I’ve already written about how the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort rebuilt after Hurricane Maria a while back. But there’s something about this particular resort that seems to go deeper than just making sure guests have spectacular facilities and pristine beaches. Of course they go the extra mile to make sure vacationers have a memorable beach vacation while they’re there. But, it’s pretty refreshing to see the way resort general manager Nils Stolzlechner, the resort staff, (and guests too) put their actions where their hearts are when it comes to the local community.
In addition to dealing with their significant rebuilding project in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Stolzlecher and the resort staff took an active role in helping out a local home for the elderly. “Through the resort’s volunteer efforts with the Rio Grande Housing for Elderly, we were able to service and support this organization during a time of need, and provide them with an unexpected day of joy,” he said. “I am very proud of these small acts that my team has been making, resulting in a big difference in the lives of the less fortunate.”
And now that the Wyndham recently donated $16,000 that was raised by guests to aid in the restoration and recovery of neighboring El Yunque National Rainforest, the resort (that’s located on 500 acres along a mile-long section of beach adjacent to the El Yunque National Rainforest and the Mameyes River) and its guests are making a significant financial impact as well.
“Our goal of raising $10,000 was exceeded thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our guests,” said Stolzlechner. “We are so appreciative of their continued support of beautiful Puerto Rico and thank them for their contribution to our community.”
“Through NFF’s Forest Stewardship Fund and the resort’s commitment to the island’s recovery, the donations from resort guests will be used to replace the Angelito Bridge and Trail, allowing river access to be restored to the community and visitors of Puerto Rico,” said Mark Shelley, Eastern Region Program Director of the National Forest Foundation. “With the support of the U.S. Forest Service, and local partners like Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, we are addressing restoration challenges in this beloved forest.”
This initiative reaffirms the resort’s strong commitment to the protection of its surrounding ecosystem and the environment. The resort has been working closely with the El Yunque National Rainforest team to organize volunteer programs for interested guests, providing a boxed lunch along with transportation to and from the site location, offering guests the opportunity to become part of the rainforest’s recovery.
Now that’s what I call eco-tourism that makes a difference!