Casa Kadam: Puerto Rico Rainforest Retreat

Like a treehouse nestled in the forest, this eco-cottage is perfect for unwinding, quiet reflection and communion with nature. Bathe in the healing waters of Rio Lucia! "...sprinkled with perfume and spread with flowers..." This property is a living organic farm/retreat dedicated to ecological farming, yoga/meditation and habitat regeneration as contributions to the healing of our society and planet. Privacy for each dwelling is prioritized. Warm days (75-85F) and cool nights (65-70F) with virtually no mosquitos to hinder your commune with nature (no screens necessary!). No air conditioning necessary. It really is a perfect climate. There are 3 eco-cottages on this property and and the privacy of each dwelling is very important. Explore the miles of hiking trails that meander through the forest, perhaps into the edges of the Guilarte Forest Reserve, or journey to the undiscovered beaches of the Guanica Forest Reserve just a short pleasant drive down the mountain (1 hr). Then return to your mountain retreat to take a dip in the pure, refreshing waters (we schedule allotted privacy time slots for each eco-cottage) of the farm river just in time to watch the moon rise over the mountains immersed in a symphony of jungle night sounds. The best of both Caribbean worlds! There is no environment or abode on the island quite like Casa Kadam. Like a tree house nestled between two ancient mango trees, this simple but charming abode has two levels (sleeping/living area and kitchen/bath area). Two balconies with a hammock and lounge chairs extend the inner space to connect you with a vista of the forest that surrounds you and the sound of the rushing river below. One of the 2 cleanest rivers left on the island, a branch of the Guayanes River, flows through the property. The principal reason for the extensive pollution of the rivers here on the island are the use of conventional toilets that not only waste hundreds of gallons of water, an endangered resource on the island, but the run off from septic systems overflows into the aquifers hence polluting the rivers and springs. Papo has been mastering the construction of composting toilets to the point where architects on the island have traveled to this remote spot to study his design which reveals an esthetic, state of the art eco-toilet that is bug less and odorless and that, once fully composted, produces a natural pathogen less, odorless fertilizer for the organic gardens he has created on mountain terraces. River swimming holes, miles of well maintained hiking trails to explore the forest and views, fresh organically farm-grown produce available for purchase, solar hot water, indoor state-of-the-art composting toilet and the incredible have-to-experience-to-believe sights and sounds of the mountain jungle life. We offer 930am & 3:30pm meditation/yoga classes when requested @ $10/person/class that goes into a fund for establishing a meditation center in Ponce. Sana & Papo, musicians by trade (both fully bilingual), live and work on the Finca (farm) and are always available to answer any questions or address any concern. They are well versed in all the local customs, local flora and fauna (Papo is a trained forester) have a close relationship with their neighbors, and will be glad to recommend short excursions from the farm (1 hour or less) to visit local points of interest. When our cook is available we offer custom, catered meals of traditional, local food using organic, local farm fresh ingredients (truly farm to table!). Our local friend and caterer, Daly, when available, will freshly prepare and serve in your kitchen traditional Puerto Rican dishes and she offers one curry vegan dinner. All her platters @ $18 per person. Daly requests that you make your inquiries via email directly from your personal email 2 weeks prior to your stay. Occasionally they can accept reservations with only one week notice (but less likely). Daily 930am and 330 pm Meditation/yoga classes are available by senior Kadampa meditation instructors. We offer private guided meditation/yoga instruction for both beginning and experienced meditators. The cost is a donation of $10 (45 - 60 min. class) towards the establishment of a Center in Ponce. This Barrio is one of the last truly tranquil, safe and authentically campesino communities on the island. Its a patchwork of small family farms and native forest in the still ecologically intact, pure watershed of the Rio Lucero. It borders the Guilarte Forest Reserve---a moderate hike from the farm---and together with the Guanica Forest Reserve (10 as-the-crow-flies miles away) is home to 200+ bird species---some rare or endangered. The mountain road is paved and in good condition but we recommend at minimum a midsize compact rental car particularly during the rainy season (August - November ). In any case, be sure the tires have good tread. The nearest town is 30 minutes away. Guanica beaches 45. minutes. IMPORTANT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS: You must do all of your grocery shopping (there are no stores or restaurants on the mountain. (It is supremely remote and beautiful!) and arrive in Peñuelas by 3:30 pm. If due to your flight arrival you are unable to arrive in Peñuelas by 3:30, please contact us ahead of time at least 24 hours in advance to make other arrangements. We will park at Casa del Mundo and then guide you along the path to Casa Kadam---a pleasant 10 minute walk. Please bring day packs and appropriate foot ware for hiking. We will escort you to the Casa Kadam Guests need to purchase in town all the food (we provide organic coffee, sugar) you will need for your We recommend quests to bring flip fops and a warm shirt or sweater for the sometimes cool mountain breezes. Best to carry your belongings out in day packs. WHEELED SUITCASES WILL NOT FUNCTION ON THE TRAIL Please note: this space is appropriate for children ages 6 and up. There are 3 eco-casitas located on this model farm--Finca Caminos y Moradas--dedicated to ecologically sustainable cultivation of cacao, coffee, vegetables and diverse tropical fruits. Depending on the season Papo usually has organic produce available for sale. He needs a days notice in order to harvest for you. The Finca also provides a space and healing environment for various retreats including meditation/yoga workshops. And check out our website: medita (Website hidden by Airbnb) There is excellent cell service for ATT and most major servers. Guests use their hotspots successfully.