#COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
São Paolo-based studio MK27 to bring modernist resort to Puerto Rico's Boquerón Bay
Mandarin Oriental to arrive in Boquerón Bay
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is expanding its Caribbean presence with the unveiling of Mandarin Oriental Esencia in Puerto Rico, designed by Studio MK27. Set to open in 2028, the resort will bring of luxury hospitality to its stunning natural surroundings in the southwestern coastal area of Boquerón Bay, Cabo Rojo. This new development is part of a broader vision to create a cosmopolitan community at Esencia, owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital.
The hotel will be located strategically along one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful regions. Boquerón Bay, with its pristine beaches, mangroves, and lagoons, offers an escape for those looking to experience the island’s biodiversity. Guests and residents will be treated to panoramic views of the bay, complemented by spectacular sunsets. The area is known for its gastronomy, wellness activities, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal place for relaxation and exploration.
Studio MK27 lands in Puerto Rico
Designed by São Paolo-based practice Studio MK27, Mandarin Oriental Esencia will feature 106 rooms and suites, each with either a balcony, terrace, or private garden. Select suites will come with plunge pools, while the resort’s villas will all include private pools, ensuring an exclusive experience for all guests.
In addition to the resort, Mandarin Oriental Esencia will offer an exclusive collection of 83 residential villas, situated along the beach, hillsides, and cliffs. For those seeking a more urban lifestyle, approximately 200 private residences will be housed in boutique six-story buildings, designed in dialogue with the surrounding coastal landscape. These residences will provide a sanctuary for owners, with dedicated amenities and integration with the resort’s services.
Luxury amenities for coastal living
Mandarin Oriental Esencia promises to offer an array of world-class amenities. The resort will feature five distinct dining destinations, offering a blend of international cuisines with locally inspired flavors. Guests can enjoy meals at a beach club, a poolside restaurant and bar, or unwind at a sophisticated lounge bar.
A key highlight of the resort will be the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, an expansive wellness center offering a range of signature beauty, wellness, and massage treatments. The facility will also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor lap pool, and a beauty salon. These spaces will allow guests to enjoy crafted experiences that focus on relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindfulness, in line with the brand’s renowned spa offerings.
A variety of leisure activities will be included within the resort. The development will feature a Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course, a dedicated children’s club, and an outdoor adventure center. These facilities will provide ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration, celebrating the natural beauty of Boquerón Bay.
Project info:
Name: Mandarin Oriental Esencia
Architect: Studio MK27 | @studiomk27
Location: Boquerón Bay, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Client: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group | @mo_hotels
Developers: Reuben Brothers, Three Rules Capital
Completion: expected 2028
Visualizations: © Esencia | @esenciapuertorico
