Off the beaten path, staying here is like staying on a private beach. You can surf, go horseback riding, tour the butterfly farm and more. A magical experience!
45min - 1 hour's drove: Zipline, Sport Fishing, Ocean Safaris for viewing dolphins and whales, Ocean Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and more.
Our caretaker lives at the back of the property.
Keywords: beachfront, beach, house, guanacaste, playa san miguel
Property manager
Jim Alderman, Elizabeth Welch
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Breakfast available
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Beautiful Beachfront property in San Miguel, Guanacaste, sleeps 12
Beautiful Beachfront property in San Miguel, Guanacaste, sleeps 12
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
Javilla
Located in Bejuco, this holiday home is on the beach. Jungle Butterfly Farm is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Samara Beach and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby.
Playa San Miguel, Guanacaste
What's nearby
San Miguel Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Jungle Butterfly Farm - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
Playa Bejuco - 21 min drive - 7.8 km
Coyote Beach - 25 min drive - 10.1 km
Carrillo Beach - 66 min drive - 26.9 km
Getting around
Cóbano Airport (ACO) - 109 min drive
Restaurants
Alma Restaurante - 16 min drive
Rio's Restaurante - 12 min drive
Bar Coco - 16 min drive
Aura Beach Club - 16 min drive
Restaurante Donde Cambute - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Beach Front Paradise! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Beach Front Paradise!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beach Front Paradise!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Beach Front Paradise! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Bejuco holiday home is 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from San Miguel Beach and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Jungle Butterfly Farm. Playa Bejuco and Mike's Jungle Butterfly Farm are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
I never wanted to leave! With the beautiful yard, the beach, the tide pools and Cheyo and his wonderful dogs, Sand Dollar Cove was heavenly! We wanted to stay somewhere away from the crowds where we could relax and enjoy the outdoors, and we did! The birds and howler monkeys were plentiful. Elizabeth and Jim were excellent hosts and quick to answer my questions. I’m already scheming to go back. Thank you so much, Elizabeth and Jim, for sharing your magical place.
This is our third time coming to Sand Dollar Cove. It may be my favorite place on earth. Playa San Miguel is a beautiful beach that goes on forever. The people are friendly the seafood is amazing and the house is perfect! I almost hate to review so it gets popular. The house is airconditioned in the bedrooms and right on your own private part of the beach in a cove with an estuary. The back patio is perfect to sit see and hear the ocean and be cooled by ocean breezes. The wifi is really good. the beds are comfy and the kitchen has everything you need to cook. Cheyo the caretaker can get you fresh fish. We watched the Super Bowl at Hotel Laguna Mar with a bunch of Americans, the seafood soup and ribs there were great! We went to the jungle butterfly farm, I recommend going there early in your trip because Mike's bug spray is the best! Elizabeth thank you for sharing your little piece of heaven with us! It is truly a remarkable place.
OMG, this place was fabulous! Always wanted to stay in a beachfront villa on the ocean and it didn't disappoint. The villa description is accurate. You can fall asleep to the ocean waves, walk on the beach for miles with only a few people and the seabirds to keep you company. The gardens are taken care of by Cheyo who also makes the most incredible ceviche. There are avocado, orange, lime, and mango trees on the property. The bedrooms are large with air conditioning and the bathrooms have several soft towels as well as beach towels for you to use. The kitchen is fully stocked with any items you may need for cooking, but there are several incredible restaurants within close driving distance. Highly recommend making reservations at San Miguel Restaurante, probably one of the best places I have ever eaten. Elizabeth was very responsive and a wonderful host. Her directions to the villa were spot on but as she recommended a 4x4 is necessary. Costa Rica secondary roads are an experience not to be missed but addressed with a sense of humor as you bump along on the gravel roads.You will never experience a beach front delight like this anywhere. The Pacific ocean with an almost deserted beach makes this a treasure. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your home with us.
This vacation home is perfect for the one who wants a Costa Rican experience, not a canned resort experience. Cheyo, the caretaker is a delight to talk to and maintains the home and grounds as if it were his own. Elizabeth the host is easy to work with. The home is beautiful and you couldn't ask for a more perfect private beach. The waves were perfect for boogie boarding. The only thing that concerned us was the drive to the property, however after making it there we realized it wasn't as long as it seemed, however, very very rough dirt roads. So just be aware, but don't let that stop you. The bedrooms are spacious and everything is very comfortable. Thank you Elizabeth, Jim and Cheyo!
If I could drop my life and move there tomorrow, I would do it.
The trip was not without issues. The location is rather remote and there was rain and flooding throughout the country.
Plenty went wrong, but so much of it was out of everyone's control and through it all the host and the caretaker were attentive and communicative.
This property is a little slice of heaven if you want to get off the beaten path. If it hadn't been booked up I might still be there.
Beautiful private location with a swimmable beach about 50 meters away. Charming rustic cottage. Rooms are not connected, and only the small downstairs bedroom has AC. We loved the peaceful simplicity.
It was all we hoped it was going to be and more! Great private house on a secluded beach with mostly crabs for company. Optionally, you can also enjoy the caretaker's two dogs and a kitten - if you pay them attention (we did), they will return it in droves! Expect mostly outdoor living, so bring bug spray, books and not much else. House is well equipped with all you need, including beach towels, chairs, toys, etc.
Rent a high clearance 4X4 car as the roads are not paved, have giant craters, and they forgot to put bridges over several rivers.
Bring food - the nearest "store" is 15 mins away and you will not want to drive there if it's dark and/or raining.
Go to Restaurant San Miguel at least once - it's some of the best food we ever had, and we're foodies from London & NYC. Plus, they will change your tire if (when!) you get a flat.
Paradise. I love it here! If you are looking for an isolated experience that feels like home with breathtaking ocean views and non-stop bird watching...this is it. Leave your white noise machine at home, climb into one of the hammocks and let the waves sing you to sleep. The beds are comfortable, I loved lounging on the porch and being steps away from the ocean all made me very happy. Sand Dollar Cove feels like home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.
We never tired of this location. The sounds of the waves, the views of the ocean, the jungle wildlife ... its such a treat. Cheyo the caretaker is a total gem and the house is well-stocked with family beach gear.
Nous avons adoré notre séjour. La vue, le terrain, la maison et la plage sont absolument époustouflants!! Et que dire de Cheyo et de sa femme qui s’occupent de la propriété pour l’hôte ont été tellement chaleureux avec notre famille!! Nous leurs avons demandé un repas et ce fut délicieux, abondant et remplis d’amour. La plage est presque intime. Les couches de soleils étaient à couper le souffle. Le patio couvert nous permettait de profiter de la vue et de la brise de la mer. Les sofas, les lits et le mobilier extérieur était très confortable. L’hôte nous répondait rapidement et était vraiment chaleureuse. Nous envisagions d’y retourner l’an prochain!!
We love the location right on the beach. It was like having our own beach. Air conditioning was awesome at night. The grounds were immaculate. We would love to stay there again!
Highly recommend you go there and experience paradise for yourself!
Ma plage préféré au Costa Rica!
Un endroit sauvage, tranquille et magnifique!
J’y retournerais passer une semaine complète sans problème!
Cheyo nous a cuisiné des repas sur place, son poisson était tout simplement délicieux!!
Vaut mieux avoir une traction intégrale pour monter la pente sur le chemin de la villa.
Certains équipements commençais a être viellot, par exemple les poignés de fenêtre et porte patio sont dificiles et un peu rouiller. Outre cela, c’était juste le paradis!!
This is our second time here and we are looking to book next year. The house and location are perfect if you want to experience Costa Rica without a bunch of tourists. Cheyo and Soleil are lovely and Elizabeth responds quickly to any issues. This location is so special. The beach is beautiful the house is beautiful. There are several restraints if you want to eat out that you can walk the beach to or a short drive. We like to cook and Cheyo can get you fresh fish right out of the ocean to make cerviche or grill. There are stores 15 min drive away for anything you need. Just heaven! Thanks you Elizabeth for another lovely stay!!!
The stay here was great, lots of beach walks with the house also very well stocked, wished we had a pack and play for our grandson but made it work. The AC in each room gave you great sleeping temps. All the beach toys, chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards were a great option. Spent most of our time on the beach at the tidal pools, in the water or on the nice shaded deck overlooking the water. Easy to walk to a nice to a place to grab a snack and beverage, Loco Cocos and the Pizza Tree was a fun experience as well. If you are looking for quiet and solitude this is the place.
When I review a location it’s the whole experience. So let’s begin:
The drive in is an adventure, to say the least. There were three river crossings along with uphills, downhills twists and turns. Personally I loved it, made it more fun.
Upon arrival the property struck me as dated, requiring some TLC. It was as described, but older than I thought to be honest. That was my impression after a 5 hour drive.
Then you realize where you are and you forget all the imperfections, your front yard is the ocean, your backyard the jungle. The beach is beautiful with miles and miles of sand and surf. Huge jungle hills surrounding you with all the beauty and nature Costa Rica has to offer. Monkeys, parrots, macaws we saw them all. Sunsets (daily) that you only see in movies or on TV. It’s quiet, it’s secluded and it feels like it’s all for you.
I describe it like this - if you ever wanted to live in a postcard, this is that place.
We ran into a couple issues, Elizabeth resolved them immediately, without question, and we appreciated that. Cheyo the caretaker and his wife cooked us meals daily, and they were awesome. Delivered to our door with fresh juices, catch of the day red snapper grilled to perfection, a real taste of local foods, we loved the service and recommend it when you stay. There are restaurants within 10 mins that were every bit as good if you wanted to get out.
We loved it and would go back anytime.
The descripition "Beach Front Paradise" is accurate. Very private and beautiful but it is sure "off the beaten path". It was a mistake on our part in driving there from the airport in the dark. The first part of the drive on Rt 150 was a decent roadway but the trip from Samara along Rt 160 was a nightmare. This road is so rough I felt like milkshake. There are so many twists and turns that I just kept praying. When talking to the locals, they all said they do not travel that road at night.
Waking up the next morning made the trip all worth while.
The house and the beach are wonderfull and we met Rufino, the caretakers "brother" who was a great guide to the area. We went fishing with the Samara Deep Sea charter and had a GREAT day on the water. We caught so much grouper and mahi that we had enough for lunch and dinner all week. We had dinner one night (for my Birthday) at Restaurant San Miguel and were extremely pleased with everything.
We had the most amazing stay here. This really is a piece of paradise. The beach was glorious with the jungle as a backdrop. You can walk along the beach for miles. The waves are perfect for body boarding,- there are some at the property which is great, surfing (you can hire some locally) or just swimming. We hardly saw anybody. We had 2 full days of very heavy rain but the porch is a great place to sit and relax. There is over an hour of dirt road to get to the property but that only increases it’s charm. We did have to drive through 3 rivulets so I would definitely recommend a 4x4. We went on a boat trip further up the coast and saw whales, dolphins and turtles- absolutely incredible! Cheyo and his wife are lovely, very friendly and very willing to impart knowledge and show you things. They don’t speak English but Google translate works well. Views from the main 2 bedrooms are magnificent! The air conditioning in the rooms works very well and really helps. The outside shower is great after swimming in the sea. I would definitely recommend filling up with petrol and doing a grocery shop before arriving. We have 3 children- 18, 15 and 11 and they all loved it here. If you like peace and tranquility and a bit of paradise with a pristine beach virtually to yourself this is the place for you!
We spent 5 days at Sand Dollar Cove with three generations of family and had an absolutely perfect trip. The beach is truly spectacular - beautiful, clean, with warm gentle water, and almost no one else in sight. Inside the house is clean and comfortable, and the air conditioning in the bedrooms was a nice reprieve from the hot weather, but the breeze off the ocean made even outdoors pleasant even in high temperatures. The caretaker, Cheyo, was very friendly and responsive the few times we needed help with something. We really couldn't have asked for a better trip. It's off the beaten path but 100% worth it.
I CANT explain how magical this place is. My family of 5 were very excited to stay here. It is truly paradise. Horses came to the house and we rode them on the beach. Cheyo made us the biggest bonfire we have ever seen. He and his wife are so kind and amazing. We will be back.
Our family of five LOVED staying at sand dollar cove. It was well worth the journey to get there, as it is off the beaten path. Cheyo’s hospitality as caretaker of the property was one of our highlights of our whole trip! If you come we highly recommend you hire him to cook for you during your stay. We asked him to make his ceviche for us, and it was wonderful - made with fish he caught that morning, and he prepared fried fish and chips for the kids. His Carne Asada was amazing too!
It’s hard to overstate the beauty of the house’s location. Lush foliage is everywhere! Warm water meant long swim sessions for us and our kids (12, 9 & 7) during low tide on the gorgeous, quiet beach. We loved exploring the nearby tide pools and relaxing outside.
Highly encourage you to make the drive in daylight hours. Come with most of what you will need for your stay as the grocery stores are not real close.
Communication with the owners and Cheyo the caretaker was great! If you love fresh coffee, either bring a grinder or have your coffee ground before you come - we didn’t think to ask about a grinder, and ended up using the blender to grind our coffee. The house itself is wonderful, though it seems like it is within a year or two of needing some capital improvements for it to continue to be a comfortable place to stay.
We would LOVE to stay here again if we make it back to Costa Rica. We highly recommend it!
Our time here was magical. You basically have your own beach to explore! You will see a few locals on the beach but rarely a tourist. The property is lush and beautiful with entertaining howler monkeys swinging through the trees. There’s nothing better than hearing the waves crash into the beach as you are laying on a chaise lounge enjoying a beverage. There are some amazingly good restaurants nearby that are locally owned with incredible food (Restaurant San Miguel up the street and Aromas about 15 min away and soooo good!). Also, going to the Butterfly Farm for a tour with Mike who is an Entomologist was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!
Shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, bathing suits and flip flops are all you really need to pack…maybe a dressier shirt for dinner or a sundress. Make sure you rent a car that can handle the dirt roads and can go through wet creek beds on your way to the property.
Also look out for dogs, iguanas and an occasional Brahma Bull on the road!
You will create a ton of incredible memories if you stay here!
My family and I recently had the pleasure to escape to this hidden gem on Playa San Miguel coast. I, too, now understand why others have not wanted to give a review - to keep this place a secret! The beach itself, just a few steps from the house provided a stunning backdrop for the ultimate beachside getaway. We visited in the off season, so it was not crowded. The most amount of people that we saw on the beach at once was 6!
Elizabeth was wonderful, extremely attentive and responsive and provided detailed information for us. And, Cheyo, was the absolute best. Always there to help if we needed him. We did opt for he and his wife to cook for us one evening (we chose fish and shrimp) and it was absolutely incredible. One of the best meals of our Costa Rican trip.
The house was absolutely perfect for our family. We brought along our two teens, so they each had their own room and shared a bathroom, and then my mom had a main suite with private bathroom upstairs, and we did, too. All bedrooms have air conditioning in them. The linens were all top of the line and extremely comfortable beds.
We did rent an all AWD vehicle to get there (as I believe this is a necessity) and we stopped at one of the larger grocery stores before arriving. We ate at The Pizza Treehouse - great food. And also to at the El Barco restaurant which is quite new and beautiful with excellent food. Off season so other places were not open.
Excellent vacation with memories to last a lifetime! Thank you!!
This is the most gorgeous property we have ever seen. The pristine tropical beach is literally steps from the door and almost no one but us. The house is comfortable and well equipped. Elizabeth is a fantastic host and very available and responsive. Cheyo, the groundskeeper, was helpful and pleasant, giving us all the privacy we wanted. This is a lovely, relaxing piece of heaven.
Julie B.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
About the host
Hosted by Jim Alderman, Elizabeth Welch
Seventeen years ago our family purchased this beautiful property and shortly after started the building process. We absolutely love it!
Why they chose this property
The property on Playa San Miguel was one of a handful of listings to be visited on our trip in March of 2005. It turned out to be the only one, though, because once we saw this, there was absolutely no doubt that this was paradise. We still look back on this decision with gratitude.
What makes this property unique
You can leave all your troubles at home and escape to paradise on Playa San Miguel!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests