Sustainability at the Rainforest Inn
Comfort and Sustainability
One of the most common misconceptions about sustainable tourism is that comfort and conservation cannot coexist. We recently saw a video from a sustainable property that suggested a truly sustainable destination cannot have a swimming pool. While that perspective raises important questions about water and energy use, we believe sustainability is not about eliminating every luxury. Instead, it is about managing resources responsibly and thoughtfully.
At Rainforest Inn, we have worked hard to create an experience that allows guests to enjoy nature comfortably while minimizing our environmental footprint. Our small swimming pool is just one example of how sustainability can be approached with balance rather than extremes.
A Different Approach to Pool Sustainability
Swimming pools can consume significant amounts of water and energy if they are poorly planned and constructed. That is why our pool was designed with sustainability in mind. Years ago, one of our Harvard interns researched and wrote about ways commercial pools can operate more efficiently and responsibly.
Because our pool is covered, it loses far less water through evaporation than a traditional open-air pool. The cover also helps retain heat naturally, reducing energy requirements while conserving water. By treating the pool as a managed system rather than only a luxury feature, we can provide guests with a place to relax and swim while keeping resource use under control.
Read more in our linked article, Swimming Sustainability.
Powered by the Sun
One of the biggest contributors to our sustainability efforts is our solar energy system. Our solar panels generate much of the electricity used on the property, and our Tesla Powerwalls store excess energy for later use. This allows us to generate our own energy for the guests that stay here daily!
Read more about this topic in our linked article, Our Environmental Policy.
Comfort Without Air Conditioning
Many accommodations in Puerto Rico rely heavily on air conditioning. At Rainforest Inn, we have chosen a different path.
Our rooms are designed to take advantage of natural airflow and the cooling effects of the surrounding rainforest. We use high ceilings in the suites which greatly help with airflow. Each room is equipped with multiple fans, having 17 around the property. Gardens located near the buildings help moderate temperatures, while our cooling beds allow guests to sleep comfortably even during warm summer nights. Our cooling beds are heated using electricity that we generate through our solar panels. By working with nature rather than against it, we can offer comfort while using far less energy.
Water Conservation
Reducing waste is another important part of our sustainability mission. Instead of encouraging guests to purchase single use plastic water bottles, we provide a reverse osmosis water station where guests can refill reusable bottles with clean, filtered drinking water. This simple solution helps reduce plastic waste while ensuring everyone has access to fresh water throughout their stay.
On the property we also have two water cisterns in case of a water shortage.
Thoughtful Use of Resources
Across the property, we look for opportunities to reduce environmental impact:
We use biodegradable soaps and cleaning products whenever possible.
Bath and shower water is heated using a combination of solar energy and efficient on demand propane systems, reducing energy waste.
Our laundry machines use cold water to reduce excess energy consumption.
Covered outdoor sitting areas allow guests to enjoy the rainforest without relying on climate controlled indoor spaces.
Our ponds use natural bio filtration systems that help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems while adding beauty to the landscape.
Our gardens provide habitat for local wildlife while helping create cooler and more pleasant outdoor spaces.
Sustainability Is About Balance
True sustainability is not about removing every amenity. It is about making thoughtful decisions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and respect the natural environment. This is why we have decided that we should not have to sacrifice luxury for sustaianbility. Instead, we make them work alongside the other.
At Rainforest Inn, we believe guests should be able to enjoy a refreshing swim, a good night’s sleep, clean drinking water, and beautiful outdoor spaces while still supporting responsible tourism. Sustainability is not a single feature. It is, however, a collection of choices made every day. We are proud that those choices allow our guests to experience the beauty of Puerto Rico’s rainforest while helping protect it for future generations.
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