If you read nothing else below in my review, just know this: I've stayed at quite a few B&Bs, and I…read morecan say without hesitation that Casa Encanto is my ultimate favorite for food, accommodations, and warm hospitality. ALL-TIME BEST B&B!
Two days before my wife and I arrived at Casa Encanto, Hurricane Ernesto formed right over this side of Puerto Rico, knocking out power across the island. Trees and power lines were down everywhere, rivers flooded, and bridges in El Yunque National Forest were washed out. Despite this, canceling was not an option. We had a 4x4 Jeep Wrangler and a determination to enjoy our 25th wedding anniversary.
When we pulled up to Casa Encanto, Lisa and Ryan greeted us with frozen mojitos in custom strawed Casa Encanto Yeti Ramblers--It tasted unlike every mojito I have ever had before, though surely it was one of the most delicious frozen concoctions I have ever sucked down a tube! During our tour, Ryan confirmed that Luquillo had lost power but assured us it wouldn't be an issue at Casa Encanto due to their solar panels and Tesla batteries. He was right--the house remained fully powered for our entire stay.
When you stay here, it's just you and your significant other--no other guests on the property. You'll have the entire private downstairs floor of this three-story house, right next to your own swimming pool and rainforest gardens. The space is fully equipped with everything you need, including a kitchen that you'll likely never use, thanks to the incredible meals provided daily. Trust me, the portions are generous--you'll definitely have enough leftovers for a second meal.
Speaking of the food, Lisa and Ryan treated us to five incredible meals at Casa Encanto: Coconut Guava Monte Cristo: Brioche dipped in coconut custard, turned into French toast, and stuffed with Swiss cheese, ham, and turkey. Topped with powdered sugar and a guava sauce drizzle. Lisa thoughtfully served the coconut on the side for me. It was simply incredible. Lump Crab & Shrimp Cakes Benedict: A poached egg with lemon butter caper sauce atop a crab and shrimp cake on sautéed spinach and an English muffin. Quite possibly the best crab cake I've ever had. Breaded Breakfast Cereal Steak w/Biscuits & Sausage Gravy: Milanesa steak breaded in Kellogg's Corn Flakes, pan-fried, and served with biscuits and sausage gravy. This meal broke into my top five chicken fried steaks list, the only one outside Texas to do so! El Yunque Omelette: A three-egg omelet with sautéed tomatoes, asparagus, baby spinach, portobellos, red onions, poblanos, and cilantro, filled with sharp cheddar and topped with avocado slices and spicy mayo. To be honest, my wife got this and I never took bite, but she loved it. Looked amazing. Steak & Lobster Claws Dinner: As a surprise bonus meal for staying four nights at Casa Encanto, we were served an amazing steak dinner... coconut mashed potatoes, roasted mushrooms, Filet Mignon drizzled with au jus, crowned with lobster knuckles in garlic butter, and a triple chocolate mousse cake for dessert. I ate all of my steak and half of my wife's, and it was so freaking perfect that I almost cried. The slice of cake was so good and rich that it took me over two days to finish it. Every breakfast was served with fruit from their orchard and a bellini, and one morning, we opted for the fresh mango smoothie, made with mangos from their orchard.
There is so much more to say about Casa Encanto and Ryan & Lisa - I could gush on and on, but I'm going to wrap it up because you probably have stopped reading up to this point, anyway...
On our way checking out, we opted to purchase two of those custom strawed Casa Encanto Yeti Ramblers I mentioned earlier in this review, but on the condition that Lisa include a Piña Colada in them. When I asked Ryan a few days earlier who made the best Piña Colada in Puerto Rico, without reservation he replied, "My wife!" I think he may be wrong, though... That was the best Piña Colada I've had ANYWHERE!