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Villa Jalapa Costa Rica - Secluded Family Beach House Amazing View Private Pool

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January 2025

Photo gallery for Villa Jalapa Costa Rica - Secluded Family Beach House Amazing View Private Pool

Outdoor pool
Exterior
Dining
3 bedrooms, travel crib, free WiFi, bed sheets
Beach towels

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Islita, Guanacaste
  • Playa Islita
    10 min walk
  • Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal
    14 min walk
  • Museo Islita
    14 min walk
  • Punta Islita (PBP)
    16 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

Islita

When you stay at this villa in Bejuco, you'll be by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Playa Islita and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal. .This villa is 10.8 mi (17.4 km) from Samara Beach and 1 mi (1.6 km) from Museo Islita.

What's nearby

  • Playa Islita - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • San Miguel Beach - 37 min drive - 10.0 miles
  • Carrillo Beach - 37 min drive - 9.2 miles
  • Samara Beach - 45 min drive - 10.9 miles

Getting around

  • Nosara (NOB) - 116 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Alma Restaurante - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Hula Jungla - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Bar Coco - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Soda La Plaza - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Soda Río Ora - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Villa Jalapa Costa Rica - Secluded Family Beach House Amazing View Private Pool

A luxurious fully appointed 3 bed/ 3.5 bath house with living room, full kitchen, dining area and private pool. Perfect for a family or group of friends who want a comfortable yet modern and elegant place to enjoy their time on one of Central America's most exclusive beaches!
Located in the secluded Nicoya Peninsula in the Costa Rican province of Guanacaste, you will awaken to the sound of Howler monkeys in the trees, step outside to see migrating whales from the comfort of the pool, and witness the beautiful Scarlet Macaws as they make their way through the trees. You can spend your days at Villa Jalapa laying by the pool or ocean, reading in a hammock, or going on surfing, kayaking and fishing adventures. On your short walk to the beach, you can encounter deer, coatis and countless tropical birds, or you can lay by the pool and watch these amazing creatures as you sun bathe or sip on a drink. If you’re searching for unique experiences in this remote part of Costa Rica, you can go to neighboring Camaronal Wildlife Refuge to see nesting sea turtles at night and newborn hatchlings at dawn or dusk, or surf on its world class, powerful and uncrowded waves. Similar experiences can be found at Corozalito beach, where surfing and turtles abound and even fewer people visit. In addition, our friendly local operators offer multiple tours including ocean and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, surfing lessons, stand up paddle boarding, sport fishing, and yoga. The small luxury hotel next door also offers zip lining tours, a tennis and pickleball court and a cocktail bar on the beach. For those in search of a cultural experience, the local town of Islita, within walking distance, offers community guided tours of the women's art cooperative and the outdoor art museum. You may also request to take Tico (Costa Rican) cooking and tropical cocktail mixing lessons. Guests of Villa Jalapa will enjoy all the comforts of home with on site property management to meet every vacation wish you could possibly have.

Originally built in 1997, Villa Jalapa underwent a major renovation during the fall of 2013 and emerged as an elegant yet comfortable vacation paradise. With its own private, gated entrance, 24 hour security and parking for as many as 5 vehicles, no expense was sparred. The property is made up of 4 individual buildings: 3, 1 bedroom villas nestled around the central living/dining/kitchen area which opens to the infinity pool. Villa 1 boasts a king size bed with sliding glass door out to the patio leading to the pool, a bathroom with shower, flat screen television, and air conditioning. Villas 2 and 3 each have 2 full size beds, bathroom with shower, flat screen television, air conditioning, and sliding glass door to the patio leading to the pool. A large Flat screen television in the living area, stainless steel appliances, stone counter tops, and cool tile flooring. The kitchen is stocked with cookware, plates & silverware, glasses & wine glasses, toaster, blender, coffee maker, Full size commercial refrigerator, separate full size standup commercial freezer, dishwasher, stove, oven and microwave.

The comfortable living area has a 50” flat screen smart HDTV, an iPod/iPhone docking stereo system, and a suite of board and card games for groups of all ages. Comfortable seating for meals and lounging up to 12 people and large double opening sliding glass doors facing the pool and ocean make this the heart of the property.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are equipped with all linens and will be serviced daily by the on site staff to clean floors, beds and bathrooms. Within a 10km range surfers of all levels of experience will find conditions suitable to their ability, with the crown jewel being playa Camaronal's powerful and uncrowded beach break waves. The bedrooms have luxurious bedding, full sized dressers, closets with hangers, and flat screen televisions.

Villa Jalapa is also perfect if you are attending an event at the Punta Islita Hotel.

Policies:
Minimum 2 night stay required. Well trained pets are welcome.
30 DAY CANCELLATION POLICY: Deposits are fully refundable up to 60 days before the start of your reservation. Within 30 days of the start of your reservation, you are responsible for the full cost of the reservation. While we understand that emergencies happen, the reason for cancellation does not change our cancellation or refund policy. There are NO weather related refunds, except for the case of a mandatory evacuation. If you are concerned that you may not be able to keep your reservation we recommend Travel Insurance. Please look online for the best travel insurance for you.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned villa, which features a private pool and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool.
Breakfast is available for a fee.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Diego Sancho

Languages

English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Car recommended
  • Limited onsite parking (max 5 spaces)

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 private bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No smoking inside buildings.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Meal delivery service
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Tennis
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Recycling

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: be cautious and respect the local wildlife

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Villa Jalapa Costa Rica - Secluded Family Beach House Amazing View Private Pool Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ryan F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it!
We had a great 7 night stay here! Two adults and four university age kids. It’s definitely remote and the town and area restaurants are charming. We had a 4x4 and were glad to have it! There were howler monkeys and macaws in the trees every day and we spent hours in the pool after venturing out to do activities like surf school, horseback riding and art classes. The management at the neighboring hotel was wonderful on multiple occasions. The housekeeper Lisbeth took great care of us and her cooking was fabulous!! We made so many memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you for sharing this magical place with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great ocean escape
The house is as advertised, beautiful and well equipped. The location is isolated enough for privacy, but only 35 minutes from Samara. There is air conditioning in all of the bedrooms, which is necessary given the heat and humidity. The property manager Diego is really helpful and communicative. A great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning Property
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this property. Most of our time spent there was in the gorgeous pool watching the Macaws as they flew overhead. Our group consisted of 2 families - 4 adults and 5 kids ranging in ages of 5-16. Diego the property owner and Lisbeth the property manager were both very responsive whenever we had any questions and on top of things if/when we needed them. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Will T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Week of Fun and Relaxation
We visited Costa Rica with our family of 6 (3 teens and a 25 yo). We all loved Costa Rica and thoroughly enjoyed staying at Villa Jalapa! It was amazing! The communication and care shown by both Diego and Lisbeth was excellent. The property was even more beautiful than the pictures online. Our family thoroughly enjoyed playing in the pool, cooking together in the large well equipped open kitchen, listening to the howler monkeys over our morning cup of coffee (we saw a family of them on the property one morning), the many macaw sightings, the access we had to the Marriott to lounge by the beach and enjoy the swim up bar from time to time, and all of the excursions we did while there.. Diego provided many helpful suggestions on things to do. While there we went whale watching, surfing, visited the Macaw Recovery Center next door, went to Corzalitto to watch the sea turtles lay their eggs one night, kayaked and snorkeled. It was truly a dream vacation and we can’t wait to return! Thank you so much, Diego and Lisbeth, for helping to create such a memorable experience for our family!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashleigh C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
Fantastic stay! First time in Costa Rica! Amazing pool and amenities! Grateful for the SUV we rented to travel the last bumpy 10 km. Beach club of the local hotel was very accommodating for a cabana rental when we wanted to splurge. Natural sightings of howler monkeys and macaws. Also a wonderful visit to The Jungle Butterfly farm. Walked to the couple local restaurants - perfect after spending all day in the sun/pool. Would love to come back!
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maureen P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect week
Villa Jalapa is wonderful and when I return to Costa Rica, I can't imagine staying anywhere else. The location is perfect - a few minutes walk to the beach, town, and places to hike. We were 9 and while everyone (including the kids) had plenty of space to run around, there were also lots of ways to find peace and quiet. There are incredible views and a super great pool that looks out over the ocean. The house is well-equipped and comfortable. We had some issues with minor repairs (cabinet pulls) and the dishwasher, which we were warned about, all of which was understandable given we were there end of the season. Diego and Lisbeth were responsive and super gracious, even when the very excited kids damaged the couch. Diego made it super easy to be there - putting us in touch with Heiner, who picked us up and drove us back to Liberia and also took us on a mid-week excursion. Having the hotel next door is convenient and they are very friendly to non-guests. My 5-year old granddaughter and I went for mani/pedis and we all had a great breakfast there one morning after the beach. Can't say enough about this great place and its hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Isabelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay at villa Jalapa
We stayed for a week and we had a great time. The pool and view were amazing! The kitchen was well stocked with many items for cooking our own meal. Diego helped us order local fish which was delivered at the door and was amazing. We saw monkeys and many other animals and insects which the kids loved. The beach was a short distance by walking and we could do surfing with nice waves! Overall great stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenna W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing experience!
We loved our stay! Our check in process was seamless and the house was more beautiful that the photos could capture. We will be coming back again. You’ll 100 % enjoy yourself in this magical home.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne M.

Awesome home
Loved the pool, the layout, separate casitas, super comfy beds. Views of howler monkeys, coatis, scarlet macaws from the property. Short walk to beach and Marriott hotel. Beach bar is a plus. Expensive however with Cdn exchange. A bit of a climb to get home. Grounds professionally cared for. Well worth a visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas stay 2022
Villa Jalapa is a lovely home The pool is the highlight Diego, property contact, was excellent at assisting with our needs The adjoining hotel has great pickleball courts which we used everyday The beach is nice The hotel needs to be more accommodating to non hotel guests Such as us staying at villas Highlights include the housekeeper Lisbeth Her cooking is fabulous and it’s so great to have a clean home Dining- the hotel is good but best restaurant is aromas nearby- don’t miss it And kimbute and don Ramiro’s- although we gave up trying to dine there This was a return visit for us The golf course doesn’t exist now But the area is beautiful A golf cart included with the house would make it super special since it’s a long hill up to the house
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Ashburn, VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property!
We loved our stay. It is remote and the road not great (we came from Arenal). But the property is lovely. And Lizbeth is all the great things you have heard. Amazing food at $20 a meal and she secured the seafood for us. The bedrooms are wonderful (although towel racks dangerous for tall people!). Great touch having shampoo, body wash in the showers. Would benefit from a suitcase rack. Communication great with Diego - very responsive. Loved the pool and the rooftop - scarlet macaws morning and evening to spot. Kitchen is very well equipped, although we didn’t use most of it because we left it up to Lizbeth. We played a couple games which were supplied, very fun. Overall a great visit, and highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Natalie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Property!
Our stay at Villa Jalapa was amazing from start to finish! Lisbeth was an AMAZING cook and took great pride in cooking and cleaning for us the entire time we were there. Our kids loved everything she made! The rooms were beautiful and comfortable and the bird watching in the morning was really great. Would definitely stay again! We loved the town of Islita and all the people there! We spent a day at the beach and rented a cabana from the local hotel with food and drink service to our chairs. We all did surf lessons on the beach and had a great time. My daughter and I did a 30 minute massage at the outdoor "spa" in a private cabana that was super peaceful and secluded. If you want to eat at the local Don Romero's you need a reservation, but I would highly recommend it! It's a very intimate setting with the chef preparing food especially for you!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tatiana L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
We had an amazing stay here! The house was just as described, close to a beautiful beach and surrounded by nature. It was so nice to come home to a clean house after exploring and Lisbeth’s cooking was our favorite! We really enjoyed our family vacation here.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing home and location!
Our family of 6 could not have asked for a better home on our recent trip to Costa Rica. We had plenty of space to enjoy our stay at home. We separate sleeping quarters, our four teenagers had the space they needed. The pool and surroundings are so peaceful. Punta Islita beach down the road is very secluded and private! We had all the waves to ourselves. The beds were superior, the kitchen was stocked, the TV streaming was perfection! Can not think of a thing we needed during our stay. The convenience store up the road had last minute items. But the icing on the cake was Lisbeth! She truly made the trip just that bit more special. She is kind and willing to answer questions — her cooking was truly authentic and better than any restaurant we visited. Get her menu before arriving and grab the ingredients and you are set! This was a vacation for the parents. Thank you Diego for sharing this beautiful home! This will not be our last visit to the beautiful country of Costa Rica!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay
We stayed at Villa Jalapa for 3 weeks and our stay could not have been any better. The host was very attentive and quick to respond to any questions we had. We took advantage of Lisbeth who tends to the property daily for meals and her meals were better than any restaurant. Her personality and care for the home was outstanding. The house is even more beautiful than the pictures show but true to detail. Islita is the hidden gem of Costa Rica. We were at our own private oasis yet there were so many accessible restaurants due to the neighbouring hotel. The drive from Samara to Islita is rugged at the end and 4 x 4 is recommended but it adds to the appreciation of this beautiful property. We saw macaws, howler monkeys, white faced caupchins,… nature all around us. The infinity pool was incredible and many hours were spent here daily. We did the 1 km walk to Punta Islita every morning and felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves. Somehow 3 weeks was not enough time here.
Stayed 21 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

ANGIE N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven!
Villa Jalapa was the perfect way to wrap up our Costa Rican dream vacation. It was essentially our vacation from our vacation. The beautiful spacious property was everything we imagined and more. It was a special treat to come home from the day’s activities and take a dip in the private pool. Our empanada cooking lesson with Lisbeth was memorable and she was so easy going and delightful. We appreciated Diego’s prompt and exceptional communication from booking our stay to local tips and recommendations. Thank you, we can’t wait to visit Islita again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ann H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Villa Jalapa was spectacular! Wonderful vistas, house, beach, and Lisbeth’s great care and cooking
We loved every minute of this adventure. The house was lovely and comfortable, with the common area opening on all sides to the outdoors. We enjoyed seeing capuchin and howler monkeys, myriad birds including many scarlet macaws, coatis and more. The pool is lovely. Lisbeth cooked for us four nights - absolutely delicious. And she’s so kind, helpful and fun. The area is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth it. The local beach is a 5 minute walk and we felt like we had it to ourselves. The waves were the perfect size. We also enjoyed eating at Kimbute, and hoped to eat at Don Ramiro’s but it was closed. We enjoyed the neighboring hotel for some dinners, as well as a lunch on the beach. We explored other nearby beach towns, as well. Mostly, we simply reveled it in being at the house. Wish we could’ve stayed another week! Thank you, Diego and Lisbeth, for an unforgettable retreat.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ruth C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location for a group!
Villa Jalapa is an exceptional vacation location for a group, or even a couple if you want privacy. The house is spacious and airy and the bedrooms are separate for privacy if that’s what you like, or bunk with friends for an even larger group. The pool just off the common area was unexpectedly delightful, clean and refreshing. The owner is extremely helpful and the manager/cleaner/chef is outstanding. Do not miss a chance to have Lisbeth cook for you. The rooftop area is shaded perfectly, wonderful for looking out over the jungle to the sea, listening to the howler monkeys and all the amazing birds. This is a great location for peace and tranquility but also offers some great local restaurants all close by. This was a great find and we will be back!
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house, will definitely return
The house is amazing, great pool, all necessary appliances, Lisbeth cleans daily which is an amazing added value - also knows the town very well. Would add a little shade for the pool since it is 100% directly under the sun all day which is not great for skin health. Diego was a very responsive host and everything went as expected. Would return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cristina M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Hidden Gem
We had such a great stay over the New Year with my family. The property itself is everything you could want on a tropical beach vacation. It felt extremely safe and was well stocked. We have never been to Punta Islita before and we found so much to do in our week's stay. Diego was so helpful and communicative in setting up things before our arrival and making sure our stay was going well. Lisbeth, the housekeeper/cook was amazing!! Her cooking is wonderful and more than that she is just a lovely and sweet person and made us feel so welcome and comfortable. As a Mom to 4 young children, it was so nice to REALLY take a break at a VRBO. We took some awesome guided hikes and tours with Eduardo (find him at the beach). Just a great trip made better by meeting so many wonderful locals who love their country and are happy to share it. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

emily r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home, gorgeous location
Fabulous. Our family of 4 (kids ages 12 and 14) spent a week and a half here in late November. It exceeded our high expectations. The pictures and prior reviews are accurate. Several very positive attributes to this property: (1) Lisebeth the housekeeper takes loving care of the home. She cleans for several hours daily, and it shows. She also will happily cook you a delicious meal for 5000 Colones (about $8). She can also procure fresh fish for you (Snapper). Her family's home is a couple hundred years down the driveway, near the gate, so she's not a close presence but also adds a feeling of security in this tightly-knit, safe town. (2) Diego, the owner, lives a few hours away. He is a fluent English-speaker, and very helpful by email. He answered many questions for us before and during our stay. (3) Proximity to various wonderful beaches: This part of the Nicoya Peninsula is lightly visited by travelers, so the beaches are un- or minimally-developed. The gorgeous Playa Islita is a 7 minute walk or a 2 minute drive from the house. There are never more than a few groups on the beach. There are usually a few people lounging in the hotel's beachside restaurant, and you can use this facility a la carte if you wish. Playa Camaronal is a 10-15 minute drive and is ideal for surfing. In late November swells ranged from 4-5 on small days to 7-9 on bigger days. If you want to rent a board for a day or a week, Lisbeth can put you in contact with Marco, the owner of Islita Surf School. Playa Carrillo is a 30 minute drive for a 2 mile protected, crescent shaped beach to the north. To the south 30-60 minutes, there are several deserted, 5-mile beaches (such as Playa Coyote). A couple pieces of advice: If you can, fly to Liberia rather than San Jose. There are two groceries, an organic food store, a bakery, and a butcher in Samara (get your meat from the butcher, as the grocery stores reportedly turn off their refrigerators at night to save money!). It might be worth buying groceries in Liberia on arrival. Also, it probably goes without saying, but you need a 4x4 to travel here--roads are mostly dirt and are very bumpy. Get a dinner reservation at Don Ramiro in Islita--the owner Miguel is a charming guy who takes great pride in his dishes. We spent our days here running (early!), surfing, walking beaches, lounging around in the shade, doing beach walks, and eating well. Such a relaxing, rejuvenating vacation. I wish it didn't have to end.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charlie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise in Punta Islita
We visited this Villa with 2 families with 4 adults and 3 boys ages 10-14. Having been to this area previously on business, I wanted to return as it's off the beaten path and has very few tourists. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle. All the locals are friendly and warm. This is the perfect property with a location just 5 minutes from the beach and from 3-4 restaurants/sodas. The village is one of the most authentic beautiful villages in Costa Rica. You can easily walk into the village from the villa. This is the perfect place for those seeking solitude and nature. We encountered deer, coatis, and black howler monkeys on the property. Also, the bird watching is phenomenal from the pool area. The upper deck on the main building also provides the perfect 360-degree views to search for wildlife, do yoga or chill out in the hammock. Scarlet Macaws are seen daily. Also, they have resident Turquoise Browed Mot Mots next to the pool. All the rooms are spacious and private from each other. The pool views are world-class. We spent most of our time in the pool taking in the views and wildlife. The onsite caretakers Lisbeth and Alvaro are lovely. They are available daily for cleaning and cooking. I highly recommend having Lisbeth cook as it's extremely affordable. Don't miss her Fried Whole Snapper, patacones and Ceviche!!!! They can also secure fresh local seafood for you to cook. Diego the owner is the most responsive and detailed rental owner I've ever dealt with. He can answer and advise on all your needs such as tours, restaurants, logistics, etc. I would recommend a Sports Utility vehicle as some of the drives in this area are difficult in small sedans if you are not experienced in offroad driving. All in all a 5-star experience and can't wait to return! Pura Vida!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

Absolutely Beautiful!
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Jalapa! The setting is beautiful and secluded - we had plenty of privacy but it's not in the middle of nowhere, with the hotel next door. Lisbeth, our housekeeper and chef, was amazing! Her cooking was delicious - better than any restaurant around. Our only complaint was that we did not stay long enough! Highly recommend, especially for larger groups.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ines G.

Perfect!
Fantastic everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Un hermoso lugar para mi familia
Es la segunda ocasión que lo visitamos y cada vez lo disfrutamos más. El lugar, la atención, los detalles, todo.