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The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Holiday Rental House
We offer spectacular views, thrilling adventures & memorable experiences while surrounded by lush rain forest like conditions minutes from the Camuy Caves, Arecibo Observatory, coffee plantations, rivers & waterfalls-Easy to reach from San Juan/Ponce.The Sanctuary is a mountain home in a superbly lush area of Utuado overlooking Lago (Lake) Dos Bocas. We allow Pets as long as they don't eat or scratch our furniture:)! The home is very open with an amazing terrace overlooking a beautiful lake. Most guests rave about the mist that grows over the lake and between the mountains every morning as they watch that mist dissapear with the morning sun while drinking their morning coffee.
Everyone that stays here enjoys the seclusion and privacy that our property offers.
Large Groups Must Read T...We offer spectacular views, thrilling adventures & memorable experiences while surrounded by lush rain forest like conditions minutes from the Camuy Caves, Arecibo Observatory, coffee plantations, rivers & waterfalls-Easy to reach from San Juan/Ponce.The Sanctuary is a mountain home in a superbly lush area of Utuado overlooking Lago (Lake) Dos Bocas. We allow Pets as long as they don't eat or scratch our furniture:)! The home is very open with an amazing terrace overlooking a beautiful lake. Most guests rave about the mist that grows over the lake and between the mountains every morning as they watch that mist dissapear with the morning sun while drinking their morning coffee.
Everyone that stays here enjoys the seclusion and privacy that our property offers.
Large Groups Must Read This Before Booking:
UP Date as of August 1, 2018.
Main House (3 Bedroom/2 Bath-Sleeps 14):
Master Room- 1 queen bed, 2 twin beds (trundle style).
Room #2- 1 full bed, 1 twin bed, 1 good cot with springs.
Room #3- 1 full bed, 2 twin bed (trundle style).
Common Area: 2 nice hammock cots that can be moved anywhere in this large home.
Note: Large groups can save money and buy air beds and stay upstairs (no more than 20 guests) or you can rent rooms under the home.
Downstairs (3 Bedroom 1 Bath-Sleeps 16):
Room #5- 1 full bed, 1 twin bed, 1 good cot with springs.
Room #7- 4 twin beds (bunk bed style), 4 good cots with springs.
Room #8- 1 full bed, 2 twin beds (bunk bed style).
Note:
1. Each extra room downstairs is an extra $39 per night.
2. If your group can afford the complete downstairs and upstairs you'd have the complete guest house property to yourselves except that I have room #4 (separate studio apartment) for Cathy and I for now but we keep pretty private (working) unless you need or want to engage with us when you are here.
3. The downstairs area has its own kitchen area and 1 full shared bath.
4. You can request less than 3 rooms to use.
Private Campground (3 Bedroom 1 Bath-Sleeps 12):
Room #9- (12' x 10.5' x 9' Safari Tent). 1 full bed, 2 twin beds (bunk bed style).
Room #10- (12' x 10.5' x 9' Safari Tent). 1 full bed, 2 twin beds (bunk bed style).
Room #11- (12' x 10.5' x 9' Safari Tent). 2 good cots with springs, 2 twin beds (bunk bed style).
Notes:
1. This is a higher end campground experience and it's on the back side of our property. The campground guests do not use any part of the home. They can barely see the home.
Totals:
Guest Home: 8 beds /3 cots
Downstairs: 3 beds/6 bunks/5 cots
Campground: 2 beds/6 bunks/2 cots
35 beds, 9 rooms, 4 baths (sleeps 42)
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Additional Space (Available only for corporate groups. This is my apartment when I stay here) but I will happily rent it to large groups that pay well):
Room # 4 (Studio Apartment w/attached private bath). 1 full bed, 1 twin, 1 good cot with springs .
Totals:
Guest Home: 8 beds /3 cots
Downstairs: 3 beds/6 bunks/5 cots
Campground: 2 beds/6 bunks/2 cots
Studio Apt.: 2 beds/1 cots
38 beds, 10 rooms, 5 baths (sleeps 46)
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Very Important Notes:
-THE POSTED PRICE IS FOR THE GUEST HOME ONLY.
-THE STUDIO APARTMENT, BEDROOM 5,7 & 8 AND THE CAMPGROUND HAVE EXTRA COSTS ATTACHED TO THEM.
- This is a higher end campground experience and it's on the back side of our property. The campground guests do not use any part of the home. They can barely see the home.
Please read carefully and inquire for an accurate quote.
The kennels are available for pets. Pets are charged as a person.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
-No parties, events &/or unregistered guests allowed. No Visitas o Eventos.
-Do not smoke anywhere inside or near the home.
-We lock rooms that are not going to be used by your group. If your home has a washer, you can use it if your stay is above 5 days.
-I encourage you NOT to book with us if you are not lovely, clean, honest & respectable.
-Utility outages are not common but we will not provide any refunds for not having a utility for a few hours if it's not our fault.
-Pets pay
Bathrooms
3 Full baths1 Attached (ensuite)
Meet the host
Adam, Cathy and Kat G
Hosting since July 2013
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a day
Interaction with guests: We have many family and friends helping us to make your stay a memorable one. They clean the homes before you arrive, cook meals when requested, and truly help create the “culture” of your home when you need something. Adam and I (Cathy) are NOT usually in town, but we’d love meeting and spending time with you when we visit if you'd like. We will be using a small apartment under the home when we visit but we do not get in anyone's way. When we are on site, we will be helping the cleaners with the home and the grounds keeper also. We are always a text or call away!
Best mountain lake views! Loved the fireflies at night. The air was so clean and refreshing. The property is spacious and well manicured. The rooms were clean and relaxing. The hike to the stream and cascades is a must! We ordered food and it was a delicious home cooked breakfast. The fire pit surrounded by friends was unforgettable. Loved our communication with the host. See you again, soon!!
Visited January 2022
Written 1 March 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Krisi Aglikin
Most Beautiful View in All of Utuado
This venue exceeded my expectations. Very spacious and clean. The view and hiking opportunities were exceptional. Will most definitely book again!
Visited January 2019
Written 11 January 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Crista S
Amazing Hosts and Views
I came to PR on a humanitarian trip with a group as the Marketing Director of the non profit. Our leader chose this home and I couldn’t be happier. It was at a great price, the perfect location and the hosts were amazing. It was my first stay and it won’t be my last. I run a bed and breakfast at home and they inspired me to the max. I stayed in a room on the bottom floor, it was surprisingly comfortable and cozy. I was not expecting that view when I awoke. It is breathtaking. I not only fell in love with the island but with Adam & Cathy. They made it a point to get to know each and every one of our group. We had 9 nursing students with us bringing healthcare to those in need. They stayed in the rooms on the top floor in the main house. Everyone one of them raved about their stay. The beds were cozy and the amenities were perfect. We will definitely be coming back! That hike down to the waterfall is something I’m so grateful I went on because I found the perfect space for meditation. They were accommodating and their cooking was out of this world!! Thank you guys for quickly becoming my friend.
Visited January 2019
Written 8 January 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Catalina Tiamson
The best place in Puerto Rico to stay!
Our hosts, Adam and Cathy were such warm and incredible people. They took the time to help us with our humanitarian activities and cooked amazing meals.
The home was simply incredible with breathtaking views and rooms, all immaculate and very comfortable.
I never want to stay at another place in Puerto Rico!
Visited January 2019
Written 8 January 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fun-Vacation-Homes
Utuado, Puerto Rico1 contribution
EXCEPTIONAL STAY
We were drawn in by the pictures of the view and the hosts efficiency in responding to our questions before booking.
My husband and I enjoyed the main home so much. The view is one of the best views I've seen in my world travels but a kitchen with everything I needed to cook was great also.
The home was clean and super comfortable for 2 but the property is also set up to recieve almost 50 guests. We were the only guests on the property at the time of our stay so we enjoyed our privacy but everything seems to be laid out well and private if others would have been here during our stay.
Our sweetest surprise at the property was the new river access that we were not aware of (since it's new). This area is beautiful. We took a nice walk down the natural trail (using ropes in some areas), and finally arrived to complete jungle seclusion with some nice waterfalls and beautiful sites and sounds.
Another treat is having so much to do in the area. Rivers, caves and the beach under an hour away. You are so far up in the mountains but you are only 10 minutes from the main town, good restaurants and a few cultural things to enjoy.
I did not know what to expect visiting Puerto Rico but this vacation made me fall in love with the island and the people!
Well yes, we loved our stay, the property and the hosts and we can't wait to come back. You will love it also!
Visited October 2018
Written 1 November 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fun - Vacation - Homes
"We are honored that your trusted us to host your group at our home in Utuado. Hope to have you back soon! Adam, Cathy & Kat"
Written 21 November 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anitamoncrief
Houston, TX
Beautiful Mountain Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a beautiful home away from home. Spacious and clean home with plenty of amenities to make our stay enjoyable. WIFI, tv’s full kitchen with a range of appliances, beautiful views, and a tranquil environment. This place is more than I expected, and I wanted to stay longer. If you are looking for a quiet, and relaxing place to enjoy the mountains of Puerto Rico, this is it. A plus is that the hosts are attentive and extremely friendly. Loved my stay.
Visited April 2018
Written 2 May 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fun - Vacation - Homes
We are honored that your trusted us to host your group at our home in Utuado.
Hope to have you back soon!
Adam, Cathy & Kat
Written 4 May 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pep784
London, United Kingdom13 contributions
Fantastic retreat in the mountains with beautiful tropical surroudings
We loved our stay at the Santuary. It was incredibly peaceful and quiet. The house is big, was very clean and well equipped. The internet was quick and reliable which was important as I had to do some work from there. The views from patio are fantastic, overlooking the mountains and the valley below. There was a large garden surrounding the property which was beautifully landscaped with a mix of tropical forest planting and some lawns. We will definitely be back. Thanks!
Visited January 2017
Written 9 January 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel S
Bradford, IL
Very Good to work with
We actually had to back out due to unforseen circumstances less than 24 hours after booking and Adam was very good about working with us and responding to our emails to get us our refund. We would definitely recommend his vacation rentals! Thank you Adam!
Visited February 2016 Travelled as a couple
Written 18 April 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Margarita L
Chicago, IL
Handsome Mountain Retreat in the Warm Heart of Puerto Rico
It has been a rushed and hectic few weeks since returning to the bustle of Chicago, but still my mind drifts back to the relaxed pace and beauty of this secluded Sanctuary. Even this morning driving to work watching a dark cloudy storm front approach on the horizon I was taken back to the memories of majestic tropical mountains in Central Puerto Rico and Adam Garcia's Utuado Vacation HOME nestled high in the lush foliage overlooking Dos Bocas Lake to the north.
We have been coming often to this Island of Enchantment for more than the 30 years I have been married to my Puerto Rican wife. Every time we rent homes around the Isle to experience the flavor and culture of different areas.
THIS has been our most enjoyable stay in all those times.
After a one and half hour drive from San Juan we climbed along a 3 mile country road above the valley town of Utuado to reach a community private road off-shoot past a few local homes. Another 1/4 mile past those we reached a secured gateway that leads thru a winding jungle-canopied roadway to open upon a clearing and the HOME called Sanctuary.
Resting atop a bluff overlooking Lake Dos Bocas and its dam below we were greeted by a modern and spacious homestead. Elegance surrounded by Primal Nature.
Did I mention amenities ? ! ? Where to begin ? Adam and his Wife has seen to it that even small details abound to welcome their guests.
Mornings are the Treasure to experience here. Each day you arise you always first go to the huge rear balcony to see what gorgeous and unique cloud/fog pattern enshrouds the valley lake below. Then as you relax on the hammocks drinking home-grown coffee watch as the morning sun dissipates the mists. My wife and sister-in-law spent mornings walking the acreage taking photos and gathering flowers. Even after a two week stay here they never tired of these walks- and they are native country Boricuas !!!
And the Nights... listening to the sounds of Coqui frogs and the laughter of the Mucaro Screech Owl enchants as you are lulled to sleep with gentle mountain breezes.
With its central location everything was within a 1-2 hour drive radius with an exciting and vista-filled thrill ride down and up the mountain again each day. I would often make excuses just to ride down to town for supplies for the exhilarating adventures. And then return to the embrace of that private jungle home.
Magic is the sole word I utter when I recount my most recent stay.
This Sanctuary will cast its love spell on you.
I have always enjoyed my visits to Puerto Rico. Every stay a nice rental place or hotel.
But this HOME left me with a yearning to return everyday that passes.
Experience the Island the way the Borinquens do with warm, soft passion.
Visited February 2016 Travelled with family
Written 1 April 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andi M
Kempten, Germany
Wunderschönes, großes und sauberes Haus mit super Aussicht
Das das schöne und große Haus liegt auf einer Anhöhe. Durch die Lage auf dem Berg mit viel Grün um das Haus herum. Zum Haus kommt man über eine extra Einfahrt und hat dadurch fast niemand der auf das Haus blicken kann und auch seine Ruhe! Von der Terrasse blickt man über ein Tal das sehr bewaldet ist.
Visited September 2015 Travelled with friends
Written 28 February 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Our neighborhood is just that; A community of people coming together looking out for one another, and very open to welcoming travelers from all around the world. Many of the locals that you’ll meet in this this area don’t travel much, so it is just as exciting for them to meet you as it is for you to meet them. Everyone I know is very giving, loving, genuine and humble, which is one of the many things that makes you fall in love with our beautiful island. I grew up in these lovely mountains with these amazing people, and It’s an honor and a privilege for us to share this part of the Island with you.
Getting around
You will need to rent a car as there is no public transit up in the mountains. Once you book with us, Katryel sends you a welcome letter w/ written directions, GPS coordinates and extras. The extras is a long list of many things to do in and around the area including local spots to enjoy. All of the roads are paved so any car is fine. Since Hurricane Maria, you have to be a bit more careful going up the mountain from the main town. Its a short 12 minute drive and the roads are accessible.
Access
Car required
How to get there
You will need to rent a car as there is no public transit up in the mountains. Once you book with us, Katryel sends you a welcome letter w/ written directions, GPS coordinates and extras. The extras is a long list of many things to do in and around the area including local spots to enjoy. All of the roads are paved so any car is fine. Since Hurricane Maria, you have to be a bit more careful going up the mountain from the main town. Its a short 12 minute drive and the roads are accessible.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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