We recently opened our doors to guests for the very first time, and now we want to share the whole journey: From the very first spark of an idea to the day we welcomed our first visitors. We’ll be posting these stories in short sections, so you can follow along with every step we took to bring this retreat to life.
The Spark that Started it All
We fell in love with Puerto Rico while vacationing here, seeking a break from Miami’s big city life. The island’s vibrant landscapes, warm breezes, and slower pace of life offered a welcome contrast to the noise and rush of home. During that vacation, an idea took root: what if we had a place here — a quiet refuge, a spot to share with friends and family, and, one day, a haven for retirement?
Puerto Rico’s natural beauty captured our hearts in every way. From the endless stretches of sandy beaches kissed by turquoise waves to the vibrant, historic streets of Old San Juan, every moment seemed to whisper that this island was more than just a vacation destination — it was a place where life slowed down and every breath felt richer. We spent our days exploring colorful neighborhoods and sampling fresh seafood, and in the evenings, we’d find a quiet spot to watch the breathtaking sunsets — fiery orange fading to soft purple over the ocean. Each of these experiences deepened our love for this Caribbean island and planted the seeds for what would become our own personal haven.
Initially, we imagined a house near the beach, where we could wake up to the sound of waves and stroll along the shore at sunrise. But as we explored the possibilities, we quickly realized that our budget would go much further inland. Land was surprisingly affordable in Puerto Rico, especially in the mountains, where the air was crisp and the views stretched for miles.
This discovery shifted our vision. Instead of a bustling beachfront hideaway, we dreamed of creating a peaceful refuge in the hills — just for us. A place where we could slow down, enjoy the mountain breezes, and share it with friends and family when they came to visit. At the time, we weren’t thinking about hosting guests or opening a retreat; we simply wanted a cozy sanctuary to escape the big city and one day retire surrounded by nature.
Each step of this early journey brought us closer to the heart of what would eventually become Hacienda Eterna Primavera. At the time, we didn’t know exactly where it would lead, but we felt the pull of the land, the warmth of the island, and the promise of a new way of life. In our next post, we’ll share how we took this dream a step further — tackling the challenges of restoring an old hacienda and turning it into a place that reflects the spirit of Puerto Rico.
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