Modern 3BR villa in Samara with panoramic jungle, mountain, and ocean views from a 360-degree deck. Spacious outdoor area, pool, and open-plan living make it perfect for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
The Space
Villa del Cielo (Sky Villa) is an elegant, modern-style home built in 2016. This single-level residence features an open and airy layout with views from every room. The villa offers expansive, flat outdoor space perfect for relaxation and activities.
A newly completed 360-degree viewing deck provides stunning panoramic views of the jungle, mountains, ocean (especially during the dry season), and a dark sky ideal for stargazing. Both sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed from this deck, which is also excellent for wildlife observation.
The villa includes three bedrooms:
- One king bedroom
- Two queen bedrooms
Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, blackout shades, and sliding glass doors leading outside. The master bedroom is situated at the opposite end of the villa from the guest rooms for added privacy.
The open kitchen, living, and dining area features sliding glass doors throughout for easy access to the outdoors. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the living room includes air conditioning and a television. Bedrooms do not have TVs.
Outside, there is a covered seating area for six beside a lap pool. The property is level and spacious, providing ample room for children to play.
Location and Access
The villa is located on a hilltop within a gated community of four homes, overlooking the small surf village of Samara. This elevated position offers breathtaking views.
Access to the property is via a paved driveway that is steep at the beginning. Walking up the driveway takes about 2-3 minutes and is not recommended for guests with physical challenges, those pulling luggage, or pushing strollers. For these guests, renting a car or golf cart is advised.
Guests can enter the property through a secured front gate using a key code and key fob. The gate can also be manually operated during power outages. Self-check-in with a key storage box is available upon request, and property management is nearby for assistance, especially for nighttime arrivals.
Please note that access to the roof is strictly prohibited for guest safety. A terrace is provided for enjoying the views.
Amenities
- Air conditioning in all bedrooms and living room
- Blackout shades in bedrooms
- Sliding glass doors with automatic locks and mosquito screens
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Covered outdoor seating for six
- Lap pool
- Wi-Fi
- Ample free private parking
- 360-degree viewing deck completed in May
- Beach towels, beach and camp chairs
- Various coolers (large to small)
- Umbrella
- Children’s sand and pool toys
- Pool noodles
- Yoga mats
- Swim fins (large and medium)
- Boogie boards
Surfboards and boogie boards can be rented affordably from local surf schools on Samara Beach. Masks and snorkels are not provided but are available for purchase nearby.
Nearby Attractions
- 5-minute walk to coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and shopping
- 10-minute walk to a safe, swimmable beach with tidal pools ideal for snorkeling and exploring
- Rentals available in Samara for cars, ATVs, golf carts, e-bikes, and bicycles, with some companies offering delivery
- Multiple surf schools on Samara Beach offering board rentals
Maintenance
The pool and garden are maintained daily (except Sundays) by Felix, the gardener. Pool cleaning is done early in the morning, while gardening occurs intermittently later in the day. The lawn is mowed weekly. These services are essential for maintaining the property's quality and cannot be opted out, though scheduling can be adjusted with advance notice.
Wildlife
The villa is surrounded by abundant wildlife, including resident species such as birds, iguanas, geckos, coatis (pisotes), ducks, lizards, and squirrels. Passing wildlife includes howler monkeys and fruit bats.
Howler monkeys often pass by most mornings or evenings, especially near dusk, making the viewing deck an excellent spot for observation during cocktail hour. Birdwatching is exceptional, with species like parrots, parakeets, motmots, falcons, and hawks frequently seen.
Fruit bats used to be attracted to the pool lights but have been discouraged by disabling the pool lighting to improve evening outdoor enjoyment. Ambient outdoor lighting still allows for comfortable nighttime activities such as dining, swimming, or playing cards.
Pest and Wildlife Notes
Costa Rica’s natural environment means some wildlife and pests are common. The villa is fumigated quarterly, but weather and barometric changes can cause temporary insect appearances, including:
- Flying insects (gnats, mosquitoes, flies, flying ants)
- Tiny ants during the rainy season, attracted to food left out
- Occasional spiders
- Resident geckos near ceilings, which are harmless
- Frogs visiting windows
- Occasional snakes passing through
- Small Halloween crabs appearing in showers
- Scorpions occasionally present
- Recently, horses grazing near the pool area
Guests are asked to be tolerant of these natural occurrences, as they are beyond the property’s control.
Additional Information
- Sliding glass doors automatically lock; guests should leave a door unlocked or a key in the lockbox to avoid being locked out.
- Screen doors should remain closed to keep insects out.
- The villa experiences frequent power outages typical of the region. The front gate can be manually operated during outages. AC units take about 10 minutes to reset after power returns.
- A "Power Outage Supply Basket" in the kitchen includes lanterns, flashlights, battery-operated candles, and water.
- Due to hard local water, calcium deposits build up in showers. These are cleaned thoroughly between stays but may appear as soap stains.
- Guests are encouraged to conserve energy by using air conditioning only in occupied rooms and turning units off or lowering settings when away.
- Doors and screens should remain closed at night to minimize insect entry.
House Rules
- Roof access is prohibited; guests should use the terrace for views.
- Respect the environment by managing air conditioning use responsibly.
- Follow guidelines for door and screen usage to maintain comfort and security.
Reviews
4.8
4.9
5.0
4.9
4.9
4.8
Recent Reviews
5
Elora
11 months ago
We had an incredible stay at Kathleen's home. The home is spacious and beautiful. It was a luxury to have access to a private pool, a dishwasher, a washer and dryer, and a well-equipped kitchen. Through the windows, we spotted coatis, monkeys, and large birds. The home is surrounded by lush greenery. We loved having blackout shades in the bedrooms as well. Just flagging that the home is located up a steep road, so may not be an ideal place for those with mobility issues if you're not planning to rent a car or golf cart.
5
Lisa
1 year ago
The house was beautiful and we really enjoyed having our own pool. We had plenty of space to spread out and all the furniture was very comfy. The location is right in town, an easy walk to the beach and all the restaurants and shopping. The hill to and from the house is tough though, and really the only downside to this place. Lots of wildlife around and we were lucky enough to see the monkeys one morning.
5
Nikki
1 year ago
This was a very beautiful home on the top of a very high hill :-) the views were gorgeous, but the driveway, is hard to walk up, so make sure you have a good car to get you up and down or be excited that you will get in shape on your vacation;) I really appreciated all the extras that they had, lots of dishes, pots, and pans. They also had plenty of towels and beach toys. We definitely got to see monkeys, which was very fun. The master bedroom and bathroom were very large and a very comfortable. The two other bedrooms were perfect for children, but might be a little tight for adult couples.
5
Brent
1 year ago
As a family with kids this location was great and felt like an oasis within the town. Would highly recommend and would return if ever back in Sámara.
5
Brenton
1 year ago
This house was great! I brought my family of five and there was plenty of room. Situated just above town through an automatic gate up on the hill. We rented a golf cart to get back and forth to the beach (highly recommended). I really loved access to coolers, tents and beach chairs available at the house. Costa Rica is so close to the equator, shade from the tent was a requirement! Just be aware that ants are in certain parts of the house, that is just life in this part of the world, not a big deal. I would definitely go back!
5
Hugh
1 year ago
Thank you for a great spot to stay in Samara. Able to walk to town and the beach easily, but also really secluded and private. Such a well kitted out kitchen - every utensil you could need. The pool and view were great (better than the photos suggest). The local hosts were brilliant, we had an issue, sent them a message early on Saturday morning. It was fixed within the hour. What more could you ask.
Host replied
5
Samantha
1 year ago
We loved this house. The views from the pool were incredible and we loved being in the jungle while being just a short walk (or golf cart ride) to everything in town and the beach. The house was perfect size for our family of five. I would recommend this rental and would absolutely book it again.
5
Andy
1 year ago
We arrived for a five night stay and things went perfectly. The house is designed so well, and the host has everything you need for the kitchen, utensils, coffee, spices, and the pool is taken care of every day. I have stayed all around the world, this is my most favorite Airbnb I have ever stayed at, how the monkeys were on the property two of the five days, and we saw so many exotic animals.I will be back 100%.
Host replied
5
Lilia
1 year ago
We had a fantastic stay at KJ's place. Nestled in a tranquil and serene location, the villa offers beautiful jungle views, and you can see the ocean from the deck while hearing the soothing sound of the waves. Although it's conveniently close to town, the setting feels wonderfully secluded and peaceful. The pool was excellent for relaxing, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time. We highly recommend this retreat for anyone seeking a serene getaway with easy access to local charm.
5
Emilie
2 years ago
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié le logement. La cuisine était bien garnie, c’était agréable de cuisiner nos repas. Plusieurs commerces à distance de marche, dont trois épiceries. Chaque chambre possède sa propre salle de bain, les enfants ont apprécié. La piscine et le terrain étaient intimes et agréables. Le BBQ est un bel ajout.
Location
Loading map...
Location shown is approximate (within 1km radius)
You might also like
Similar properties in the area