I stayed with my two daughters (1 and 3) for a month at Finca Estrella. Jo and Crispin have built beautiful houses with amazing views! On our previous trip to Costa Rica we had stayed by Arenal and Playa Flamingo. Both of these areas were heavily populated with tourists and this time we wanted something more authentic. We definitely got it! There was no need to drive to a national park when we had the beautiful grounds to walk around. We saw monkeys, macaws, and toucans while eating on the porch of Casa Madera. We enjoyed the beaches of Pilon, Zancuda, and Pavones, which were all a short drive from the Finca. When we didn\'t want to drive the pool was practically right outside our door. Most of all we enjoyed the INCREDIBLE hospitality of Jo and Crispin and their staff Freddy, Enrique, and Grace. Freddy was there to greet us and promptly answer any question we had. Enrique took us on amazing adventures. We hiked to the most beautiful waterfall and were able to ride horses to the beach. Grace somehow managed to keep the place spotless despite my two children. I have never felt so welcome someplace and never been so sad to leave. Staying here was an experience that I won\'t soon forget. My daughters had a wonderful time. I don\'t think they will ever look at a zoo the same after all the animals we saw right outside our door! I hope we will be returning soon.
When we came up the little dirt road leading to casa roja, we did anything else than expect such an splended, neat and well built finca. We felt comfortable from the first second. The pool area just toped that impression Freddy was super cool, dropped by every now and then to chat and look if we need anything. Very good guy!!!
This was our third trip to Casa Amarilla and I always leave hoping there will be many more to come. This time we only stayed for a week. In the past we\'d stayed for a month. I wish we could stay for a year! We absolutely love it here. Pavones is an amazing area that is still sort of a best kept secret. On the drive from SJO to Finca Estrella you pass through the bustling touristy towns of Jaco, Hermosa, and Manuel Antonio where you sometimes see more American\'s than Ticos. As you drive further south everything becomes a little calmer. The beaches are beautiful. We love Pilon because we are almost always the only people there and it is a short drive down the hill. My husband even made the journey by foot two years ago. I definitely recommend a 4WD vehicle for getting around. Each year that we\'ve stayed we\'ve seen monkeys, toucans, and macaws all from the deck. Nature is all around you here. You see from your bedroom windows what others pay for tour guides to see. And if you don\'t notice it on your own Freddy is always there to help point things out. I could go on and on about the incredible kindness of the people who work on Finca Estrella for pages and pages. Freddy is the most easy going and helpful person. My children talk about Grace all the time. We were happy to go on an excursion to a waterfall with her husband Enrique who is a phenomenal tour guide. The minute we get home from this place I start looking for flights back.
When we planned our trip to CR my first question to my girlfriend was \"where do most of the tourists go\"? She showed me on a map and I pointed to the other end of the country and said that is where I wanted to go. We searched and finally settled on Casa Roja and we weren\'t disappointed. The beauty of the area was breathtaking. Sitting on the balcony in the morning and watching the jungle wake up was so very relaxing. Since I work with wildlife the number of birds, butterflies and mammals in the area was nothing less than spectacular. We explored the entire property and found fresh mandarin limes and banana\'s which were relished everyday.Our excursions along the beach from Zancudo down to Punta Banco were awesome and the food in the area was delicious. I would be remiss if I didn\'t mention what an awesome host Freddy is. He was incredibly kind,helpful and a pretty funny guy. He is the epitome of what life is all about in the Pavones area. We even had the company of some of the sweetest dogs.
Luxury apartment bay view
$80.00 / Night