy Ritz-Carlton Reserve + West Beach Members Club amenities without buying multiple memberships?

A: Book our entire 8 BR / 9 BA Hawaiian Ohana Compound – ie. both houses (sleeps 20–30) to use as your main home bas and Add one 1-bed “Beach House Suite” at the Ritz-Carlton (≈ $2-3 k total per night). That single suite’s key cards give everyone in your party unlimited access to the resort pools, private beaches, fitness center, spa, cabanas, meal-and-towel service—all day, every day. How it works: Check into the suite ➜ register guests with concierge ➜ collect wristbands/key cards ➜ use the suite as a convenient daytime lounge. Bask in resort luxury by day, retreat to your spacious villa by night—maximum perks, minimum cost. Larger groups can use this “split-stay” approach to save big:

Slash costs: One suite replaces several ocean-front rooms or multiple Club memberships —thousands saved.
Space & privacy: Enjoy 10× the living space, a private Olympic size pool & hot tub, and intimate evenings in your own private resort compound.
Total flexibility: Host private dinners and late-night gatherings without hotel restrictions, then use any one of our 5 dedicated golf carts to venture out to five-star amenities whenever you like.

Q: Even if we don’t get the Club membership or book a suite at the Ritz , can we still use the water park or Encanto Beach Members' club for a day?

A: Yes. We want you to love your stay, so we’re happy to help find solutions. Even if you choose not to purchase memberships for everyone, there are a couple of options. Sometimes guests opt to get just 1–2 memberships for key members of their group, and those members can then escort others into the facilities as their guests. (For example, with two membership cards, your whole family of 6 could go together to Encanto Beach Club – the two cardholders can sign in the others as their guests.) Alternatively, if you’d prefer no memberships at all, if we are available and in the Dorado Beach area, we can host you as our personal guests at certain amenities. We have, for instance, offered to bring families into the Watermill water park for an afternoon or to the Encanto Beach Club on a limited basis. We do this as a special host courtesy to help you enjoy the resort. If this is something you’re interested in, please let us know and we’ll see what we can arrange (availability will depend on our availability locally, timing, and club policies which vary from time to time – especially during holidays or other peak periods). We genuinely want you to experience the best of Dorado Beach!

Transportation & Getting Around

Q: How far is the property from San Juan and the airport?
A: We are located in Dorado, about 30–40 minutes by car west of San Juan and the main international airport (SJU). It’s a straightforward drive along the highway/coastal road. If you’re renting a car, it should be an easy trip.

Q: Is a rental car recommended, or do you offer transportation?
A: If you plan to explore attractions and restaurants around Puerto Rico beyond the resort, having a rental car is definitely convenient. However, if you prefer not to drive, we’ve got you covered for airport transfers and local rides. We partner with our limo driver, Miguel, who can pick your party up at SJU Airport and bring you directly to the villa in Dorado for ~$100 per trip. Miguel is reliable and friendly – many guests appreciate starting their vacation with a hassle-free pickup. You can pay him in cash or via Venmo, whichever is easier. Just let us know if you’d like to use Miguel’s services and we will help coordinate the pickup time and details.

Once you’re at the resort, a car isn’t needed for getting around Dorado Beach itself – you’ll have golf carts for inside the community, and you can also rent bicycles or walk to many spots. For venturing into town (Dorado has grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) or day trips around the island, you’d use a car or taxi service. Bottom line: Many guests do rent a car for flexibility, but if you just plan to relax at our private Ohana-style family compound and the resort and maybe do one or two outings, you can manage with our driver, a taxi, and the golf carts we provide during your stay.

Q: Tell us more about the golf carts – are they included?
A: Yes! Golf carts are the fun and convenient way to get around the Dorado Beach community – you’ll use them to reach the beach, restaurants, parks, and even just to enjoy scenic drives around the property. Four carts seat 4–6 adults; One cart seats 6-9 adults. If both the Main House and Guest House are rented by separate groups, we have a total of five carts available on the property and no fixed cart assignments – it becomes first-come, first-served, but there are always enough carts to accommodate everyone. Depending on which residence you chose, you’ll have plenty of access to one of the five (5) golf carts during your stay for zipping around the resort. Three golf carts are exclusively reserved for guests staying in the Main Residence (seating capacity for up to 21 adults). Two golf carts are exclusively reserved for the Villa (seating capacity for up to 12 adults). So, in practice, you can count on always having transportation within the resort for everyone in your group. We just ask that guests share nicely if both houses are occupied, and also please make sure you always park the carts in the garage and charge them when not in use, so you (or the next person using it) do not accidentally run out of charge while touring the resort.

For cart usage, a few friendly reminders: Keep the carts plugged in to charge when you’re not driving, so you always have a full battery. Only licensed drivers age 16 or older are allowed to drive the golf carts in the resort (this is a strict Dorado Beach rule for safety). Please obey the community speed limits and drive carefully – the resort is very peaceful and tranquil and everyone wants to keep it that way. Note that the Rockefeller Nature Trail (the golf cart path through the forest) is closed at night from 7pm to 6am, so you’ll use the main roads after dark. Other than that, feel free to zip around and explore! It’s one of the perks of staying here – no cars needed on the resort grounds – and we think you’ll love the experience of cruising under the palm trees in the golf buggy.

Q: Are there restaurants or grocery stores nearby?
A: On the resort grounds, you have access to several restaurants (as mentioned earlier, the Ritz Reserve has three restaurants open to the public with reservations). Additionally, within the Dorado Beach community and nearby neighborhoods, there are some great dining options and local eateries. For groceries, there is a supermarket (Supermercado) about a 10-minute drive outside the resort, and a small convenience store just outside the community gate. If you don’t have a car or simply prefer convenience, our housekeeper can stock the fridge for you before or after you arrive (see the Contact & Services section for details on grocery service). Many guests also use services like Instacart for grocery delivery to the house. And of course, you can always ask us for restaurant recommendations – Dorado has everything from casual local spots to fine dining.

House Guidelines & Policies

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times?
A: Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out time is 10:00 AM. We do our best to be flexible when we can. If there’s no new guest coming immediately after you, we’re happy to offer a late check-out when possible (for example, we have allowed guests to stay until mid-afternoon if their flights were later. Just let us know in advance if you need a little extra time and we’ll try to accommodate. On the flip side, if you’re arriving early and the house is ready, we can often arrange an earlier check-in as well – we’ll keep in touch about that around your arrival day. Our goal is to make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible! If ever a late check-out can’t be arranged, we can also assist with ideas – for instance, storing your luggage and letting you enjoy the resort (or even setting you up at the Ritz-Carlton business center or spa for a few hours).

Q: Is there Wi-Fi in the house?
A: Yes, of course – free Wi-Fi is provided.

Q: What is the pet policy?
A: We welcome pets on a case-by-case basis! If you’d like to bring a furry friend, please inform us in advance. We do charge an additional pet fee for extra cleaning, as noted in our listing and house rules. As long as your pet is well-behaved, we’re happy to host them. We just ask that you pick up after your pet and keep them off the furniture. The resort is very pet-friendly with plenty of spaces to walk dogs. Again, please arrange any pet stays with us beforehand so we can approve and note the fee.

Q: Can we smoke at the property?
A: Sorry, no smoking is allowed anywhere on the premises (inside or outside). This policy keeps the home fresh and allergen-free for all guests. Thank you for understanding and respecting our no-smoking rule.

Q: How do we handle trash and housekeeping during our stay?
A: The community has daily trash pick-up every morning around 8:00 AM (except Sundays). We have provided garbage bins by the corner of the garage – feel free to dispose of your tied trash bags there, and the service will collect them each day. If you happen to miss the collection, no worries, there’s also a larger dumpster by the garage you can use. As for housekeeping, the home will be professionally cleaned before your arrival. During your stay, if you’d like additional cleaning services, you can arrange housekeeping visits (our housekeeper Shelvey can provide maid service at $40/hour – see Contact & Services below). We provide plenty of extra towels and linens, so you shouldn’t need fresh sets unless you stay for an extended period. There is also a washer/dryer available if you need to do laundry. Basically, we want you to feel at home – so let us know if you need anything like extra cleanings, and we’ll gladly set it up.

Q: What should we do at check-out time before we leave?
A: We have a simple Checkout Checklist (see below!) with a few easy steps to follow on your departure day. It covers things like where to leave keys, what to do with used towels, etc., so you don’t have to guess. You can refer to the next section for all the details.

✅ Checkout Checklist

Before you go, please take a moment to complete the following simple steps. This helps us prepare for the next guests and ensures nothing important is left behind. Thank you!

Timing: Standard check-out is 10:00 AM (local time) unless we’ve arranged otherwise. If you’re departing early in the morning, no need to notify – just leave the keys as instructed. If you absolutely need a bit more time, send us a message and we’ll do our best to accommodate when possible.
Personal Belongings: Double-check all rooms and storage places for your belongings – check closets, drawers, bathroom hooks, and so on. It’s easy to forget a phone charger or a pair of shoes. We’d hate for you to lose something!
Dishes & Trash: Please load any used dishes into the dishwasher and start the wash cycle (if there are just a few dishes, you can hand-wash instead). Place used towels in the laundry basket or hamper (typically located in the bathroom or laundry area). Gather any trash from bins and discard it in the large green garbage cans. This helps keep the house tidy and pest-free.
Lights, A/C, and Doors: Turn off all lights, and please set the air conditioning to a modest level or turn off units if the house will be empty. Make sure all windows are closed, and that you shut all doors securely on your way out. (This is important in case of any rain and for general security.)
Keys & Golf Carts: Leave the house keys on the dining table inside. That way our cleaning team can find them and we can prepare for the next guest. If you used any golf carts, please park them back in our garage or driveway area and plug them into the chargers, and leave the key in the cart with the power “off”.
Bed Sheets, Towels, Linens: If possible, please place in the washing machine and run a cycle before you leave.
Please ensure that any indoor or outdoor furniture that has been moved is returned to its original position before departure.
Final Look: Take one last glance around to ensure you haven’t left anything, and that the house is in reasonably neat shape. We’ll handle the full cleaning – we just ask that you tidy up any major mess or spills. We appreciate it!

Thank you so much for being respectful guests and for following these steps. If your flight is later in the day and you want to enjoy the resort a bit more, you’re welcome to leave your packed luggage in the garage or by the front door at 10AM and continue to use the pool, hot tub, and golf carts for a few extra hours, so long as you collect and remove your luggage it before the next guests arrive at 3 PM. We want you to soak up every last minute of vacation. Safe travels, and we hope to host you again in the future!

📋 Contact & Services

For your convenience, here’s a list of key contacts and services available to you during your stay:

🏠 Host: Yajia Schwartz & Mark Schwartz – Hosts and Owners. For any questions or assistance during your stay, please contact Yajia at (773) 750-1109 or Mark (312) 810-2220 (feel free to call or text). We are always happy to help, whether it’s a quick question about how something works in the house or a special request to make your stay better. You’ll likely meet Yajia or Mark at check-in or doing routine maintenance around the property, and pool area during your stay, but we also endeavor to respect your privacy and stay out of your way. We’re just a phone call away if you need anything at all.
🚖 Driver: Miguel – Our recommended driver for airport transfers and local transportation. Miguel can pick you and your group up at San Juan Airport (SJU) and bring you to the Property for $100 per trip. The drive takes about 40–50 minutes. Miguel’s direct phone number is (787) 405-7170 and his email is [email protected]. You can arrange payment with him in cash or via Venmo. Many guests use Miguel for a stress-free arrival/departure. He’s punctual, friendly, and knows the area well. If you’d like to schedule a pickup or have him on standby for any outings, just let us or Miguel know. (Note: If you have a larger group or extra luggage, Miguel can organize a van or additional vehicle as needed.)
🛒 Housekeeper (Grocery & Cleaning Service): Shelvey – Our wonderful housekeeper who can assist with mid-stay services. Shelvey can stock the refrigerator before or upon your arrival with groceries of your choice. Her rate for grocery shopping is $75 per trip (plus the cost of groceries). Simply email or text your shopping list to her a day or two ahead, and she’ll make sure everything is ready when you arrive. During your stay, Shelvey is also available for housekeeping/maid services at $40 per hour. You can schedule her for a couple of hours daily or every other day – whatever you prefer to keep the house tidy. She’ll handle general cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, etc. Additionally, Shelvey is experienced with babysitting services if the adults want a night out; just let her know your needs and she can often accommodate or recommend a sitter. Contact: Shelvey’s cell is (646) 295-3012. She is very responsive via text/WhatsApp. (Feel free to loop us in on any requests to Shelvey as well, and we’ll help coordinate.)
👨‍🍳 Private Chef – Rory: If you’d like a special meal prepared at the villa, we can highly recommend Chef Rory. He’s a talented local chef who began his culinary career at the Ritz-Carlton’s restaurants before launching his own private catering service. Chef Rory can come to the house to cook a customized brunch, dinner, or a full-day of meals – whatever you desire. His style is a mix of gourmet Puerto Rican and international cuisine, and he loves tailoring menus to guests’ tastes. (Fun fact: Roy has catered events at our home multiple times and always earns rave reviews from our guests!) Contact: Chef Rory’s cell is (787) 675-9230. Let him know Yajia and Mark referred you and discuss your desired menu and pricing. It’s an unforgettable treat to have a dinner expertly prepared for you at home.
👩‍🍳 Private Chef – Ivonne Martinez: For a truly world-class private dining experience, Chef Ivonne is available as well. She is a highly acclaimed chef who cooked at the White House in Washington, D.C., and even prepared President Obama’s farewell dinner at Camp David. Ivonne is now based in Puerto Rico and offers private chef services to a select few. She’s adept at a wide range of cuisines and brings impeccable presentation to each meal. Both Chef Ivonne and Chef Roy have proven to be professional, reliable, and incredibly talented – we trust them completely in our home. Contact: (787) 533-2023. . We recommend reaching out well in advance to secure Chef Ivonne’s services, as her schedule fills up. You can also ask us to coordinate with her on your behalf.

We hope these contacts and services make your stay even more comfortable and memorable. 💛 Our goal is to provide five-star hospitality – if there’s anything you need that’s not listed here, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help arrange whatever you need, whether it’s spa appointments, tee times for golf, restaurant recommendations, or a last-minute babysitter. Thank you for choosing our home for your vacation. We can’t wait for you to enjoy all that Dorado Beach has to offer, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you have an amazing stay! Safe travels and see you soon! 🌴🏖️

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