What is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Property?

Luxury is a hallmark of the Ritz-Carlton brand, but within the portfolio there’s a very special tier designed to offer something even more intimate, personal, and destination-driven. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the most exclusive collection within the Ritz-Carlton brand. There are fewer than 10 Reserve properties worldwide, each one intentionally designed to feel rare, deeply personal, and rooted in its destination. Unlike traditional Ritz-Carlton hotels, which are often located in major cities or resort hubs, Reserve properties are:

Purposefully remote or secluded
Small in scale, often with a residential feel
Architecturally and culturally tied to their location
Service-driven in a quiet, intuitive way, rather than formal or scripted

Every Reserve property is unique. They’re built to feel like this place, not any place you’ve stayed before. It’s not about repeating luxury. It’s about designing it with purpose.

Bringing “Reserve” to Life: Dorado Beach, Firsthand with Emily

Understanding what a Reserve property is is one thing, but experiencing it is another.

To bring this distinction to life, one of our advisors, Emily Sibley, recently spent four nights at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, experiencing the property exactly as you would. Dorado Beach is often one of the first Reserve properties travelers encounter, not because it’s flashy, but because it so clearly embodies the Reserve philosophy.

Perched on a historic Rockefeller estate in Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach is intentionally off the beaten path. You don’t stumble in, you arrive, and the quiet, effortless calm hits immediately. That’s the Reserve difference in action.

The Experience at Dorado Beach

Emily stayed in a West Beach King Oceanfront room, and the experience immediately reflected the Reserve ethos. The space was expansive and serene, with interiors that felt both elevated and natural. The bathrooms alone set the tone: a rainfall shower, an indoor soaking tub, and an outdoor tub so private and peaceful it became part of the daily rhythm.

Every room includes a personal butler, and this is where Reserve service truly shines. Rather than feeling formal or intrusive, the service was seamless and anticipatory- handling dinner reservations, ice deliveries, and arranging evening golf cart rides to dinner, all without ever feeling like “service” was happening.

Daily housekeeping was equally thoughtful and unobtrusive, reinforcing the feeling that everything was handled.

A Resort That Feels Personal and Welcoming

Dorado Beach is intentionally small and walkable, something Emily especially appreciated over a four-night stay. The beach, pool, and restaurants are all within easy reach, creating a sense of ease that’s often missing at larger resorts.

While there were families on property, the overall atmosphere remained calm, refined, and unhurried. Pool and beach service were consistently excellent, and the food across every restaurant and bar exceeded expectations, a rarity even among luxury resorts.

What many guests don’t realize is that Dorado Beach sits within a larger private compound, offering access to pickleball and tennis courts, soccer fields, a gym, and nearly three golf courses. Guests can also visit additional pools within the residential areas, which feel more relaxed and local compared to the main resort. Serving as a nice contrast depending on the mood of the day.

Why Reserve Is Different and Who It’s For

This is a property for travelers who value:

Space over spectacle
Privacy over programming
Service that anticipates rather than performs
Luxury that feels personal, not packaged

Reserve properties aren’t meant to replace traditional luxury hotels. They are meant to elevate the experience for travelers who already know what five-star looks like and are ready for something more nuanced. Plus… did we mention no passport needed for these views?

Final Thoughts

Emily left Dorado Beach feeling that rare balance of being deeply relaxed yet fully taken care of. The kind of experience and trip that lingers long after you return home. It’s a place that delivers luxury without ever needing to announce itself.

And that, ultimately, is what Reserve really means.

Written by Madeline Aldridge, travel advisor with Nashville Luxury Travel

What “Reserve” Really Means through the Lens of Dorado Beach