Casa Malinche offers stunning valley views, a private pool, and walking distance to the beach in Punta Islita. This remodeled 3BR villa combines comfort, natural beauty, and easy access to adventure.
The Space
Casa Malinche offers arguably one of the finest views in the Punta Islita valley. Located just a 4-minute walk from the beach, its position is hard to beat. The villa features a private pool, and guests currently have access to the beachfront public pool for $5 per adult and $2 per child per day.
This home has been in our family for 15 years and was recently remodeled to provide an updated and comfortable atmosphere for visitors. It includes:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2.5 bathrooms
- Washer and dryer
Golf carts for four people are available for rent from a local business at $100 per day, ideal for trips to the beach, restaurants, and town.
Guests have full access to the entire house.
Location and Surroundings
The valley of Islita is a unique and tranquil destination, blending a charming local town with privately owned luxury homes and a family-friendly beach. The beach is safe almost year-round, with minimal currents and rip tides thanks to the protective cove. Waves vary from gentle beginner-friendly surf to more advanced conditions depending on swell and tide.
Nearby amenities and activities include:
- Surf school
- Beachfront massage spa
- Multiple beaches for advanced surfing with few visitors
- Numerous restaurants within the valley
Upon booking, guests receive a detailed PDF guide covering every activity and attraction in the valley and surrounding areas.
Nature and Wildlife
Islita valley is rich in untouched nature and wildlife, including howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. The area hosts a scarlet macaw breeding center that has released over 50 birds back into the wild. The beach is situated between two turtle nesting sites, adding to the natural appeal.
The climate is generally dry from December to April, while May to November brings a humid rainy season that remains comfortable for most visitors. Mosquitoes are rare inside the home but may be more present during the rainy months. Guests sensitive to insects should come prepared.
Activities and Amenities
The valley offers a wide range of recreational options:
- Elite surfing and yoga instructors
- An equestrian center with trail riding (Blue Zone Equestrian)
- Dolphin tours
- Fishing excursions
- Kayaking
- Waterfalls
- Quad rentals
- Turtle beaches
Additional services include private yoga sessions, exclusive surf trips, beachfront spa treatments, and private chef options upon request. All these details are included in the comprehensive PDF provided to guests.
Getting There
Islita is accessible via a 25-minute drive on mountainous dirt roads after crossing a new bridge, eliminating the need to ford a large river. The valley is approximately:
- 2.5 hours from Liberia Airport
- 4.5 hours from San Jose Airport
The arrival guide PDF contains driving directions, shuttle service information, private plane charter options, and other travel details.
Additional Notes
While the area is generally safe, it is wise to remain cautious with valuables. Petty theft is rare but can occur, so avoid leaving belongings unattended on the beach or inside parked cars. The home is well-maintained and designed to make guests feel comfortable and at home throughout their stay.
Reviews
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Recent Reviews
5
Amanda
5 months ago
We really enjoyed our stay at this beautiful home! It is a very long, bumpy, winding road to get to the airbnb but our phone map had service the whole time and McKenzie's instructions were very clear. Definitely stop in Samara to get any needed groceries or laundry supplies. The PDF McKenzie provides is top notch. We utilized a lot of her suggestions, including the coffee tour with Luis, highly recommend! Also recommend Aroma's and Shaki's burgers. We also saw beautiful macaws and parakeets from the backyard. And definitely do the horseback riding with McKenzie! That was a highlight of our trip as well.
5
Simon
6 months ago
Punta Islita is a beautiful quiet place for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle! Stock up with groceries in advance as the local market is limited and there are only a couple of restaurants in town. We rented a golf cart from Joe Molina, who was great! We look forward to coming back!!
5
Sandra
7 months ago
Wonderful house. So relaxing. Nice kitchen and social area. Easy walk to beach. The town is pretty limited but Samara is not far away and offers plenty to do. We like to cook in and relax so it was perfect for us, much better than a crowded touristy place.
Host replied
5
Jennifer
7 months ago
We LOVED McKenzie's place. We were there as a family with two teenage boys, McKenzie sent a list of nearby contacts for surf lessons, and experiences like horseback riding that we were able to book before we even left Toronto. The boys had an absolute blast with these fun activities. Her place had so much privacy and fantastic views that we felt like we were all alone on top of the jungle, over-looking the ocean even though there were people close by in other units. So great for exotic bird watching, and sunbathing, and reconnecting with each other. I would recommend for a honeymoon couple, or couple that just wants to get away from everything and reconnect with nature and each other. The view, fresh smell of the plants around us, seeing the exotic Scarlet Mackaws and parrots, butterflies and dragon flies...for us coming from a large city, was truly a spiritual experience and we felt so connected to this magical place so teeming with life. We are all totally recharged!
Host replied
5
Natalie
1 year ago
Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit in McKenzies schönem Haus. Die Lage ist perfekt und der Ausblick unglaublich und noch schöner als auf den Bildern. Alles war super sauber und liebevoll dekoriert. Danke, dass wir Eure Gäste sein durften!
Host replied
5
Christine
1 year ago
This was a very beautiful place with stunning views. The infinity pool overlooking the beach was so lovely. It is somewhat off the beaten path but if that is what you’re looking for it is perfect. The people in punta islita are so friendly and kind. And the accommodations were wonderful.
Host replied
5
Hayli
1 year ago
Our stay in Punta Islita really made our trip! In addition to the beautiful home, the town of Punta Islita embodies so much Costa Rican culture and charm. If you’re looking for a destination that is authentic, and away from the bustle of bigger towns like Tamrindo, invest in the adventure to visit Mckenzie’s home in Punta Islita. The home was very comfortable for our family of four, and our kids enjoyed both the pool as well as the exploring that came with walking down to the beach. Don’t miss riding horses with McKenzie either - it is an unforgettable experience. A few tips: stop in Samara for groceries (and laundry detergent!) before arriving, and definitely visit the neighboring towns and beaches. Notable restaurants: Dolce Vita, Frog and Roots Bakery in Samara, Don Romiro’s and Cambute in Punta Islita, Aromas and Shaki’s in Corozalito.
Host replied
5
Ryan
1 year ago
Our stay in Punta Islita was absolutely amazing. The villa is situated up the hill from the bay, and the view is breathtaking from the time you arrive until you leave. The surroundings are a nature sanctuary with so many birds, monkeys and macaws. Mckenzie was an amazing host providing a clear a detailed plan with things to do and places to eat. Lounging in the villa pool at sunset is a must!!! Mckenzie provides horse rides on the beach which was fantastic both as scenic and enjoyable for the our daughters - highly recommended! There are some fantastic restaurants nearby, so definitely hit those up. We would recommend you stock up on 3 days of groceries on your way to Punta Islita just to have plenty of staples for your trip. All in all a wonderful stay!!!!!
Host replied
5
Jc
1 year ago
McKenzie’s place was amazing! It looks exactly as it does in the pictures. It’s a beautiful place in an extremely beautiful location. The private pool and patio were so nice to have. We also accessed the resort beach club, which was a five minute walk away. The hotel also coordinated a zipline adventure and we surfed and did a snorkeling trip while there also. The scarlet macaws were also gorgeous and came by numerous times a day. McKenzie was so helpful with any questions we had. She was extremely proactive in resolving one issue that came up very quickly and way beyond our expectations. I would highly recommend this villa.
Host replied
5
Giulia
1 year ago
We just loved this place, such an amazing villa with the most beautiful and peaceful views. We could have spent weeks here, the space is very comfortable and location is incredible. Added bonus was the beach club and the fun beach where the kids did surf and body board and the girls horse riding. This is a real gem and I am sure I will dream of returning there for a long time!
Host replied
Location
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Location shown is approximate (within 1km radius)
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