Experience breathtaking ocean and jungle views at Casa Selva, a stunning 1600 sq. ft. villa in the hills north of San Juan del Sur. This home features two king suites, 2.5 bathrooms, two decks, hot water, laundry, and an outdoor shower, all set within the jungle canopy. Take a dip in the shared infinity pool, floating among treetops just steps from your door—a favorite spot for monkeys! Enjoy lightning-fast 200Mbps fiber optic internet for seamless connectivity. The space Casa Selva, also known as The Jungle House in Balcones de Majagual, is a stunning 2-bedroom, 2 1/4-bathroom rental home in San Juan del Sur. It boasts over 100 five-star reviews and has been featured in AIRBNB's "Best Designs Of The World." With high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and advanced screen systems, this unique home offers natural comfort without the need for air conditioning, providing cozy blankets for restful sleep. The bedrooms are beautifully designed with stone accents, en-suite bathrooms, large storage spaces, and views of either the ocean or the jungle. Fine linens, plush pillows, and comfortable beds highlight the attention to detail throughout the home. The large Japanese-style sliding doors, custom woodwork, stone features, and vibrant decor with pops of pink, blue, and gold create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Casa Selva is equipped with modern amenities, including lightning-fast 200 mega WiFi and a flat-screen SmartTV with Netflix connectivity. The spacious living room offers plenty of seating, and the indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with sliding walls that open to the stunning patio. Enjoy ocean or jungle views, relax in the hammock with a cup of coffee or local rum, or work remotely at the desk overlooking a majestic fig tree. The kitchen is fully equipped to meet all your culinary needs, featuring a gas range, pots, pans, a hand mixer, spices, large bowls, and dinnerware for eight people. The home also includes a battery-backup system for uninterrupted power during outages and a solar hot water system for hot showers and dishwashing. Outside, guests can enjoy the shared 15-meter infinity pool, offering breathtaking views of the jungle and ocean. A 4WD vehicle is required to access Casa Selva, which is located 12km from town on country dirt roads. The hosts can assist in arranging a discounted rental vehicle from local contacts, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure on the scenic roads leading to San Juan del Sur’s beautiful beaches. Casa Selva in Balcones de Majagual offers a truly unique and memorable stay! Please note: The coastal highway near our community is currently under construction. While the construction is not visible from the home, access routes may change from time to time. Guest access Shared pool Exclusive use of the home Other things to note *Cleaning on stays 5 days or longer *4WD required to access and stay at home *This is the jungle- you will see creatures that live here. This may include insects like spiders, scorpions or tarantulas. Lizards, monkeys etc.

## The Space

Casa Selva, also known as The Jungle House in Balcones de Majagual, is a beautiful 1,600 square foot villa nestled in the hills north of San Juan del Sur. This rental home features two king suites and two and a quarter bathrooms. It offers stunning views of both the ocean and the surrounding jungle canopy.

The villa is designed with high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and advanced screen systems that provide natural comfort without the need for air conditioning. Cozy blankets are provided for restful nights. The bedrooms showcase stone accents, en-suite bathrooms, ample storage, and views of either the ocean or jungle. Fine linens, plush pillows, and comfortable beds emphasize the attention to detail throughout the home.

Large Japanese-style sliding doors, custom woodwork, stone features, and vibrant decor with touches of pink, blue, and gold create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious living room offers plenty of seating and blends seamlessly with the outdoor patio through sliding walls.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas range, pots and pans, a hand mixer, spices, large bowls, and dinnerware for eight guests. Additional amenities include:

- Lightning-fast 200 Mbps fiber optic internet  
- Flat-screen Smart TV with Netflix  
- Battery backup system to ensure uninterrupted power during outages  
- Solar hot water system for showers and dishwashing  
- Laundry facilities  
- Outdoor shower  

Guests can relax in the hammock with a cup of coffee or local rum, or work remotely at the desk overlooking a majestic fig tree.

## Outdoor Features

Casa Selva is set within the jungle canopy and includes two decks for enjoying the views. Just steps from the door, guests have access to a shared 15-meter infinity pool that floats among the treetops—a favorite spot for local monkeys.

## Location and Access

The villa is located 12 kilometers from San Juan del Sur, accessible via country dirt roads. A four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle is required to reach the property. Hosts can assist in arranging discounted rental vehicles through local contacts to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on the scenic roads leading to the beaches.

Please note that the coastal highway near the community is currently under construction. While this is not visible from the home, access routes may occasionally change.

## Guest Access

- Exclusive use of the entire home  
- Shared access to the infinity pool  

## Additional Information

- Cleaning service is provided for stays of five days or longer  
- Being in the jungle environment, guests may encounter local wildlife such as insects (including spiders, scorpions, or tarantulas), lizards, and monkeys.

ft. villa in the hills north of San Juan del Sur. This home featu...

Laura

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Maximum Occupancy

2BR condo in San Juan del Sur

Jungle-Ocean Retreat | Shared Pool & 200 Mb WiFi - Houses for Rent in San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua

Architect-designed house with natural ventilation above the forest. Wood predominates with Japanese inspiration. View of the sea, 5 minutes by car from the Majagual/Matilde beaches.

Casa de arquitecto diseñada para ventilacion natural arriba del bosque. Predomina la madera con inspiracion japonesa. Vista hacia el mar, a 5 minutos en carro de las playas Majagual/Matilde.

Casa Selva has everything you need to enjoy a good vacation in peace and quiet, and it has everything you need. We were able to bring our 3 pets with no problem.

Casa Selva tiene todo para disfrutar de unas buenas vacaciones en paz y tranquilidad, y cuenta con todo lo necesario. Pudimos llevar a nuestras 3 mascotas sin ningún problema.

Absolutely stunning and extremely comfortable. We loved everything, these little houses are gems hidden on top the hill. The house is made out of concrete, wood and bamboo, a beautiful mix, and the walls are basically mosquito nets, so the wind is constantly blowing through every room of the villa. So despite the heat and the fact that there is no A/C, chilling inside the house in the middle of the afternoon is still very enjoyable. Only feedback we’d have is the absence of a guard to lift the gate up at night and early in the morning was problematic. We came back from San Juan around 10PM and had to scream up the hill for twenty minutes before a guard came to let us in. We then left early in the morning at 6:30AM and had the same problem but to get out. Still, despite this little inconvenience, our stay was amazing and we all highly recommend it !

Casa Selva is a beautiful house. Super great architecture. House was well equipped- kitchen was perfect for easy breakfast at home. We made smoothies, toast and coffee every morning. Would head to the beach for the day and then come back to enjoy a cerveza on the porch and watch the sunset. Nice living room area to watch movies as a family after dark. We really were only there to sleep, eat breakfast and relax in the evenings. So it suited our needs well. The location up on the hill was awesome for lingering sunset views. We did love the house and the hosts were very responsive, welcoming and helpful. A friendly PSA to anyone who is not a heavy sleeper- the house is VERY WINDY. The wind just blows and blows, crazy strong gusts coming from every which way and it made it impossible to get a good nights rest. It is an open air design in an extremely windy location. Know what you’re signing up for and be prepared for potentially restless sleep.

Thank you so much, Elspeth—we’re really glad you and your family enjoyed the home, especially those sunset evenings and slow mornings. That’s exactly how Casa Selva is meant to be experienced. And thank you as well for noting the wind. You’re absolutely right—it can be quite strong at certain times of year, particularly from January through March when the seasonal winds move through the hills. At other times of year, it’s often very calm—sometimes with little to no wind at all. The open-air design does mean you experience those natural elements more directly, which many guests love, though we understand it can take some getting used to, especially for lighter sleepers.

We loved our stay! Lauras place is beautiful, has incredible views and was perfect for what we were looking for. We loved it so much we extended our time there and Veronica who looked after us during our stay was very responsive and helpful with absolutely everything we needed. Would 10/10 recommend you stay here for as long as you can and we would be so happy to come and visit again.

Thanks for being such lovely guests Mike & Tam.

The house was gorgeous. It was also very functional, with everything having its place. There are no glass windows, only mosquito screens, allowing fresh air to flow through the house at all times. It was pristine and perfectly clean. Laura was very helpful and professional. One minor consideration, not directly related to the house itself: unbeknownst to us, the area is currently undergoing major transformation. New roads are being built and some roads are blocked, which can make getting around a bit tricky ... but the house itself is truly a wonderful place to stay.

Thank you, Juliette! It was so great hosting you all! Yes, the new coastal road is being built in the general area- we look forward to being about to travel more easily in the area!

We had some fantastic days in this wonderful location! Very beautiful house and a perfect quiet location.

A truly exceptional place! The house is splendid, perfectly equipped and bathed in fresh air thanks to natural ventilation — no air conditioning needed here. We fully experience the jungle: some amazing insects, but it's all part of the charm of the place. I initially received directions that were no longer up to date, which made me get lost while walking to the beach. Fortunately, Veronica responded to my messages and guided me as best she could. The construction noise was present at the beginning of my stay, but the last two nights were magically quiet. On the other hand, a party in the area lasted until 3 am — and the presence of several drunk people while I was alone made me a little insecure. I didn't expect it, especially since the rules mention a curfew at 10 p.m. Despite these unforeseen events, the place remains beautiful and unique. It feels really exotic.

Un lieu vraiment exceptionnel! La maison est splendide, parfaitement équipée et baignée d’un air pur grâce à la ventilation naturelle — aucune clim nécessaire ici. On y vit pleinement l’expérience de la jungle : quelques insectes étonnants, mais ça fait entièrement partie du charme du lieu. J’ai reçu au départ des indications qui n’étaient plus à jour, ce qui m’a fait me perdre en me rendant à pied à la plage. Heureusement, Véronica a répondu à mes messages et m’a guidée du mieux qu’elle le pouvait. Le bruit de la construction a été présent au début de mon séjour, mais les deux dernières nuits ont été d’une tranquillité magique. Par contre, un party dans les environs a duré jusqu’à 3 h du matin — et la présence de plusieurs personnes saoules alors que j’étais seule m’a rendue un peu insécure. Je ne m’y attendais pas, surtout que les règles mentionnent un couvre-feu à 22 h. Malgré ces imprévus, l’endroit reste magnifique et unique. On s’y sent vraiment dépaysé.

Beautiful house with the rare comforts and quality in a sacred forest-beach mix. The house has a privileged location with a design that offers a view of both the rising sun and the sunset. Thanks for letting us enjoy the place.

Bonita casa con las comodidades y calidad poco comunes en una sacertada mezcla bosque-playa. La casa tiene una localización privilegiada con un diseño que ofrece la vista tanto del sol naciente como de la puesta del sol. Gracias por dejarnos disfrutar del lugar.

As always, it's a pleasure to visit Casa Selva! We had a great time

Como siempre un placer visitar Casa Selva! La pasamos genial

We saw monkeys on the way to the pool right after we arrived. We keep coming back to because of the tranquil jungle location overlooking a valley out to the ocean. Our whole family loves this place.

The place is amazing for relaxing days. We unfortunately could not be on the second time but we will definitely be back. The hosts are very attentive.

El lugar es increíble para pasar días relajados. Lastimosamente no pudimos estar en la segunda ocasión pero sin duda volveremos. Los anfitriones son muy atentos.

She gives you a quick entrance and facilitates that part the house very nice recommendation do not arrive at night because the street is not in good condition the pool apart that is not in the house and being mountain is freezing an environment suitable to what you like very comfortable beds and beautiful views

Ella te hace una entrada rápida y facilita esa parte la casa muy bonita recomendación no lleguen de noche porque la calle no está en buenas condiciones la piscina aparte que no está en la casa y al ser de montaña es helada un ambiente apto a lo que te guste camas muy cómodas y vistas hermosas

Hosting Danela was unfortunately a challenging experience. On the first night, she wandered the dark community, crying and asking neighbors if it was dangerous and where the store was, which felt very odd. When she had trouble logging into her streaming accounts on the TV (after the neighbors helped her return to the house), it resulted in five missed calls and 48 text messages. She also had concerns about the hammock being different from the picture (it had recently been replaced with a different color), and she was upset about the insects, despite our clear communication about being in the jungle. She claimed everything was dangerous. The next morning, after speaking with the neighbors who had calmed her down and helped her return to the house, things improved. Given these challenges, It was a difficult experience with someone whose needs exceeded our ability to assist them.

This house is really beautiful. The area is delightfully remote and the beaches are so relaxed and gorgeous. The beach is a ~6 minute drive. We would spend our days on Playa Majagual, eating at the adorable restaurants on the sand (Juanita's, Tortuga's - don't miss it!, and el Ranchito which is on the next beach over), and then coming back home to watch the sunset, admire the flowers, grill and enjoy the breeze. The house was comfortable, romantic, dreamy, and had great books. The pool is lovely and great for a dip. It's shared with 4 other casas that are next door on the same street. Veronica from Balcones helped with all of our questions and also with arranging a 4x4 car rental (necessary) and connecting us to a surf instructor.

Absolutely stunning house with cool views. Super private but close to Playa Maderas.

Really glad you enjoyed your stay Kate!  You are always welcome.

Really interesting concept houses. Lots of unique features. Sunset views very nice. We had lots of peace and quiet but were really lucky to have the houses on both sides of us empty. If there were other guests I can see how it would be loud as there are no solid walls only screens. It’s about 20-25 minutes from downtown. The road up to the houses are indeed intense and you’ll need a 4x4. Internet speed was 200mb as listed. Earplugs and eye mask recommended for sleeping as the moon and sun come through the screened in walls. There is an open air wall between the two rooms and bathrooms so be very familiar with your roommates as you will hear them going to the bathroom clearly. Laura was nice to work with but Veronica was slow to respond. We were debating on extending so as not to have to move airbnbs but since she took over 7 hours to confirm pricing we booked elsewhere closer to town. Overall interesting experience but would not book again.

Thanks Dan! Because you wanted to book directly off Airbnb vs through the app Veronica needed to confirm the rate with me. I was flying that day so it made it more difficult to connect. The option to book through the app and see the price was always there for you.

Amazing stay in the jungle. For nature lovers this is a unique space. animal sightings in the house: 18 howling monkeys, squirrels, many species of birds and arthropods. Of the best accommodations we had. Our children will not forget the sounds!

Incrível estadia em plena selva. Para os amantes da natureza este é um espaço único. avistamentos de animais na casa: 18 macacos uivadores, esquilos, muitas espécies de aves e artrópodes. Dos melhores alojamentos em que tivemos. Os nossos filhos não vão esquecer os sons!

Beautiful, tropical and so peaceful. We loved staying here! The home is super cool and very comfortable. Located up on the mountain in the jungle with views of the ocean and amazingly you can hear the waves. Kids loved the monkeys in the trees and we had a great day at Playa Managual less than a 10 min drive away. I would definitely recommend staying at Laura’s and we’d love to come back again!

Thank you Denise- we look forward to hosting you again!

This place is AMAZING!! This is a true jungle paradise. the view on the ocean and valley is just out of this world! The house was really beautiful and confortable.and also fresh with the wind blowing gently across the house!! And the pool is just so beautiful and discret u can observe the Monkey coming and playing around on a daily basis. Laura was super nice and responsive !! Will go back 100%

Good communication, very beautiful and unique house. You definitely need 4 wheel drive. beautiful vistas, will definitely stay again. Great experience.

Thank you so much Gino- we look forward to your return.

Overall this is a very unique, nice and peaceful place. The first thing that struck me was the architecture, someone clearly put a lot of thought and talent into designing the home. Almost all the external walls are screens with an ingenious wooden slat system that allows for an almost continuous wind to pass through the home. That said, we did not agree with the host's statement that "you dont need AC". We were there in mid April daytime temps of 34 C (~94F) and it was uncomfortably hot inside from afternoon till night. This house is positioned next to 3 other houses with a house on either side of it about 10m (33ft) apart. It still felt private but not as private as the photos or description would suggest. Given the open nature of the house, loud neighbors can be easily heard. We took a star of primarily because of the level of service received by the co-host Veronica, she was unresponsive when we needed her and not particularly welcoming, kind or apologetic when we had issues.

Hi Atticus. Our apologies you felt we weren't responsive enough on arrival. Often we are in locations without good cell or wifi connection in Nicaragua, which can leave guests feeling we are taking a long time to reply. It isn't our intention and we are sorry for this. Yes April is the hottest time of year and when the sun sets in the west it can get hot- it's a good time to go to the beach. The home has been renting however for over 14 years without AC, so the majority of guests seem to be in agreement.

It's amazing the monkeys come to the terrace, great view and access is hard for car

Es increíble los monos llegan a la terraza, excelente vista y el acceso es difícil para auto

Thank you Isai! This is why we insist on guests having a 4WD- we will not allow a non 4x4 on the roads for safety reasons. Unfortunately if you arrive without one, it means you will have to walk up to the house. This is strictly enforced and mentioned multiple times on the listing. To offer us a lesser review for not listening or reading, seems a bit unfair.

Amazing place  for anyone who wants to wake up with monkeys and sloths and still have all the comfortability of a home. Laura was always available and super helpful. Would recommend to anybody who wants to connect with nature.

The monkeys are magical! Thanks for being wonderful!

What a wonderful and relaxing stay . The private beach is stunning . The local restaurant near by was great for dinner and breakfast . Stunning views. Got to see the monkeys . Host was great , very responsive with great suggestions on things to do and where to eat . Highly recommend ❤️

This house is very beautiful, very well maintained, the bedroom are very large with private bathroom and the living area is great for a family. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need. The host is very responsive and helpful, she helped us to find a great babysitter. It's also very close to beautiful beaches. BUT I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO BOOK THIS HOUSE DURING THE WINDY SEASON. We stayed a week there, this part of Nicaragua has a windy season from January to March, we experienced very strong wind blowing up to 100 km/h (60 mph) during our whole stay. The house is extremely exposed: on top of a hill and completely open as there is no window but just mosquito nets. So it feels like you're living in the middle of a storm with everything flying in the house. It's particularly uncomfortable and noisy at night and even good sleepers would have a pretty bad night. Unfortunately this has negatively impacted our stay even if though we loved the house and the area.

Thank you for the review Pierre Louis It seems that the things we as hosts could control - the quality of the home and offerings and our guest experience, were five star. So it’s disappointing to see you leave an overall three star review based on weather conditions. Something that we can’t control. It would be equivalent to travelling to California and complaining about the rain these few months. Casa Selva has stood in the exact same spot welcoming guests on Airbnb in windy season for over 14 years now. During your stay, SJDS experienced incredibly high winds with associated warnings from the UN. While the Santa Ana winds normally blow during our windy season- much like what is occurring in the rest of the world regarding weather, we experienced an intensifying of a normal weather phenomenon this year. Sadly this occurred during your stay. Normally the winds between December and March cool the water in the area making it the feeding grounds for humpback whales, they create incredible surf conditions, and ensure that you aren’t bothering by mosquitos. These are the very winds that ultimately are the reason the Americas were discovered blowing the ships from the old world to the new. The winds these past few weeks were so strong they damaged trees even blowing local wildlife out of their perches (we sadly had a sloth in the community lose his hold and his life) they damaged homes, they made for bad surfing and yes, affected each and every one of our sleep, regardless of the homes location or openness. While Casa Selva is certainly more exposed, this is the charm of the space, what makes it so unique, and also makes it exactly as described, and not a home to avoid during windy season.

Our 2nd time staying on the property … can’t wait to come back! Vero was very responsive and assisted in helping with any questions or things we needed in a timely manner. Thank you for your hospitality!

Our 2nd time staying on the property … can’t wait to come back! Vero was very responsive and assisted in helping with any questions or things we needed in a timely manner. Gracias para tu hospitalidad!

We had a great time at Laura's place! She was extremely responsive from start to finish. Very clean upon arrival with all amenities we needed. We opted to use the car service she recommended vs driving and they were amazing as well. Laura also helped us set up massages that we had directly on the deck, which was magical. The kitchen was fully equipped so we cooked most of our meals. And THAT VIEW!! Even better in person. The home is beautifully designed; the wind passes through the home and keeps it cool so no AC is required. The wifi was super fast. The bathrooms and spacious showers were a highlight for us! Keep in mind it can get a bit noisy at night, so recommend earplugs for light sleepers, but we were also there during windy season. Also, the pool, while SO gorgeous, is a slight walk down the road, and is shared with 5 other homes, one who lives there full time. One time we went and it was completely empty but a second time, there was a large gathering. Definitely recommend!

Thank you so much Alexandria- was so nice having you stay!

Great place to relax. Accommodation is really well equipped for longer stays.

We appreciate it William. We hope to have you back one day.

Great stay! Beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Lovely and comfortable accommodation!

This is our second stay at Balcones and we love it here. The access is perfect for nearby beaches and the towns of Rivas and San Juan del Sur. The Balcones area is very peaceful and quiet, and the local staff that maintains the community were all extremely friendly and helpful. Veronica and Laura were communicative and helpful throughout our stay. Casa Selva is not quite as private as some of the other Balcones homes, but it was well laid out and nicely stocked for our needs. Thanks for letting us stay here and we hope to return soon! Greg and Cindy Clark

We look forward to hosting you for your third stay.

Wonderful house, fully equipped! Very intimate in the jungle, beautiful view! I would highly recommend this for a quiet stay near great beaches:)

Magnifique maison, toute équipée ! Très intime dans la jungle, magnifique vue ! Je recommande fortement pour un séjour tranquille près de superbes plages :)

Both Laura and Vero were super helpful Because you need a 4x4 to get up there (and trust me you do!) and I didn’t know how to drive a manual they recommended me a place that I could rent a 6 seater ATV from! GENIUS! And such a fun way to see the city. They also helped with hiring a great driver to pick us up directly from the airport and straight to this location and when you’re in a foreign country these attention to details are just a God send. So thank you AGAIN Laura and Vero!

The house was beautiful and has a beautiful view of the mountains and the ocean. Everyone on the property was really helpful. Would definitely book again.

Thank you so much Francisco- we hope you do book with us again!

We had a great time as always,  a pleasure to return to this beautiful place.

Pasamos como siempre unos días de descanso excelentes,  un placer regresar a este hermoso lugar.

Laura’s place is beautiful inside, everything is as shown in the pictures. The staff is incredible, I even had someone at the gate fix my dirtbike. The cleaning staff does a wonderful job and any problem is resolved almost instantly. Definitely need a 4x4 as mentioned in the other reviews or if you like a little more thrill, go for the dirtbike, it’ll get you everywhere. Only 30 minute drive from San Juan Del Sur and minutes away from many beautiful remote beaches. Only thing, which for me was a great deal breaker, is the Casa Selva is very close from its neighbours. It almost feels like we were sharing the same living room. Although the co-host reminded my neighbour of the 10pm quiet rule, he did not respect that and kept me up a few nights, which really beats the purpose of renting something so far out in the jungle. Even during regular day hours, it was not relaxing to hear the neighbour’s personal conversations. Also, people walking by can see you on your porch so not much privacy

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review Lucie. While you were a fantastic AIRBNB guest, unfortunately the guest in the neighbouring home was the opposite- and we agree wasn't respectful of the homes proximity. Despite our attempts to intervene he simply wouldn't do the decent thing. You can see from the reviews it's normally not an issue, but all it takes is one bad egg. We really appreciate how gracious you were and what good care you took of the home. Thank you for that!

Remarkable, beautiful, peaceful place in the forest with beaches and activities galore so close by. Loved it!!!

Great staying , safe And the place it’s a perfect get away. You can get delivery any food with no problem

Amazing house and surroundings! Loved the area and our stay.

it was such an amazing stay the view at  sunset was remarkable and the pool was such a hit with the wife. we really had it to ourselves and got to see monkeys in the trees and at night we enjoyed the sounds of the jungle and the easy reception from workers letting us in and out of the retreat. Felt safe and was also treated very  well as long as you have a 4x4 you won't have any trouble getting to you're casa !

We look forward to hosting you again! Thank you Armando.

There is so much I can say in praise of this listing. First and foremost is the location and natural beauty. The sunsets are incredibly beautiful and you will have to force yourself to stop taking photos. The house is exactly as portrayed in the  photos, well maintained and spacious with lovely outdoor spaces. It’s like you have escaped to some remote jungle paradise.  The staff are all kind and helpful.  So overall an incredible experience I would totally recommend, especially for a week or a long weekend. One important factor you need to consider for longer stays is that the road to the property is dirt, very rough and only slightly maintained. So, you will be driving an hour each way to go to a “normal” grocery store. This becomes relevant when you are staying longer than a week. Also, as a former guest, I have a suggestion to future ones. The houses are wonderfully open so please be respectful of other guests while you are there. Help maintain the tranquility for everyone else.

Thank you Kurt! You were so kind to the staff, and were so understanding when we hit the hot water nightmare. Class! We loved having you. We have lots of long term guests and many people live in the community full time. Many work remotely from here. With some planning it's a great experience- being close to the beaches and wildlife. I just want to make sure it's clear for future guests that the store that is an hour away is La Colonia in Rivas which specializes in imported goods. It's great, if pricey. It is totally worth visiting if you are here long term for those things you miss/crave. For short stays- you can get everything you need in town which takes 20-25mins each way. The roads are rough- but we are anxiously awaiting the paving of them this spring. Fingers crossed it happens!

We had a great stay here and Laura was very attentive.

Thank you Nate- you were fabulous guests. We look forward to having you back.

A spectacular place!!! Cozy, in harmony with nature, with a design suitable for the environment and with many architectural details, as well as beautiful views!!!! Definitely great !!!!

Un lugar espectacular!!! Acogedor, en armonía con la naturaleza, con un diseño adecuado al entorno y con muchos detalles arquitectónicos, asi como y vistas preciosas !!!! Definitivamente, genial !!!!

This is just such a fantastic placethe design of the house is gorgeous and lots of privacy. Just one kilometer away from the quiet and lovely beach with Juanita's kitchen, tiny place with great (also lots of veggie) food. White sand beach and the house offers front and back outside seating. Definately recommended!

I enjoyed my time at Casa Selva. The pictures are spot on! Waking up to howling monkeys in the morning was magical. We did not experience any creepy crawlers, this may be because we visited in September or maybe we were just lucky. You will definitely need a 4x4, I didn’t want to take any chances so I hired a personal driver. Veronica was amazing, she helped made my birthday memorable by helping to organize all activities. She was also a fantastic yoga instructor.  I absolutely loved my stay at Casa Selva, when I am in San Juan del Sur I will definitely come back to Casa Selva.

We look forward to hosting you again Prinava!

The Selva house is simply spectacular, a quiet atmosphere that makes you want to stay for more days. It is a fully equipped house. It was an amazing stay.

La casa Selva es simplemente espectacular, un ambiente tranquilo qie dan ganas de quedarse mas dias , es una casa totalmente equipada. Fue una estadía asombrosa .

We stayed 2 weeks at Casa Selva, the place is the same as you see in the pictures. You are staying in the jungle, so you will see some insects inside and around the house. It's not a good place for arachnophobic people, but if you don't mind the insects it's wonderful. The staff is kind and professional. The only downside is that the groceries are far from the house (not much in distance, but in time since the roads are funky). We saw some monkeys from our balcony, it's was amazing! They beaches around are beautiful and quiet, we were almost always alone.

Words cannot describe how amazing this place is. It's a bargain and the most amazing house I have ever had the privilege of staying in. The security were outstanding and made us feel so safe, took all our worries away. 5 stars isn't enough! We will be back!

Beautiful, secluded spot. Perfect for some downtime or privacy. Very beautiful in the rainy season!

We agree- watching the jungle come to life is truly a magical experience.

This place was amazing! Felt like I was in a tropical paradise. Really an amazing value for the price. Felt extremely safe the whole time. Both hosts were easy to communicate with and one of the security guards, Alfonzo, was extremely helpful, we had problems with the lock but he helped us out and made sure we got a new key the next morning that worked better. But they really mean it when they say you need a four wheel drive vehicle to get there. Some parts are straight up a dirt road. But it is well worth the drive.

We love Alfonzo. Thank you Charlotte- you were a fabulous guest!

I don’t t even know where to start, it was amazing ! I really recommend staying here! The kitchen is so well equipped we had a lot of fun cooking, which is so rare in a air bnb. The House, Pool and overall grounds are beautiful and good taken care of. Veronica responded super quick to every message and was really helpful. You could always hear the monkeys, i have never been so up close to them, we could sit on the terrace and they sat in the trees right next to us. Only sad part is that we just stayed for 2 nights, next time we’ll stay longer! Thank you so much!

Ahhh! Amazing Elina! It was such a pleasure to host you!

Such an amazing experience! The house is so beautiful and San Juan Del Sur is an amazing city! Veronica the local host was awesome and super helpful in letting know about all the great food spots and booking activities for my wife and I. Laura was also very helpful leading up to our trip and we would definitely love to come back:)

Thank you for being such fantastic guests Paul! We look forward to your return.

We had an excellent family break and everything in the house was fantastic, we enjoyed the tranquility of the place and the comfort of the house. Highly recommended

Tuvimos unos dias de descanso en familia excelentes y todo en la casa estuvo fantastico, disfrutamos de la tranquilidad del lugar y la comodidad de la casa. Muy recomendado

This Airbnb was absolutely amazing. It is tranquil, beautifully designed and super functional. They have a full kitchen which was amazing because this is first time we’ve been able to make our favourite meals during our travels. There was way less bugs than we expected as well. Laura and Veronica were very helpful in arranging everything we needed as well. I hope to stay here again!

No need for me to harp on, just read the reviews that I read before I booked!

Was a pleasure to have you William, so glad you enjoyed!

Hi Laura, thanks for everything, we had a great stay at your "La Selva" house. Appart from the many positive comments I could make and that you probably already know, I just wanted to make personal comments on a few points that deserve an improvement: - the sliding door of our room is (very) heavy and hard to move, particularly at the end. - the water isolation isn't perfect in the living room, the first night of our stay the water from the rain entered through a roof leak - from the second day smells from used waters came out of the gutter in our bathroom

Thank you for letting us know about these small issues. Our maintenance team went in today and addressed all these observations. We appreciate it. We hope to see you back again at Casa Selva

I want to take the time to summarize my experience at Casa Selva, it was a reservation we made at the last minute but that did not interfere with the excellent experience we had, totally in love with the house and the place, getting there is somewhat far away so I always recommend using a 4x4 vehicle and traveling in time to enjoy the road, the house has everything you can imagine need for your stay even pure water to consume, the spaces are well decorated and the internet access allows you to stay connected to the outside world although the most beautiful thing is to connect with nature, safety and warmth, I have not enough words to describe how much we enjoy this getaway I can only say that we did not want to leave and also that we will definitely be back. P.S. I recommend bringing everything you need for food so you don't have to leave the house during your stay so you can enjoy family or couple time as the pool and rooms allow you to have everything at your fingertips to entertain yourself.

Quiero tomarme el tiempo de resumir mi experiencia en Casa Selva, fue una reservación que hicimos a última hora pero eso no interfirió con la excelente experiencia que tuvimos, totalmente enamorados de la casa y del lugar, llegar ahí es algo alejado así que siempre recomiendo usar vehículo 4x4 y viajar con tiempo para disfrutar el camino, la casa tiene todo lo que ustedes pueden imaginar necesitar para su estadía incluso agua pura para consumir, los espacios están bien decorados y el acceso a internet te permite mantenerte conectados al mundo exterior aunque lo mas bonito es conectarte con la naturaleza, seguridad y calidez, no tengo palabras suficientes para poder describir cuanto disfrutamos esta escapada solo puedo decir que no queríamos irnos y también que definitivamente volveremos. Ps. recomiendo llevar todo lo necesario de alimentos para no tener que dejar la casa durante su estadía así disfrutar de tiempo de familia o en pareja ya que la piscina y los ambientes te permite tener todo a tu alcance para entretenerte.

¡Oh wow! Miriam, ¡te damos la bienvenida en cualquier momento!

Nice house in the middle of the nature. A little bit windy sometimes, but a really nice stay.

Thank you Gerhard! Was very nice to host you and your family.

Casa Selva really was our home for more than a month. The staff at Balcones is the most amazing and heartwarming people you will meet, especially Noel and Mayela!  Balcones is close to the nicest beach in Nicaragua and is super cozy and beautiful. It is just close enough to San Juan Del Sur that you can go out at night, but far enough that it is quiet and peaceful! We will be coming back for sure !

Thank you for being such WONDERFUL guests! We look forward to having you both back at Casa Selva again!

5 STARS ***** This home is excellent retreat in the hills of San Juan Del Sur. Views of the beach, the home is amazing, and the private pool is wonderful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for your stay in an exclusive and natural stay! 5 ESTRELLAS ***** Este casa es excelente y una belleza! In the mountains of San Juan Del Sur, you have access to views of the sea, beautiful pool, and it is 100% recommended! Exclusive and natural and amazing house!

5 STARS ***** This home is excellent retreat in the hills of San Juan Del Sur. Views of the beach, the home is amazing, and the private pool is wonderful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for your stay in an exclusive and natural stay! 5 ESTRELLAS ***** Este casa es excelente y una belleza! En las montañas de San Juan Del Sur, tienes acceso a vistas Del Mar, piscina bella, y es 100% recomendado! Exclusivo y natural y increíble casa!

Thank you Carlos and we hope to have you back again in the future!

Amazing place, perfect option to retreats to relax, work from a beautiful spot or simply enjoy life.

Fabulous, clean, stunning views, and an exhilarating experience.

Theresa thank you for being such an awesome guest!

I stayed with my family last weekend (May 8-10) my wife wanted to celebrate her birthday and found the place great since she saw the photographs; Laura was very friendly, she was always attentive to guide us and make us feel comfortable at all times, the safety and tranquility in the area (we stayed in Casa Selva) is exceptional, the cleanliness and impeccable decoration, the beach is close and the view of the sunset is magical, the sound of monkeys and birds generates peace, not to mention the incredible pool that is very safe for children's use , we are more than delighted with our stay, wishing to return soon !

Gracias Moises, I do hope you and your family return to Casa Selva

Loved the quietness and simplistic style of the home. Very clean and beds were very comfortable. Laura was a great host! Thanks!

It is a comfortable and stylish house, the sunset is special.

Es una casa cómoda y con estilo la puesta del sol es especial.

This stay was magnificent! Laura was such an incredible host, too. Communication was quick and easy. The house was sparkling and had such a cool architectural vibe. Falling asleep to the sound of the crickets and waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the mountains was nothing short of incredible.

Thank you for the sweet words Heather. We look forward to having you back.

Secluded, cozy, private, magical.  We loved this place and ended up staying there for two weeks.   It’s a bit like a large treehouse — the wind whips through the open-air design.  The roads are challenging, there isn’t much acoustic privacy between the rooms, but it’s a special find.  The temperature in the high jungle is perfect — much cooler than in town or even the beach that is a 20 minute walk down the road (well more of a hike).   The shared pool is a beautiful place to end the day and the neighbors are friendly.  I highly recommend this place.

FABULOUS GUESTS! Chase- was a pleasure having you.

Lauras place was amazing! The jungle house was great and the amenities made you feel you were just at home! Will definitely be back! The beach is just 15 minutes away from the house and the pool is beautiful for an afternoon swim. Thanks for everything Laura! Will be back for sure ❤️

Great house and location. We had a wonderful time. We’ll definitely be back.

Just wow! If you are looking for a retreat, this is it. The cabin is so well equipped and thoughtfully designed, amazing views, and a fantastic location. The road in is very rough and hilly.. something I LOVED and the hills were an amazing workout for my morning run...just be aware if that’s not your thing. The “shared” pool is almost private as we never saw another person...just the birds that came to drink 😍 the location is great - walk or quick drive to the local beautiful beaches...and good restaurants close by. Veronica was very helpful and had great recommendations. You are in the jungle, so you do get wildlife...again this was a huge bonus, but be warned if not your thing.  My only negative is that I had to leave.

The house and property are absolutely beautiful. The home has every amenity that you could imagine and Veronica was very responsive and helpful with planning activities and transport. Definitely stay at casa selva!

And definitely host Gabrielle!  We loved having you!

Words cannot describe how beautiful and just simply perfect this place is. Id call it heaven on earth. The views are breathtaking, the villas are beautiful, clean, well designed and perfectly located. I’d come back again and again. The location is great, you’re so close to town and great beaches, yet tucked in the mountains in your own little peaceful retreat. We stayed for 5 nights and wish we had more time! The pool is lovely, we got to see some beautiful sunsets by the Infiniti pool and our private deck. Stop reading and BOOK IT!

Casa selva is an incredible house. We had the best sunsets all over Nicaragua! The interior is very cool and the infinity pool was a very nice place to get a cold refreshment before getting to the wonderful beaches around balcones majagual. This was really a wonderful place to relax!

Wow thank you Simon! We loved having you!

If you’re reading the reviews on this space, do yourself a favour and just book it already! Our stay at Casa Selva was one of the best experiences we have had. The space is sparkling clean, stylish & has everything you could possibly need while making it your home during your stay. Veronica was an outstanding “meet and greet” who assisted in setting up surf lessons, ensured we had groceries upon our arrival, drove us to get our rental vehicle and MUCH MORE! The communication was outstanding from our initial planning until the day we left. Take advantage of their expertise and their recommendations, you won’t be disappointed. TIPS: -bring earplugs for the wind if you’re a light sleeper -a 4x4 rental is a MUST -we didn’t have any issues with bugs and didn’t use our repellant once (the wind and fans kept them away) We will be definitely coming back to Balcones de Majagual but for a much longer stay! Thank you so much for exceeding our expectations of Nicaragua! We can’t wait to come back!

Thank you Shelby! So glad you enjoyed Casa Selva so much!  We love it too! Come back soon please!

This place is incredible - it is the perfect apartment to calm down and escape San Juan while still being close enough to go eat out in town. The design of the house is super elegant and stylish while still being cozy - we felt like home. We loved the pool that we always had to ourselves and the sunsets on the terrace. Laura and Veronica were super nice and helpful and organized quality surf lessons for us, communication was super easy. We’d love to come back one day!

Thank you for being such great guests Aline!

From start to finish INCREDIBLE! This place is one of the most wonderful places I have seen in my life! Amazing nature, views, one of the most spectacular beaches, super friendly people, beach restaurants walking distance from the house that serve you fresh seafood straight from the ocean and the most incredible, friendly and humble people around!!! And of course the house itself! OMG! Can’t ask for more! It’s a gem! The indoor/outdoor living! The design, charm and comfort, the ocean/forest view, the pool hanging in the jungle! I mean stop looking and book. Trust me. My gf and I are picky traveler and this entire experience will remain in our hearts forever! You need to rent 4x4 and on top of all the attraction you gonna enjoy mountain like wild ride! So much fun!!! Now go ahead and book! You gonna love it!

Wow, where do I even begin. Laura’s house is absolutely stunning from so many aspects, I felt like I was staying in rustic luxury. The photos don’t even do justice to the house or the surroundings. We woke up to the wonderful howler monkeys each morning and were able to watch them play, sleep and swing through the trees on the back porch. Veronica, our greeter was fantastic and stayed in constant contact through the entire trip. Her and Laura made everything very simple and seamless for everything we booked, including vehicle rental, shuttle from airport to any excisions. I can’t believe how easy it was. The cleaning staff were polite and barely noticed them around when they stopped in every few days. We enjoyed so many aspects of San Juan Del Sur, from surfing, to horse back riding on the beach at sunset, to the town streets. I’ve already booked my next stay back at Laura’s house, I loved the entire experience and culture that much. 4x4 is non-negotiable, I cant stress that enough. Plus the luxury of a vehicle allowed us to explore many parts of SJDS. Highly highly highly recommend this property. Thank you Laura.

I mean you two were some of the best guests EVER! We loved having you and Ema- and can't wait to have you back in March.

What a beautiful place to stay. The design of the house is so inspiring. The view is mesmerizing. It was perfect for our family. We even got a special visit from the monkeys on our last day :) <3

A fantastic retreat in a magical location. Everything was perfect and we really enjoyed our week in Nicaragua. Highly recommended! P.S. you really need a 4x4 to get there!

Thank you Gabriel- it was a pleasure having you!

Beautiful location, hospitable people, perfect place to get away and disconnect from reality.

This pace is magical, we saw monkeys, slept to crickets and watched someone the greatest sunsets ever while we stayed for 12 nights on our honeymoon. I would recommend this place to anyone

Casa Selva was so beautiful. The howler monkeys were nature’s alarm. Laura had everything you could need. The views are stunning. My family lived this house.

We really enjoyed hosting you Elvira- come back anytime to Casa Selva!

The photos do not do it justice! Absolutely breathtaking views! The highest level of hospitality and kindness, you will not find a more helpful and attentive host! San Juan del Sur is gorgeous and there is plenty to do, stay more than a couple of days to truly enjoy the nature and beaches!

Jennifer- we love the home too.  Thanks for being such genuinely wonderful guests.

Amazing. Astounding. Breathtaking. Incredible. Spectacular. Impressive. Extraordinary. Wonderful. Stunning. WOW. Rent a 4x4, you’ll need it.

Wow is right!  You guys were awesome. Thanks for being such lovely guests!

The place was so cozy and airy. The views were insanely gorgeous and the quietness was great! I would highly recommend this place for anyone and we look forward to staying again!

Another great stay in the Balcones resort. Can’t wait to return again next year.

We had a great time, the House is very well furnished, we didn't want for anything. Amazing sunset, we will go back for a longer stay in the future without hesitation! We had the chance to see several monkeys on the balcony tree! This is the most beautiful place we've done in Portugal.

Nous avons eu un excellent séjour, la Maison est très bien aménagée, nous n’avons manqué de rien. Coucher de soleil incroyable, nous y retournerons pour un plus long séjour à l’avenir sans hésitation! Nous avons eu la chance de voir plusieurs singes sur l’arbre du balcon! C’est le plus bel endroit que nous avons fait au Nicaragua.

Merci Claudia, je suis ravie d'avoir apprécié ton séjour!

Everything was amazing. The house omg I have no words. It was a true jungle experience! Gabby and Fransisco were sooo helpful!! I wish I had their address send them something for everything! Don’t hesitate booking this place!

Your kind words were passed along to Gabby and Francisco Ciera!  Thanks so much and we can't wait to have you back!

So beautiful. Such a nice welcome and lovely place. Sunset view and fully equipped kitchen, perfect for cooking.

Love this place...the sunsets, views, peacefulness, and ability to reconnect with our loved ones without the distractions of the world. We missed out on the monkeys because we came during the windy season but we could hear them down in the canyons. Our favorite day was the hike to the beach...we explored the tidepools, walked the beach, and drank a lot of beer at the little surf cafe. We would love to return for another adventure!

Casa Selva is Stunning. Period. The design is relaxing, fresh and inviting. The kitchen is fully stocked and the staff is very attentive. Laura and Gaby are constantly checking in to make sure everything is ok as well as the staff on the ground. This is my second time at Balcones and I like it more and more with each visit. Looking forward to coming over in March!

Wow! Can’t say enough about this place! Absolutely stunning! We will be back!

And we can't wait to have you back Nolan!

Casa selva was beautiful, with breath taking views and located right near the pool. The casa fully stocked from games, dvds, kitchen and bath amementies. We weren’t here long but it was definitely a highlight of our trip to stay here

Laura's team at Balcones was kind, warm, hospitable and professional. We enjoyed all 10 days of our stay. From housekeeping visiting us every other day to help maintain the property, to excellent security and vigilant maintenance, we were kept very comfortable. Our host Gabriella of Remax was integral in showing us the town, arranging our excursions and making sure we had a great time. Balcones provides an authentic rural Nicaraguan experience in a luxurious setting, close to various beaches and just 20 minutes from town. A 4x4 is absolutely needed. We visited in the wet season and our stay was wonderful with the temperature regularly in the 80's and rain only pouring at night. Set in the lush green jungle and surrounded by wild animals in the privacy provided by this property gave us a unique experience we'd never have gotten in a city or a resort.

Meher- I am so glad that you and your new husband (congratulations) enjoyed not only the house but Nicaragua.  This is exactly the experience we hope to our guests leave with.  Wishing you happy travels and hoping to see you again in the future!

From start to finish our stay was amazing. My boyfriend and I stayed at the casa selva for 9 days . To celebrate my birthday. Laura and gabby were so helpful and responsive. The location the view the staff! Just amazing. But you really do need a 4 x 4. Gabby helped us with booking a truck and our canopy tour. Thank you for making my birthday so perfect ! I’m telling you stay here. You won’t regret it.

Miya you were such wonderful guests- it was our pleasure having you both at Casa Selva.  Come back anytime!

This home is stunning. The scenery, cleanliness. Gabby was super helpful and all the staff on the grounds. Couldn’t of picked a better home for a few days of our honeymoon :) 

Casa Selva was honestly stunning. If you’re looking for off the grid, this is it (although there is wifi, if you’re looking for in-between). The drive from San Juan del Sur was nothing short of an adventure due to the heavy rains. The hot water is solar powered though, so if it’s stormy for too long you might run short on the hot water - still warm enough to get clean though. Whether you’re looking to stay in and enjoy the amazing sunsets from the porch, or to grind with locals on some great waves, this is the spot. I also highly recommend catching some fish and taking it to one of the beachfront restaurants to fry it up for you. 

2BR Condo