Dorado Beach Review is part of the TPOL Moves to PR Trip Report and a continuation of the series House Hunters (Semi) International: Where to Live in Puerto Rico.
Previously on House Hunters (Semi) International, TPOL began his journey to find the best place to live in Puerto Rico. His first requirement is to have a great place to golf. His second is to be close to the beach. His third is not to have to deal with driving as a result of spending my time drinking on the course or en la playa. And if possible, he would love to have a view of the ocean. In short, he’s looking for that elusive island charm.
On paper, and if you have enough paper, Dorado checks all those boxes. The problem is that TPOL doesn’t have enough readers to pay to live in Dorado Beach, the upscale gated community home to TPC Dorado Beach courses. Instead, he would have to live in the city of Dorado where the housing selection leaves much to be desired. One thing is for sure, if you’re looking for a house online, sorting by price may not yield the best options:
We did find some listings that were in the low $200’s. As expected the houses were dated, had low ceilings, and obviously had no ocean view.
Frustrated that he could not find a suitable home, TPOL figured that he could rent something cheap, join Dorado Beach, and wait to go back on CNN, this time to promote the book, Everyone’s Advice Is Wrong . . . Including Mine. With that plan, we went to see what Dorado Beach was all about.
First Impressions
Finances aside, TPOL could see himself living in Dorado.
TPOL: Finances be damned, I can see myself living here.
Gym
Hands down, Dorado Beach has the best gym in Puerto Rico.
Lazy River
Imagine living in a community that has a lazy river and a mini water park.
TPOL: Wow, a lazy river. 
Housing
The cheapest condo goes for 1 million. And that doesn’t include the HOA. These mansions go for a few more dollars than that.
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria severely impacted Dorado. Since then, the community has recovered. However, this photo is emblematic of the power of Maria.
East Golf Course
Dorado used to have four 18 hole courses. Since Maria, it has three. The most famous is the East Golf Course.
Encanto Beach Club
After a day of losing balls on the course, head over to Encanto for some pool and beach. You do have to decide if you want to go to the lazy river or the beach club as they are located at opposite ends of the property.
Cost
Joining Dorado isn’t for the commoners. First, there is a $60,000 non-equity initiation fee. Then there is a $700/month membership fee. And, if that weren’t enough, golfers still have to pay the cart fee as private carts aren’t allowed on any course in PR. As far as food goes, that bill could easily add up when gratuity and the 11.5% sales tax is factored in.
Helipad
Assuming you are able to afford the above, would you want to be the poorest kid in the richest neighborhood? Golf carts go for 10k new, how much for the helicopter?
Overall
What did TPOL think of Dorado? Will he be moving there? Will he be joining the club? Let’s ask:
TPOL: Obviously the place is beautiful and money is no object when it comes to happiness. Accordingly, I have decided to buy a piece of Dorado.
 International, TPOL began his journey to find the best place to live in Puerto Rico.){kind=link}
Please come and blog about st lucia. You can buy villas which where 1.5mln about 10 years, for half of the price right now. Not so prone to hurricanes and… Lovely Caribbean island, friendly people with direct flights to the US and Canada. The best… Lots of British have left the island because of brexit and pound.
Everything comes with a catch my friend. Time for Mongolia…
Lol I’m not giving away the ending (as I type this from Ulaanbaatar)
Doesn’t Singapore have no income tax?
If you’re a US citizen then you still pay