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Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly

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Your Vacation Destination
Madreselva is nested in the rain-forest- we wake up to birds & howling monkeys
View of pool and palapa
Views from the palapa
Relax in the hammock, read a book, or just dream...

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13464.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Hot tub
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Uvita, Costa Rica, Puntarenas
  • Catarata uvita
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Uvita Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Palmar (PMZ-Palmar Sur)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bunk Room

2 Double Beds and 2 Single Beds

Master 1

1 King Bed

Master 2

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bunk Room Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Master Bath 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Master Bath 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly

Located in the mountains above Uvita, Costa Rica, an area known for its wildlife, pristine beaches, and friendly locals, lies “Refugio Madreselva”. The spacious four bedroom, four bath home enjoys complete privacy surrounded by rainforest and expansive views of the Pacific coast, including the Marino Ballena National Park, and its icon, the Whale’s Tail. The stunning vistas of both ocean and mountains are sure to take your breath away.

Our staff is ready to pamper you - On weekdays, Carolina, our housekeeper will serve you a delightful breakfast made from local ingredients. She will also do a light housekeeping that includes tidying up, making beds, cleaning bathrooms and doing one load of laundry per day for your group. Carolina also provides (free of charge) concierge service to help you plan and organize your trip, such as transportation arrangements, vehicle rentals, tour reservations, on-site massage and private yoga classes. Carolina also offers additional services, such as grocery shopping, and preparing special meals for lunch and dinner (clean-up included!). As you can see from many of our reviews, her food is highly praised by our guests.

Madreselva is more than a home - it a wildlife refuge, encompassing 25 acres of forest and 2 creeks, and nested inside the Oro Verde Private Reserve. Madreselva is ideal for the nature lover, birdwatcher, photographer, and anyone looking for peace and relaxation.

Inside Madreselva, you will notice that we have an eye for detail. The house was designed to be at one with nature yet offer all the conveniences and charm our guests may desire. The open floor plan takes advantage of the ocean breezes, big views and incredible sunrise over the mountains. The HOUSE HAS NO STAIRS and is WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY. The gourmet kitchen is spacious, enjoys high-end appliances, and granite counter tops. There is a TV room with a flat-screen. The 4 bedrooms have high quality, comfortable mattresses that will leave you refreshed and ready for days of adventures. The yearly daytime average temperature at the house is 85 degrees & the evenings are normally a pleasant 69-73 making it perfect for sleeping! Gather your group together for a meal at the large ten person table that overlooks the beautiful (heated) pool, valley, and ocean.

Each morning you will be awakened by the howler monkeys. At Madreselva, you are surrounded by the wonders of nature and wildlife. Sit by the pool and watch the clouds roll by, waves crash onto the Whale’s Tail, and birds fly everywhere. The thatch roofed palapa (called 'rancho' in Costa Rica) hangs over the valley offering seamless views, and is a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or a sunset cookout on the BBQ grill. The outdoor spaces are complete with hammocks and comfortable furniture perfect for napping or reading that book you have been dying to finish. In the evening the delightful fragrance of the Ylang-Ylang waft through the breezeways, and the stars on a clear night will remind you of life before city-light pollution.

You can take advantage of our trails for hiking, bird watching, or taking photographs of our diverse wildlife. A short walk in our forested trail will take you to a small waterfall, where you can sit on a comfortable bench and enjoy the sound of the running water and the sounds of nature. With little effort you are likely to see morpho butterflies, strawberry frogs, and on occasion howler and capuchin monkeys.

Madreselva is also the perfect home-base from which to launch a number of exciting excursions. You can choose among a dozen beaches, surfing, whale and dolphin watching, horse riding, birdwatching, water rafting, kayaking, zip lining, fishing, and day as well as night-guided nature tours. Near us you can hike to 3 magnificent waterfalls through primary forest, as well as swim and play in the local river.

Uvita is only minutes by car and offers a wide array of services including super markets, banks, a health clinic, dentist, pharmacy, veterinarian, and much more. There are several good restaurants in our area, and Ojochal, the next town south, has several excellent restaurants receiving high reviews. If you are a golfer, the San Buenas 18 holes golf course is only 25 minutes away.

Madreselva is a 'green home' - we are proud that we rely on solar energy for power and hot water. The home was built to the highest ecological standards and best practices in tropical architecture. The roof is made from recycled plastic, the pool tiles are recycled glass, and the wood throughout the house comes from local wood, certified as being sustainably harvested. Even the dining room table was crafted from a hardwood tree that fell on the property decades ago.

We hope you will choose Madreselva for your next vacation, family get-together or yoga/meditation retreat. The balmy breezes, private setting, and lush jungle surroundings will leave you relaxed, refreshed and looking forward to your next visit to our beautiful country.

Important: Our private gravel road (1 mile), while in excellent condition, is steep and thus you will need a 4x4 car to access our property.

Bedroom Configuration:
- 1 master bedroom with a Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, and outdoor shower.
- 1 master bedroom with a King sized bed, ensuite full bathroom.
- 1 bedroom with a Queen bed and a Single bed, full bathroom across the breezeway.
- 1 bunk room with 2 Double beds below, 2 Singles above that can sleep up to six people. It also has an ensuite bathroom.

Property manager

Claudia Alderman
Premier Host

Languages

English, Portuguese, 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
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Pool not fenced. Children under 7 need permission
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pre-approval is required for parties and visitors.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No-smoking strictly enforced as per contract
To access the home you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle (4x4). The beautiful view means a steep road. It is worth it! No exceptions
A signed rental contract (see template) is required before check-in.

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: 25
Note from host: Pre-approval is required for parties and visitors.
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ballena

Located in Ballena, this holiday home is in the city centre and in the mountains. Marino Ballena National Park and Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Uvita, Costa Rica, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 15 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 18 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary - 19 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Playa Hermosa - 27 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Uvita Beach - 28 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

  • Quepos (XQP) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Scala - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly located?

Located in the heart of Ballena, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Playa Hermosa, Catarata uvita and Secret Lau Pool. Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 95 out of 96 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 96 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 96 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jayme G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

thomas c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Property

our stay at Madre Selva was absolutely wonderful. the house was spacious, clean, and surrounded by wilderness. Every morning started with an orchestra of birds and beautiful sunrises. Highly recommend taking advantage of Carolina’s expertise, cooking, and planning. We had a fabulous time and will be coming back!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Very Special Place

My girlfriend and I recently spent a week at "Refugio Madreselva". All expectations were exceeded. It's an easy 3.5 hour drive from SJO. You really do need a 4x4 to get up the driveway, go slow and steady, not bad at all. The pool and subsequent views of the valley below were the highlight. House and property were well manicured / landscaped. Carolina greeted us with breakfast each morning - she and her husband (groundskeeper) are amazing. I mentioned to Carolina that it was my GF's birthday during the trip. The next day she stopped by with the best tres leches cake I have ever tasted. So thoughtful.I would highly recommend a 20 min drive to Ojachal for a few dinners - great food. We will be back - this is a special place!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise at Madreselva

We had an amazing stay at Madreselva, definitely one of the best vacation experiences we’ve ever had. The home itself is beautiful, clean and the mountainside setting is spectacular, with incredible views over Uvita and the Whale’s Tail. To top it all off, Carolina was amazing, providing delicious breakfasts every morning, helping us arrange the best tours and sites to visit. She really made our stay truly memorable, as did all of the hardworking staff. We will definitely return again!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

We stayed here 8 years ago and decided to come back again. Not much has changed. It is a great house with a great location.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Madre Selva heaven

Just a fantastic spot and we can’t say enough about the house, the views, and Carolina’s hospitality.The first time up the road was an experience and 4x4 is absolutely required - but it gets better with practice!Amazing home and vacation.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitali P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature and hospitality

Communication with Carolina, (the property host) was excellent before and during our stay. She helped to coordinate our staggered arrival to the property, arrange some of our adventures. We had some quirky issues with the property gates and security alarms when we arrived, but Carolina was attentive to getting everything straightened out with just a phone call. The house was situated in the middle of the forest, with the view of the ocean and surrounded by the sounds of nature. It was cloudy for much of our visit so some of the nights were interrupted by the sounds of the generator located outside of our beautiful bedroom window. But the memories of the howler monkeys, toucans and other tropical birds prevailed. We appreciated the delicious breakfasts prepared by Carolina as well as the dinner the night before our departure. Our bilingual children and grandchild enjoyed conversations with Carolina and Rume in Spanish, and were pleased with Carolina's clear English for the others. The beautiful infinity pool was the desired spot for the grandkids, and perfect for our 5 year old to perfect his newly acquired swimming strokes. The hammocks were in constant use for relaxing. The bedroom on the back of the house with the queen bed and one twin bed was “less than ideal” as there was no cross ventilation and didn’t have an en-suite bathroom. The grounds were beautifully maintained and we enjoyed everything the house had to offer. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracie Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best vacation ever!!

Refugio Madreselva is what you envision when thinking of a Costa Rican vacation. This house is amazing. The view is breathtaking. The surrounding wildlife made this location truly one of a kind. However, what made it all come together was the property manager Carolina and of course her kind and sincere husband (not nephew ;) Rume. After a week with them, we felt like we were saying goodbye to family. Carolina was amazing with scheduling our excursions, transportation to and from the airport, and setting up our rental cars. By the way, when they say you need a 4x4 to access the property, you do need a 4x4. Traveling the road to the house was very much part of our adventures. The rental vehicles Carolina got us were perfect and we had no problems accessing the property, even when it was raining hard. Carolina's cooking is out of this world. Having breakfast prepared for us was so convenient and all of us could not wait to taste the next meal. Carolina and Rume made us some pretty amazing dinners with desserts. The layout of the house is awesome. There are 3 separate buildings of the house. This provided the group with privacy and a central meeting place. The infinity pool was so refreshing to dip in after a long hot day. This property gave us everything to make our first trip to Costa Rica memorable for years to come. Thank you to Carolina, Rume, and Tico for taking such good care of us! Sincerely, the Colorado and Oregon gangs
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

My family and I stayed at Madreselva for 8 nights in July and had a wonderful time! The views were absolutely amazing and constantly changing as the weather changed. I probably have 8 versions of the same picture from the pool area...each stunning. The house was exactly as the pictures showed and perfect for our group of 8 ("kids" from 17-23 and three parents). The house was set up perfect for our needs with shared space for hanging at the pool, eating and playing games after dinner.....but also enough separation to allow the kids an escape to their rooms when needed. Carolina was so helpful from the time we first booked the trip, to planning our adventures, and helping us with everything in-between. We were supposed to land in Costa Rica at 1:20 p.m. and she had a driver waiting to pick us up and bring us to the house. However, after flight delays and rerouting, we didn't arrive until after 9:00 p.m. She was in constant communication with us to make sure we were ok and that our driver was ready whenever we were. When we finally made it to the house around 1:00 a.m. Carolina and her husband were waiting for us with the 4-wheel drive vehicles to bring us up the mountain! Was so appreciative for their patience and help after such a long and stressful day. Would recommend the house to anyone and hope to return some day!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a place!

This was the ideal place for our family from grandparents to grandkids. And having Carolina, the housekeeper who made breakfasts, tidied up and did laundry was a real plus. She was a great source of information and did concierge duty to the many tours and arrangements that needed to be made.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randolph B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mother of the Jungle

5 nights with 12, 10, 8 yo girls grandma and grandpa. Surfing, horses, and adventures within minutes Awesome place with unreal views Good internet and phone connectivity Need 4 wheel drive. No really
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meredith C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Madreselva

We enjoyed our week at Madreselva! Carolina made everything so smooth from helping arrange our excursions, providing exceptional meals and warm hospitality. The grounds are beautiful and we were able to see many different animals, birds, butterflies and frogs. I'd highly recommend this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Skyler E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An INCREDIBLE property/one of a kind views!

We were so excited to stay at this house. The pictures made it seem like the most incredible property and even as great as those pictures were, the actual views and property far exceeded our expectation. There are views from every spot in the house. The kids spent the entire time in the pool. Having 2 master suites was perfect for us and our friends to each have our own private space. The journey to the house made the trip even more epic. It felt like an adventure each time we drove up to the house. If you have the chance to have Carolina and her husband cook for you, definitely take it. The food was amazing. WE had the chicken and rice with homemade brownies and it was the best meal we had while visiting Costa Rica. My kids haven't stopped talking about it. Carolina was great to work with and very accommodating. If you're in the Uvita area, I can't recommend this place enough. We hope to plan a return trip soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob W., Rocklin, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

My friends and I had such an amazing time here. I can't recommend it enough. The house manager Carolina was such a wonderful person with such an attention for detail. She makes wonderful food and will always make sure you're taken care of. The property itself is in a very tranquil setting in nature. You can see plenty of wildlife. The house is designed with nature in mind and it's beautiful. You will not be disappointed staying here.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Foley Kazura family

Wonderful stay! Beautiful setting overlooking Pacific Ocean. Loved the birds, insects, and monkeys in the vicinity. Local caretaker and her husband who maintained the property were extraordinarily helpful and friendly. Would definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darrell F., Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing vacation home

If you enjoy nature book this place , The house is stunning waking up every morning to the sounds of birds also sleeping at night with just the screens open so you can listen to all the wildlife at night . The house is landscaped so it attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and lots of other bird species . The view is unreal you can literally sit in the pool and birdwatch. The porch off to the side is also an excellent place to just sit and watch the jungle . The nature trails right on the property are a big bonus as well. I saved the best for last , Carolina and Rumenigg the property managers were a huge help with booking tours and organizing excursions,recommending restaurants etc. I had a flat tire which Rumenigg repaired for me and got me back up and running . The waterfall tour is really exceptional and just up the road .The only tour I did not have a good time was the one I booked by myself without Carolinas help. Her meals were amazing and she is just a pleasure to be around . Mucho Gracias Amigos Darrell and Nicholle
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

We traveled to Costa Rica and stayed at Refugio Madreselva the last week in December. We were 2 families traveling together with kids ranging from 7-13. Everyone (adults and kids) both LOVED staying here. Carolina was so great with communicating prior to the stay and assisted w/ booking care rentals, airport transportation and excursions. She made us feel welcome and her and her husband prepared delicious breakfasts and dinners for us. The kids and adults loved just spending time at the house watching all the birds, admiring all the vegetation and most of all taking in the view of Whale Tail Beach. This is definitely on our list for a repeat trip. 5/5 recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emilie C., Smyrna

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Pura Vida Paradise

We had a family/friend group of 10, 6 adults and 4 teens. This house was absolutely perfect. The views, the gardens, the outdoor spaces, and the extra large, well stocked kitchen made our stay wonderful. Of course, the icing on the cake was Carolina and her husband, and the amazing meals they cooked when we wanted a break. Carolina's organization in advance of our trip was so helpful, she communicated with local tourguides and made sure we had a perfect itinerary, even when we needed to make changes and adjustments. Can not say enough good things. We loved waterfalls, scuba, snorkeling, fishing, zip lines, and everything about Costa Rica. Grocery stores are convenient, and well stocked. Definitely do not ignore the guidance about a good 4 wheel drive vehicle. The first time up the hill was a little scary but it got much easier after that. Pura Vida!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ben P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week!

What a fantastic vacation we had at Madreselva! A very special thank you to Carolina and her husband for amazing service, food, hospitality and concierge. We highly recommend staying here. Unforgettable experience!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brady D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special memories were made & dreams came true - Perfect stay for family of 8

This was one of our favorite trips yet - beautiful location, kind people, welcoming & stunning home. After researching hundreds of homes & having an age spread of 3.5 to 70+, we needed to find a place that would be accommodating for the entire family. We settled on Madreselva after reading so many positive reviews & speaking with people who highly recommended the Uvita area. The owner provided useful information about the home & the area. Carolina (house manager) was VERY helpful with the planning/booking of transportation & activities. We added on 2 dinners during our stay - the Arroz Con Pollo was SO good! The provided breakfast was a bonus, too. The home was always clean & straightened & they even provided fresh beach towels each day. Carolina made sure we could reach her anytime. Large kitchen is very well stocked. Bedrooms & bedding were quite comfortable (2 main bedrooms offer breathtaking views). Temps on the mountain were VERY comfortable! Our twin nieces spent most of their time in the pool. You do need TRUE 4-wheel drive - driveway is long & steep, but no scary drop-offs & you get used to it quickly. There are bugs - but nothing like I was expecting! A healthy coverage of sunscreen & Repel kept us bite free the entire trip. We are grateful to Claudia for making Madreselva available for others to utilize & appreciate. We made many special memories, & several dreams came true. Thank you to Carolina & her husband - we truly look forward to seeing you again soon!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in the jungle

Wish we could have stayed longer! The house is beautiful and the views are breathtaking! Carolina and her husband were so accommodating and made us feel so welcomed. The food was absolutely delicious and she even managed to keep my picky kid eaters pleased! It was such a blessing to have clean laundry done when we left the house to head home. You will not be disappointed with this house! Book it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful View!

Our group of 10 enjoyed the views from this beautiful home! There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy this slice of paradise. We enjoyed watching the sunrise and animal spotting on the property. The hammocks were occupied whenever we were home. The road up was not bad if you have 4- wheel drive and a confident driver. Prior to arrival Claudia sent a comprehensive Welcome letter and FAQs that provided lots of information on the house and things to do in the area. It was extremely helpful in planning our trip. Carolina was a master at coordinating our complex transportation needs, as we had people coming and departing from different areas on different days. It was great taking a shuttle to the house and then having our rental car delivered. We did the Santa Lucia waterfall hike. The waterfalls were incredible, and we had them all to ourselves! The hike itself can be rough in parts, as you walk across some slippery wet rocks and uneven, muddy trails. My mom couldn’t make the hike, so Carolina arranged a massage for her at the house while we were gone, she loved it! The boat trip to Cano Island was a highlight of our trip as the snorkeling was spectacular. We got lucky and had great visibility even during the rainy season. We also spotted a mama humpback whale and her baby along the way!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A True “piece of Heaven on earth”…..

Madreselva is truly an Architectural Gem which captures the character of the valley as well as the sea view!! The “breezeways”make the whole place come together and work very well. Loved the property trail to the waterfall and the pool and gardens are magnificent! Start your morning early as it is the Best part of the day, and Carolina’s Hearty breakfasts are Amazing…The changing weather is Beautiful from the mountain view, and more fun anyway than straight sun. Lots of local adventures to be had and Carolina can organize them all for you. Both Carolina and Claudia were delightful company and VERY helpful. Lots of wildlife to see ( toucans,coati,tayra,) and hearing the howlers are a great way to start each day! Carolina and Rumenigg made us a Wonderful fresh dorado dinner for a Lovely and quiet romantic evening ( with background music from the frogs and howlers!) Very much Looking forward to our next adventure at beautiful Madreselva…🙏
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dana C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pura Vida - way of life

This was our first trip to Costa Rica and We really wanted the opposite of a resort experience but we still wanted a house that was both beautiful and off the grid. We got both and even more. The house is literally on top of the mountain and the journey UP is legit ! LOL thankfully my husband LOVES this type of challange and the kids thought It was the best adventure. The views are INSANE ! I’ve traveled all over the world and never seen a view like this. WOW ! The pool was perfect and plenty of places to chill or go for a quick hike. Carolina and Rume- house managers- are the BEST! I truly found a new friend with Carolina. Meals were great and she really went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy. Santa Lucia Waterfalls were our favorite adventure. It’s work to the top but the results are a dream and it’s all private so not a single soul except for your family . We explored a lot and just soaked in the local culture. Then coming home to our own piece of paradise on the mountain was perfect. This was a very chill and easy trip. Don’t over pack - you need bathing suits, and a couple coverups . Nothing fancy here. Just bask in the Pura Vida
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Claudia Alderman

Host profile image
The owners, Claudia and Harold Alderman spent their honeymoon almost 33 years ago in Costa Rica. While there, they fell in love with this beautiful country and fantasized about someday retiring in Costa Rica. In 2014 their dream came true with the purchase of 25 acres in the Oro Verde Reserve. With Harold's enthusiastic support, Claudia spent the entire year creating Madreselva as an eco-home and wildlife refuge. Claudia is an environment specialist, who devoted her career to promoting biodiversity conservation and the improved management and financing of protected areas in Latin America. She has a Master's Degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental studies. Her thesis focused on the economic and ecologic benefits of private protected areas. When torn away from Costa Rica she is based in Washington DC.

Languages:

English, Spanish, Portuguese

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests