Valley top retreat, private and tranquil views of tree tops and ocean view, with CR in the far distance across the Ocean. Clean and pure living, great for the soul and body :) Monkeys and birds are just below you in the jungle canopy The space An eco friendly off the grid Vacation/surf rental. Amazing retreat pad, killer view, infinity pool. Yoga/chill deck, View of the valley and Ocean as well as Costa Rica across the ocean in the distance. 20 Minute walk to the beach through the river valley and jungle with the monkeys and birds. 3 surf breaks, Colorado's, Ponga Drops and the closest but rocky right hander Los Paros. Beach break on the whole beach. You can rent surf boards at the shop next the golf Pro shop in Hacienda Iguana with also a grocery store, cafe with great food, ice cream, and great wifi, also a bar for night time drinks and food :) Open plan house with 3 walls. Super private at the top of La Vista [last house] Sun rises across the valley early but bamboo blinds keep most of the light out and the house is in the shade from 10am on. An early surf or swim is a great way to start the day, and mid morning breakfast and a nap in the hammock with your favorite person or the cat Tigre. Kitchen is fully set, blender, toaster, stove top espresso pot, gas stove and fridge. Freezer makes ice and can hold 5 days of frozen meat, also a water dispenser is on site. Not many rules, just no sand in the pool or shower, no cigarette butts anywhere and composting is crucial to keep waste clean and minimal......... Biodegradable soaps and dish liquids are preferred. There is also a 3 day minimum. Hope this provides enough info, if you need more please ask. Thanks, Jeff Guest access full use of the house and pool. Its private Other things to note Please bring Bio soap and detergent if needed. It is a scent free property. You MUST compost in order to keep out insects and unwanted guests. Keep all food scraps in a sealed container and then compost it when needed at top of property by the retaining wall at the corner of the property. NO SMOKING or SCENTED ITEMS in house or BUTTS littered on site !!

## The Space

This eco-friendly, off-grid vacation and surf rental offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of treetops and the ocean. From the property, you can see Costa Rica across the ocean in the distance. The home is nestled above the jungle canopy, where monkeys and birds are often visible below.

The house features an open-plan design with three walls, providing privacy at the top of La Vista as the last house on the street. Early mornings bring beautiful sunrises across the valley, though bamboo blinds help block most of the light. From 10 a.m. onward, the house remains shaded.

Highlights include an infinity pool and a yoga/chill deck overlooking the valley and ocean. The kitchen is fully equipped with a blender, toaster, stovetop espresso pot, gas stove, refrigerator, freezer (capable of storing five days’ worth of frozen meat and making ice), and a water dispenser.

## Location

The property is a 20-minute walk from the beach through a river valley and jungle, home to local wildlife like monkeys and birds. Nearby are three surf breaks:

- Colorado's
- Ponga Drops
- Los Paros (a rocky right-hand break closest to the house)

The entire beach offers a beach break.

## Amenities and Nearby Facilities

Close to the house, you will find:

- A surfboard rental shop next to the golf pro shop in Hacienda Iguana
- A grocery store
- A café serving great food and ice cream with reliable Wi-Fi
- A bar offering drinks and food in the evening

## Guest Access

Guests have full access to the house and pool. The property is private and tranquil, perfect for relaxation.

## House Rules and Sustainability

To maintain the cleanliness and eco-friendliness of the property, guests are asked to observe the following:

- No sand allowed in the pool or shower
- No cigarette butts anywhere on the premises
- Composting is mandatory to minimize waste and keep insects away
- Use biodegradable soaps and dish liquids whenever possible
- Bring your own bio soap and detergent if needed; the property is scent-free
- Keep all food scraps in a sealed container and compost them at the designated area at the top of the property by the retaining wall
- No smoking or scented items inside the house or on the property

There is a minimum stay of three days.

## Additional Information

An early surf or swim is a refreshing way to start the day, followed by breakfast and a nap in the hammock with your favorite companion or the resident cat, Tigre.

If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to ask.

Jeff

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Maximum Occupancy

Studio in Rancho Santana

Casa Fresca in La Vista, Río San Juan Department, Nicaragua

Visited for a week in January; apparently a month before a paved road to the property so perhaps my issues with the state of the road will be fixed soon. As of now, it’s certainly a chore to access, so coming and going during the day was a bit of a trial. The pros — unbeatable view, nice pool, private The cons — extremely loud at night(wind, howler monkeys, misc. animals), no comfortable dining area, pool was in shade most of the day, mattress has seen better days Overall, a great ‘glamping’ experience but essentially the trade off is a view for inconvenience. YES if you’re an off grid fan/outdoorsy type, NO if you want basic comforts & walkable access. By around 3/4 days we were itching to move on, but a couple of nights would have been perfect.

This place is a gem. And it is all about the experience! Definitely one of the best places I've ever stayed at. So peaceful and elegant. 100% natural and respectful of the environment. For nature&ocean lovers. Beautiful house, furniture, colors... all wooden,  classy. During the right season, you'll get yellow and pink flowers to contrast the swimming pool blue. Dreamlike. Jeff is super responsive and Jose so helpful. Excellent management. If you've ever wondered how it would feel to sail a sea of trees, this is the place to find out.

so glad we came back to enjoy your beautiful retreat a second time. Thanks it's unforgettable!!

Casa Fresca is nothing short of incredible! The views and the privacy are unmatched, very tranquil. We enjoyed listening to wildlife, reading in the hammock, and cooling off in the pool. The nearest beach is about a 15-20 minute walk through the jungle, though I recommend renting a truck or moto if you’d like access to neighboring beaches and towns. The place was spotless and the kitchen is outfitted with all basic necessities. Jeff was a gracious host and helped with any and all queries. We can’t wait to come back…

A beautiful place overlooking the forest with a view of the ocean. Very open concept and an absolutely stunning view to look at every single morning. As far as getting to the beach or restaurants nearby it’s definitely ideal to have a car and the drive up is a bit of a doozy for smaller cars but since it was the dry season we were OK. The cat at the house is adorable and very sweet. Be careful of scorpions and other insects at night. Definitely important to use the net on the bed. As others mentioned it’s definitely very bare-bones. Bring all of your own items and food. The pool was a nice touch and it was lovely to be able to relax in the hammock and look over the forest. We were also lucky enough to see some howler monkeys playing in the trees.

Casa Fresca is the perfect place if you are looking for a remote getaway. There are paths through the woods to the beach, however it takes a while on foot. (~30-45minutes) Bring your own food to cook (+condiments) and bug spray for night! Overall a very nice place, I would recommend for those who want a private getaway and enjoy privacy!

Epic spot up in the jungle. Beautifully built, lovely view, simple and perfect.

Great to hear Levi, did Jose show you how to use the bamboo blind and how to tie it down?  He sometimes forget. Safe travels.

This was our second stay here and as anticipated it was just an amazing experience. Could spend all day cooling off in the pool and lounging on the deck taking in the stunning view of the valley and ocean. Fantastic!

Can’t use the word amazing cause the right word to describe the place is MAGICAL!!! Definitely recommend this place, sleeping on the outdoor it was a very nice experience! You can see the espectacular Sunrise not to mention the outstanding views, you Can also hear howler monkey and the different birds from the area! Definitely a place that you will like to visit with your other half!!! Don’t missed it!!! Jeff and Jose were very helpful.

Surprised my girlfriend with this INCREDIBLE little spot. She became instantly pregnant as soon as we stepped foot. This place is unreal. The view was out of this world. I was even able to swim (tiny) laps in the pool due to its more than generous size for a couple. This was my first time traveling to Nicaragua so I bombarded Jeff with questions and he was extremely polite and answered them all. I also very briefly met Jose and he seemed like a standup dude as well, very polite. We arrived at night and finding the place was a bit difficult but... MAJOR pro tip, plug in the coordinates Jeff provides to Google Maps (Apple Maps failed me) and it’ll lead you straight to the location. This would’ve saved us quite a bit of frustration and I strongly recommend it to folks arriving at night time. Overall a blast of a trip!!! Don’t hesitate and go - rent some dirt bikes while you’re there :) Already wanna go back. Thanks Jeff!

Jeff was excellent with communication and his caretaker of the property was informative and caring of our needs during our stay. Highly recommended!

Casa Fresca is a magical spot. A great spot to enjoy sunrise yoga and meditation each day. The hammock is a sweet spot to sway your day away. The pool is cool and refreshing. And the view is out of this world. If you enjoy being in nature, tranquility, and endless views, Casa Fresca is the place. Tigre, the cat is very playful and offers good companionship. I rented a 2WD vehicle ($12 per day) from Managua with a GPS and it was fine on ALL roads.  I stopped in Rivas at Maxi Pali and stocked up on groceries and supplies. Scoops is a great little coffee shop with a stellar acai bowl and refreshing treats. Hacienda Iguana had trails that I ran/hiked along down to the beach/Rancho Santa. Everything about this place is great! Jeff is super responsive and provides excellent recommendations. Listening to the howling monkeys each morning and evening was just the topping of a great time, wish I had more time to spend there. Jose and his son, the caretakers of the property also are super friendly and accommodating. If you are up for an adventure, check this place out for sure! :)

Drew, thank you for picking Casa Fresca, I am so glad you had a nice stay. You are welcome back anytime. I am sorry you had to cut your stay short. Best regards, Jeff

What an extraordinary place ! Highly recommend. Directions can get a bit confusing from Managua, maybe cause we traveled through the night, definitely recommend doing the drive during the day so plan accordingly. If you’re looking for an exceptional getaway this is your place. Truly unique

Live out your wildest Swiss Family Robinson/nudist colony dreams in this STUNNING treehouse complete with fun loving, mischievous house cat, in the sky. You literally own the mountain top and Jeff has made the place feel like YOU are the owner, with no neighbors and no prying eyes. Wake to the hauntingly beautiful howls of monkeys below. Sip your coffee (naked, obvi) via espresso percolator and gaze at the fluttering white hammock that you are already in love with. Alone with the rising sun, pink sky and the warm winds, as the bees sip nectar from flowers by the pool. You pinch yourself that this view is yours. You have gotten here by 4x4, as the road is long, steep and winding. Bring food and coffee (water provided) but don't worry too much, as there are two small markets just inside Hacienda Iguana's gates, as well as lots of delicious restaurants to choose from. You also like cats. But you don't have to love them to fall head over heels for Tigre, for it won't take long to have your heart stolen by this furry ball of love and mischief. The path to the beach is much like the road you drove up; extremely steep and not marked (there is even a sign that says "playa" with an arrow, don't believe it, and if you went that way you're already lost anyway!) through the literal woods. Doing this in the dark is not for the faint of heart...Get good directions first! A note for beach heads heading to Casa Fresca. TAKE NOTE that beach access (surfing, lounging) in front of hacienda iguana is ONLY allowed after 4pm. As a la Vista guest, you can use the commercial area inside the gates but not the beach and beach club until 4-5pm. This will be the best Airbnb you will ever have the chance to stay in, so what are you waiting for?

I don't even know how to describe in words, how beautiful this place is! The pictures don't do it justice. The view as you wake up to the sunrise in the morning is breathtaking. We have traveled quite extensively and this tops any place I've ever stayed at. Jeff was an amazing host. We had a bit of an issue with our rental car at the Costa Rican border that made us several hours late for our planned check in and Jeff/Jose were REALLY helpful and accommodating. Having your own vehicle really helps a lot while staying at this property. We rented from a really nice guy only 10 min away at the car rental located on the airport property. If you're on the fence at all, just hit 'book'.. You will not regret it!!

The place has so much charm, you’re literally living amongst the trees. Loved sleeping with the open air and waking up to a pool with the most stunning view imaginable. Market is close enough to buy groceries and we enjoyed a couple of restaurants in the area. Perfect getaway for a few days.

We had a wonderful stay at La Vista/ Casa Fresca! Waking up with the jungle, the Howler monkeys & birds every morning; followed by fresh coffee and a dive in the pool at 7.30a was an unforgettable experience! Restaurant options - within the Hacienda - are limited. The neighboring beach resort has a few options but they are not always open for the general public. So, unless you are a little more adventurous (then we were) and try the local bars and taquerias surrounding the Hacienda there’s still the option to cook a dinner in Jeff’s fully equipped kitchen.

Glad to hear you had a nice stay Misja. Cesar's prices are up there for sure, he can get away with it being he is mostly the only one near by and urgency for vacationers who don't want to travel or can't and have limited time. As suggested in the house profile, shopping is ideal in Rivas and Tola at the farmers market. Sorry if I steered you wrong there.  The paths are over grown for sure, there used to be a good trail to Rancho Santana beach and Los Perro's right from the house, just down the ridge. I will have to update, or get Jose to clear it again.  Thanks for the note on the sink drain, I will get my best man on it :)   Best of luck this year!

Casa Fresca is an amazing private oasis. Jeff was extremely helpful while planning our trip, always responding promptly to our inquiries. The place was clean, safe and had the best view of our trip. If you're looking for a place to get some R&R with incredible views, then Casa Fresca is your spot! The kitty was also super friendly and fought off any unwanted critters. Awesome spot!

Amazing half-open house on hill with outstanding view from pool. Absolutely private and stylish. Would love to come back.

Stunning house with a great view, and a kitchen equipped with everything you need! Clean, tidy, minimalist space, and a very comfy bed! We highly recommend staying here. Just some things to be aware of - make sure you shop at the last supermarket beforehand (Rivas). The shop in Hacienda Iguana is basic and doesn’t have much, if any, fresh produce. - it is a 30/40 minute walk to the shops and beach (We wished we had hired scooters or a car) - but it is a great isolated place tucked up in the jungle and well worth it! - we recommend using Yasmil Taxis as they were VERY reliable and well-priced, compared to other offers we had.

Hi Nina, thank you some much your pointers.......Jose has been told more than once to accommodate your suggestions. I am guessing that since we had guest prior to your arrival he did not take the time or priorities the towels and soap........I get it and am sorry. Neither are expensive and I push him to get to town to purchase simple items. Perhaps if you come back I can offer a free night?  Best of luck with the new year!

An absolutely tranquil piece of heaven. We loves our stay and are already trying to plan our next trip back. Everything is as it looks in the pictures, although I agree with some of the other reviews, the pool is bigger! It is an incredible feeling waking up to the sunrise, looking out into the mountains and ocean and taking a dip in your own private pool. As for notes of advise for future travelers: You are really far out from any town, so make sure you pick up everything you will need before arriving (We forgot coffee)! Also 4x4 is a must. You can walk to the ocean from the home, about a 25 minute walk through the woods. Also just a fair warning, it really is like a fancy tree house and there aren't walls, so you will hear the wild life in the night (we loved it). Tigre the AMAZING house kitty also catches mice in the night. It is an adventure that is a hundred percent worth it. We didn't want to leave.

What a fantastic view, complete peace and a great experience. Jeff was easy to communicate with and made sure we were well prepared for our stay. Even the kitty cat was good company!

Jeff’s place is incredible. The house is unlike anywhere I’ve ever stayed. The view is breathtaking, the pool is luxurious, and the beach is a short ways away. There are few AirBnBs that are so nice that they’re work making their own trip for...this is definitely one of them.

One of the best places we got to stay in Nicaragua! My husband and I stayed here 2 nights which was perfect. We loved listening to the monkeys and even got to see one in the trees right near the pool. We rented a motorcycle worked well getting around with the dirt roads. I would highly recommend this place. Truly a special experience!

This house is BEAUTIFUL! A truly unique space with a breathtaking view. The photos are quite accurate - the place is probably even a bit nicer and larger in person! A couple tips: -A car is a MUST - don't bother trying to taxi, it will cost you a fortune and you will be left in the middle of nowhere..... the location is very remote and organizing a taxi in Nicaragua is very unreliable -We did not have a 4x4 and we were fine, but it didn't rain during our stay -Pick up as many groceries as possible as you can in Rivas (about 45 minutes), as once you get closer there are only small convenience stores to pick up food (which don't offer much and cost 2x as much) - get more than you think you need! we underestimated how isolated the house was going to be and planned on eating out for a few meals, which is possible but not as easy as other places we stayed (you also won't want to leave because it is so beautiful) - Buy EVERYTHING, the place is very bare bones, there is no butter, olive oil, pepper, etc. (although all of the tools you need to cook are available) - Bring body wash, shampoo, etc. (nothing there) - Go to Pilis for any meal, the food is incredible and the beach that it is on is very beautiful (the fish tacos are probably the best that we had on our entire trip) - Be prepared for no Wifi (download anything you need in advance) - The fridge took a long time to cool down, so turn it on as soon as you get ther e(if it isn't already) - The water shut off for us after about 5pm each night... not a big deal but just a heads up - Make sure you clean up every bit of food before going to bed, we left one pan out the first night and Tigre (the cat) killed a mouse that came and tried to eat it..... pretty gross to wake up to in the morning but completely our fault - The cat is adorable, my boyfriend and I are not cat people but she grew on us very quickly (she is very friendly but also playful) ENJOY! This is a truly special place :) Would go back in a heartbeat

This was the most exhilerating experience we've ever had. Although we'd seen the pictures, it is still breathtaking to see the apartment in real life. It's completely open, doors don't have to be locked since it's on a very large and secure private property and it's very tastefully decorated. There aren't any neighbors in sight, which offers even more privacy. The apartment also comes with Tigra the cat. She's amazing, playful and always wants to come in for a cuddle. Make sure to bring your own groceries before coming to the apartment. There are only very small convenience stores nearby and the small convenience store in the Hacienda Iguana resort offers products for very steep prices. There are various restaurants in the vicinity. A car is a must and personally I'd say rent a SUV or Jeep, since there are only dirt roads. Although you'll have to experience it for yourself, but we can honestly say that we've never woken up before the way we did in Casa Fresca. Sunrise, birds, howler monkies... just check it out.

Thanks so much Emanuel, I appreciate your praise and am so glad you had such a great experience. Although I have to correct you on it being an apartment as it is a house on its own with no neighbours........anyway, all good. Safe travels and I hope the best this year.

Beautiful space! By far the best Airbnb I’ve stayed in. We stayed during the dry season so having an outdoor home is the jungle was really manageable. The pictures don’t give it justice. The pool is much bigger than the photos imply. Definitely rent a car to get here (preferable an SUV w/ 4x4) We got a Suzuki Jimny and it worked out really well. Jose the caretaker of the home was super helpful and got rid of wasps and communicated well when we was coming to do his work. This space isn’t for everyone as it’s essentially a 3 wall home. We woke up to the sunrise every day at the foot of our bed. Tigra, the cat that lives in the home, is outrageously friendly. She greeted us the moment we arrived. You should like or not mind cats when you stay here since she will like to interact with you. She’ll even cuddle next to you at night! Stock up at a supermarket before you arrive because the nearest one will be quite far out. Living in this home take a little bit of getting used to but I guarantee we’ll be talking about this home for years to come!

Unique experience, such an incredible place!

Yup, you've died and gone to heaven! This is one of those special places that lives with you long after you leave. There is nothing like the thrilling experience of waking up each morning to the sound of howler monkeys below you and an unobstructed view of the sun rising over the valley in front of you. We felt we were on an African safari, overlooking the Savanna on one side, with a clear view of the ocean on the other! Swaying over the pool at night in the hammock gazing at the stars was just a magical experience, and we will never forget it. The open-air cabin design, pool, and location is even more beautiful than the pictures suggest. Jose, the friendly care-taker, showed us how to get to the beach (a beautiful, 20-minute walk through a carved path in the forrest, where we were greeted by a howler monkey). Jose was also kind enough to take Tigre (the very cute and friendly resident cat) home with him during our stay as my girlfriend is severely allergic. After that, we were left in total privacy until check-out. We did not have a car (Jeff arranged a wonderful driver to get us there), but once you orient yourself with a lengthy (but doable) trek to the beach, through Hacienda Iguana (below you), then back up the steep/windy dirt road to the cabin (about 1.5 hours round-trip without stops), you familiarize yourself with your surroundings quite quickly. For convenience, next time we will rent a car from the new private Airport in town. Taxis are nearly impossible to track down after 15:00, but luckily some friendly residents (and security guards of Hacienda Iguana) would give us rides back up to Casa Fresca. We brought some basic food items with us, but ate at Scoops, Side Door, and Eloy's during our stay -- all great places! Apparently, you have to be staying at Rancho Santana to eat at La Taqueria (on the beach), but they were kind enough to let us eat there anyway. There were no mosquitoes to speak of, but I'm not sure what it would be like during the rainy season. There are strong gusts of wind at night though, so I'm sure this wouldn't be much of an issue. On that note, ensure your belongings are fastened at all times! One day, a powerful gust blew in and our large suitcase took a nose dive into the pool. It wasn't funny at the time, but we are laughing now. We will certainly be back to this magical place one day!

We stayed for 3 nights and it was absolutely amazing. Everything else that was written by other people in the reviews is not a lie. This place is a little piece of your own space in paradise. To summarize some tips before booking: - the cat is great (yes, it's true) - For José you need a little help with some basic Spanish words - The Resort restaurants will welcome you after 5pm, but if you walk down from the beach, you can hop in anytime you want (for La Taqueria we said we're staying in one of the villas on Iguana and then paid by CC, all good) - Monkeys can be seen on your way up to the cottage. We saw many while driving up from the dirt road before going up the hill - It can get a bit windy at night, but it's all part of the experience - Walking to the beach is easy (we also managed in flipflops) - the beach has some great waves and at some moments you can almost have it all to yourself. - Be really careful with food and your personal belongings, as they might blow away or the food might be attacked by ants quicker than you realize. Thanks Jeff!

This place is amazing. We stayed for 5 nights. The house and pool are much larger than they appear in photos. The layout of the house is perfect! If you're into the outdoors but also appreciate some luxuries, you will love the place. The setting is also a great combination of untamed bush and beach-vibes with the ocean in the background. The sound of the bush at night is very peaceful. You'll wake up very early with the sun but it's actually blessing and I think that's a big pro for this place. Jose the caretaker cannot speak English, however it is surprisingly easy to communicate with him and if you make an effort with Spanish words he really appreciates it. I feel like other reviews have not highlighted how convenient it is to have the resort in the same area. All you have to do is drive down the dirt road and you will see the resort buildings. You can drive in no problem and go to the cafe or market or restaurants. We skipped the restaurants because the house is just too nice of a setting, so we didn't want to eat anywhere else. But if you need something small it will take you less than 10 mins to make your way by car down to the store at the resort. The trail to the beach is also very easy to follow and it is not a long or difficult walk. Stick to the more established trail, as there are some smaller ones that branch off, and you will be fine. I will say the beach is not amazing - it's quite windy and the sand is quite grainy and sticky. The walk is fun, but chilling at the house by the pool is the way to go. It's a little windy at night, but that's probably because we were there in the middle of the dry season. The trade-off in the summer would be that there will be a lot of bugs. As for getting there - if you enjoy driving even a little bit, its a fun drive. Just rent a car at Managua airport (not from Budget) and allow yourself 3 hours to be safe. One tip for people who don't usually stay in places like this is the following: Bring way too much food and alcohol as you will pretty much be chilling and drinking all day. And bring a deck of cards. The Grocery store near the airport in Managua is convenient and has everything you need. Can recommend this place 100% and wouldn't hesitate for one second to return again for a weekend if there was a sale on flights.

Wow, thanks Matt! I am so glad you enjoyed yourself. FYI the summer is not too bad bug wise honestly, but spring for a 3 week period can be hellish for some. Not biting bugs just june bugs and moths........it is amazing to see the jungle come alive after the first few rains, but after that no issues really. Lights at night on on the perimeter help and not having bright ones on inside help. Thanks again.

What an amazing place to stay! I don't think I've enjoyed staying anywhere as much as I did here. Loved having the cat for a few days as well.

For this location a car is necessary. We were unprepared for lack of accessibility to food. This location is surrounded by private resorts that you can not access. (We walked to the beach and there is a little restaurant that we were told we could not access because we were not staying at La Rancho) The other private resort you can access after 5pm only is the restaurant Pilias ( which was very good but Jose charged us 30 American to get there and back.)There is no help for directions or ideas left in this airb&B. You are left to your own devices. You do need to speak some Spanish for Jose to help you ( he does try to be helpful). Because this location is isolated and very black at night walking to find anything would not be feasible. The welcoming kitty was the best, politest cat I have ever experienced. The location is beautiful , peaceful and very relaxing. We enjoyed our stay but wish we had been more prepared and wish there had been more information left at the B&B for where things were, how far and how to get to them.

Casa Fresca was amazing. If you are on the fence about it, stop debating and just book it! Road up to house is fine, accessible by small car. Path to the beach was easy to find and a short 20min walk. Bugs were non existent, and the house cat was the most adorable host. Jeff is a great host with awesome directions, suggestions/advice. Jose is great to, very friendly and helpful!

Wow! We had such a great vacation here! So relaxing and the views never get old! The sunrise is amazing and you will be awake early. The cat is on patrol from Sun down to Sunrise, and may even bring you a gift or two! The hike to the beach is very doable with proper footwear, Not flip flops. We enjoyed cooking at the house for almost all our meals. Pili's was the only restaurant we tried and it didn't disappoint. We heard the monkeys a lot more than saw them as they are good at hiding in the trees below the house. Jose was great and Jeff was very prompt with communication. We used Yasmil for taxi and he and his staff were also very reliable.

Thanks Andrea, I am going to do some work on the place in a month. Yes, it indeed has been very busy, and I personally have not been for a year.  Thanks again, I am glad you enjoyed the place.

Nous avons passé 3 nuits à la Casa Fresca ! L’endroit est paradisiaque! La maison et la vue sont magnifiques. Nous sommes arrivés sur place et quelques minutes après Jose, l’homme de maintenance est arrivé pour nous accueillir. Il est très gentil, mais la barrière de la langue est difficile. Il parle seulement l’espagnol, aucun mot anglais, ni français. Au cours de notre séjour, nous lui avons demandé de nous apporter de l’eau parce qu’à notre arrivée, il restait la moitié d’un gallon d’eau. Il nous a dit oui, mais nous n’avons jamais eu d’eau. Nous avons du se rationner sur l’eau question de ne pas en manquer. La maison est superbe, mais l’emplacement pour s’y rendre est ardue. Nous voyageons en backpack et n’avons pas de véhicule, alors un taxi nous a apporté jusqu’à la deuxième gate et nous avons dû marcher jusqu’à la maison, soit 40/45mins avec nos sac a dos et notre épicerie dans des sacs. Par contre, la maison en vaut la peine! C’est calme comme endroit et reculer de tout alors pour se reposer et décrocher c’est l’endroit parfait! Le chat sur place est mignon et affectueux! La nuit les singes et les animaux se font entendrent, c’est magique ! La plage est à environ 20 mins de marche par un petit sentier, plus ou moins indiqué! La piscine est belle, mais elle avait un problème puisqu’elle ne se filtrait pas. Le filtreur était rempli de feuilles étc, nous avons essayer d’enlever les feuilles, mais ça n’a pas changé grand chose! Dommage! Notre seul gros point négatif est qu’à notre départ, puisque nous n’avions pas de wifi ni de réseau téléphone,nous avons demandé à José pour un taxi puisque dans la description AirBnB, il est écrit que José offre ce service! Nous avons convenu qu’il viendrait nous chercher à 11h le lendemain pour nous apporter a playa Santana, 16 km plus loin de la maison! Il est bel et bien arrivé à l’heure mais accompagné d’un ami qui parlait seulement espagnol aussi! Nous avons demandé à José combien cela coûtait pour le taxi et il nous a fait signe de partir avec son ami, sans répondre. Nous avons montré l’endroit sur la Nous où nous voulions aller et mon conjoint qui a une petite base en espagnol lui a expliqué que c’était à 16km de la maison! Il nous a chargé 40$USD! Ce qui est non justifié et beaucoup trop cher ! Nous avons essayé de se faire comprendre que ça n’avait pas de sens mais rien à faire , aucun mot anglais! Arrivée à destination, le taxi a même changé son prix et a demandé 42$! Très malhonnête ! Bref.. si vous voyagez en sac à dos, budget ++ à prévoir pour taxi et à faire attention !

Maryline, I am glad you appreciated the house. I have to say all of your issues are avoidable by you, if you want a clean strainer for the pool, then you have to allow Jose time at the house to clean it as stated in the house profile, or you can take the net and remove any leaves like most people do.  He said it was clear you didn't want him there he mentioned. All of your issues are in the house profile that you obviously did not read. The house is supplied with drinking water as a curtesy for your arrival and enough for that and usually a whole day, you are in charge up supplies for your stay, not the house, you choose to not rent a car for travel and you also choose to not take my advice on a taxi driver Yasmil, but you take a different taxi, again, not Casa Fresca's fault. The house has no wifi but great reception for phone wifi as stated in the profile. If you travel by back pack you are obviously on a budget, so you don't buy credit on your phone.......again, not my problem. If the place had wifi you would not be staying there as it would be too expensive for you.  All of these issue are created by you I am afraid. So due to your incompetence you have to write me a bad review that affects us greatly..........because you could not speak Spanish and also read the house profile properly. It is a shame you felt you had to write this because of a "taxi fair" and not using the email I sent you for Yasmil?   Also, Why did you have check in issues, Jose was there you said?   It may seem a lot of this was created or lost in Translation unfortunetly.

Casa Fresca is truly amazing. My gf and I stayed for 3 nights and was a perfect end to our first trip to Nicaragua. The pool was amazing, much bigger than the photos suggest and the house perched up on the hill was stunning. We didn't speak spanish so communicating with Jose was a little tough when we checked in, however, after some charades he understood that we were looking for the trail to the beach. It was a good 30-40 minute walk and he led us the entire way. A real nice guy! We were able to get by without a car and trekked back from the beach one day in the dark which was a bit of an adventure but doable if you are prepared i.e. flash lights and bug spray. Bugs didn't seem to be an issue at night because of the breeze which also keeps the heat away at night. Tigre the house cat was my gf's favourite and also did her share of keeping the big bugs away. She is very friendly/ entertaining and my allergies only kicked in one morning. Definitely recommend Casa Fresca as it is quite an experience to wake up at the crack of dawn to Howler Monkeys in the beautfiul valley below. Feel free to get in touch for directions to the beach or for any questions you may have.

Perfect place to enjoy Tola!! Place is bigger than it looks and offers incredible peace, quiet and great views and a consistent refreshing breeze.  Howler monkeys all around to see and hear and a great cat to keep you company. Make sure you stock up on groceries, drinks, coffee and get some salt and pepper. Jose the caretaker provided drinking water.  Walk to the beach isn't too far but bring a headlamp or flashlight if you want to stay for the sunset or the Tuesday night tacos at the Rancho Santana Taqueria. 

I Definitely recommend the place it's  a complete outdoor, relaxing and chilling experience. I'll visiting casa fresca again

We had a great time staying here. It’s very remote and very beautiful with stunning views. The pool is huge. At least twice the size of how it looks in the photo. The wind blowing up there is no joke, and you may want to take some clothes to sleep in as it can get cold at night. Also, the jungle is LOUD, so some ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. The cat is very playful. If you have cat allergies be aware that she WILL be sleeping with you at night. That’s just the way it is, so take your allergy medicine. Also, the pillows are feathered if that’s a thing for you. However I’m allergic to both and had no problems. We had no problems driving into the iguana resort, but did get quite a few questions once inside. Luckily, my girlfriends speaks Spanish and we blagged our way in. We said we were staying at Casitas Colorados, which was a little area of the resort we spotted on the way in. You kind of look out of place if you’re not a surfer dude, so obviously questions are asked when a pasty English dude rocks up. The tiki bar in the resort is paradise, with a swim up bar and friendly staff with a great happy hour and food. Taco Tuesday at Rancho Santana was excellent We found the best way to get there was to just walk down the beach front from the tiki bar. We never walked to the beach from Jeff’s place as we had a car, and I gotta say, it looks a much bigger hike in person. I also didn’t want to be going through the jungle in the dark (sun was down by 6pm) I’d highly recommend a car, particularly a 4x4 as you have to drive through streams and things to get to the house. Driving from Managua was a bit crazy. Try and get to the house before the sun goes down. We spent too long getting groceries in Grenada and so did the last hour and a half in the dark, and it was pretty scary to say the least. What else.... there’s no oven, but there is an outdoor grill. There’s no hot water which was a surprise, and only two towels. Keep everything in the fridge. The slightest crumb will bring bugs. I got bitten about five times, but I think that was at the beach to be fair Still, some Off may be useful. All in all, this place is paradise and we loved it. I’d go back again for sure. It’s a bit nerve racking getting into the resort at first but just be confident and you’ll be fine. They won’t ask after they’ve seen you a few days. Jose, the guy who looks after the house, is very friendly and a nice chap. Thank god my girlfriend speaks Spanish though as Jose doesn’t speak any English. English isn’t widely spoken anywhere. This...

Pictures don't do this place justice! It is truly in the middle of the jungle with amazing views. We saw howler monkeys from the pool and waking up to sunrises each morning was wonderful. The cat is a welcome addition- super friendly and playful (with the added bonus of keeping some other creatures away). Pool is refreshing, deck is fantastic and the kitchen is stocked with all the pots/pans/utensils you'll need. We read other reviews and thought we could get to the place with a car- certainly not recommended. We ended up parking before the river and walking up and down the hill with supplies. There's a small convenience store about 500m from the entrance to Iguana where you can stock up on essentials. Path to the beach is now overgrown so you'll need to try your luck at the second resort gate or attempt to follow the river down- certainly worth the 40 min(ish) trip! Try to arrive before dark as it can be a little tricky to find and obviously very remote. Jose is lovely and was very helpful for us the evening we arrived + Jeff is very prompt with his communication! Highly recommend this place, it is one of the most beautiful houses we've stayed in.

Jeff's place is truly incredible! It has everything you need for a relaxing getaway. The kitchen was very well equipped and we had all the utensils we needed to make some delicious meals! The bed was very comfy and waking up to such an amazing view was incredible! The only problem we had was actually getting to the house as it had been raining recently and we could not make it across the river bed in our rental car without getting bogged. Luckily a local took us across in his 4x4. If you are renting a car to get to Jeff's place I would definitely check in first to see what the river conditions are as you may need a 4x4 to access the place. All in all we had an enjoyable stay. Thank you Jeff :)

Wonderfull and quite place! 5 stars on everthing! Make sure to arrange your own transport and buy enough food before you get there.

This place is breathtaking! We loved the privacy and the surrounding nature. Jeff is easy to communicate with and Jose is very accommodating. We asked if we could change our plans last minute by arriving a day early, that same morning, and they were able to make it happen for us. There are true benefits to travelling in low season :) From the open house, to Tigre the cool cat, to the functional kitchen, to the pool, we loved it all! We had issues with accessing the beach through the strict guards at Hacienda Iguana, but thankfully the focus of our stay was for some r&r time in the secluded setting. We were able to access the central shops and restaurants no problem, including renting a scooter and taking a surf lesson with NSR. For anyone wanting an off the grid getaway, this is the place to make it happen!

I recommend this place to anyone that wants a true Nicaragua experience. An absolute pleasure.

Garrett, I am so glad you both enjoyed yourself, come back any time!  Safe travels.

Absolutely amazing place! Jeff was great arranging our stay on such short notice. It was peaceful, relaxing with incredible views. Tiger the cat is just too precious, we wanted to take her home with us. We highly recommend Jeff's Casa and Nicaragua!!

I would highly recommend if you aren't looking for a resort with all the amenities. By far my favorite place I stayed while in Nicaragua.

The photos did not do it justice. We loved our relaxing stay at this beautiful private oasis!

So glad you had a relaxing stay. You are welcome back any time.

This place was truly a memorable experience in the most positive of ways.   The house was beautiful, the views were amazing, the pool was cool and refreshing, and the open plan of the house really made us feel connected to the gorgeous landscape.  In addition we constantly had a breeze blowing though the house making it more comfortable on the hot days than any other place we stayed during our trip.  I highly recommend staying here.

Awesome, that makes me so happy to hear. Safe travels Amigo

Jeffs place is just fab! A really fun and unique way to spend some of your travels in nica. The open plan living is not for the faint hearted but great fun if you make the most of it... sitting with your feet in the pool watching fire flies overhead at twilight is very romantic. Be sure to get supplies before arriving the iguana conveniences are basic but the bar down there is fun if you can tear yourself away from the house. 

This place is absolutely the perfect place to relax with an incredible view on the jungle and the sea. As there are only 3 walls, you really feel like you are a part of it. Thanks to Jeff, Jose, Tigra the funny cat and the monkeys who woke us up every morning with their howls. It was better than we expected !

Beautiful! Exactly like on the pictures you wake up every morning and feel like in a catalogue. Even though you are in the jungle, there is enough space and room and everything feels clean and is in great condition. Sice the house is open, there are some bugs. But through the perfect light setting there weren't even a big issue in the dark. The cute little cat Tigra would have great fun chacing the big ones and there is a good mosquito net. Still; take insect repellent with you. Also a 4x4! You don't want to walk and a regular taxi might struggle with the road. As we were there, the foot path to the beach was closed, so the only way to access the close by beach of the Iguana resort was through the second gate. The Resort is private, but as guest of Casa Fresca we got told, that we do have access to the beach all day. there also is a small store if you forgot something, but to stock up on food ect. In Rivas we highly recommend! The kitchen is perfectly equipted! The beach close by. We spent 4nights there and could have easily stayed longer! -> surfing at Amarillo beach for beginners is great! (Lessons through Monkey hostel at playa Gigante up on the cliff -Olivier and William) Thank you Jeff, José and Tigra!!

Luca, I am so glad you had a nice stay. In Rainy season it does take some getting used to  but once you understand the place and how the jungle works its pretty easy to embrace. Thanks again fro treating the place with such respect. This coming from Jose :)    Safe travels

Casa Fresca is unbelievable, like staying in a treehouse in the jungle. You rise with the sun which we enjoyed because it gave us so much more day to enjoy on our short trip. The views are unreal. Ocean and jungle all in one. The pool was crystal blue and so clean. I can not say enough positive things about our stat. We did unfortunately have a bug problem but I would blame that mostly on ourselves when we turned the inside lights on the first night. Jeff was an awesome host, very communicative. Stop looking and just book your stay here! You will not regret it!!

LOL.....It was great to have you guys stay. Fair warning on the late May early June start of rainy season and early evening bug patrol. There is an art to living in the jungle, hahaha. Glad you figured it out.  Safe travels

This is a dream place for all nature lovers. The house has a smart and unique design, completely integrated with its surroundings. It has the feel of a tree house! We enjoyed waking up with the sunrise and bird sounds. The view is just stunning, and the wind blows from a perfect angle (literally: casa fresca). You will find everything you need to cook and have enough spaces to chill out. The all-wooden construction feels nice and natural, and the pool is just amazing... fresh water, no chlorine, luxurious! Jose was helpful and around in case we needed something, and Jeff is a great and communicative host. The cat (the true host) is super cute (: We had a rental car which is necessary to move around - and surfed the waves in the area, some of the best in whole Nicaragua. Playa Colorado is located in the Iguana Resort (5min) and there is no way to go through without authorization. We were lucky to know some friends inside the resort. But there is another way to reach the beach anyway (ask Jose!). Also super close is Santana and Popoyo, great waves and beautiful beaches. Aloha!

Casa Fresca is one of a kind experience within a beautiful and friendly country. As a young couple visiting Nicaragua for the first time we were more than pleased with the character of the locals and stunning beaches. Casa Fresca is a home we will never forget. From the refreshing infinity pool, to the yoga deck, open floorpan, and 4am monkey calls we will be telling stories of our week here for the rest of our lives. Keep in mind you are completely exposed to the outside, and we would definitely recommend a car. Also there is a safe in the bathroom to protect your personal items which we did not locate till our last night there. We have a friend in Iguana (Nacho) who owns Iguana Surf Shop and we took surf lessons with him all week so we had no trouble getting into Iguana. You must try Pili's Kitchen and Flora de Cana is the best rum I've ever had. Definitely explore outside the gates and check out Yolanda's (local grub) in Lemon Douce. We already miss Tigre the cat terribly as she truly is as precious as everyone else describes. Looking forward to our next adventure back in Nicaragua. Enjoy your stay!

Fantastic, exactly as the photos suggest.  Completely private, perfectly situated, and with expansive views.  Its about a 3km walk to the nearest services (simple shops or restaurant) so having your own car is a huge asset, a must in my opinion.  This is a place to unwind in comfort.  Book this with confidence.

This place is awesome, it has an amazing view. The cat (tigra) is super friendly. The house is equipped with everything that you might need, and the beach is near enough. Excellent choice! We didn't want to leave

If you like be in a secluded place that has awesome morning sun rises and incredible views, this place is for you.    Keep in mind you are exposed to nature...We were there for 7 days in April during dry season, so we found that there were no problems with bugs etc.  During the day it was very warm but the wind kept us cool.  The pool is wonderfully clean and refreshing to swim in.  Tigre the cat was a beautiful, clean and friendly kitty cat.  Jose who greeted us was very helpful, he stopped in regularly to make sure we had everything we needed and the grounds/pool were looked after.  We had no problems  going into Hacienda Iguana and having dinner.  There are two grocery stores there if you need to purchase any food etc. so if you forget something in Tola you can go there.  We enjoyed Pili’s Restaurant on the beach, very good food.  The beaches are awesome with incredible sunsets.  We loved our stay here.  

Loved the place!! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to relax for a few days.

What an AMAZING place! We had an amazing time and wished we could have stayed longer!! 

Class Fresca is amazing!!! Make sure you have service in area it can be difficult to find at night, but well worth it!!! The cat is so loving, beautiful view, and some of best surf in the world. It's paradise!!!

This was the best place I stayed in Nicaragua, and the one I'm most looking forward to visiting again. The view is spectacular from the open plan house and it's amenities are quite good. It can be adapted to suit the needs of all weather despite being open. The iguanas area has everything you could ever need and they are very accomodating. Cesar at the store will tell you anything you need to know in perfect Canadian English if you don't speak the language. The small main area for stores and food was just a three minute moto ride down the valley towards  the beach. There are certain areas to keep a low profile because technically you can't be on portions of the beach if you're staying in the la vista, but I certainly enjoyed the Pacific. Honestly though, the best part of the place was the ridiculously playful cat. 

Great views, great vibes. Ultimate experience. Make sure you pack enough food for your entire stay. We copped a fair bit of wind on the hill for our three nights, but very much still enjoyed the serinety. Such chill vibes. It Takes about 20-30min walk down to the beach via Iguana resort. Pili'a restaurant and bar are a must. Great cocktails! Casa Ananas cafe is also a good spot to get wifi and a cheeky brunch (if it's essential)! Enjoy!

This place is gorgeous. Open air building to the jungle. Great bedroom nice kitchen and beautiful deck and pool. The view is incredible and place is very private. The beach is down the hill through a trail that brings you to Playa Colorado. There is a surf shop and small restaurant (check times) Please feel free to contact us for info on this place or check Instagram paris_webster_images Paris and Sheila

This place is just unreal ! When you first look at the pictures of the house you think it's really beautiful but when you are there it's just unbelievable. We already miss our time there, especially our morning coffee with Tigre and the monkey family.  It's the perfect place to relax for few days in the middle of the jungle.

Where to start.. The house is gorgeous, the infinity pool amazing and the cat.. at first it was a little hesitant but as soon at it found our secret tuna stash we bonded for life. It got a little awkward when it to cuddle up and attack us in bed at night but it did eat all the bugs and lizards so that was a big plus.

Jeff's place is stunning. We really enjoyed our stay there, super relaxing. A thing to note is that it is not apart of Hacienda Iguana only the property owners at La Vista get exclusive access not the people renting their properties and the only good restaurants are in Hacienda Iguana. Jose the house caretaker showed us a path to the beach where you can get to the restaurants but we felt uncomfortable sneaking in. Also as Jeff mentions there is nowhere to buy groceries within an hours drive, this was a bit of a pain as we stayed there for a week. Other than this we had an amazing time and would definitely recommend staying here. P.S. There is also a cheeky little cat that we fell in love with living at the house.

Great house, great stay, completely relaxed, didn't want to leave

We stayed at Casa Fresca for 8 days, which is probably longer than most would stay in an open-air home, but we loved it. Yes, the challenge with the open-air set up is there are certainly bugs. Some small, some massive, if you can't deal with bugs this isn't the place for you. There really was only one evening that got bad, the rest was totally tolerable. The ammenities at Casa Fresca were great, a well stocked kitchen (minus a corkscrew, so you may want to bring one) a clean and refreshing pool, a comfy hammock for chilling, a cushy bed with a mosquito net, and a ridiculous view over the valley and ocean in the distance.  One thing I do want to note to help clarify for others: We stayed previously at a condo within the Iguanas complex so our expectations for access to certain restaurants, the beach club etc was a bit off. Our assumption was that anyone staying within the main gates of this place was all part of the same community, but La Vista (where Casa Fresca is), and Iguanas are totally separate, and it sounds like the rules are changing by the day. It wasn't a major deal, we had to take a different route down to the beach which was fine, but it did mean that we couldn't visit 2-3 of the restaurants in the complex which only left the ones in the main commercial area as options. Daytime usage of the beachclub for Casa Fresca renters is still a mystery to us, not totally sure if you are or aren't allowed here. We did end up chilling there a few times in the day, had lunch and some happy hour drinks a few times but always felt a little funny about it as though we were 'outsiders' sneaking in. We were more then happy to spend our money down there and the place was pretty dead all week when we went. I hope the Iguanas condo community realizes that it's the only spot on the beach to buy food, so it would be to there advantage to keep it open for the few people (5 homes) that aren't officially in the community.  Overall, it was an amazing trip. The surf conditions were great all week, weather was banging, and we left for home feeling completely restored and happy (and engaged). Jeff was super easy to work with and incredibly responsive throughout. He's an excellent host. Jose, the house caretaker was such a great guy. He doesn't speak English, but we were able to communicate with our basic Spanish skills. He was very helpful, kept the place in order, and is just a lovely guy in general.   Definitely recommend Casa Fresca to anyone who loves being in nature, you wont be disappointed with this spot.

This place is at least as amazing as it looks in the photos. Top notch design features in a well-crafted space that was both simple and luxurious that gives you a great sense of being immersed in the natural environment. Extremely private at the end of a dirt road we were able to access in a 2WD car, despite having to cross a small stream that was not flowing but did have some standing water. There was easy access to the beach with the car, not so much via a trail we were told (by the caretaker) as it was a bit overgrown at the moment. The place was clean, including the pool. Views of the ocean were complemented by the howler monkeys watching us from the trees as intently as we watched them. Jeff was quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had about the space, and the caretaker Jose was helpful in getting as acquainted with the amenities and directions to the beach.   The space itself was a little tricky to find, after realizing the creek to ford was a sharp right on the only road going into the scattered properties in the area. The first night we were there, there was not much wind so we did get some mosquito bites while hanging on the deck.  Overall, we had a fantastic stay at Casa Fresca.

Absolutely beautiful house. Everything we anticipated and more. José was wonderful!!! The views are outstanding. Like others mentioned....it's remote, so stock up. Nice walk or drive down to the beach. Silly cat that I wanted to take home with me. No mosquitos, at least for us. Our four nights were perfect and we would definitely stay again!!! Thank you Jeff!! 

Jeff's place is exactly as pictured--beautiful, secluded, and peaceful. We enjoyed the view, the pool, and the privacy. Wake up with the sun and have a cup of coffee on the deck. We ended up renting a car from Avis down the street, which was great for getting to surfing and restaurants. Getting through the gate at Hacienda Iguana with the car can be tricky, but we were able to get in a few times. The walk to the beach is about 20 minutes, but it's a nice path--my girlfriend had a longboard, which was a little tough for her on the walk. The property manager Jose was awesome and also happens to be a taxi driver, if you need one.

Casa Fresca is gorgeous and well-situated. The beach is about a 45 min walk away and access to the Iguana resort is prohibited to non-guests so renting a car is highly recommended. Jose is the housekeeper and gardener and is a very hospitable guy. He was available to us for anything that we needed and to answer any questions that we had.

Casa Fresca was the perfect ending to our trip to Nicaragua! Jeff was kind enough to set up a taxi for us from SJDS up to the house. I highly recommend renting a motorbike from Hacienda Iguana to get to and from the beach/to other beaches on the coast, otherwise it is a 25-30 min walk. Also, stop at the supermarket on your way to stock up on goodies and make use of the fully equipped kitchen! No sleeping in here.. you will be up with the sun and monkeys every morning :) We didn't have any issues with mosquitos because it was extremely windy during our stay, however we slept under the mosquito net provided. We had a wonderful time relaxing in the hammock and reading by the pool. 

My girlfriend and I stayed here for 3 nights in January. The views and space are beautiful. We enjoyed waking up in the open fresh air and going to bed to the sound of monkeys and birds. The wind was quite strong but cooling. Definitely go food shopping beforehand because there is very little around. The location is remote and access to the beach is not easy to find without assistance. We recommend whoever shows you the place, also walks you through the forrest to the beach. We spoke to the owner and he mentioned providing a map for the guests which would be great. Once you figure it out, it's about 20 minutes Walk. The beach area is absolutely stunning with a cute Restaurant, tiki bar, and pool which we frequented. All in all it's a unique experience and we recommend to all adventurous souls.

Amazing open house, best of ours holidays in nicaragua, very quiet, cool monkeys & birds, nice naughty cat. Refreshing pool. thx alot.

Great to hear Alban! Yes the pool is refreshing and the cat is naughty.......hard to train a jungle cat from survival.........be but he takes care of business in the neighbourhood :) Safe travel friend, come back an see us some time!

Jeff was a great host and did everything possible to make our stay an excellent one. The house is beautiful with a view of the jungle and ocean which are spectacular. The monkeys, birds, bats, lizards, gekos, all of it, makes you feel right in the middle of everything, but with amenities which make you feel at home. It's a bit of a walk to the beach so rent your gear at the shore and bring bug spray! The coastal breeze keeps you safe, but on the off nights it's quiet, you'll be glad you brought your DEET!

Great to hear Benjamin! When referring to needing DEET, are you talking about sand flees down at the beach? I have never needed any bug repellent at the house ever, not even a mosquito net, especially in January?

In the best of ways it is a deluxe porch! The photos don't really do it justice. Listening and experiencing the warm winds blowing through the place and the stars practically popping out of the sky was a treat.   It was a great launching off point to discover the surrounding beaches.  We stayed there for three nights on our honeymoon and it was easily the most romantic and uniquest place we stayed in Nicaragua.   The monkeys were a pleasant bonus!!

Casa Fresca is absolutely stunning - isolated from other homes and provides a beautiful view of the valley.  The kitchen is stocked with all the appliances you could possibly need/want. The house has an amazing layout - Jeff was incredibly responsive - responding to my questions and comments months ahead of our actual stay and always within 5 hours. Jeff was by far the most communicative airbnb host I have interacted with.  He goes out of his way to make sure your questions are answered.   Swimming in the pool was a delight after the intense hike up to the house from the beach.  Pili's is a great place to have breakfast and lunch.  Just an FYI the wind was very strong and noisy when we stayed - which caused for a few  restless nights sleep and finding out where the wind had hide our towels, clothing and even surf board the next morning. 

Casa Fresca is a wonderful secluded retreat. As others have written, photos simply can not describe the beauty of this home (the pool is even larger than I had imagined). While it was hot during our stay there was almost always a nice breeze flowing through the house that kept things very comfortable (and kept the mosquitos away, too). Even got a wonderful treat of a large (15+) group of howler monkeys in the trees from the deck. We brought most of our food with us, but we ended up having many of our meals at Pili's on Playa Colorado (a 5 min drive) since the food there was so delicious. Thank you Jeff and Jose for an amazing experience!

Jeff's place was a treetop dream house, perfect for a couple. The open design and location near beautiful and private Playa Colorado made it an ideal home base for our days on the Pacific coast in Nicaragua. Very much what we were looking for, a secluded and quiet retreat. Restaurant options are few in the area, but the places where we ate were all between decent yet a little overpriced (Aqua) and fantastic and surprisingly inexpensive (Rancho Santana). We loved the warm hospitality at Pili's Kitchen at Hacienda Iguana (Bruno, the server treated us like friends from the beginning) as well as their daily changing menu and delicious cocktails that featured fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The beautiful house is what initially inspired me to visit this area in the first place and we were so glad that we did. The one thing that I would have loved to have at the house was hot water to shower in but I loved everything else and would happily stay there again.

Casa Fresca was stunning. Very comfortable, very clean, and very beautiful.   Communication with Jeff was great. He set up a taxi service that picked us up from the airport and brought us up to the house. Jose was also awesome - he doesn't speak English, but with the little Spanish I know, we could communicate just fine.   Sleeping in the open air house was incredible. The sounds of the howler monkeys echoing across the valley below were so incredible to hear. We slept under the mosquito net provided, but mainly for a sense of protection - bugs where not a big issue.   The neighborhood was very safe, small, and just down the street about 15 min walk there is the Iquana Golf Club - surf rental, lessons, bicycle rental (which we did to get to and from the beach from the house) motorcycle rental, golf, etc. The area is known for some of the best surfing in Nicaragua! There are also a couple restaurants and an ice cream & coffee shop there. The organic restaurant down at the beach is really great, loved the food and smoothies!   We highly recommend staying at Casa Fresca!

Holy moly this house is the icing on the cake!! The pictures do not even come close to what you really get in person, the views are out of this world. Pool is nice and refreshing after a trek in the woods, and the hammock is a lovely spot for an afternoon siesta. Definitely worth every penny! The kitchen is well equipped to make anything you desire. Even espresso and smoothies! Jose is super nice and showed us the ins and ours of the house upon arrival and cleaned the pool daily. I will say, that the hike to the beach is not the easiest and kind of confusing With a lot of trails and no real trail markings, you may find yourself wandering upon someones house or even trespassing onto the neighboring Rancho Santa property (and yes, there are guards, even on back trails). But you will see lots of crabs, butterflies, and even maybe a howler monkey! This was the perfect last stop on our tour of Nicaragua. Perfect place to unwind and enjoy the jungle. Just keep in mind... It is an open house so if you're afraid of bugs, lizards, katydids or even the stray neighborhood kitty that liked to visit, this place may not be for you!

We spent 3 days at jeff's place and it was awesome. Sure it's difficult to reach, sure you have to plan for your food there but it worth it.  The place is incredible.

We loved our stay at casa fresca! The house and view was beautiful and there was always a nice cool breeze. Two times vi had visits from the howler monkeys that came right up to the trees around the deck! José showed us the hike to the beach (approx 20 min) and then another 10 min to the beach club restaurant which served cool drinks and good food! (10$ pr dish).

Casa Fresca was exactly as shown in the pictures. We spent three nights here and loved every one of them. The openness of the house and its closeness to nature was amazing. We had a rental car and went to the beach daily (approximately a 5 min drive) however, you could spend the entire time at the house and be happy. The house is situated at the top of a valley and was quite windy which is nice and refreshing during the day and cooling at night. The sun rises early here and is shining directly on you which causes even non-morning people (like us) to rise early. The house is in the shade by around 9 or 10 and makes for a nice morning nap after you have woken up and made breakfast etc. Jose (the caretaker) came by daily to clean the pool and check to make sure all is well. He is a nice local man and is there to help. We definitely recommend staying at Casa Fresca.  

Jeff was great.  He was always quick to respond to any questions and very helpful.  The home was downright amazing.  If you stay here be ready to be a bit adventurous if you are a city slicker.  It is a step up from Glamping, but still an open wall.  The views are stunning, really no bugs.  Claro has a stronger signal here than my cell carrier does at home, so if you want to remain connected just pick up a sim card.  

Couldn't have had a better time staying at Casa Fresca. Perfect location within the Iguna compound (security gate, access to Playa Colorado, Hacienda Iguana and the NSR Surf Shop). The house was amazing- every bit as beautiful as the photos even in the dry season (less jungley). Tucked up at the end of the dirt road on the hill, it's quiet and secluded. We picked up grocerys at the MaxiPali in Rivas, and cooked most meals at the house. Rented motorbikes from NSR and followed a little trail map they had to some pretty delicious Nicaraguan restaurants and towns (Yolanda's Cafe, Magnific Rock, El Gigante). This was one of my favorite holidays yet! Thank you Jeff and Jose for hosting!

We had a great few days at Jeff's, we drove down from Granada and it too around 3hrs in total which wasn't to bad, following signs to Hacienda Iguana from Tola onwards. The place itself is stunning (living up to the photos), with great views out to the coast and across the valley. It was beautiful at sunrise and sunset looking out and hearing the howler monkeys in the trees below. The place was well maintained by Jose, who was there on arrival to greet us - we arranged with him what time he would come each day to clean the pool etc. The kitchen was well equipped with gas hobs, fridge, small oven and all necessary utensils, there was also a good supply of drinking water which was useful if you don't trust the tap water.  We walked down to Playa Iguana one morning which took around 30 minutes, the beach was lovely but make sure to bring your own food and drink as there's no cafe on the beach itself. We also drove across to Playa Gigante one day which is also nice has has a few cafes and bars along the beach.  We had a great time, and for two city dwellers it was great to be so detached from the hustle and bustle, it really does feel quite remote. Thoroughly recommended.

Absolutely spectacular! Secluded, views that fill the soul, sounds that make you go and run to see what is there. This type of place may not be for all but sure was great for us!  The house was like camping in luxury. The view of the valley reminded me of our African Safari's, I kept expecting a Journey of Giraffe to go by. It was the dry season and the windy season. There were a few times I thought the roof would fly off but the house is of sound construction. Lots of hike paths through the valley down to the beaches, we found most of them by just meandering around which often led us to the Howler Monkeys. The design of this house is very unique, fits right in with the environment. Oh, and if you like to sleep in you won't here, the sun rise each morning cannot be missed...it draws you in. Nicaragua is a beautiful land filled with even more beautiful people and I can't wait to return. We travelled to Granada, Rivas, Ometempe, down the west side of Lake Nicaragua. There is never enough time to see everything so I will have to return. Jose is fantastic, really sweat guy, very friendly and helpful.  Once again, I come home with my mind, heart and sole filled with a great travel experience.

Jeff spot is incredible. Plain and simple. You will not be disappointed. We really fell in love with the house and open design. You wake to the sound of howler monkeys hooting in the trees and the sun rising from behind the hill. Jose was very helpful and tended the property daily. The golf course neighborhood is super welcoming. Be sure and check out the beach club, over looking Colorados. The waves in the surrounding area are killer! We had a pretty flat forecast, however there was always a wave to be surfed at Pangas. Lucky enough to get in the water everyday. Cannot wait to get back there!

We never actually met Jeff, only Jose who looked after the pool and the house. Jose was super nice, but unfortunately we couldn't talk to him much since we don't speak Spanish.   The house is a really cool place if you are looking for something different and unique. The place is rustic with an amazing view.   We were a bit unlucky when we were there because it was super windy, almost a storm. So we had to make sure all clothes, towels, sun glasses, pillows etc. was fastly secured, or it would blow away.   You definitely need a car here if you want to get around. There was no internet, which should have been available according to the description. No mosquitos when we were there (yay!), but the mosquito net can still be good to use at night. Bring a bottle opener!

Casa Fresca is a special place. We stayed 5 nights over New Year and really fell in love with the place and valley. As with anywhere in Nicaragua that's off the tourist path a bit be prepared with food etc. and have a 4x4. I imagine an open air house in the treetops is not everyone's idea of heaven but it's pretty close for us. Jose looked after us and was available the one time we needed a hand. Nowhere I'd rather be than sipping a cocktail by the pool at sunset watching Howler Monkeys overhead. The fact that one of the best surf breaks in the area is a short drive away only adds to it all. 

Amazing and unique place to stay! We were lucky enough to see a group of howler monkeys right next to the house on our last day. We brought all our food as we didn't have a car, this is fine if your happy to camp out and enjoy the house like us. We found that the beach is more like a 30-minute walk. The pool is amazing! 

The place was gorgeous and well kept. We never spoke with Jeff while visiting but the numbers he provided were very helpful! It was so convenient to be able to contact his friend who spoke English when we first arrived. It would be very hard to get to on your own! Jose, the housekeeper was very accommodating and warm to us. It was an amazing stay and I would absolutely recommend this to others!

Casa Fresca was everything we imagined and more. Ryan and I visited for 3 nights during our honeymoon trip to Nicaragua. We called this place our "splurge house" as the first week in the country we did more adventurous activities and stayed in hostels. The second week we splurged and chose more relaxing activities.   Jeff details it, but I want to reiterate to shop for any groceries in Rivas before hitting Tola. We did just that and enjoyed cooking together as well as using the blender for some Pina Colada's and the fridge to cool our beers!!   The beach at Hacienda Iguana was great. Full of surfers and other vacationers. There is a nice pool and bar available where we spent both days. We did go out in a nearby town one evening for a meal, which we enjoyed. The house is located on a massive resort community and they require you to check in at the front gate when first arriving- which makes the place feel safe.   Jeff was very responsive before our stay when we had questions including directions to the house. The place was very clean and Jose was very nice. He came by every day to clean the pool. We highly recommend visiting Casa Fresca and Nicaragua in general!!

Great view and awesome location close to playa colorados and other surf spots! Quiet and relaxing :)

Jeff's place is one of the nicest spots we have ever stayed. The closeness to the nature is truly amazing. The house has everything you need and if there is anything missing, Jose, the housekeeper, is always happy to help. I would recommend to rent a 4x4 as some of the roads in and around Iguana are quite bumpy and usually unpaved. I would come back in a heartbeat. Highly recommended. 

My fiance and I had a wonderful time at Casa Fresca! We woke up to the sunrise everyday, spend many hours sitting on the hammock reading, enjoyed the full kitchen and stared at the amazing starts at night. The house is peaceful and relaxing. The design of the house is amazing!The pool is a huge plus!  We would recommend getting a burner phone while you are there- we didn't get one- which was fine, but if we did it again we would get one only because the house is a bit isolated. Jose was very friendly and was very helpful! Thank you for everything, Jose and Jeff!