Entire home

Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife

Photo gallery for Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife

Main living area
Hawk's eye view
pano view of the house
Yes. a tree in the house
Master suite with King size bed

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12464.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Cabo Matapalo, Cabo Matapalo
  • King Louis Waterfall
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Pan Dulce Beach
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Playa Matapalo
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Puerto Jiménez (PJM)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Canopy Suite

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

Family Suite

+2
5 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

Junior Suite

1 King Bed

Master Suite

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Canopy Suite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Family Suite

Toilet · Shower only

Junior Suite

Toilet · Shower only

Master Suite

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife

Off the Grid in Cabo Matapalo, Osa, this hand crafted, unique home is cradled by nature. With continuous rainforest connecting to the famous Corcovado National Park, the wildlife viewing is unrivalled. Monkeys and macaws are daily visitors. A short walk to the beach, this is the perfect location for all nature lovers, bird watchers, yoga enthusiasts, surfers, honeymooners and a playful base for an unforgettable family vacation. Leave the real world behind and let your inner child emerge.
The 4-bedroom home sleeps a maximum of 12 and is open plan with only walls where necessary to provide privacy and is playfully designed to be at home in the jungle. The main platform comprises the kitchen, dining area, living room and two ensuite bedrooms, the Junior Suite and the Family Suite. The upper level comprises the Master Suite with a walk out to a private platform open to the stars and an ensuite shower room. The Canopy Suite offers a further bedroom and large deck at monkey eye level with an ensuite double shower room. In the garden there are two connected small dipping pools, a shaded games area, a rancho with hanging chairs and hammock. Finally, up behind the house, in the primary forest, there is a private yoga deck with a view over to the ocean. Choose your favourite corner and catch up with a good book, interrupted only by the world of monkeys, macaws and butterflies.

Guest access
At Casa Vida Verde it is hard to know where the interior ends and the exterior begins! The Master Suite has a king bed with mosquito net and large shower room and a private toilet with a hanging bridge to a walk-out deck elevated into the trees. The Junior Suite on the main floor has a private deck, king bed with mosquito net and shower room and private toilet. The Family Suite has screened windows (no need for nets) with a shower room and private toilet attached. The set up in this room can adapt to the guest's needs, being a third king bedroom or a king with 2 or 3 additional single beds or can be a bunk room with single beds for 5. The fourth bedroom is the new Canopy Suite accessed by a hanging bridge and has a king bed with mosquito net, a double shower, private toilet and a private deck at monkey level overlooking the pool area. An additional single bed can be set up here on request. All the beds have cotton sheets and hotel quality pillows and mattresses. Fall asleep to the sound of the surf knowing you are in the most comfortable beds in the area!

The viewing deck is the perfect spot to watch the jungle wake up each morning and birds and butterflies starting their day in the golden dawn light. Steps take you down through the grounds, which gently transition from the forest to garden and include a nature trail circling the garden and a pool area with a shaded games area under the Canopy Suite. The organic design of the house is evident here too with a fun, funky combination of two small dipping pools connected by a channel and a small waterfall surrounded by lush tropical foliage and flowers. Relax here in the shade or sun, or this private setting is also a serene setting for yoga or an intense game of table football. Poolside, you will find a bistro table and chairs, a BBQ and an outdoor shower and in the basement, we have a pool table and ping pong. Much of our property is primary forest behind the house. Explore this area using the well-tended trail of steps and spend some time up at the large platform with a view to the ocean. This is the perfect spot for yoga, massage or bird and wildlife watching.

Other things to note
We provide all linens, towels (including beach towels), kitchen towels and toilet paper, biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, liquid soap, dish detergent, and other staples for the kitchen. We also have some games and books together with information cards on the flora and fauna of the area. Some herbs for cooking are grown on site and there is also a variety of fruit trees. Carlos will supply you with these as available.

Private chef options are available for breakfast and dinner or all 3 meals a day. Their rate per person per day includes all menu selection, shopping, cooking and clean up.

Other catering options also possible including shopping and delivery of groceries, and preparation of occasional local dishes arranged by the Managers. Please ask.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? Temperatures average mid-80s during the daytime and fall to the mid-70s at night. The coastal waters are a constant 74 degrees all year long. There are two seasons: the Dry (December through April) which is less humid and there is less rain, and the Green (May through November) when there is more rain usually in the afternoons and at night. October and early November are the rainiest months.

WHAT ABOUT BUGS? There are many insects around but most insect encounters are part of the wonder of being in the rainforest. Remember, there is a whole food chain out there and there are plenty of animals and birds intent on eating all insects found. However, it is a good precaution to have insect repellent, particularly in the early evenings. If you are very concerned about the possibility of insects being around you, it is possible the open air living at Casa Vida Verde is not the best environment for you.

CAN YOU DRINK THE WATER? Yes! Our water comes from a natural spring or well, depending on the time of year, and is safe to drink.

IS THERE HELP NEARBY? Our manager, Carlos, lives on site. He is an amazing host, speaks English well will want to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible. He knows the area very well and is a very experienced host. Our guests report that nothing is too much trouble for him.

DO WE NEED TO RENT A CAR? No, you do not need to. If you are happy to walk locally, we recommend you getting a taxi to other locations. The taxi drivers know the area well, will often spot animals and birds that you would miss and can look after the driving while you enjoy your surroundings. However, if you prefer to have your own vehicle this can be sorted with pick up and drop off in San Jose or Puerto Jimenez.

CAN WE USE ELECTRONICS? Yes, please bring your own cameras, cell phones and laptops and iPod/iPads. Purchase a local SIM card at the airport in San Jose, we do have reception in Cabo Matapalo. Also, we have wireless internet. However, although it is reliable, it can fail and you may need to visit Puerto Jimenez to connect if the need is urgent. We have a Bluetooth speaker if you wish to bring your own music. Please don’t bring hairdryers or curling irons, as these use too much power. You will not miss them, in the jungle you don’t have to worry about what your hair looks like! The outlets are standard North American for 110V applications.

PURA VIDA..!!

Property manager

Carlos

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
No children under 05 allowed (Primary school age)
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Events

No events allowed
Visits staying all day every day, not reasonable.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
The open nature of the property means it is unsuitable for children younger than school age. No children under the age of 5 are allowed.
The rental agreement must be signed and returned before the final payment is made. No stay can proceed without the signed agreement on record.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Visits staying all day every day, not reasonable.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Puerto Jiménez

Located in Puerto Jiménez, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Puerto Jimenez Pier and Golfito Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Corcovado National Park and Corcovado National Park Office. Travelling with kids? Consider Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden, or check out an event or a game at Fortunato Atencio Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Cabo Matapalo, Cabo Matapalo

What's nearby

  • King Louis Waterfall - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Pan Dulce Beach - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Playa Matapalo - 12 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Golfo Dulce - 25 min drive - 20.4 km
  • Corcovado National Park Office - 34 min drive - 23.5 km

Getting around

  • Puerto Jiménez (PJM) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Buena Esperanza - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Unique Jungle Home near the Beach, Barefoot Luxury, Off the Grid, Rich Wildlife located?

This family-friendly Puerto Jiménez holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of King Louis Waterfall and Pan Dulce Beach. Playa Sombrero is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.

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. 31 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stefan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
The same as all the others, living in paradise in the perfect location. Monkeys and animals everywhere. Very close to gorgeous beaches, but beware a high clearance vehicle is needed. We had a smaller suv and still bottomed out quite a lot on the drive. Can not recommend this place enough.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

richard t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family retreat
I defy you to find a cooler place to spend a week. It was living in a work of art. everything was in great taste. very comfortable yet so close to nature, everything we value was around us. scored with surf, inexplicably for that time of year. crawling with wildlife. Carlos was font of info and helpful. BUT... a rugged trip in. don't think you can just run into town for some item. prepare and plan and get all your supplies in Puerto beforehand. the hour in from town is verging on 4 wheel drive but one better know how to drive off road. you drive like we have for a lifetime in Baja, very slow and very easy. i think the average suburbanite with a tesla or lexus would just freak out once on the Matapalo beach rd. however, this is exactly what lends such charm and beauty to the casa. no cruisers, thieves, surf checkers, tourists. wonderful, artful house. we'll be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, great location, great time!
The house is as nice as shown in the photos. Short walk to beach. About 10 min walk to backwash beach and about 20 min walk to Pan Dulce. House is in the trees basically, so you’re eye level with the monkeys. Carlos is awesome! Great communication from start to end and he’s a really great person and very generous with his wisdom about the area and with nature. Can’t wait to come back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!!
We absolutely loved this vacation! The accommodations were just as expected and so nice! The property is well kept, house is clean and nature surrounding is unbelievable! Amazing place to stay!!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Experience of a lifetime!
We have been traveling as a group for several years and have experienced some of the best of our beautiful world ….. but nothing compares to our experiences in this jungle paradise! Do NOT let the “natural” vibe of the house steer you away! It was what brought us up close and personal with the wildlife that call the trees home! An experience that can only be fully understood by being there! Do NOT miss out on this opportunity to live where the wild things are!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Polly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Magic Getaway
If you are looking for a true adventure then this is the house for you! the beds are AMAZINGLY comfortable and there is plenty to do without ever leaving the house. we saw 4 different types of monkeys right on the property. There is a short walk to a beautiful surfing beach and we brought cocktails there every sunset. The property manager, Carlos, was extremely helpful and knowledgable about everything. He even took us to the beach to see turtles hatching. The house had plenty of great spaces to hang out and the pool was lots of fun. Some days we never left the property! we will definitely be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P., Brooklyn

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous wonderful spectacular
Excellent home, wonderfully appointed and at one with the surrounding jungle.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jessyka B.

Great stay!
Even more than I expected. Carlos is great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Candy F., BELLEVUE

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Simply the best
We love Casa Vida Verde. Location is absolutely perfect if you want to immerse yourself in nature, Carlos is amazing and the house is great. It is entirely open and very welcoming. We've stayed at this property three times now, and can't wait to return.
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy M., Maine via California

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Big time chill
Even better than the photos and everything you could ever need while enjoying the jungle. Carlos was such a wonderful part of our experience offering wisdom of place, humor, connection and information. Waking up to the sounds of Howler monkees, then the Macaws, then the rest of the chorus of birds will be missed. Whether just going to chill or to explore I can not say enough about this excellent home base.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregg P., Chapel Hill, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Remote and Beautiful
We loved staying here. This is a really nice jungle house. It feels like you are in a tree house and the place is designed really well which allows the rooms to remain cool at night. If you desire remoteness, enjoy the jungle, and want a short walk to the beach this is the place. If you are squeamish with bugs or want air conditioning or amenities this is NOT the place for you. Make sure you have 4 wheel drive with reasonable clearance and pick up provisions in advance. Would definitely go back. Only complaint is directions could be a little better, especially if arriving after dark....
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alvaro S., Miami, Fl

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Welcome to the jungle
Magical house in the edge of the jungle and the ocean. Very remote location with lots of things to do , many friendly people and very close to nature . We are a family of 6 ages 46 to 6. We had a great time surfing , hiking (just going for a neighborhood walk , horseback riding , swiming and cruising the Golfito . Also plenty of time to just hang around , read books , play connect four , bicker and laugh. Carlos was very helpful , friendly and knowledgeable . His dog Venus protected our food from the monkeys. Gracias Costa Rica , gracias mata palo . Pura vida !
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Experience
We stayed at this property 10 years ago and I couldn’t wait for my kids to be old enough to bring them back here. There was eight of us age ranges 8 to 76 And we all adored the property. We saw so much wildlife right from the house and they’ve done an addition since I came last time, which gave us more than enough space for everyone to enjoy. We spent a lot of time in the pool and cooking and were able to catch some amazing tours just minutes away from the property. This is an amazing experience like no other, but it is in a remote location so plan to get groceries and cash beforehand And if you rent a car, make sure it has high clearance as roads can be treacherous. Wifi was amazing during our stay and we had no outage issues during our stay (as as I’ve heard can be an issue in Costa Rica). There is not any AC, but they did have small fans in each bedroom and as long as you pack your clothes appropriately you will be just fine. Beds were very comfortable and The gardens and flowers throughout the property were gorgeous. They really do everything to maintain the property. They swept Outside every morning and even had a cleaner come during our stay. They really went all out. Carlos is absolutely wonderful and the kids were obsessed with both him and his dog Venus and her friend Junior. Thank you so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Celeste S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mother of all Treehouses
She didn’t disappoint. Protected by the trees and the howlers. Always giving of views, most unique hang spots, insects and animals to encounter, sounds to discover, around the bends to explore, and memories to unfold. The road to Casa Vida Verde is one less traveled, yet beaten and trodden by those who know the way, and as rough around the edges as it gets. The home itself is inspired by Peter Pan and Robinson Caruso, and you feel it’s magic as soon as you set foot inside. Except inside is also outside, so as long as you are OK with bug bites (what bug bites, they’re long forgotten), no A/C (come on, it’s not that bad), and being a little off the grid (you need it), then you’ll think this place found you, and not the other way around. Many thanks to Carlos and Sianne - excellent, helpful, kind hosts. Forever grateful for your hospitality and your ability to keep the soul of Casa Vida Verde very much alive and well. We do hope to visit again one day. Pura Vida ~ The Stones
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Spencer A., Bradenton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don’t miss out…this place is worth it!
Yeah, it’s requires a 40 min long, adventure-filled drive w/ a 4x4 and is literally in the middle of the jungle. Yeah, it’s open air and sometimes things walk (crawl, climb, hop & slither) right into the home. Yeah, it’s expensive. But let me tell you what…it’s so worth it. If you’re on the fence, do it. I promise, the experience you have will become legendary - stories will be told. The memories my family made at this home and locations nearby will never be forgotten. It’s an adventure just getting here. Once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. The beach at the end of the driveway is magnificent & virtually uninhabited - with EPIC surf. The number of animals you will see on and around the property is better than I could have imagined. It’s like Jurassic Park here. Everything (plants, bugs, trees, crabs) is just bigger and more beautiful. We live in tropical southern Florida and are familiar with exotic plants & animals. Nothing in Florida compares. This place is astonishing in every way. Simply explore the concrete walkways around the home at night with a flashlight and prepare to be amazed. The macaws, toucans, moths, & hummingbirds (in order of size) were always in eye/earshot. We saw 3 of the 4 monkey species directly above & around the house in our first 24 hours. Our host, Sienne was wonderful, attentive & kind. If she’s available to cook for you during your stay, I cannot encourage you enough to employ here culinary magic. Nothing short of wonderful. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

pamela l.

Flintsone house is pretty cool!
There were only 4 of us-parents and 11 and 13 year old.Second trip to CR but first to Osa. We booked Irma to cook our lunches and dinners and were thrilled we did. Basic but tasty food and she cleaned up which is key with no dishwasher. GREAT NEWS-house just got an American style fridge and freezer so ice is readily available. Now if there were ice trays! I understood we were remote but did not fully get it until we arrived. The sounds of the jungle were pretty scary our first night. DS slept w DH and I slept with DD! Beds comfy and linen changed every other day. You will always be in a state of damp, including pillows, but that is ok. We did our boat trip out of PJ on 5th day so we then replenished groceries. Nature is right in front of you. Plantings and flowers at house were spectacular and encouraged birds and lizards. Monkeys overhead on the monkey trail. So so lush. Weather was good-rained for a bit around 5pm and then it cooled down. Hottest time was morning and then sun came out w breezes. Pool was a necessity. Beaches were lovely but high tide was during day so couldn't really swim-too rough or undertows. Saw a tayra (a medium sized black cat), macaws and 3 types of monkeys, lizards, frogs, birds, agoutis, toads right at house. Is on monkey trail so tons of monkeys. Once we got used to noises at night we were ok. Nothing but a frog and lizard came into house. Solar much easier than expected-candlelight is lovely anyway. Kids loved the swings - was a house constructed with whims of owners kids and it showed. Wifi worked but was weak. Caretakers extraordinaire, Carlos and Sianne-live right near house so a shout of Carlos was all that was needed, House kept clean, linens and towels changed. Their dog is a German shepherd who patrols at night. We asked for him to be leashed during day. Carlos was so much fun. He took us to beaches to show us entrances and to Carbonara waterfall. He took out his telescope twice and we saw Saturn and various stars. We had some great conversations and he joined us for our last dinner. HIs wife, Sianne, gives amazing massages. Cold stones, aromatherapy and a bit of Chinese medicine. Was scared week would be too long but it was fine. Once we got used to sounds of howlers and spider monkeys (which were pretty scary at night) all was good and we slept well.

10/10 Excellent

Matias M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Muy confortable
Linda casa y muy buena gente. todo salió como estaba planeado. La ubicacion es buena porque esta cerca de la playa Matapalo y Backwash, aunque no tiene vista al mar. Desde la casa se tiene una gran conexión con la naturaleza
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing and unforgettable!
The house is surrounded by nature and boasts some astounding and unique opportunities to observe the wildlife. Carlos was a great helper and did a lot to make our stay more enjoyable. My only words for improvement are that it is very hot at night and it would be great to have larger fans affixed to the ceilings to help with ventilation. The Wi-Fi also never worked during our stay so if there’s anything that could be done to fortify the connection, it would greatly add to the guest’s comfort.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Experience
Everything was wonderful; Carlos is a fantastic host; attentive to our needs, shared his knowledge of the native plants, animals and fruits, took us on a hike & to other places we weren’t sure we could go. He coordinated everything we needed to make our trip as stress free as possible. Oscar our taxi driver was wonderful as well; always on time, knowledgeable, stopped to show us monkeys 🥰and birds, picked us native fruit and and served us up fresh coconut water. Marvin our chef did a fantastic job we enjoyed everything he made. Mucho Gracias to all!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Catherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rave Review
This was the perfect house for our crew. 4 teenagers, 3 adults. Kitchen is really well appointed, loved the pool, seating area very comfy, many shared meals at the huge dining table, and lots of hammock time. Comfy beds and great showers. Cooked nearly all our meals there. Carlos is the real highlight, super friendly, helpful, responded to our needs and questions. Even came in and washed dishes after we’d go out for the day.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thurmond D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carlos was awesome!
Thanks for the great stay
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne G., Penfield, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our memorable stay in the open house in the rain forest
First please note this: this is not a hotel in a resort area. There is no air-conditioning, the house is open, there are no nearby stores. And the road in is rock-strewn and pitted. But here’s the payoff: the adventure and getting away from our spoiled selves made it an unforgettable vacation. We woke to the ethereal sounds of Howler Monkeys and were amazed at the natural vegetation that was all around us. We saw Scarlet Macaws, other colorful birds, Spider Monkeys, and a green and black Dart Frog….in the first HOUR. Right from the comfort of the living room we saw agouti’s, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, Toucans, Blue Morpho Butterflies, and amazing big/beautiful insects. Just spectacular. The beaches were beautiful and the water was the warmest I’ve ever been in. Also in walking distance was Matapalo Waterfall, Everyday Adventures, and surfing lessons. The house: It seemed larger than in the web pictures. It is open, including the kitchen. We drank water from the taps without any issues. The refrigerator/freezer was larger than our needs. The open areas in the bedrooms helped cool us at night, but a small battery-powered fan was a great help. For anyone bug-adverse, the “kids room” was screened all the way around. Actually there weren’t very many bugs in the house at all. Electricity is totally solar-supplied. Therefore it was turned off when we went to bed, and turned on before we got up. There were no issues with this. But bring a flashlight or headlamp just in case you want to wander around at night. The pool was nice and cleaned daily. The showers are heated separately and seem to be cycled. So they are tricky to use at first. Soap and shampoo were supplied. The kitchen had 2 sinks, an oven, a stove, 2 coffee makers, and some cooking and cleaning supplies. We cooked breakfast daily. By the way, the closest town is Puerto Jimenez. It is ~ 45 minutes away. Get all the supplies/food you think you need before coming to Cabo Matapalo. We did this and we never had to go back to restock. There are 2 restaurants nearby: Buena Esperanza and (new) Marluna Lodges. The caretaker is Carlos. His house is steps away and his presence helped us feel secure. He was a help with information, made sure candles were lit to the house whenever we were out after dark, and made sure things went smoothly. He even went into town to pick up luggage that didn’t make it with us. It was a splendid stay in the rain forest.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katherine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing and Magical
We were 2 families of 4 (8 total) and this was a great place for us. There are 2 master-like bathrooms and a "kids room" which sleeps 5. It does take some work to get to and you should plan to have all your groceries for your time there. You can request dinner to be cooked nightly by Irma and it was delicious and a great addition. Carlos the caretaker is fabulous and super helpful. He is available with a short message or call. Everything you need is there except food and alcohol BUT it is in the jungle. There is reliable power but they turn it off at night so you have to plan a little for devices if you need them. The wifi goes out occasionally. If this is important then this is not the place for you! The trade off is magical. This is where you can really zone check out and relax. the sounds at night and anomal sightings are awesome. The house is very comfortable and the "fancy treehouse" was an architectural marvel according to the kids. Great access to surfing, a swimming beach, wtaerfall, and about 1 hour drive and 1 hour walk to Leona station of corcovado. Our stay was comfortable and memorable.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lanee N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jungle Bliss
Hands down our best experience in Costa Rica
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melaine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magic in Cabo Matapalo
We were at Casa Vida Verde for 5 nights, and it was truly magical! My only complaint is that we were not there long enough! The house itself seems as though it is meant to be a tropical-inspired Gaudi treehouse. It feels as though it was formed among the plants and trees it is nestled within. Little, unique design details are in unexpected nooks or along the walls. Everything is well thought out, the spaces are all very comfortable, from the living room to the viewing deck where we watched the monkeys and birds pass overhead or settle into the surrounding trees, to the covered lanai with the world's most nappable hammock. The pools were a Godsend at any time of day. We enjoyed cooking in the outdoor kitchen, which is very well-equipped, and having dinners at the beautiful, big table with the sounds of the cicadas as dinner music. One night, Carlos arranged for Irma to cook for us, which was one of the many highlights of our stay. Irma is super sweet; she did all the shopping and clean-up and the food was spectacular! There is such vibrance and life around the house and all over Cabo Matapalo. The flowers and varied tropical plants are a gorgeous feast for the eyes. We loved our monkey alarm clock that woke us early each morning. Unfortunately, Apple hasn't included a howler money sound for us to replicate it back home! What really makes this house particularly outstanding is Carlos, the house manager. He is so incredibly thoughtful, kind, extremely knowledgable about the area, the plants and animals, and couldn't be more helpful. When we came home after dark from a dinner excursion to Martina's (highly recommended, especially on a Friday when the artisans are selling their wares), we were welcomed by the warm glow of the candles in the entry way, lit by Carlos. We are so grateful for everything he did to make our stay extraordinary, and hope to have the opportunity to visit Costa Rica and this remote little corner of the Osa Peninsula again some day! Pura vida!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

About the host

Hosted by Carlos

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Languages:

English, Spanish