Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is set to manage a new luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s breath-taking southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico is expected to open in 2028 and will be the Group’s third property in the Caribbean, further strengthening its presence in the region.
The project is part of Esencia, a new cosmopolitan coastal community owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital.
Nestled amidst rich biodiversity, the property will offer guests and residents an immersive experience of Puerto Rico’s famed landscapes, including stunning beaches, protected mangroves and serene lagoons.
Guests will also enjoy panoramic sunsets over the Bay’s pristine waters. Boquerón Bay is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant gastronomy, and sports and wellness activities, making it an ideal setting for Mandarin Oriental.
The resort will feature 106 superbly designed rooms and suites with a balcony, terrace or private garden. Select suites will feature plunge pools, whilst all villas will include private pools.
An exclusive collection of 83 residential villas will be sprinkled across Esencia’s spectacular beach, hillside and cliffs.
In addition, a series of six-story boutique buildings, nestled into the natural landscape, will house approximately 200 private residences – conveniently located near the town centre.
Designed as a true sanctuary for owners, the residences will offer dedicated amenities, while seamlessly integrating with the hotel’s world-class facilities and services.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, commented: “We are excited to be expanding our Caribbean footprint into Puerto Rico and look forward to a fruitful partnership with Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital. This very special location, with its captivating natural beauty and rich culture, presents the perfect canvas for us to bring our legendary service and exceptional experiences to life. We cannot wait to deliver a truly extraordinary destination for both our guests and residents.”
The hotel will offer a variety of unique amenities, including five distinct dining destinations featuring international cuisines with locally inspired culinary delights. A beach club, a poolside restaurant and bar and a sophisticated lounge bar will provide a further dynamic to the overall experience.
Another key highlight of the resort will be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, an expansive wellness sanctuary offering a range of signature wellness, beauty and massage treatments.
The dedicated wellness space includes a state of the art fitness center with an outdoor lap-pool and a beauty salon.
The wellness offerings will provide guests with crafted experiences in relaxation, rejuvenation and mindfulness, synonymous with Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning spa concepts.
Featuring a variety of elegant spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor settings, the resort will provide an idyllic backdrop for weddings and social occasions, all enhanced by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Guests and residents will also benefit from an array of leisure pursuits, including a Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course, a dedicated children’s club and an outdoor adventure centre that celebrates the natural beauty of Boquerón Bay.
The design of Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico will be led by the award-winning architectural firm Studio MK27, based in São Paulo, Brazil.
Founded by Marcio Kogan, Studio MK27 is renowned for its contemporary approach to modernist design, characterized by formal simplicity and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
The design will prioritize sustainable practices, aligning with Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable luxury.
Will Bennett, CEO and managing partner of Three Rules Capital, added: “Esencia is a new cosmopolitan community unlike any other in the Caribbean. We are creating a vibrant place to visit, experience and call home within 2,000 acres of tropical splendour, along three miles of breathtaking beaches, amid the magic of Puerto Rico’s west coast. We are excited to be working with Mandarin Oriental who will perfectly complement this vision with a signature beach hotel and a stunning collection of expertly serviced residences designed by the visionary Studio MK27.”
Jamie Reuben, Principal of Reuben Brothers, said: “Puerto Rico is among the world’s most beautiful destinations and promising growth markets, particularly the west coast, beloved for its rich culture and pristine natural landscape. Esencia is a significant project in our global portfolio of rarefied properties. We are making a transformative investment in Puerto Rico and are thrilled to welcome Mandarin Oriental as a key hospitality partner.”
