Su Casa, Dorado Beach Gem

The crown jewel of Dorado Beach is the beachfront hacienda Su Casa. Boasting four bedrooms, the Spanish Hacienda, built in 1928 by Clara Livingston after Hurricane San Felipe destroyed her father’s wooden finca home of 1905.  The house built of heavy concrete, thick walls and hefty wooden eaves and Spanish clay tiles, was designed to insure it would stand forever. It enjoys prime location on the waters edge, beach front swimming or pool lounging.Private gated courtyards, an elegantly appointed living room and dining area. An expansive outdoor veranda opens onto a lush outdoor enclave with a secluded infinity-edge pool and breathtaking views of the ocean. Eight thousand square feet of gracious plantation living from a elegant period, including many of the original antiques and personal photos. The services of a private concierge are included.

The original plantation owner Clara Livingston, was a pioneering pilot and served as a commander of the Puerto Rico branch of the Civil Air Patrol. This alliance brought her into contact with Amelia Earhart, who became a close friend and house guest. Amelia stayed at Su Casa on her first stopover days before disappearing over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.

During the recent refurbishing, architects discovered detailed photographs of the home from the 1920’s and the hotel has lovingly restored the hacienda to its 1920’s grandeur. Ritz Carlton spent over two million dollars to refurbish and rents the hacienda for $30,000 per night.

The house, with its sweeping double stairway and clay-tiled roof, has gorgeous gardens, two pools, and private massage rooms lined in white marble. Marble showers large enough for a small army, deep soaking tubs indoors and on private terraces. Wide tile stairs lead down to the infinity pool, which is a picture-perfect setting to appreciate sundown every evening. Style and charm, a historic hacienda with modern amenities.

Su Casa is a spectacular gem at the Dorado Reserve.

Get Thee to The Peninsula Hotel, New York

I, for one, never need an excuse to visit New York. And beginning in October, the city is hosting a veritable Macbeth marathon, even more reason to enjoy a long weekend in the Big Apple.

My recent visit at The Peninsula reminded me of why I have always loved this midtown charmer. Location is superb, recent refurbishing has brightened the cheery elegant and light filled rooms. The scenic city views from the roof top bar, even in chilly weather is a marvelous evening mingle location and during the day, a splendid private spot to read or work on your laptop, if you must!

Peninsula Hotel NY Outdoor barRevitalize from the street stress in the Forbes Five Star Spa also on the rooftop, an ideal retreat after a day of meetings or museums. Nearby fitness center is sunny and airy, personal trainers can provide coaching. Laps your thing? Glass enclosed pool with a killer view of the skyline open all day and late into the evening.

Peninsula Hotel NY PoolRecently opened restaurant, Clement serves contemporary cuisine by chef Brandon Kida, who hails from Asiate of the Mandarin Oriental, among other top restaurants.

Sophisticated, a bit of glam, however unpretentious – the Peninsula takes luxury, style and service seriously. Our clients are always on the VIP list.

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Back to Macbeth. Despite the election year parallels – power hungry men, a rash of tales depicting the Wall Street disciples with damaged and or broken moral compasses. Macbeth has its own homicidal king and will be performed in several productions. Ethan Hawke at Lincoln Center in October. And next June, Kenneth Branagh will star as the maniacal king at the Park Avenue Armory.

Don’t miss!