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Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!

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Outdoor pool
Exterior
Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels
4 bedrooms, in-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9274 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

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

Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!

La Paila is unique among most of the villas you’ll find!
It's broad panoramic views of the Pacific are due to its siting at one of the highest elevations looking into Samara bay and valley. The sky and light change throughout the day often finishing in spectacular sunsets!
-- staff will prepare meals (if desired, up to 2 per day, your choice), clean house daily and do laundry! The pool and grounds are professionally maintained. Relax and enjoy yourself! Staff live in a separate house on the property providing security and availability but also as much privacy as you want.
-- free delivery of pre-stocked food waiting for you (just reimburse for the groceries you order)
-- La Paila has a huge open air room containing dining, sitting, entertainment and game areas. It has no walls so that you’re directly connected to the views, breeze and nature! (All four bedrooms can be closed-up completely and are air-conditioned).
-- La Paila is very private, tranquil and quiet with only a few neighbors and little passing traffic
-- designed in the colonial Costa Rican style of architecture, the house is appointed with art and artifacts celebrating local Tico and Guanacaste culture. Much of the house is made from tropical hardwoods and the furniture crafted locally. Immerse yourselves a bit in Costa Rica!

Free hi-speed WiFi, TV (Roku streaming) with a VCR/DVD machine A bluetooth JBL Extreme speaker powers music through the big room and to the pool so bring your playlist. Laze in the hammock or lounge in the pool! We have ping pong and backgammon tables, board games, a volleyball/badminton court and darts! Take the boogie boards with you to the beach or use in the pool!

Nature is all around: flocks of parrots fly by each morning and evening, howler and capuchin monkeys will visit the backyard trees occasionally and maybe you'll see a coatimundi or anteater! Mangos fall off the trees from May to June.

The sunsets can be stunning but also look for rainbows, sundogs and green flashes. At night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky if clear. Look for planets, fireballs, moon rings and meteorites!

Use La Paila as a secluded retreat for pure R & R or as a home base for day trips. The daily destination for most?: just five minutes away by car is the iconic, palm lined, two mile-long Playa Carrillo (Carrillo beach), a certified 'blue flag' beach of Costa Rica (means it is safe and clean)! It offers beach strolls, jogging, swimming and picnics and so much more. Horseback riding is available on several beaches. Go deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, swordfish and mahi-mahi. Turtle watching is best at nearby Playa Camaronal, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta. Snorkel to an off-shore island. Zip line through local jungle canopies. Surf lessons on the bucket list? Dine out in nearby Samara and Carrillo at numerous outstanding but casual restaurants. Explore the surrounding teak plantation. To the south, enjoy lunch at Punta Islita and at the same time schedule a tour of the macaw (parrot) reservation at Macaw Recovery Network. You will not run out of things to do!

Property manager

Andy and Christine Durham

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 9 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • In-room accessibility
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: outside only.

Services and conveniences

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

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the ocean
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Table tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling 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

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,950 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 35

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets are allowed
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 9 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: dogs only

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: 1 crib at house, babies 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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: surcharge applies for weddings, receptions, etc.
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
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 transport to and from this property

About the area

Map
Playa Carrillo, Samara, Nosara, Nicoya,, Hojancha, Guanacaste

What's nearby

  • La Selva - 5 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Carrillo Beach - 6 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Samara Beach - 8 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Buena Vista Beach - 33 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Playa Barrigona - 45 min drive - 19.3 km

Getting around

  • Nosara (NOB) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Las Olas Beach Club - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Gusto Beach Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Malehu - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Coco's Mexican Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Microbar - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! located?

This family-friendly Puerto Carrillo villa is located by the ocean, within 3 mi (5 km) of Carrillo Beach and Samara Beach. Playa Camaronal and Playa Islita are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Amazing Ocean & Mountain views! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 61 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tonya W., NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary and Birthday getaway!
It was a great place and a great trip. Beautiful view, excellent location and accommodations. Grace was fantastic and we would be happy to go back again. The owners were very easy to communicate with and timely in their reaponse. The house staff was very helpful and kept the location clean and comfortable. We spent most of our time at the onsite pool enjoying the beautiful views.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandon L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to relax and enjoy Costa Rica
Everything was simply amazing. Rugged beauty everywhere and an abundance of flowers to gaze at on the property. Views are truly special as we could see all of Samara bay from our hilltop. Housekeeper was so nice and helpful, cooking and cleaning for us. We love the proximity to everything in town and got so much packed into our trip because of the convenience with this location. Clean, safe, spectacular.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Amanda E.

Nice place but needs some TLC
This house has a beautiful view, great location, and the staff is great. The house needs some updating and minor repairs. The bedrooms were a bit dusty. The fridge was consistently leaking water inside and not very cool. The staff cleaned every day and helped with whatever we needed. We had a large group of 11 people. It was unclear for the guests to know where to put the laundry that needed to be washed. However, the staff were willing to do the laundry. The initial portion of the road to the house is paved but then turns into a dusty, rocked road that is pretty rough and steep. 4 wheel drive is not necessary, but it is important to note to the roughness and steep incline. The views from the house are breathtaking. We asked for local dishes for meals and were not disappointed. Grace and Maria kept up with food allergies and made separate meals for the kiddos who were picky eaters. They were very kind and helpful. They cooked meals on our schedule so that we had food early enough for scheduled activities and ready for us when we got home. Brisa was fun to have around and never bothered us once. We loved watching Brisa come around and love on all of us. Grace and Maria helped us learn some spanish which we loved. We would recommend this place again, but would like to see the house have a bit more TLC.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Place to Stay
La Paila is paradise. We so enjoyed our stay. The accommodations were just as advertised and Grace was wonderful in accommodating us and for the wonderful meals that she made for us. We loved the pool, watching the pretty birds, monkeys and THAT VIEW! We never tired of waking up to that view. At night time, you do have to adjust to the living room being open to all sorts of creatures, but by the end of the week, we were used to them and it wasn't a problem. We very much enjoyed our stay and would rent this home again.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

David S., Caledon

Liked: Cleanliness
4th stay at La Paila
I think the fact that this is the 4th time we've stayed at La Paila says it all. We love the property and we love the area. It is so beautiful and peaceful.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Getaway
We thoroughly enjoyed this lovely home with a great pool and terrific sunset views overlooking the Samara Bay. We were well taken care of by the staff, the meals were delicious and the place was comfortable and clean. We plan on coming back next year!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joyce N., Vancouver Island, BC

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing beauty!
Sights and sounds of Costa Rican beauty of beaches, flora & fauna as our family enjoyed the lovely hacienda with many convenient areas to relax. Owners were excellent to communicate with and responsive to our inquiries. A unique and beautiful experience ❤️
Stayed 19 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tad M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property, view & housekeeper/cook was incredible!
Amazing property, view & housekeeper/cook was incredible!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gina D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Experience
We had a great time at this property and would definitely come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular view from traditional home
Upon arriving at this well-appointed traditional style home we were all mesmerized by the initial impression and the spectacular view overlooking Playa Carrillo. The house had lots of room for 6 adults; one child. There are inside and outside games galore when not just simply relaxing or at the beach. The pool was a hit for the family and was the first place people would go after breakfast. We heard that this beach was the nicest in the area so we were happy to know that. We found several good restaurants in Samara. The food in Samara is very expensive- and even farther towns like Nicoya still had high food prices. At the end of our stay we did find a little butcher shop in Samara just on the left before the main road dead ends into the town. The bakery (where the road actually dead ends ) was very good. 2 Gringos and the El Calibri (steak restaurant) were our favorite. Our trip was enhanced by an engagement proposal under water scuba diving and our turtle excursion through Samara Infocenter! What a wonderful place to experience all from a breathtaking view each morning, a gorgeous sunset each evening, and the brightest stars at night you’ll ever see!
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Views for days!
You will not disappointed with your stay! Maureen and the views made our experience extra special!! She is an amazing cook, my picky kids ate every bite. We also loved not having to clean every day. She made our trip feel like a vacation. The views from house are unforgettable. The house has four rooms- a master and a bunk room downstairs and two rooms upstairs that share a Jack and jill bathroom. It all worked out well to share with our families. This is our second visit and the first time we had a breeze, this time we were not as lucky. Fans would be a great edition. Thanks for a wonderful week!!! Pura Vida
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Third Stay
This was our third trip to this beautiful, peaceful home. We have stayed in a few other properties in the area, but only because this property was booked. The others were good. They weren't this though. This place is magic. It's incredibly relaxing and welcoming, the beauty and rustic charm just can't be beat. Maury the chef was as always, amazing. She is kind and thoughtful and incredibly helpful. She also happens to be an amazing chef. If we could, this would be our permanent second home and Maury would be family.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Yoga retreat in beautiful mountain Villa
We went as a group of 9 as a yoga retreat. Yoga every morning by the pool with a stunning view of the ocean below was incredible. We couldn't capture the beauty enough with our photos. We loved the open air main area and also having the pool to cool off in after days at the beach and exploring. Sunsets were amazing! We also got to see lots of lizards, howler monkeys right by the house, and beautiful birds. Maury the cook and one who cares for us was very kind and a great cook!! She cooked us amazing local style dinners we asked for and also great breakfasts. It felt healthy and delicious. We loved all the fresh fruit. The beds were very comfortable, and rooms beautiful in traditional I think ranch style. AC in the bedrooms to sleep was so nice since it is very hot here. We love this place and plan to come back. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful villa with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing location
We had a great stay in La Paila, it's a very special place. It's not the most modern of properties but that's part of the charm, the location is superb with incredible views, the live-in housekeeper is amazing, great food, so helpful and brilliant at keeping the property tidy and clean. Her food was a big part of the joy of our holiday.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

David S., Caledon

Liked: Cleanliness
Second Stay @ La Paila
We first visited La Paila in Feb 2022 with my wife's family. We loved it some much we brought our kids their partners and our grandkids for the 2023 Holidays in lieu of a family christmas We love this place. It is peaceful, relaxing and within a short drive to beautiful beaches, and to the stores and restaurants of both Playa Carilla and Samara. If you are looking for relaxation, this is the place for you.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura M., Santa Cruz, California

Liked: Cleanliness
Best View!
We stayed at La Paila with 2 families of 4 and the house was a perfect setup. The views from the property are incredible! Take me back! We had a wonderful time listening to the birds, watching the sunsets, swimming in the pool, listening to music and having drinks in the outdoor living space. The property caretaker Maury had dinner prepped for our arrival a cooked a few other meals while we were there and she was an incredible cook. It was such a special treat, we enjoyed her cooking so much, I had to take home one of her recipes. The AC worked great in all the bedrooms which was very nice. And the drive to and from town is easy. We especially enjoyed the beauty of Carillo and Sámara provides anything you could need between restaurants, adventure, shopping etc but also not too big of a town. It’s definitely special here. We had great communication with Andy & Christine prior to our arrival but had no need to reach out while we were there since everything went smooth. Good internet if that is needed. Thank you so much for sharing your slice of Paradise, it was a dream.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

E Samantha C.

Liked: Cleanliness
La Paila Vacation Rental
What a magical place to stay. Stunning vistas with lots to do or not do. Maureen, the cook and housekeeper is a major bonus. She made our holiday all the better.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

jeremy c.

We loved this property and our stay here. In person is way better than on line pics!!
Everything is awesome, and accurate as stated on VRBO. The only complaint's would be the overall cleanliness of the property, and the live in Dog. We loved the Dog, but it seemed that she had not received a proper bath for some time, when she was around you knew it by the smell. There was hair from the dog all over the open area and furniture, and smell of the dog on the furniture. Overall we would stay here again, but would request a cleaner house and clean dog.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Yolanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Stay
We had a wonderful stay at La Paila. The house and property is beautiful. Maury was a great housekeeper and cook! We would recommend this rental to others.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katja T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hard to say goodbye
We spent 9 glorious nights at “ La Paila.” The location of the home is incredible, Maury is an excellent cook and all around helpful and a pleasure to spend time with. Brisa the dog stole my kid’s hearts and nobody wanted to return home. The communication with Andrew, the property owner, is excellent if you should need anything or have any questions at all.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shawn V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing, quiet location with great views and unique layout.
Our family loved our stay here. The layout of the open living space provided a unique experience. Maureen was fantastic and we loved our meals. Plenty to do in the surrounding area without much trouble. (Horseback riding, zip lining, coffee tours, beach…) I would recommend a 4x4/AWD for ease getting up to the house and some of the surrounding areas. Maybe not required but definitely a good idea.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynsey S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Magical!
Our stay at La Paila was nothing short of magical. The road up to the house was not bad at all and once you get there, the view is worth every second! It only takes about 5 minutes to get up or down from the house to the beach. We got lost on our way there and ended up not arriving until 10pm. Maureen was still awake and at the house and not only greeted us, but served dinner as well. The house itself is beautiful and nestled in the perfect combination of ocean and jungle views. You feel completely secluded but not disconnected. There was so much to do at the house, we were never bored. But the house was still close to the beach and other places, Carrillo about 5 minutes and Samara about 10 minutes. We had 6 people total and it was the perfect amount of space for all of us. Everyone had their own space/bedroom. Maureen was an absolute God send. She was one of the highlights of our stay. We really enjoyed getting to know her, learning how to cook and spending time with her. None of us spoke fluent or any Spanish and she was extremely patient with us. Even texted me store lists, with pictures, so we knew what we needed to get at the store. She was so attentive, and took care of everything for us but we also never felt crowded and had plenty of privacy. We absolutely adored the house puppy, Brisa. She was a doll and we loved having her around and a little piece of home. We truly could not have imagined a better way to spend our time in Costa Rica than at La Paila and cannot wait to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible views, Historic-feel property
We enjoyed our stay at La Paila. The road up to the hillside perch was easier than anticipated (5 min, well-packed dirt road, not overly curvy), and the view and gardens would have been worth it being worse! A favorite was to sit in the recliners in the morning, watch the birds (we spotted a toucan!) and butterflies, and enjoy the ocean view! You do need to know -- we didn't totally realize -- that all the living space (not bedrooms or kitchen) is open to the air on the sides (well covered) like an old ranchero, I assume. We felt well-protected in rainstorms and usually felt a breeze...did not have the level of problems with bugs we feared...but it is not an air-conditioned living space. The bedrooms have ac. They are adequate, not particularly special, but that's not where you spend your time. The kitchen is quite dated but well-appointed and having the on-site cleaning and cooking was a real plus, helpful and friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

rena w.

Liked: Cleanliness
The view was amazing
We enjoyed our short stay. They house is so clean. The view is amazing. The house was quiet. Maury was so sweet and always checking on us. My son spent days in the hammock relaxing with the dog by his side.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Amanda P., Colorado Springs, Colorado

Great location and view
This was a good place to stay. This was our fifth trip to Samara/Carrillo and we enjoyed being somewhat out of town. The view was fabulous and the open air floor plan was fun. We saw howler monkeys in the trees and lots of birds. The listing stated that this is a four bedroom house but the main building only has 3 bedrooms - I'm not sure where the 4th room would be? My other issue was the cleanliness...I've been to Costa Rica many times and fully enjoy rustic accommodations. We have stayed in lots of homes/lodges with an open air plan. It would have been nice to have the animal leavings (waste) cleaned up each day and the rooms straightened up. The pool also could have used a good skimming - had there been one there I would have taken care of it myself. Overall we enjoyed our stay but I think a few extra touches would have made me feel it was more worth the cost.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022