The villa is located on 750 acres deep in the jungle on the neck of the OSA Peninsula. It is a great spot to get away from it all vacation as well as to go on an adventure. Property is located 2000 feet above sea level and because you are higher up than the beach area, the humidity is not as uncomfortable as well as the temperatures are cooler than what you will find on the coast. The villa is located in a resort community with many opportunities for bird sightings. One of our family's favorites things are the sounds of the jungle - from the Howler Monkeys being your alarm clock in the morning as well as to tell you when it is nighttime, to the birds flying around, the flapping of the toucan wings as they fly overhead, to the catydids, the sounds of frogs croaking during the evening hours, the babbling creek sound from our deck - all as a reminder that you are surrounded by nature. There are more than 200 species of tropical birds in the area.
You start your adventure with the road up to the community from the Costanera Sur. You want to be driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle or All terrain SUV (which is recommended for much of Costa Rica). It is challenging and is best to travel during the day. After the 15 minute drive up the mountain, you arrive into a community based on the sustainable concept. The community features edible plants, gardens, a community center, a bar (that is open during special occasions and community events at this time) as well as a swimming pool. At this time the bar's hours are not consistent. But it does make for a great community get together spot. At the bar area there is a ping pong and a pool table for you to enjoy playing. You will want to make sure that you bring food with you as you will be making food in the relaxing comfort of the villa. Another of our family's favorite parts of our stay here is the garden area. We walk to the garden area and gather our own fruits and vegetables for our breakfast, lunch and dinner. We then cook in the comfortably equipped kitchen. If you don't care to walk to the garden area on your own, a couple of days a week there is staff that will gather items for you and leave it at the community center for you to pick up. But part of the enjoyment of staying here is being able to explore everything around you.
There are many hiking areas to explore in which you will find various edibles to pick on your own. There are 3-5 waterfalls on the property for you to hike to. I recommend talking to others within the community for guidance on where to go to get to the waterfalls. Once you get to the waterfalls there are watering holes to wade into and enjoy the cool mountain water. Before you begin your hike, we recommend locating a walking stick along the way and be sure to wear good hiking shoes. I love taking a hike first thing in the morning (before 5:30 down to the old volunteer center because from there you can really hear the howlers coming through the "Monkey Corridor". I also hike along the main road up to Finca KKK. Great walk and I normally see monkeys, various birds, butterflies and other animals. Just be quiet, listen and look all around you. You never know what you may see.
OSA Canopy Tour is also nearby - a definite must do while you are on the mountain. It features 14 platforms, 9 cables, 2 rappelling stations and 2 suspension bridges . They have recently been redoing the whole tour so the number of platforms may have changed. It is best to ask. It is a really great zipline. They will allow younger children to go. The staff is always pleasant and loves to introduce you to local culture as well as show you any animals or birds that they may notice while on the canopy/zipline tour. There is also a local canyoning/propelling adventure company. We haven't done it yet but I have heard it is an experience not to miss.
Villa is part of a duplex with a 1 bedroom furnished with a queen bed and large closet, 1 bathroom villa with a small shower. Villa features include tiled floor throughout, granite kitchen countertops, electric stove with oven, a coffee maker, air conditioner in the bedroom along with fans in kitchen, living room and bedroom. There is a covered exterior deck that looks out toward a pond and the jungle. Wifi is available. Smart TV that you connect to your home streaming services, DVD player. There is a community laundry area where you can use the washers and dryers. The tap water comes from the property's own source and is perfectly drinkable. Some of the photos are outdated as we have recently painted the entire villa white. The old photos will show yellow walls. We will be getting updated photos shortly.
If you want to get away from everything (yet still have comforts of home) this is the place for you. If you want to have people nearby but still be secluded and have privacy - this is a great place for you. Looking for adventure - where there is endless walking and exploring to do - this is a wonderful spot. In fact, since our daughter was 6 years old we were comfortable giving her a flashlight and letting her explore on her own (within reason, of course). She loved being able to go to the gardens too see what was growing. This is a place all about getting away from the everyday hectic crazy life and relaxing in a laid back environment.
I would love to have you stay at our place and experience what we love about the area. As well as you developing your own love for this jungle forest mountain getaway.
