Entire home

Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.

Photo gallery for Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.

Your view, of the home, coming up the driveway.
You can't see as far as the views go!
From the Air you can see we sit in the Heart of the Rainforest!
Indoor pool house, with jacuzzi, massage table, weights, pool table, ping pong.
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 20436.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Nuevo Arenal/Tilaran
  • Lake Arenal
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Tabacon Hot Springs
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Canas (CSC)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Single Bed

6 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.

Come stay at the rental home that offers the services of a fine hotel. The entire home, pool house, grounds, trails and amenities are EXCLUSIVELY for the use of your group for the duration of your stay. On site chef services, complete transport arrangements, great breakfast included in the rental rate, all tours can be arranged for you so that you spend your vacation having fun instead of trying to plan your next activity. Let us help you tailor your vacation to exactly what you want. We have been in the Lake Arenal area for 25+ years and can advise you and your special group on the tours that you will really enjoy and steer you clear of the tourist traps. Let us help you make the most of your vacation by offering our years of local experience and contacts. Take full advantage of having 'a friend in the area', right here at 'The Sunset'


Adventure at every turn.: Lake Arenal is the premier adventure spot in Costa Rica for windsurfing, canopy tours, lake fishing, boat tours, jungle hiking trails, quad rentals, kite surfing, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming in an extinct volcanic crater, spelunking and more. Enjoy the many adventures available or simply relax in our indoor glass pool/jacuzzi area with pool table and ping pong and enjoy the tranquility and majesty of your surroundings.

Tourism with a purpose.: In an effort to help the Costa Rican National Park system finance education, outreach and protection. Red Sunset of Guanacaste will devote a full 50% of each commission gained through our sales of adventure tours sold toward this goal. With the added benefit of specialized access to individuals in the tour system that make it all work. Tribal leaders, guides, and park directors.

What you can expect at 'The Sunset': Six beautifully appointed bedrooms featuring Costa Rican art, hand carved beds and doors with bathrooms en suite The entire property is a showcase of Costa Rican art, decorative tile, stone and craft work. Two of the bedrooms feature decorative fireplaces. The downstairs master suite bathroom features a hot tub built for two. Large library/ living room area with wrap-around couch, television, Roku, DVD, stereo. Large dining/presentation hall with a variety of available seating arrangements. Our unique indoor pool house features a divers pool, 4.5 feet on the shallow end, 10 ft deep on the deep end. 18x35 feet with attached jacuzzi heated on request. Featuring billiards, ping pong, weights, lounging areas. We live in the rainforest and nobody wants to swim in the rain, with our indoor pool house your group has access to all these amenities rain or shine, many groups hang out till the wee hours of the morning enjoying this incredible space, that is only offered by The Sunset!
All located in the "real rainforest" we aren't in a gated community or off the side of the road. We are easily accessed but just far enough removed that your stay will be in the "real Costa Rica", a 500 hundred acre preserve is to the east of us and several thousand acres of protected rainforest encompassing Tenorio National park is to our North and West. A spot of perfect peace and privacy with access to all the great activities and adventures this country has to offer.

Property manager

Patrick Hughes
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 1:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You may smoke outside of course.
The base rate is for up to 4 guests. Additional guests pay a pro-rated nightly rate of $46.00 per night plus tax, with breakfast included, per person.
Spread out, enjoy all the space, go out on the deck at night and stare at the stars! Don't wander into the jungle at night.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Arenal

Located in Arenal, this villa is in the mountains and on a lake. Baldi Hot Springs and Titoku Hot Springs are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit FlyZone Wakeboard School and Monteverde Frog Pond. Travelling with kids? Consider Wellness Park Costa Rica, or check out an event or a game at Tronadora Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Nuevo Arenal/Tilaran

What's nearby

  • Lake Arenal - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park - 15 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 37 min drive - 32.9 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 41 min drive - 34.6 km
  • Rio Celeste Waterfall - 58 min drive - 47.8 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 105 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Café & Macadamia - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪El Corral - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Moya's Place - ‬6 min drive
  • Gutierrez Family Pizzería
  • ‪Soda La Macha - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

Is Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.?

Checkout is at 1:00 PM.

Where is Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. located?

This family-friendly Arenal villa is located on a lake, 0.6 mi (1 km) from Lake Arenal, and within 9 mi (15 km) of FlyZone Wakeboard School and Tenorio Volcano National Park. Venado Caves and Catarata Morpho Azul are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 263 out of 269 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 269 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 269 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 269 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 269 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elorie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning!
We arrived to breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and the volcano. Over the next couple of days we savored delicious varied breakfasts and a German cuisine inspired dinner that was prepared and customized to accommodate our dietary restrictions. All of us enjoyed visiting the hot tub daily. The library was well utilized during our stay. So many genres of books for our varied interests! We strolled through the gardens, admiring the many tropical plants and flowers and even saw toucans both mornings. The kitchen is very well equipped, and the beds were comfortable. This is an amazing, large yet cozy property with hosts that make us feel that this is our home away from home! We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kirit P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Excellent views, breakfast and dinner made to our request was very nice. Great omlettes and local traditional dinner.Hot water was not working for first floor bathrooms but I am sure the host will fix that. The host is great and provided everything we asked for.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marci K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house & great host
We have stayed ar over 20 rental properties. And this one was by far the best! The house and grounds are beautiful. Patrick is an amazing host! We ended up with a flat tire and he arranged to have it taken into town to be repaired.The daily breakfast provided were also amazing and different every day!I can’t recommend this property enough!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karl S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic
The property is in a beautiful location. Patrick is knowledgeable and helpful, he is very accommodating welcoming. Breakfast was so good. The stay was great and Costa Rica is gorgeous! I would certainly stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
We had an incredible time at this property! Patrick, his family and the staff were wonderful!!! We hope to someday return.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darryl P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy, enjoyable, comfortable
The property itself is wonderful for a family vacation. Ample room for everyone with the library/entertainment area, the dining room, deck, covered swimming pool and hot tub and every room with its own bathroom. Patrick couldn't have been more helpful. It was like having your own Concierge. Very helpful coming up with activities and and recommendations. The staff were friendly and took care of everything. The breakfasts delicious and large. It all worked flawlessly.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Afshin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A must book
It was a very unique and great experience you won't get at other places in terms of location, view, and accommodation. Patrick is a great host and I would definitely recommend this stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

reba b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Place
My husband and I went here for our Anniversary and we were not disappointed. Everyone from Patrick, his wife, the housekeeper made us feel welcome. The drivers were like family by the end of the day, Miguel and Luis are the best! Patrick was a great help suggesting and helping plan our tours. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy yourself.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mandy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Patrick and the staff were great. Patrick went above and beyond to book activities and gave great recommendations for places to eat and shop. So helpful. The morning breakfasts were a highlight of our trip. We would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Costa Rica.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, Pool/Hot Tub, Bedrooms for All
The Red Sunset in Guanacaste was a perfect stay. From first choosing this beautiful home to driving up it was wonderful. Patrick met us at the door full of information and support of us enjoying Costa Rica. Being in the mountains was a treat. There was plenty to do at the house to keep us in fun mode, no matter the weather.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Simply the best is right!
Our group of 9 had a great trip thanks to Patrick and his team! The property and house are beautiful, a wonderful oasis to relax in the rainforest. The daily fresh cooked breakfast was the perfect start and exceeded our expectations. Miguel, such a great guy and driver helped us get to any adventure we wanted and made sure everything went smooth. Patrick is a great chef and we had the best tres leche cake for dessert. We highly recommend this home and would not hesitate to book again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
The house and grounds were exactly as described. We all enjoyed the house, the area, views from the patio and especially the breakfasts! Sitting on the patio in the mornings with a cup of coffee while enjoying the view and peaceful quiet was sublime.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gillian G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Luxury in the rainforest
Patrick was the ultimate host, nothing was too much for him! The house was comfortable and the breakfasts varied and delightful. AC was nice but the mountain breezes cooled things off nicely too. Pool and hot tub were amazing! You will nott be sorry if you book here!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elorie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
See you in the new year!
We were unable to stay due the Liberia airport closure. We were still in Canada. Patrick kept in contact with us during the entire process including 5 redirected/cancelled flights. He offered several suggestions for us and was as always, very helpful. We have stayed before, and will be back! Pura Vida!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Spencer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Scenic and fun stay near Lake Arenal
The house is in a beautiful location. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub and breakfast was really nice. Patrick recommended some great activities that were perfect for our family and helped set up all the bookings. I would highly recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbi I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing host and beautiful home
My daughter and I, stayed at this home and it was exactly as described. Patrick was very communicative, hospitable and took care of arranging all of our excursions. His wife and housekeeping staff prepared an amazing breakfast each day, and always ensured that we had everything we needed to make our trip perfect. Miguel was our driver for the week and he was phenomenal!! He accompanied us to every excursion to ensure that we were comfortable and was available anytime we needed assistance. He also pointed out several interesting things and animals. I highly recommend this home. Patrick will ensure that your trip is more than you could have initially expected.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shaina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home and Wonderful experience
Our stay at this home was amazing. Patrick, the host, made it so easy. He scheduled a car to pick all 15 of us up from the airport and had a delicious Costa Rican dinner ready. All the food that was made for us was delicious! He gave us suggestions for excursions and booked anything that needed reservations. The house is beautiful with so many unique details. The views of the lake are breathtaking. The house was very clean. The pool and hot tub were great to go in after a long day of traveling. Looking back at the trip we would have spent longer here than the resort we went to afterwards.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rainforest stay
Great place to stay in the rainforest. Nice house with pool and lots of sleeping space. The breakfasts provided daily are fantastic. Patrick is a great host and concierge. Beautiful views of Lake Arenal. I would definitely recommend a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Drive to the Fortuna for many of the activities is about an hour. Small town with nice restaurants is about 15 min drive.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra G. R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun stay for the entire family!
This house and property were HUGE, with great views of the volcano and surrounding area, and had room for everyone in my large group! It was fun and quirky and just right. The breakfast was spectacular each morning. Patrick was the perfect host and helped us with terrific advice on activities and even made reservations for us. This house is definitely a "do-again!"
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia (Trish) H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything you could dream of in a place to vacation
The Red Sunset is by far the best place we have ever stayed. There wasn’t anything that you could need or want missing, and the artwork in the house is an artist dream world. We saw Toucans and Guans every day. The view is stunning, the pool and everything with it fun, and the entire house is extremely comfortable. We loved every minute we spent there. Oh yes, can’t forget the very best breakfast in the country!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shana T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation
We had a wonderful time at this property. Pictures do not do it justice. The breakfast was huge and included a bread (waffles, bagels, or pancakes) eggs, fresh fruits and a smoothie. It was different each day and just as good each day. Patrick booked all our outings and custom tailored it for our family. I hope to return one day! Don't hesitate to book here!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Patrick and staff did a wonderful job!
Patrick was an awesome host with many suggestions of activities besides what we had already booked ourselves. The house and pool house were great and fit our family of 12 perfectly. He never let us down. All of his recommendations were right on. We highly recommend you won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Coco G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A tropical paradise!
Two couples celebrating our 25-year anniversary! We loved everything about the Red Sunset of GUANACASTE from the house to the grounds to the swimming pool/hot tub, to the elaborate breakfast everyday! The view is fantastic of Lake Arenal, the cloud forest, Volcano Arenal. We had some overcast days, some rain, but enough clear weather to do all the activities we desired. Patrick and his staff were phenomenal hosts, making us feel welcome and pampered the whole time. We had Patrick cook for us twice, a Costa Rican dinner and a French dinner. Both were fantastic and included a delectable dessert. All of Patrick’s recommendations were excellent in terms of the best restaurants, a hanging bridge tour, a zip line package, a river tour, and more. He helped us with reservations even the day of so that we could be flexible depending on the weather conditions. We plan to come back, inviting at least 4 other couples to join us on another amazing adventure here, staying at the Red Sunset of GUANACASTE!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nataliya F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Experience
We traveled in a group of 19 to Patrick's home for 4 nights over New Years. Patrick and his home exceeded all of our expectations. First of all, his home is beautiful and build very tastefully. Secondly Patrick was an INCREDIBLE host. New Years is a HUGE holiday for our family. Patrick arranged for a private chef to make us a New Years feast. Also Patrick dressed up as Old Man Frost and gave out presents to all of the kids. Each morning, we were greeted by an incredible breakfast made by Patrick's wife. Each breakfast was different and each time super delicious. We have tons of picky kids in our group and they fell in LOVE with breakfast at Patrick's home. I cannot recommend Patrick and this property enough. Each room had its own bathroom which was incredibly convenient. The home is located in a beautiful property where you will truly feel connected with nature but yet close enough to go to a restaurant. Overall, our experience was amazing. I cannot say enough about Patrick's incredible support, assistance, and responsiveness to all of our needs. For reference our group had 10 adults and 9 kids. There was enough space for all of us to fit comfortably in the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

THERESA O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise in the clouds
Beautiful large home, very private. Great place to come back to after an active day. You can relax in pool, hot tub and play pool or ping pong, and amazing breakfasts! I highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

About the host

Hosted by Patrick Hughes

Host profile image
Patrick Hughes: Is the head cook, bottle washer and buck stop at “The Sunset”. If you need something special, out of the ordinary, corresponding to a birthday, celebration etc. talk to him and it will happen. He also promises to coordinate your chosen activities, meals and transportation to make your stay enjoyable, hassle free and unforgettable.

Why they chose this property

A one bedroom , one bath home that we rebuilt from the ground up, a complete renovation, ending with 6 bedrooms and 6 en suite bathrooms, 26 acres of rain forest, high atop a hill, near the town of Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica. An absolutely breathtaking view overlooking nearly the entire Lake Arenal valley and on clear days a perfect view of frequently erupting Volcano Arenal, all within minutes of some of the worlds premier adventure activities and natural treasures, was more than enough to convince the Hughes family to risk a move to the beautiful and nearly undiscovered gem of Lake Arenal, Costa Rica. So we took the risk and bought the property, then the work began. A complete renovation turning it into labor of love where we wanted to be and knew others would love as well!

What makes this property unique

'The Sunset' Luxury Guesthouse has six beautifully appointed bedrooms, bathrooms en suite featuring Costa Rican art throughout. With a gourmet kitchen, large shared library/TV room, dining hall, wi-fi, and laundry . Guests enjoy a large, indoor, swimming pool with attached jacuzzi and gymnasium, with pool table and ping pong table.
A frequent question we receive is why we have a "indoor pool house" true it is unique to the area and the only enclosed pool house around. The reason is simple "people just do not go swimming in the rain". We want our guests to enjoy every aspect of their stay and no matter how gorgeous an outside pool is in sunny weather, we are realists that understand that when it rains you aren't going to go swimming outside. So with our unique indoor pool, guest groups can and do enjoy swimming, the jacuzzi, workout area, ping pong and billiards, till the wee hours if they like, under roof and protected from a sudden downpour, guests just love it and we are the only ones that offer it.
We strive to accommodate all dietary restrictions and put out world class meals for your group to enjoy.
We do everything we can to ease your transition in to paradise and are on hand, yet non obtrusive and no more than a phone call away to come over and help arrange the vacation that you REALLY want! We can set up all activities up for you, so you have one less thing to worry about and so much more time to enjoy!
'The Sunset' Guesthouse is for singles, couples, families, corporate groups and all those that know how to travel well.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests