The Rainforest Inn Bed & Breakfast

A scenic drive up a gated rain forest road begins the transition into nature with dense tropical foliage all around and canopied overhead in some spots. A number of private residences line the road, so it helps to know the Rainforest Inn isn't marked with its name -- rather, a small sign featuring the property’s parrot logo. Husband and wife hosts, Bill and Renee, buzz guests in to the gate and greet them beneath the bromeliad-lined driveway, where an unpretentious two-story brown brick residence sits. Acquired in 2003, the then abandoned property had been stripped to its bare foundations by a category four hurricane, but Bill and Renee gradually transformed the site into what it is now. The property is composed of five acres in total, but most of it happens to be jungle, providing lush green scenery from every angle. At the heart of the home is a huge open plan living area and gourmet kitchen where delicious breakfasts are home-cooked each morning. The Jungle Suite and Chalet are located right upstairs, while the Villa is separated from the main home by an open-air breezeway where breakfast is served. Out back, the sundeck overlooks a tropical carp pond and pretty floral gardens lead to panoramas of the distant ocean.Bill and Renee’s labor of love shows in every square inch of the property, from the spotless interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens, to the warm, welcoming rooms, and home-grown touches (like micro herbs, mangos, and honey) in morning meals. A no children under 12 policy maintains the peace, so the crowd typically consists of couples and families with older kids. Gracie, the cute resident terrier, is usually about -- adding to the homeyness. A curated mix of chilled out background music fills the breezeway and kitchen with calm vibes that complement the relaxing setting. 

The Rainforest Inn is located on a private pocket of El Yunque National Rainforest. San Juan International Airport and Old San Juan are both around 45 minutes away. There are no sights or restaurants within walking distance. It’s around 20 minutes to the official entrance of El Yunque Forest for an abundance of nature activities from zip-lining to waterfall hikes. It’s also around 20 minutes to Luquillo Beach and 15 minutes to Rio Grande. Nearby conveniences include a supermarket (13 minutes), Walmart (20 minutes), and El Portal Visitor Center (also 20 minutes). A car is pretty much mandatory and free parking is provided. 

The Jungle Suite, the Villa, and the Chalet are fully-equipped to serve as warm, welcoming homes away from home. Huge layouts embrace separate living areas, kitchens (a kitchenette in the Jungle Suite), separate bedrooms, and spacious patios with hammocks overlooking gorgeous green views. However, each villa has its own individual and charming persona. The Chalet offers two bedrooms (sleeping four) with rustic wood and bare brick interiors for a cottage feel. The Villa (also sleeps four) features a huge open plan layout with soaring cathedral ceilings and cedar beams over bare brick, complete with a fireplace. The Jungle Suite features a free-flowing layout that includes a huge covered terrace terrace and a Tarzan-approved suspended bed. Kitchens are all impressively equipped so guests can whip up just about anything -- there’s a good selection of pots, pans, and crockery, in addition to microwaves, toasters, toaster ovens, blenders, large refrigerators, and stainless steel gas stoves (aside from in the Jungle Suite which lacks a stove). A selection of gourmet teas, local French press coffee, and a carton of fresh milk are all provided. All rooms are also equipped with safes, irons and ironing boards, torches, and beach towels. While there’s no air-conditioning, rooms are equipped with ceiling and portable fans. Each bathroom is different. The Chalet’s bathroom is dressed in rustic timber; the Villa’s is chic with blush pink walls and a clawfoot tub; the Jungle Suite features a huge glass brick and pebble-tiled shower. All bathrooms come with giant pump packs of good quality cleansing products, plus soap and hairdryers. Three-night minimum stays are required and rooms are cleaned daily. 

A delicious hearty vegetarian breakfast is included in the nightly rate and often includes treats like chocolate waffles, fresh fruit, and espresso coffee. Home-grown ingredients are incorporated wherever possible, from apiary honey to micro herbs. No other meals are served at the inn. Direct access to a private waterfall hike through the rain forest is literally at the doorstep, however the trail is not for the faint-hearted. Given the steep, slippery path a signed disclaimer is required. A tranquil yoga room attached to the main house is available for guest use, and private on-site massages can be arranged here. The biggest highlight is of course the El Yunque rain forest setting which offers stunning tropical views of dense jungle to the ocean in the distance. The sun deck, equipped with sun loungers and a dining setting, is perfect for reading a book or having an al fresco bite. Free Wi-Fi is provided.