Stephanie Williams
Google
I chose Hacienda Tres Casitas because I was craving a secluded, nature-immersed retreat — a place to relax, unplug, and soak in the sights, sun, and sounds of a tranquil environment. The idea of a treehouse- or bungalow-style stay, tucked away from the chaos of city life, was exactly what I was looking for.
Upon arrival, the self-check-in process was smooth and well-communicated. I received clear and helpful texts the afternoon of my stay with all the necessary details. I stayed in Casita #2, which was spacious, clean, and thoughtfully decorated. While it felt more like a cozy cabin than a treehouse, I appreciated the comforts (especially the indoor bathroom and shower, a mini-fridge with freezer, and even a TV in the second bedroom). The front porch is a nice spot to sit our and enjoy the natural surroundings. The breakfast was also simple but a nice touch.
A few things detracted from the experience. Most notably, while the porch offered beautiful outdoor views, all of the casita’s windows were boarded or bolted shut, so there was no way to see outside from indoors. This may be intentional for privacy or weather protection, but it significantly limited the “bring the outdoors in” feeling I had hoped for. The lack of natural light made the space feel dim with only lamps to illuminate the interior.
Sadly, peace and quiet (the main reason I made the 3-hour drive from San Juan) were hard to come by. Around 8:00 AM, I was woken by the sound of car doors slamming, dishes clattering, and breakfast being prepared right outside my room. I could also clearly hear the guests above me using the shower and bathroom — the plumbing was so loud it sounded as if water might start dripping through the ceiling. Then, at 8:30 AM, a loud weed whacker started up and ran nonstop (and was still going when I checked out at 11:30). It completely shattered the peaceful morning I had envisioned.
When I made my way to breakfast, other guests had music playing from their phones and were taking calls, while the yard maintenance continued nearby (far from the serene setting I had anticipated). I left earlier than planned, disappointed I couldn’t sleep in a bit longer nor enjoy the space as fully as I’d hoped.
Lastly, there was no shower curtain in the bathroom. There was a shower rod but no shower curtain so after my shower the bathroom floor was soaked. The shower head does not move/adjust so it was a bit difficult to navigate for someone who is tall. The pillows had a strong, damp, musty smell and seemed to have been treated/cleaned with a chemical that irritated my skin. I had to wrap them in my clothes just to use them comfortably.
Overall, the space is beautiful, the concept is thoughtful, and the casita itself was well-maintained and comfortable in many ways. But if the goal is to offer guests a peaceful, restorative getaway, I would strongly recommend the following:
Schedule outdoor maintenance for after check-out hours to preserve the tranquil atmosphere.
Add basic hospitality items like bottled water, tea, and some light snacks, especially since this is such a remote location. Guests may not want to drive back out once they've arrived.
Consider allowing natural light and views by adding screens and opening up at least some of the windows.