Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will extend its footprint in the Caribbean with the addition of a new-build resort and residence in Puerto Rico.Slated to open in 2028, Mandarin Oriental Esencia will be located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. The project is part of Esencia, a new cosmopolitan coastal community owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital.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 beaches, vibrant gastronomy and sports and wellness activities.
The resort will feature 106 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.“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,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.“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 feature five dining destinations, a beach club, a poolside restaurant and bar and lounge bar. Other resort highlights will be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental and access to a Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course.“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,” said Jamie Reuben, Principal of Reuben Brothers. “Esencia is a significant project in our global portfolio of rarified properties. We are making a transformative investment in Puerto Rico and are thrilled to welcome Mandarin Oriental as a key hospitality partner.”Mandarin Oriental Esencia will complement sister properties in the Caribbean, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan in St. Vincent and The Grenadines and the recently announced Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula.
