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It may be only 22 miles west of San Juan, but Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve feels a world away. The resort has a spectacular location on a three-mile stretch of beach on Puerto Rico’s north shore, where Clara Livingston once ran a sugar plantation—and Amelia Earhart visited before departing for her fateful world tour. In 1958, Livingston sold the property to Laurance S. Rockefeller, who turned it into the first of his legendary Rock Resorts. Known for his green streak, he designed the hotel to respect the local beauty, mandating that buildings could not be taller than the surrounding palm trees.

The Ritz-Carlton—which reopened in October 2018 after a meticulous restoration following Hurricane Maria—pays homage to that original vision. Here, every room is beachfront, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that disappear into ocean views, plus deep soaking tubs, outdoor showers shaded by gardens, and either spacious balconies or private plunge pools. As part of the property’s renovation, rooms were refreshed with a color palette that amplifies the natural beauty just beyond the doors. Additionally, the grounds showcase 3,000 new plant species, the spa is offering new locally inspired treatments and cuisine, Encanto Beach Club Bar & Grill features a refreshed dinner menu, and the Positivo Sandbar debuted an omakase and ceviche bar directly on the sand. There’s even an entirely reimagined signature restaurant, Coa, which serves farm-to-table fare cooked on the grill. Still standing strong on the verdant, 1,400-acre grounds are the five 18-hole championship golf courses. The biggest challenge is pulling yourself away from the luxury of the resort to tee up a shot.

On this week’s episode of Travel Tales by AFAR, a traveler in Mumbai asks: How does a place change when the person who defined it for you is now gone?

This week on Travel Tales by Afar, author Charmaine Craig reveals how an unexpected reunion—and resulting trip to India—changed her future.

Go beyond Kerala’s typical sightseeing destinations with characterful stays, private meetings with artisans, and meals in local homes.

On this Feel Good Friday episode of Unpacked by Afar, the team celebrates sustainable travel in India, the life of a legendary super tusker named Craig, and a California incubator giving BIPOC winemakers their shot.

Read articles and excerpts from the Summer 2023 print issue of Afar Magazine.

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, we explore how to visit Native communities respectfully and in a way that’s beneficial to all

Read articles from this print issue of Afar Magazine.

In this week’s episode of Unpacked by AFAR, we journey to Kerala, India, to explore what tourism looks like when it truly benefits a local community—and travelers.

On this episode of Unpacked, we tune into the soul of modern music on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

On this episode of Unpacked, we streamline your suitcase with the help of a master stylist.

In this episode of Unpacked, we go inside the movement to return national park land to its original stewards: Native Americans.

Soak in the Dead Sea, learn Jordanian recipes, and camp in Wadi Rum on this epic adventure.

On this episode of Unpacked: Where to Go, Aislyn Greene is joined by Kathryn Romeyn to talk about Penang’s UNESCO‑listed George Town, from hawker‑stall laksa and Peranakan kitchens to weekend art markets, street murals, Penang Hill hikes, and new boutique hotels; they share tips on timing, etiquette, and how to experience the island like a resident.

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, Afar founders share the spontaneous travel stories that sparked 15 years of impact.