Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juan Miguel Rivera-Pecunia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Juan Miguel, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Otium, we strive to become the leader in short-term rental and boutique hotel management in Puerto Rico. This vision arose from a clear need: while the island is a vibrant tourist destination, we identified an opportunity to enhance the hospitality experience by establishing new standards in property management, guest experience, and operational excellence.
The name “Otium” is derived from Latin and embodies the concept of well-spent leisure—an idea that aligns perfectly with the experience we strive to provide. We believe that travel is more than simply finding a place to stay; it’s about immersing yourself in a unique experience, uncovering hidden gems, and selecting accommodations that offer more than just a bed—such as hospitality, design, and a genuine connection to the destination.
But beyond simply managing properties, our mission is deeply personal. Puerto Rico is more than just a beautiful island; it’s a place rich in culture, history, and hospitality that deserves to be showcased at the highest level. We’ve witnessed firsthand the effects of well-managed short-term rentals and boutique hotels on the local economy, communities, and overall travel experience.
Our commitment is to elevate the standard of short-term rental and boutique hotel management by providing exceptional guest experiences, enhancing property performance, and creating value for travelers and property owners. We emphasize quality, innovation, and seamless operations to ensure every property we manage meets and surpasses expectations.
Otium is more than just a management company; it is a community. We want travelers seeking unforgettable experiences and property owners needing expert management to see us as a trusted ally. Our mission is clear: to establish Otium as the industry’s leading authority and promote Puerto Rico as a premier destination for travelers seeking quality and authenticity.
This mission is important to us because we believe in the transformative power of hospitality—in the capacity of a carefully designed stay to turn a trip into an unforgettable experience, in the potential for responsible tourism to uplift local communities, and in the belief that travelers should feel a genuine sense of place when visiting Puerto Rico. By raising industry standards and providing exceptional management solutions, we are building a business and shaping the future of hospitality on the island we cherish.
Juan Miguel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Juan Miguel Rivera-Pecunia, an entrepreneur passionate about hospitality, real estate, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. My journey into short-term rentals and boutique hotel management began with a deep appreciation for travel and a vision to elevate the standard of hospitality in Puerto Rico.
I founded Otium with a clear mission: to become the leading short-term rental and boutique hotel management company in Puerto Rico. I saw an opportunity to transform property management by focusing on high-quality guest experiences, seamless operations, and maximizing property value for owners. Puerto Rico is a world-class destination, and I wanted to ensure that travelers could experience it through well-curated, top-tier accommodations.
Otium offers comprehensive management solutions for property owners aiming to maximize the potential of their short-term rentals and boutique hotels. We manage everything from listing optimization and pricing strategies to guest relations, maintenance, and overall operations—ensuring a hassle-free experience for property owners while providing top-quality stays for guests.
The problem we solve is simple: Many property owners struggle to manage their rentals efficiently, missing out on revenue and failing to meet guest expectations. We take that burden off their shoulders by implementing best-in-class hospitality practices that increase occupancy rates, improve guest satisfaction, and enhance profitability.
What differentiates Otium from others in the industry is our commitment to excellence, personalized service, and a deep understanding of Puerto Rico’s hospitality landscape. We don’t just manage properties—we curate exceptional guest experiences, blending local culture, design, and seamless service to make every stay memorable.
Another key factor is our data-driven approach. We leverage technology, market insights, and revenue management strategies to ensure that each property performs at its best and delivers consistent value to owners and guests.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact Otium is making. We are raising the standard for short-term rentals, helping property owners achieve financial success, and elevating Puerto Rico’s reputation as a premier travel destination. Seeing guests leave glowing reviews and owners thrive because of our management approach drives me daily.
I want travelers to know that when they stay at an Otium-managed property, they get an experience that is thoughtfully designed, seamless, and reflective of Puerto Rico’s unique charm.
I want property owners to know that Otium isn’t just a management service—it’s a partner committed to their success. Whether new to short-term rentals or looking to expand their boutique hotel, we provide the expertise, systems, and attention to detail needed to maximize their investment.
Otium is about creating a higher standard of hospitality that benefits guests and property owners while showcasing Puerto Rico as a world-class destination.
Any advice for managing a team?
At Oium, we believe that a well-cared-for team provides the best service, directly impacting our properties, guests, and, ultimately, our property owners and shareholders. Our approach to team management is straightforward yet powerful: invest in people, foster a strong culture, and empower our team to grow.
Our philosophy is that when we take care of our teammates, they will excel at taking care of our properties and guests. Hospitality is a people-driven industry, and when our team feels valued, supported, and motivated, that energy translates into outstanding guest experiences and well-maintained properties.
We cultivate an open culture that encourages feedback, ideas, and concerns. Clear communication fosters trust and ensures everyone feels heard and aligned with our mission. We hold regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one sessions to maintain high morale and proactively address challenges.
People flourish when they feel they are growing. At Otium, we invest in our team’s development by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. Whether it involves enhancing hospitality skills, learning new technologies, or acquiring leadership experience, we want our team to envision a future with us.
Recognizing hard work and celebrating big and small victories boosts morale and motivation. We acknowledge exceptional performance, whether through incentives, public recognition, or opportunities for leadership roles.
We cultivate a culture where individuals feel respected, valued, and connected to a larger purpose. This involves promoting a healthy work-life balance, offering support during difficult times, and encouraging collaboration rather than competition.
Our success at Otium is founded on our people—a motivated and engaged team results in better-managed properties, happier guests, and more satisfied property owners. By prioritizing our team’s well-being, we guarantee that guests, owners, and stakeholders benefit from the best possible experience.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
As an entrepreneur and leader, continuous learning is key to personal and professional growth. Over the years, several books have significantly influenced my management philosophy and entrepreneurial thinking.
One of the most impactful books I’ve read is “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. It highlights the importance of vulnerability, trust, and courageous leadership, essential for managing a team and growing a business. I’ve discovered that cultivating a culture of openness and accountability results in stronger, more engaged teams.
Another book that has shaped my approach is Patrick Lencioni’s The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable. It highlights the importance of clarity, communication, and organizational health, which are critical for building a strong company culture and ensuring long-term success.
The 5 Powers has significantly influenced my understanding of decision-making, focus, and resilience—skills essential for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. Additionally, Playing to Win by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin has enhanced my strategic thinking, emphasizing that success arises from clear choices, disciplined execution, and a robust competitive advantage.
Beyond books, I rely on mentors, family, and colleagues to guide my approach to managing human capital and business operations. Their experiences and perspectives have been invaluable in developing a leadership style that balances strategy, empathy, and execution.
Ultimately, my philosophy is built on continuous improvement, leading with purpose, and creating a culture where people thrive. These resources—and the people around me—have played a crucial role in shaping how I lead Otium toward becoming the industry leader in short-term rental and boutique hotel management in Puerto Rico.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stayotium.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayotium
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayotium
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stayotium
- Twitter: https://x.com/otiumstays
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stayotium
- Other: Otium’s Spotify curated playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zA4Vbs1EpbeEb3ghJdk2Y?si=e5bf0408689249dc
