Casa Vida Verde

This is the perfect location for an exotic honeymoon, a bird watching tour, a yoga retreat or a playful base for an unforgettable family vacation. Leave the real world behind and let your inner child emerge. The home is in Cabo Matapalo, on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. With continuous rainforest connecting to the famous Corcovado National Park, the wildlife viewing is unrivalled. Monkeys and macaws are daily visitors. The home is open plan with only walls where necessary to provide privacy. The main platform comprises the kitchen, dining area, relaxing areas and two en-suite bedrooms. The upper level comprises the master suite and en-suite shower room. In the garden there are two connected dipping pools and up behind the house in the primary forest there is a private yoga deck with a view over to the ocean. Choose your favorite corner and catch up with a good book, interrupted only by passing monkeys, macaws and butterflies. The kitchen is designed with cooks in mind but space for helpers too! The kitchenware is of good quality and is regularly updated. The custom storage rack reduces the chore of washing up, just place items in their rack and they will dry for next time, minimum hassle. The gas stove has 6 large burners and a large oven. There are 3 sinks, 2 together and 1 on the island bar where smoothie or cocktail preparation is a breeze with a blender all set to go. The upper master has a king bed and large shower room and a private toilet. The junior suite on the main floor has a private deck, king bed and shower room and private toilet. The family suite has screened windows with a shower room and private toilet. This can be set up as a third king bedroom or a king with 2 additional beds, or can be made into 4 or 5 beds with a bunk bed and 3 or 4 singles. All the beds have high quality mattresses, cotton sheets and in the case of the open rooms luxury cotton mosquito nets. Fall asleep to the sound of the surf knowing you are in the most comfortable beds in the area! At Casa Vida Verde it is hard to know where the interior ends and the exterior begins! The viewing deck is the perfect spot to watch the jungle wake up each morning and birds and butterflies starting their day in the golden dawn light. Steps take you down through the grounds which gently transition from the forest to garden and lead to the pool area. The organic design of the house is evident here too with a fun, funky combination of two dipping pools connected by a channel and a small waterfall surrounded by lush tropical foliage and flowers. Relax here in the shade or sun, or this private setting is also a serene setting for yoga. Poolside, you will find a build in table with benches, a BBQ and an outdoor shower and build in cushioned sun beds. Much of our property is actually primary forest behind the house. Explore this area using the well-tended trail of steps and spend some time up at the large platform with a view to the ocean. This is the perfect spot for yoga, massage or bird and wildlife watching. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? Temperatures average mid-80s during the daytime and fall to the mid-70s at night. The coastal waters are a constant 74 degrees all year long. There are two seasons: the Dry (December through April) which is less humid and there is less rain, and the Green (May through November) when there is more rain usually in the afternoons and at night. October and early November are the rainiest months. WHAT ABOUT BUGS? There are many insects around but most insect encounters are part of the wonder of being in the rainforest. Remember, there is a whole food chain out there and there are plenty of animals and birds intent on eating all insects found. However, it is a good precaution to have insect repellent, particularly in the early evenings. If you are very concerned about the possibility of insects being around you, it is possible the open air living at Casa Vida Verde is not the best environment for you. CAN YOU DRINK THE WATER? Yes! Our water comes from a natural spring or well, depending on the time of year, and is safe to drink. IS THERE HELP NEARBY? Our manager, Carlos, lives on site. He is an amazing host, speaks English well will want to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible. He knows the area very well and is a very experienced host. Our guests report that nothing is too much trouble for him. DO WE NEED TO RENT A CAR? No, you do not need to. If you are happy to walk locally, we recommend you getting a taxi to other locations. The taxi drivers know the area well, will often spot animals and birds that you would miss and can look after the driving while you enjoy your surroundings. However, if you prefer to have your own vehicle this can be sorted with pick up and drop off in San Jose or Puerto Jimenez. CAN WE USE ELECTRONICS? Yes, please bring your own cameras, cell phones and laptops and iPod/iPads. Purchase a local SIM card at the airport in San Jose, we do have reception in Cabo Matapalo. Also, we have wireless internet. However, although it is reliable, it can fail and you may need to visit Puerto Jimenez to connect if the need is urgent. We have a Bluetooth speaker if you wish to bring your own music. Please don’t bring hairdryers or curling irons, as these use too much power. You will not miss them, in the jungle you don’t have to worry about what your hair looks like! The outlets are standard North American for 110V applications. WHAT IS PROVIDED? We provide all linens, towels (including beach towels), kitchen towels and toilet paper, biodegradable shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, liquid soap, dish detergent, and other staples for the kitchen. We also have some games and books together with information cards on the flora and fauna of the area. Some herbs for cooking are grown on site and there is also a variety of fruit trees. Carlos will supply you with these as available.