An Eco-Friendly Vacation at 4 Casitas: A B&B in Puerto Rico

Known for its sustainable travel practices, this eco-friendly accommodation draws guests seeking a mindful connection with nature. Morning arrives gently—not with blaring alarms or city noise, but with the soft breeze drifting in, the rustling of trees, and the distant calls of sheep and chickens. Golden light filters through the windows, signaling the start of another peaceful day.

There’s no rush here at 4 Casitas—just a place where time slows down, where sustainability meets comfort, and where every detail encourages you to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, the people around you, and yourself.

Tucked into the mountains of Cabo Rojo's southwest town, this eco-friendly bed and breakfast stays true to its name, offering four charming casitas (small houses) and a welcoming main house—an ideal retreat for a mindful and relaxing green vacation.

Wake Up to a Farm-to-Table Breakfast 

A path leads to the farmhouse—the heart of 4 Casitas—painted in a warm cream hue with a green roof that blends seamlessly into its lush surroundings. Stepping inside, sunlight spills through the wide-open doors, illuminating the terracotta tiles and inviting in the gentle Caribbean breeze. A staircase immediately comes into view, leading up to the loft-style home on the second floor.

At the top of the stairs, a warm voice greets me: “Welcome to 4 Casitas.” It’s Fernando Seda, the owner and soul of this Puerto Rico eco lodge. “I share this home with my business,” he says, guiding me through the kitchen and living area. “Our guests come up here for breakfast, and some like to socialize, so I enjoy speaking with them and getting to know them better.”

In the kitchen, a man presses fresh oranges into juice, slicing fruit with ease. Open shelves display colorful plates and glasses, adding charm to the rustic farmhouse ambiance. A large concrete table, adorned with towering monstera leaves, holds a spread of locally grown bananas, coconuts, avocados, and melons. At its center, a spiral staircase leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the bay.

The warm, inviting living area serves as the heart of the home. A plush white couch sits nestled near a wooden table, surrounded by beautifully crafted rustic chairs. A sleepy cat curls up on the cushions, basking in the morning light. “Everything I bring into this home has to have quality,” Fernando explains, motioning to the carefully curated décor. “All the furniture in the house is from Ciales, sourced from local shops. The pottery and lights are vintage pieces from the 1940s.” Every item in the home has a purpose—it is designed with intention and adheres to the philosophy of utility. Plastic is rarely used here, unless it is built to last. “It all ties into the greater concept of sustainability,” he says with conviction. 

Beyond the living room, wooden doors open to a breathtaking view of rolling hills and the distant sea. Two rocking chairs face the scenery, the perfect spot for a morning coffee. Fernando arrives with two steaming cups, brewed from locally sourced beans. As I take a sip and rock gently, I can't help but wish every morning began like this.

Nearby, breakfast tables are set. Fernando pours a glass of fresh orange juice and lays out a feast—homemade yogurt and bread, fresh jams, and a fluffy omelet made with eggs gathered that morning, fresh from the farm. Every bite is a taste of the land, as I take in the view, fully immersed in the moment.

A Living Example of Sustainable Travel in Puerto Rico

After a delicious farm-to-table breakfast, I take a walk to immerse myself in nature and fully unwind. It’s immediately clear that sustainability isn’t just a philosophy here—it’s the heartbeat of 4 Casitas. The farm relies on renewable solar energy, supplemented by the grid, making this accommodation nearly self-sustaining.

One of its most impressive sustainability efforts lies in an essential resource: water. Beneath the farmhouse, a rainwater-harvesting system stores up to 120,000 gallons. The captured rainwater undergoes a meticulous three-phase process — clarification, filtration, and UV sterilization—before becoming potable. Two warehouse cisterns, equipped with blowers to prevent stagnation, ensure a continuous clean water supply. “We really encourage guests to be mindful of their water usage,” Fernando says.

"This land has been in my family for generations," he shares. "My parents and uncles owned this land, and now I get to continue their legacy in a way that aligns with my vision for sustainability. I wanted to create something meaningful—not just for myself, but for the land itself."

As I explore, I come across an open space where a brown horse flicks its tail before allowing a gentle pat on its head. Nearby, chickens and turkeys roam freely, their clucks and gobbles blending with the distant whinny of a horse. The farm is more than a home for people — it’s a carefully nurtured haven for animals. Near the coop, hens and roosters peck at the sunlit ground, while turkeys waddle past. In the distance, Fernando releases the sheep from their pen, herding them to fresh pasture.

At the sheep barn, he explains how rotating the four grazing fields every 28 to 29 days prevents overgrazing and naturally fertilizes the soil. Throughout the property, towering monstera plants stretch overhead, their broad leaves casting dappled shadows across this peaceful, eco-friendly place to stay. 

“Those are some beautiful monsteras,” I say.

“Do you want to take one? I’ll give you some to bring home,” Fernando offers. Then, turning to the groundskeeper, he says, “Ramón, can you cut a few small monstera leaves?”

Eco-Lodging Designed for Rest and Renewal

Here, time isn’t measured in minutes or hours but in the rhythms of the land, the warmth of the breeze, and the feeling of truly being present. The casitas were originally designed by Fernando’s longtime friend, architect Daniel M. Johnston, AIA, of Atlanta, Georgia, as part of a sustainable housing development. But over time, the plans evolved, transforming the casitas into the eco-friendly vacation retreat it is today. 

“This was supposed to be my retirement home,” Fernando admits with a chuckle. “But it’s become something much bigger — a place that breathes life into the land, just as my family has for generations.”

Tucked into lush greenery, the casitas are surrounded by towering cacti, agave plants, and flowering vines that drape over the entryways. Gently curving pathways lead visitors through a carefully cultivated oasis, each turn revealing a new perspective on this tranquil retreat.

At the heart of the compound, a whirlpool invites guests to unwind. By late afternoon, many find themselves drawn to this four-foot-deep pool—not for swimming, but for relaxing with a cocktail in hand.

Inside, the casitas balance modern simplicity with rustic charm. High ceilings, whitewashed walls, and polished concrete floors create a sense of openness, while thoughtful ventilation—double-height ceilings, vented concrete walls, and shutters instead of windows—naturally cools the space, eliminating the need for artificial air conditioning and reinforcing the commitment to sustainability.

A standout feature in the living area is a large painting that dominates the space—a mesmerizing blend of blue hues capturing the meeting of water and sand. Upon closer inspection, subtle silhouettes emerge where the ocean kisses the shore—an abstract aerial view of a beach.

“I painted that,” Fernando says with a modest smile. Ingeniously, this artwork conceals a Murphy bed, seamlessly integrating art and functionality to accommodate additional guests.

Expansive glass doors invite sunlight and fresh air, erasing the boundary between indoors and out. Each casita feels like a hidden sanctuary, where thoughtful design, sustainability, and nature exist in perfect harmony.