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Better than ever:
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The Hyatt renovation proves it is possible to make things better without sacrificing the soul of the original. This is especially true of Raymond Floyd's work on the vintage golf courses. The proof is in the pudding, the East Course at Dorado, a popular Senior PGA Tour venue, which is now much edgier, with crisp bunkers guarding elevated greens and tee boxes repositioned to test today's golfers.
"We've restored the courses' beauty and classicism while preserving
Jones' challenging design," says Floyd. The designer considered
Jones' concept of how each hole should be played, then factored
in modern-day differences in equipment and technique. In some
cases this meant adjusting the size or position of trees, bunkers
and other hazards to maintain the proper illusion and challenge
for golfers of varying abilities. The changes ensure that the
degree of difficulty from each set of tees is uniform and fair,
but geared to today's player.
The golfer who makes a yearly pilgrimage to the Hyatt complex will notice that the nines have been reversed on the East Course and the West Course is longer and more modern, with reshaped bunkers.
Junior Colon, director of golf, says "The longer fairways and
placement of the fairways bunkers essentially brings the bunkers
into play for the longer hitters, while forgiving high handicappers."
Cerromar's North and South courses -- and Cerromar's $6.5 million, 45,000-square-foot clubhouse -- will be the centerpiece of Cerromar Plantation, a residential and commercial project. When completed, the two courses will be reconfigured, using holes from the old courses and a few new ones. The clubhouse and both courses debut January 2004.
There are inevitable similarities among the courses: all are lush and beautifully landscaped, from Jones' "runway" tee boxes to the large, sculptured greens. There's plenty of sand and water to get into, and the variable wind is a constant factor. All four layouts are about 7,000 yards from the back tees.
The
signature holes are as fresh and memorable as the day they were
created. The East Course's infamous dilemma is the fourth hole
(formerly the 13th), a 500-yard par-5 with a double dogleg around
two water hazards. It's been many years since Jack Nicklaus
called it one of the world's toughest holes, but it still begs
the question: should I chance two long shots over water or take
the safe route and possibly be faced with a 150-yard third shot?
Fairways on the West Course run in all four directions, subjecting players to the vagaries of the wind. Found here are the most difficult par-3s in the complex, including the 170-yard 13th hole, which plays into the teeth of the ocean breeze.
Another
stand-out par-3 into the prevailing wind is the North Course's
175-yard seventh hole, which occupies a scenic bluff overlooking
Cerromar's beach. The windy South Course has water on all but
five holes, including three of the longest tests. The 17th hole
is a 200-yard par-3 with water on the right and behind the green
and two bunkers in front.
One striking early addition to the Hyatt complex is the $6 million 30,000-square-foot golf clubhouse at Dorado Beach, which replaces a very forgettable structure and is now one of the largest and finest clubhouses in the islands. The Spanish-style building has a pro shop and a 140-seat restaurant/lounge which serves excellent food in a great setting overlooking the East Course. The professional staff handles a high volume of golfers (and their bags) with ease and courtesy, which is not always a given at island courses.
The soul of other resort facilities is also intact.
Forty-four
years ago, Dorado Beach was the epitome of understated elegance,
with low-profile buildings blending into tropical foliage along
a beautiful private beach. Remarkably, it still is, even though
it has grown to 298 rooms. Now it also has all of the amenities
expected of a fine 21st century resort, including a lap pool,
swimming pool and fitness center. The service and food are as
pleasing as the surroundings.
Cerromar Beach, always a colorful beehive of activity, is now a bigger, more colorful, and decidedly classier beehive which is perfectly attuned to family vacations and conventions. Its river pool, the world's longest freshwater swimming pool, is even better with the addition of another jacuzzi, a fifth waterslide and a new gazebo. Though it may sound like an amusement park feature, the river pool runs through a profuse beachfront garden surrounded by flowering tropical plants and doused by 14 waterfalls. It is a real treat for adults as well as children.
Off course
These
two resorts have it all. Just pick up your room phone and express
your wishes for the day -- tennis, biking, windsurfing, jet skiing,
snorkeling, catamaran sails, deep sea fishing, or scuba. That
is, if the beach and river pool are not entertainment enough after
a hard day's work on the golf course. If you have a gambling itch,
satisfy it at Cerromar's modern casino, a dusk-to-dawn adult playground
with whirling lights, clanging slot machines and inviting green
velvet tables.
Where to stay
Take your pick: Dorado Beach, with its 298 low-rise, elegant guest rooms with sliding doors opening onto a terrific beach; or the seven-story 506-room Cerromar Beach, with its river pool, Olympic pool and casino.
Where to dine
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All of the restaurants in the two-hotel complex have been tastefully refurbished, and the food and service seem to have risen several notches as well. There are a plethora of dining options, so there is no need to leave the resort complex unless you have a hankering for rice-and-beans at roadside eateries. By the way, you can get traditional dishes on-site.
Dorado Beach dining
Su Casa -- The best experience in the complex may very
well be this old oceanfront hacienda, which serves traditional
Spanish/Puertorican cuisine indoors and out, accompanied by strolling
musicians.
El Catador -- This cozy room for eight people resembles a local turn of the century mansion's wine cellar.
Surf Room -- This three-tiered restaurant features a variety of continental dishes and overlooks the beach.
Zen Garden -- Located at Hyatt Dorado's sister property Hyatt Hacienda del Mar, this is the place for Chinese-Japanese specialties including sushi and sashimi.
Cerromar dining
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Swan Cafe -- This three-level outdoor cafe features a continental breakfast, luncheon buffets and dinner a la carte.
You may want to stray no farther for lunch or dinner than the Dorado Beach golf clubhouse or the Cerromar Beach Clubhouse, both of which are very comfortable and have diverse menus.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
