Looking out my window now, at the concrete Philly jungle...i find i am mentally teleporting myself…read moreback to the real jungle thing...La Finca Caribe.
I can't agree with the other reviewer more on the fact that it is quite possibly the awesome-est place to stay ever...and very difficult to describe the overwhelming amount of charm.
time kinda stops (which is really nice if you are on vacation.)
if you enjoy languid porch swings, fluffy clouds, beautiful views, sunkissed cheeks, peaceful hammocks, rum drinks, floating in water, watching lizards, carefree afternoons, sweet tropical fruits, beach glass, cat-naps + quiet-time this is the place for you!
we didn't have to share a bathroom, because we rented the cabanita. it has it's own bathroom - a private outdoor shower. (oh bliss!) a tiny kitchenette...with fridge and two burner stove + it's own front porch.
La Finca has many options for different types of travelers.
The community house has shared bathrooms and kitchen and some little bed rooms like a hostel. It has a breezy open indoor/outdoor quality and plenty of perfect spots for a nap.
There are larger more "luxury" cabins also that are secluded and less communal throughout the property...
OR you and 49 of your closest friends could rent the entire place for a week!
this option would be great for a big party, retreat, family re-union, wedding, yoga intensive, etc.
-the salt water pool is amazing! it feels healing for your skin and doesn't stink like chlorine!
but none of it is what you might be used to. the linens and towels don't match, there are no tvs, internets, newspapers, telephones, etc. no one wears shoes that much. they might rent you a convertible car without a top (and it might rain that day.)
people are so completely laid back that there isn't even glass in any the windows!
i felt really lucky to have landed in such a beautiful, down to earth place.
The Inn Keepers are super kind and helpful and will make you feel right at home.
Go when it isn't tourist season (late spring+summer) and you will find yourself totally alone on a crystal clear blue beach swimming with tropical fish for hours at a time.
We felt so free, we got naked!
La Finca and all of the island is really pretty rural -you'll have to be able to entertain yourself. bring books, instruments, crafts, bikes, rafts and bug spray!
all we did the entire time we were there was: read, swim, drink, eat, drive around beach hopping and sleep. a real relaxing vacation!!!
my only beware: the non-puerto rican transplants that have spent entirely too much time in the sun and burnt some of their brains off can talk/get/act/look really wacky.
BUT: If you have never felt a trade wind, seen the stars without light pollution, taken a dip with glowing phytoplankton, photographed wild ponies or eaten a fresh tamarindo....you really have no idea what you are missing.