Rainforest Inn Origins

It’s hard to imagine that just a decade ago, the only redeeming qualities of what is now the Rainforest Inn were the breathtaking ocean view behind the property, the bare shell of an estate left in the wake of two hurricanes, and the magnificent jungle of El Yunque rainforest surrounding it.

What once stood as a weathered remnant of the past has since been transformed into a peaceful retreat, where nature, history, and hospitality come together in one unforgettable place.

What a difference a vision and a little elbow grease can make — The Jungle Suite, before and after.

This video (below) shows the Rainforest Inn from the air and inside the villas (the drone flies through).

More than sixty five years ago, Bill’s uncle David Humphrey first came to Puerto Rico and was immediately captivated by the small brook that runs through the property and the sweeping views of the blue Caribbean Sea below.

Over the years, he lived here in quiet serenity, carving out the Lost Machete Trail to the Espíritu Santo waterfall and developing the five acre property that would become his home in the rainforest. Eventually, he passed the land on to his daughter.

Today, although the property is no longer in the family, its story and spirit continue to live on at the Rainforest Inn.

In 1989, only the main house survived the two hundred mile an hour devastation of Hurricane Hugo’s winds. That structure was eventually wiped off the map by Hurricane Georges, a Category 4 storm that struck in 1998. The once sparkling property was soon abandoned.

In 2003, Bill and Rene saw the place for the first time. They were met by overgrowth, bare concrete, and structures stripped down to their foundations. Yet despite the ruin, they were overcome by what could only be described as a sincere fool’s hope.

“We hope we’ve created something truly special here, a place to be enjoyed and cherished for years to come.”

Bill had always dreamed of living in the rainforest, and he and Renée decided to make the property habitable again. They quickly realized that the ravaged estate had the potential to become something more than a private home. Hoping to one day share the natural majesty of the place with others, they set out to create a romantic hideaway nestled in the rainforest.

Combining their talents, Bill used his woodworking skills to make the necessary repairs and improvements, while Renée drew on her years of experience in the hospitality industry to shape the property into the bed and breakfast it is today. Her design sense can be seen in the thoughtful details throughout the inn.

In their spare time, Bill and Renée enjoy hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and sailing in the Caribbean. For many years they have also produced podcasts about Puerto Rico, and they are now creating videos as well.