Indian American Opens ‘Flor De India’ Boutique Hotel in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Indian American entrepreneur Preeti Agarwal has transformed a historic Spanish Colonial landmark in Puerto Rico into Flor De India, a boutique hotel that blends Indian and Puerto Rican heritage while preserving the property’s architectural legacy.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Agarwal has managed a multimillion-dollar residential real estate portfolio across the United States and launched several startups specializing in advertising and marketing. Flor De India is her first hospitality venture and reflects her vision of honoring both her birthplace and her adopted home of Puerto Rico.

Located on the iconic Ashford Avenue in San Juan’s Condado district, Flor De India occupies a Spanish Colonial building constructed in 1929 and designed by renowned architect Pedro Castro. The property remains one of the area’s significant historic landmarks.

“As a historic property, the core architecture and the original look and feel had to be preserved. Key architectural elements, including arches, pillars, and the overall structure, were carefully maintained and regularly audited by the department to ensure the integrity of the property remained intact,” Agarwal told South Asian Herald in an exclusive interview.

She said the vision behind Flor de India was to create a tranquil boutique retreat that celebrates both Indian and Puerto Rican cultures while honoring the building’s historic character.

“We were very aware that we had a responsibility not to damage anything historic and took great care to preserve and enhance the façade,” she said. “The end result is a combination of two cultures, Spanish and Indian, and we wanted to pay tribute to both: the land where we were born and the land that has been home to us for more than 12 years.”

According to Agarwal, the project balanced historic preservation with modern comfort. A more than 100-year-old tree remains the centerpiece of the hotel’s main foyer.

“Since there were no existing trees around the perimeter, approximately $100,000 of the four and a half million-dollar project was invested in enhancing the greenery and creating a lush, peaceful environment,” she said, adding that the restoration combined architectural preservation with thoughtful enhancements to create a refined boutique hospitality experience.

She said every aspect of the hotel, from its architecture and interiors to its landscaping and guest experience, was designed to reflect the traditions and aesthetics of both India and Puerto Rico.

Flor De India features 10 individually designed guest rooms, each inspired by the cultures, landscapes, and traditions of Puerto Rico and India.

• Amara: Meaning love and grace, this room combines Indian textiles from Rajasthan with Spanish Colonial design elements.
• El Yunque: Named after Puerto Rico’s iconic tropical rainforest.
• Coquí: Honors Puerto Rico’s beloved coquí frog, symbolizing the idea that good things come in small packages.
• Taíno: Pays tribute to Puerto Rico’s Indigenous Taíno people and culture.
• Coco: Inspired by the island’s coconut palms and Puerto Rico’s famous piña colada.
• Flamenco: Named after Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, known for its white sand and turquoise waters.
• Borínquen: Recognizes the original Taíno name for Puerto Rico and the heritage behind the term “Boricua.”
• Nirvana: Draws inspiration from the Indian tradition of achieving enlightenment through yoga and meditation.
• Playa: Celebrates Puerto Rico’s diverse coastal landscapes, from the bioluminescent bays of Vieques to the surf of Rincón and the mangroves of La Parguera.
• Encanto: Inspired by Puerto Rico’s nickname, La Isla del Encanto, or “The Island of Enchantment.”

The Agarwal family relocated to Puerto Rico in 2010 and established a mortgage branch on the island. Today, they employ more than 200 local Puerto Rican professionals and have built deep roots within the community.

“Giving back has always been a core family value. We believe in supporting individuals who inspire communities through dedication, perseverance, and excellence,” Agarwal said.

The family has supported several athletes and community organizations over the years, including 

• 7x World Champion, Sugar Shane Mosley, who is also a long-term guest and promoter of the hotel.
• Four-time Para Surfing World Champion Aleli Medina of Puerto Rico. 
• Top para-surfer Sean Neil Reyngoudt of Puerto Rico.
• Top pro surfer Faviola Alcala of Puerto Rico.
• Winter Olympian and skeleton racer representing Puerto Rico Kellie Delka.
• Ryron Gracie, chief instructor at Gracie University.
• Dorado Cares, the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Island Corps, and PRDesi.

“Our commitment reflects a belief in creating opportunities, empowering individuals, and giving back to the community we proudly call home,” Agarwal said.

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