Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is strengthening its presence in the Caribbean. The luxury hotel company will open a luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast. Scheduled to debut in 2028, Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico will be located at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo, an area known for its beaches, mangroves and lagoons.
The project marks Mandarin Oriental’s third property in the Caribbean and will be part of Esencia, a new community developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital.
The resort will include 106 rooms and suites, with a balcony, terrace or private garden. Some suites will include plunge pools, while all villas will have private pools.
The property will also feature 83 residential villas along Esencia’s beach, hillside and cliffs. Additionally, a series of six-story boutique buildings will offer 200 private residences, located near the town center.
The resort will include five dining destinations, a beach club and a lounge bar, offering international cuisine with local influences. Wellness will play a key role, with a spa featuring signature treatments, fitness center and an outdoor lap pool. Guests will also have access to an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course, a children’s club and an outdoor adventure center.
Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental, described the location as a “perfect canvas” for the brand’s service and experiences. “This 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.”
Studio MK27, a São Paulo-based architectural firm known for blending modernist design with sustainability, will lead the design of the resort. The development aligns with Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to sustainable luxury.
“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 splendor, along three miles of breathtaking beaches, amid the magic of Puerto Rico’s west coast,” said Will Bennett, CEO of Three Rules Capital.
Currently, Mandarin Oriental operates 41 hotels, 12 residences and 25 homes in 26 countries, with more projects under development.