While Puerto Rico is known for its historic sites, nightlife and art galleries, its reputation as a sophisticated vacation destination is enhanced by the Horned Dorset Primavera hotel in Rincon. (The name is derived from owners Harold Davies and Kingsley Wratten's Horned Dorset Inn in upstate New York and the old La Primavera guest house they bought and renovated.)
The Mediterranean-style Horned Dorset is one of the most exclusive hotels in the Caribbean (it's included in the posh Relais & Chateaux listings) that offers, well, nothing. No televisions, telephones, clocks or radios in the rooms and no formal activities are offered. What it does offer - first-rate service, top-of-the-line accommodations and gourmet cuisine - is what keeps its guests coming back again and again.
All of the 30 rooms spread out in hillside villas have four-poster mahogany beds, marble bathrooms with footed tubs, a private balcony or terrace and a first-class mini-bar. The luxury skyrockets from there with private plunge pools, sundecks, rooftop decks with outstanding sea views and the elegant Casa Escondida, a separate building that houses eight king-size rooms and a private conference room.
Breakfast and lunch are casual, as is the cocktail hour when drinks and tapas are set out. Dinner, on the other hand, is very much a sophisticated, dress-up affair. Whether you select the five-course prix-fixe or the eight-course tasting menu, it's more of an event than a meal. The wine cellar is extensive. Semi-formal attire is required and reservations are recommended, since the restaurant is quite popular with island residents.
The hotel's beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and there's also a large freshwater pool. An open-air lobby overlooks the Mona Passage, and a welcoming bar/library sits off to the side. While the hotel itself is devoid of anything more active than a pool float, the efficient staff can quickly arrange almost any activity, including diving, horseback riding, fishing, tennis, golf and excursions to the island's cities and cultural attractions.
Nightly rates range from US$280-$800 depending on room and time of year. For more information or reservations call 800-633-1857 or 787-823-4030.
Posted online 12/01/98.
