Casa Zenn : Beautiful Hill-top Villa

We had a wonderful 6 nights at this charming, beautiful and incredibly private, hilltop casa, set within a palm plantation without a soul nearby or really hardly a man-made sound to be heard the entire week. We've not had such a sense of privacy over many rentals in many places. The gardens are just beautiful and filled with stunning flowers and fruit trees, all helpfully labeled and which clearly attract a great deal of wildlife from butterflies to sloths, birds and 3 species of monkey. Mature tropical forest comes right up close to the property, which allows one to hear and see much unique wildlife. We saw sloths in the trees beside the house most days and scarlet macaws, toucans and aricaris (among many other marvellous birds) came within view of the patio or gardens especially in the morning and afternoons. From the patio and gardens, one can look out to the nearby coast, distant verdant mountains and marvellous sunsets across the Golfo Dulce. The sound of the breezes in the palms and waves on the shore at night was also calming. While the place lacks air-conditioning, it is well equipped with many ceiling and floor fans and its position up on a hill kept it comfortable enough. I think that A/C would separate you from the outdoors too much, so I think it is perfect this way. The beds were firm but comfortable. The kitchen was basic (no dishwasher) but functional. Our hosts were so very lovely and responsive, even helping us find a local mechanic to fix our flat tire.

Out of dozens of vacation rentals in Central America over the years this may be the best in every category. Monkey viewing from the pool, check. Toucan alarm clock, check. Snoozing in the hammock for sunset with no bugs, check. Private nature trail with dozens of birds, lizards and critters I have never found before, check. Thomas and Holly were a delight. Be sure to try their dinner at least once.

Very warm welcome, we had even a Christmas tree! We live in Costa Rica permanently, but found this place is special. Great views to the ocean, nice garden, refreshing pool and a rancho with BBQ and hammocks. The house was comfortable and fully equipped with everything you need.