Kubla Khan

Welcome to Kubla Khan

Escape to Kubla Khan, a distinctive home overlooking the Chirripó River and surrounded by tropical gardens, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The open-plan design, spacious mezzanine bedroom, and peaceful natural setting create a comfortable retreat close to nature.

Guests can relax in the shared freshwater plunge pool, arrange private Bio-Sauna sessions, or book spa treatments. Although the property is tucked away in nature, it is close to Canaán village, its bakery, cafés, and local amenities.

The Space

Nestled in lush tropical gardens above the Chirripó River, Kubla Khan is a distinctive timber home designed to bring the surrounding landscape into everyday living.

Soaring wooden ceilings, generous windows, and an open-plan layout connect the house with the forest, gardens, and mountains beyond.

Living and Sleeping Areas

The spacious main living area offers a comfortable place to relax, read, share meals, or enjoy the sounds of nature.

An open staircase leads to the beautiful mezzanine master bedroom, which features:

• A king-size canopy bed
• A sitting area
• Walk-in closets
• A private balcony with a hammock

Downstairs, The Den provides a second sleeping area and television nook. A curtain separates it from the main living space, making it semi-private rather than a fully enclosed bedroom.

There is one downstairs bathroom shared by both sleeping areas.

The home's open architecture is part of its charm and is particularly well suited to couples, close friends, or families who appreciate relaxed, connected living.

Tropical Gardens and Outdoor Living

Step outside into lush greenery, flowering plants, and extraordinary birdlife. The gardens offer peaceful places to sit, explore, and reconnect with nature.

A barbecue and smoker are also available for outdoor cooking.

Pool and Wellness

Cool off in the natural freshwater plunge pool, nestled among rocks and tropical vegetation. The pool is shared with guests staying at neighbouring Casa Nanita, is available year-round, and is illuminated at night.

For additional relaxation, guests can enjoy the garden Bio-Sauna and optional spa treatments. A nearby ornamental lily pond and gentle waterfall add to the tranquillity of the wellness area.

Bio-Sauna sessions and spa treatments are available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance. Sauna sessions require at least two hours' notice.

Wildlife

One of Kubla Khan's greatest pleasures is the remarkable wildlife surrounding the property. Toucans, birds of prey, butterflies, and other fascinating creatures are among the visitors and inhabitants of this beautiful environment.

Every day offers new opportunities to observe nature, although individual wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Guest Access

Kubla Khan is a separate house with its own living accommodation and outdoor spaces, set within a tropical property alongside neighbouring Casa Nanita.

Guests have access to:

• The shared freshwater plunge pool
• The surrounding wellness gardens
• The Bio-Sauna by advance arrangement
• Spa treatments by advance arrangement

The freshwater plunge pool and wellness gardens are shared between Casa Nanita and Kubla Khan. When guests reserve a Bio-Sauna session, they receive exclusive use of the sauna, plunge pool, and surrounding wellness area for a private two-hour period.

Reservations are coordinated between the two houses so everyone can relax and enjoy the experience in privacy. We respect the privacy of guests staying in both homes while sharing the property's natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Important Information

Mountain Climate

At approximately 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) above sea level, the Chirripó mountains offer a refreshing change from Costa Rica's tropical coastal climate.

Mornings are often warm and sunny, while afternoons may bring mist, rain, and cooler temperatures. Evenings and early mornings can be surprisingly chilly, so we recommend bringing:

• A sweater
• Comfortable long trousers
• Warm socks

The Sound of the River

Kubla Khan overlooks the powerful, fast-flowing Chirripó River. Its constant rushing sound is one of the property's most distinctive features, and many guests find it soothing.

Guests who prefer complete silence should take this into consideration.

Nature and Resident Animals

Life here is closely connected to nature. Birds, butterflies, occasional insects, and other wildlife are all part of the tropical mountain environment.

Friendly resident cats and dogs also share the property and may occasionally visit the chalet. Please do not feed them, and send them home before dark.

Guests with animal allergies should take this into consideration. Bringing your own pets is possible only by prior agreement and requires:

• An additional set of rules
• A $100 security deposit
• A $50 pet cleaning fee

Sleeping Arrangements and Accessibility

Kubla Khan is a distinctive, open-plan, two-storey chalet.

The upstairs king-size master bedroom occupies an open mezzanine, while the downstairs Den provides a second, semi-private sleeping space. Both areas share one downstairs bathroom.

The stairs, open bannisters, unfenced plunge pool, and uneven outdoor pathways require care, particularly with young children or during wet weather.

The layout and natural terrain may also present challenges for guests with reduced mobility. Please contact us before booking if you have specific accessibility concerns.

River Safety

The Chirripó River is beautiful but powerful, particularly during the rainy season, when water levels and currents can change rapidly.

Please take great care around the riverbank and maintain a safe distance from the water whenever conditions are uncertain. Swimming in the main river is strongly discouraged during the rainy season.

For a refreshing dip, the shared freshwater plunge pool is available year-round.

Getting Here

The road to Kubla Khan is paved, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required to reach the property. However, a midsize sport utility vehicle is recommended for exploring the surrounding mountain region.

From San José:

1. Follow Highway 2 to San Isidro de El General.
2. Take Route 242 toward Rivas and Canaán.
3. Avoid navigation shortcuts that may lead onto unpaved mountain roads.

Allow approximately three hours from San José in good driving conditions, and considerably longer when travelling from the international airport.

We recommend arriving before dark, as mountain fog and rain can make driving more challenging.

Optional Services

Additional services are available by advance arrangement:

• Bio-Sauna: $40 per 90-minute session or $100 for three sessions. Please reserve at least two hours in advance.
• Laundry: $20 per load.
• Massage and yoga: Available subject to advance arrangement, availability, and additional charges.
• Mountain bike: Available by advance reservation.

All treatments and additional services should be arranged ahead of time.

Nudity and Sauna Etiquette

During a privately reserved Bio-Sauna session, guests are welcome to enjoy the sauna and adjoining plunge pool without swimwear.

Other guests and staff are asked to avoid the wellness area during these sessions to respect your privacy.

At all other times, please remain appropriately dressed in the shared gardens, pool area, and along the river out of respect for local customs and others on the property.