See all properties
Entire home

Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio

Photo gallery for Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio

Exterior
Pool
Pool
Pool
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Rio Grande, Rio Grande
  • El Yunque National Forest
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Wyndham Rio Mar Golf Course
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Luquillo Beach
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • San Juan (SJU-Luis Munoz Marin Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

second bedroom main floor

1 Queen Bed

studio bedroom

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Main floor bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Studio bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio

Fabulous house at the edge of El Yunque National Forest. Breathtaking mountain and ocean views create a picture perfect setting for this exquisitely appointed, custom multi-level home. Nestled in a quiet rural neighborhood, this very special home was built with French/Spanish influence. It's beautifully landscaped tropical grounds are in a park like setting. Enjoy gentle ocean breezes as you relax on this lush, tranquil and private one acre garden.

You will enjoy fresh fruit you'll directly from the garden varying with the seasons: bananas, papayas, mangos, passion fruits, star fruits, cherries... Admire all the tropical flowers just beside the large and covered patio. Enjoy the magnificent view from the front balcony.

Sleep with the relaxing music of the coquis

You will appreciate plenty of space. the main level covers more than 1 110 sq foot, including 2 sleeping rooms, the kitchen, dining, living room, the bathroom and a reading room. The lower level covers and extra 560 sq feet studio apartment with separate entrance from main level.

The studio includes a bedroom area, a living room nook, a dining area, a bright bathroom with a walk in closet, a dining area. Many windows allows great luminosity and it has it's own balcony with a great garden and pool view.

note: check in 4:00pm, check out 11:00am
but if no guest arriving same day as departure, check in and check out could be arrange with owner.
extra fee after 4 persons, 25$/night/person, house can accommodate 6 pers max.
thank you

Property manager

Sambath Laau

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Ocean view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

12 x 12 Plunge pool where you can sit and visit, enjoy the view, and cool off.

El Yunque, Villa with Spectacular views and pool!!

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
10.0 out of 10, (38 reviews)
El Yunque, Villa with Spectacular views and pool!!

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 1
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
10
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Only attended guest in the reservation are allowed to the property, unautorize visitors will resulting of safety deposit 500$ charge. no even party
We are not responsible for any accident or incident on the property. No diving in pool do not bang hard object or ice on ceramic counters.
Leave the property in order, wash their own dishes. Bring their trash to blue container outside the property by the enclosure cement block.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number 062214

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Río Grande

Located in Río Grande, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. While the natural beauty of El Yunque National Forest and Luquillo Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Wyndham Rio Mar Golf Course. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkelling and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
Map
Rio Grande, Rio Grande

What's nearby

  • El Yunque National Forest - 12 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Carabali Rainforest Park - 18 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Wyndham Rio Mar Golf Course - 18 min drive - 16.9 km
  • Wyndham Rio Mar Casino - 20 min drive - 17.8 km
  • Luquillo Beach - 32 min drive - 18.3 km

Getting around

  • San Juan (SJU-Luis Munoz Marin Intl.) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wendy's Rio Grande - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sabor Chino - Villas de Rio Grande - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tropical Retreat Villa&Studio located?

Situated on a river, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Mandara Spa at the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort, El Yunque National Forest and Hipodromo Camarero. The Outlet Ruta 66 and Carribbean Cinemas The Outlet 66 are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nikki S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved out stay here!

We loved this beautiful house and enjoyed every minute of our stay. The photos on Vrbo don’t do justice to the beauty and serenity of this villa and its surroundings! We particularly loved the gorgeous garden, the fabulous kitchen equipped with every pot or pan we needed for cooking and the pool! Sam was kind and responsive to every little request or issue we had. Totally recommend!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best escape

By far the best place we’ve stayed at in PR. If you stay here make sure you enjoy the entire property. The roof at sunrise, the hammock by the chicken coop, playing with the goats. Oh and you’ll probably meet Bravo, the sweetest neighborhood dog. We never wanted to leave. Feels like you’re in the rain forest. Make sure you get a bread loaf at the coffee shop on 3 before going up the mountain. Sambath was super helpful and quick to respond. Make sure you wear bug spray!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Larry M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Kinda sad

We were celebrating my daughter 50 th birthday. Kinda hard to cook a cake without a oven. The house needs tons of update’s. Paint peeling everywhere. Not a safe place for kids. We paid a lot for what we got. The view was super. I won’t do Vrbo ever again. This is the second time I’ve been burned Never again.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy N., St. Louis, MO

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get-away

The views from the property were outstanding and made for relaxing evenings sitting outside talking with friends. Sambath was responsive to our needs. The oven was not working during our stay but we easily made do and planned our menu using the outdoor grill and toaster oven. Fresh eggs in the morning were a huge hit with our group! We did not realize there was no a/c in the bedrooms but it was not needed. Sambath has a sufficient number of fans available, combined with opening windows it was beautiful. The location was great for all of our activities. I recommend using the instructions that are sent to you to find the house as GPS may mislead you. My only recommendation would be to include what to do with bed linens upon checkout (very minor!). We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical Garden Getaway

Beautiful location and amazing tropical garden atmosphere. It really feels like you have a lot of space to yourselves. The view is worth the drive up the mountain which only takes 15 minutes. Good base for exploring the northeast corner of the island. Playa Pinones is one of our favorite beaches anywhere! Owner is very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical Garden Paradise

We had a wonderful stay! Beautiful tropical garden and nice clean pool ,just a perfect place to stay in an out of the way rainforest location. Sam was a great host and very accommodating.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roselyn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

The place was so amazing it had everything we needed. It was home away from home my family and I enjoyed our time there the pool was just perfect along with the views it was just perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lauren M., Virginia, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely great

Villa Serena is absolutely wonderful. The location at the base of El Yunque is stunning. We liked the ease of access to San Juan, Luquillo, and Fajardo without having to stay in the more touristy areas. We had the beauty and peace of the countryside but were just a short drive from the places we wanted to visit and traveling to get to those places meant beautiful drives through the rain forest. Sam was a gracious host, meeting us at the property to show us around and give us tips. My kids enjoyed picking our own fruit and making sugar cane juice. The pool is an added bonus. The house had everything you need - we actually over packed because we assumed like most vacation rentals that we would need to bring a lot from home but Villa Serena has your needs well in hand. Book this house!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rencie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Paradise!

Sam has a little slice of paradise in his backyard. He’s walked us through the house and grounds while telling us the history of the home. The bed in the master bedroom is super comfy and the views are absolutely gorgeous! The home is very clean and as pictured. The set up of the home takes a little getting use to but my hubs and I loved every bit of it,. I loved our daily visit from a friendly neighborhood dog. I wouldn’t recommend this place for toddlers as the pool and studio deck are not fenced in but independent children should be fine. I cannot wait to stay here again! Thank you Sam!!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bethany U.

Magical Retreat

This home was amazing! Peaceful, beautiful and a spectacular view. You could see all the way to the ocean. I awoke every morning to a gorgeous view and at night the birds and tree frogs sang me to sleep. Sam, the owner was awesome, so helpful and friendly. When we arrived he took the time to take us through his AMAZING tropical garden. Believe it or not, the garden is even more amazing in the rain. There is a lovely outdoor cooking station to use. The house is beautiful. We rented the entire house for 2 families. It was perfect. We are already planning a time to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

Beautiful house and pool, amazing gardens.

Villa Serena provided the perfect setting for a relaxing get-away. The house and pool are every bit as lovely as the pictures, and the gardens are truly gorgeous. I'm going to miss waking up every morning and picking starfruit and passion fruit for breakfast. I highly recommend this rental if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing place to enjoy your time away.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Berta F.

Wonderful weekend retreat!!

Truly peaceful location for some rest & relaxation. Even more beautiful in person than what you see in the pictures. I truly loved "Villa Serena" .
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Hector C.

Truly amazing experience

My family and I enjoyed a very nice weekend while relaxing in the pool, walking the grounds and grilling some food to compliment the view. The nights were at a perfect 70 degrees so no need for AC and the place is super quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel S.

A beautiful jungle paradise.

Perfect...a slice of the true Puerto Rico.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Donna D. A.

A little slice of heaven

Our stay at Villa Serena was wonderful! The gardens and view of the mountains and rainforest were breathtaking. Went to bed at night to the songs of the coquis. The locals were so friendly. We visited El Yunque and Old San Juan, soaked up the sun and relaxed in this very beautiful slice of the island. Sam was so easy to talk to and you can tell he takes great pride in his home and gardens. Papalote walked us through the gardens and gave us a little lesson on the plants and fruits that grow there. So happy we found this home to stay in. Thank you Sam!! If we make it back to PR one day, this is where we will be. Absolutely beautiful!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Donna D. A.

Enchanting!

This home is exactly as advertised. What a gem! The view from any part of the property is exceptional. The house is well maintained, the kitchen is well supplied with everything you need if you decide to cook in. The gardens are lush and so beautiful, even has purple orchids growing there. Many fruit trees, the star fruit tree was bearing fruit like crazy. Went to bed with the song of the coquis. We went to Old San Juan and El Yunque Rainforest, hiked to the waterfall there. We went with another couple who chose to stay in the apartment below us to sleep which gave us all privacy. We spent the days and evenings together just basking in the sun and admiring the beauty around us. Sam texted a couple of times to make sure all was well. Papalote walked us around the gardens and explained many plants to us. The roads to the main highway are a bit hairy, winding and a few hairpin curves, but that just adds to the charm coming down off the mountain! The only thing I would suggest is a solar cover for the pool. It was 66 degrees F when we were there. We did take a dip to cool off but not for long! The temps were in the low to mid 80's during the day and low 70's at night. All in all, a beautiful home surrounded by even more beauty of lush gardens, mountains, rainforest and even the beach off in the distance. Such a charming home. We had a wonderful, memorable time there. Thank you Sam and Manon for sharing your home with us.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Judy u.

Beautiful place!

Great place! Sam was extremely helpful in getting us to the house which would be difficult to find on your own. The house is beautifully decorated and the grounds around the house were wonderful. Papalote did a great job of explaining all of the plants to us and the kids enjoyed trying all of the fruits that grow in the gardens. He added a personal touch to the stay that the kids will always remember. We were there in April and my husband was concerned about no AC but it was not even an issue. It's safe to have the windows open and let the breeze blow through. I slept soundly listening to the Coquis but my husband had to put earplugs in! The house is in a residential area and when we went local bakeries and grocery stores the people couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming. I had read the other reviews stating that the main bathroom had no door so was prepared but it wasn't an ideal situation for 2 teenage girls. Sam really might want to consider a way to offer some privacy in the shower room. Overall, the place was great and I would highly recommend it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Walter M.

HEAVENLY WINTER RESPITE

two words LOVED IT. Beautiful house, amazing views of the ocean and El Yunque and THE GARDEN!!! outstanding. Picked bananas for breakfast, loved the soothing sounds of the coqui as we checked on the weather forecast at home (snow snow and more snow). One of my destinations in San Juan was the Jardin Botanico at the U of PR, to their orchid garden. Sadly there were none but do you know where I saw THREE DIFFERENT types of orchids blooming? At Villa Sirena! Papalote was a wonderful caretaker, showing us around the grounds and describing the plants, and Sam was VERY accessible and a great host. The house and pool are IMMACULATE but the garden really takes this place to a whole other level. So in love with this property. We'll be back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay H.

Exceptional house and grounds

This is a spectacular property, accurately shown in the photos. We would not hesitate to recommend or return. A clearer listing would help, however. At the time we visited, owner Sam did not include check-in and check-out times on homeaway.com; they turned out to be 4pm and 11am, respectively, but we didn't know either in advance. Also unclear is that the property is actually 2 units, upper and lower, with separate entrances. The listing says that the property sleeps 8, which is true if you rent both upstairs and down, but there is no living or dining area on either level that seats 8. So just be aware. That said, we were enchanted with the beautifully planted 1-acre grounds, the immaculate pool and the views, and even fed Sam's fish while we were there. This is a truly special property whose owners clearly love it and are doing their very best to make it a welcoming vacation rental.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cory S., Austin, TX

As advertised

This home was exactly as advertised. It was our first VRBO and non all inclusive vacation, and we were pleased. Home is very clean and has everything you may need for any of your adventures. Pool was clean, and grounds were amazing. Sam, the owner was very helpful and caring. The location is 15 minutes from any major roads, but that proves to be more of an advantage then disadvantage. Only two minor issues we had were getting the keys acquired the first night, which was resolved within a half hour, and that there were no doors between bedrooms in the main house, which is a problem if you are a couple traveling with kids or family if you are wanting any privacy. Would rent from VRBO and Sam again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Rooftop Hideaway

What a great spot!!!! Sam was incredibly hospitable welcoming us at a such late hour of the evening and offering for us to use anything in his Kitchen to make a meal. The place was incredibly clean and equipped with all you could possibly need. It had an astonishing view and the pool was an added bonus! A great river pool and small hike close by - just beautiful! Thanks for a wonderful stay and will be sure to be back again. Thank you, Kate
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A little paradise!

A very neat place, with a lot of space and commodity. Luminous and luxurious nature all around, mountains, botanical garden on site, exotic fruits at your feet. Owners are very nice and helpful. Natural park near with paths, beach and San Juan's town (Unesco site) at half and hour car drive.

About the host

Hosted by Sambath Laau

Host profile image
From Canada, found little paradise and would like to share this serene tropical ambiance. being born in Cambodia suffers from the cold winters in Montreal always trying to escape them. After travelling around the world, Puerto Rico land of dance, salsa, felt it love with the island, it's people, culture, weather and nature.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese