Image of the exterior of a red house at 4 Casitas in Puerto Rico

Leaders of the Green Path: An Eco-Friendly Bed & Breakfast

At 4 Casitas, hospitality and green travel go hand in hand.

 

Nestled in the mountains of Cabo Rojo, this eco-friendly accommodation is more than just a bed and breakfast (B&B)—it’s a sanctuary where sustainability and hospitality come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating experience while supporting green travel for the well-being of the planet. With stunning southwestern views of greenery and distant beaches as its backdrop, this charming retreat is powered by renewable energy, from solar panels to rainwater harvesting, ensuring that every stay leaves a positive impact on both the soul and the Island.

Fernando Seda, owner of 4 Casitas, has turned his passion for sustainable living into a model for responsible eco-tourism. Every decision made at this chic eco-lodging reflects a deep commitment to preserving the environment and supporting local communities. From its architecture to its daily operations, 4 Casitas is an example of what sustainable accommodation can look like in practice. But he has created more than just a retreat; 4 Casitas offers an immersive experience where guests can relax while learning to be more mindful of their surroundings and foster a deeper connection with nature.

In this Q&A, we talk with Seda, a true Leader of the Green Path, to discover how eco-conscious practices drive both the day-to-day operations and the enriching experience of staying at his one-of-a-kind green accommodation.

The entrance to 4 Casitas, a sustainable bed and breakfast in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

How do you define sustainable tourism, and what does it mean for 4 Casitas?

Sustainability to me means living within my means, so the less I have to depend on someone else, the better quality it is for me [...]. I’ve always thought we should be an example for the community, one that not only shares all our rewards with the community but also transfers the knowledge of how this is all done, and how things are processed. As far as 4 Casitas and the land, the farm is divided into different parts. We have a garden section, the main house area (which is also part of the 4 Casitas), and larger fields for rotating our two little herds of sheep, every month, giving the land a chance to rest and fertilize naturally [...]. We also collect a significant amount of rainwater, which helps us avoid draining it into nearby creeks. 

What motivated or influenced you to prioritize sustainability at 4 Casitas and in the experiences you offer?

It started gradually after I retired. I saw an evening news segment about a retired basketball player from Milwaukee who had developed a project called "Growing Power." It was a community-based initiative focused on composting, but it quickly expanded to aquaponics and microgreens, and it was all great. I visited Milwaukee for his first convention and attended workshops, and that got me into aquaponics, and finally, we have our first one, which is ornamental. For that, we use biofilters, so there are no chemicals involved in treating the water or rainwater. Another thing that I learned there is to make the most of gravity in water management before using energy, and then, once you can’t use gravity, you use energy to move the water. That's basically what we did. 

Image of sheep in an open green field at las 4 Casitas in Puerto Rico

What are the main challenges you face when promoting sustainability and green tourism at 4 Casitas?

In terms of recycling, that's a really big issue, but we do recycle everything we can. We sort our waste, take it to the recycling center, and encourage our guests to minimize single-use plastics. To help with that, we provide each guest with thermoses filled with our water, which they can reuse for anything they want. 

Also, I’ve been into renewable energy for 22 years, even when nobody else was using it. We’ve had a wind turbine, but we're taking it down because its maintenance is too costly, and it doesn’t work well right now. For that reason, we designed an ecology flag, and we’re planning to fly a large one. But getting back to the renewable energy process is difficult, because there weren’t enough funds to go around. Fortunately, with visitation, we've been very happy to receive government sponsorship, which has helped a lot in developing our energy system. 

What advice would you give to other leaders or organizations looking to adopt and advance ecotourism in Puerto Rico?

I think a lot of people focus too much on the financial aspect, but even though it's a big investment, the return is great. I mean, people are always amazed that we do the things we do, but it's just because they don't think it's possible. My advice would be that there’s always space to make changes that benefit everyone in the long run. The hardest part will be shifting people's mentality—convincing them to do what needs to be done. People don't always get it, particularly with the aspect of trash, but it’s a tightrope type of thing, because you don't want to make people feel uncomfortable because of your requirements, but you want them to learn something. At 4 Casitas, we have a list of rules on how to behave, but we also have posted signs that say, "Use energy only when you need it." We inform guests that water is a very important resource for us, and we should manage it carefully because we want to avoid wasting our resources. In the end, when it comes to ecotourism, it means that if you travel, no matter where you go, it's still our planet, and we need to treat it that way. We want to keep all of nature and all of our environment pristine!

How can visitors enjoy 4 Casitas and our Island’s natural environment in a more sustainable and respectful way? 

Enjoying 4 Casitas—and Puerto Rico’s natural beauty—sustainably starts with being mindful of our Island’s limited resources. At the property, part of Finquita Mercedes Zapata, sustainability is a way of life that has been evolving for nearly 30 years. As a guest, you’re stepping into a variety of sustainable efforts reflected in the design of our property. For example, the layout of the casitas was intentionally crafted to maximize our renewable energy program and water collection, all without requiring additional land from the farm. It’s part of our mission to serve as an example for our community of what it means to live sustainably. In addition, 4 Casitas allows us to broaden our impact, and what better way to share good sustainable living practices with visitors over breakfast? Each casita includes an information binder with our sustainable living guidelines, such as reducing energy and water usage, limiting single-use plastics, handling compostable waste, and sorting landfill from recyclable materials. These guidelines aren’t mandatory, but they’re encouraged in order to begin forming new conscious habits. During your stay, consider these rules as an opportunity to connect, learn, and carry these values home —because sustainability doesn’t end when your vacation does.

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The Green Path in Puerto Rico is a shared commitment to preserving the Island’s culture, natural resources, and traditions. It guides residents and visitors to embrace eco-friendly practices and supports local businesses, ensuring the land's protection for future generations. Walking the Green Path means connecting deeply with Puerto Rico, making responsible choices that safeguard its people and the environment.

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