Kubla Khan

About Kubla Khan

Kubla Khan is “a vision in a dream,” a poem by Samuel Coleridge describing Xanadu—a magical, secret garden filled with blossoming trees, ancient forests, rolling hills, and a river flowing toward the sea.

Enjoy privacy and tranquility throughout the property. Relax beside the river, swim in the pool, or unwind in the bio-sauna. Pick organic fruits and vegetables from the garden, or take a short walk to the local village for cheese, freshly baked bread, coffee, and chocolates. Nearby attractions include the Secret Gardens, Butterfly Dome, and Cloudbridge Reserve.

The Space

This private, gated, spacious, modern two-story house features an open-plan design, a covered private garage, and views over 140 meters of the Chirripó River. The property overlooks mountain peaks, virgin cloud forest, and the San Isidro Valley.

The house has one and a half bedrooms:

• An open master bedroom upstairs.
• A cozy, semi-private bedroom nook downstairs.
• This layout may not be suitable for two couples seeking complete privacy.

Kitchen and Laundry

The house includes:

• Electricity.
• Solar hot-water heater.
• Large refrigerator and freezer.
• Gas oven and stove.
• Costa Rican pour-over coffee maker.
• Filter coffee machine.
• Italian moka pot.
• Coffee grinder.
• Electric juicer.
• Blender.
• Toaster.
• Full laundry service for $20 per load.

Entertainment and Outdoor Features

• Flat-screen television with Apple TV, including Netflix, YouTube, Prime, and other services.
• Reliable Wi-Fi.
• Rechargeable Bluetooth speakers.
• Classical guitar.
• Barbecue area.
• Fire pit.

Fitness and Recreation

• Yoga mats.
• Foam roller.
• Exercise bike.
• Free weights and dumbbells.
• Bench press.
• Mountain bike available for guest use by advance reservation.

Bedrooms

The master bedroom has:

• King-size bed with mosquito net.
• Walk-in closets.
• Balcony with a hammock and “jungle gym.”

The second semi-private bedroom, “The Den,” includes:

• Double bed.
• Mosquito net upon request.
• Storage shelves, cabinets, and drawers.

Gardens and Pool

The property features beautiful gardens, orchards, raised vegetable beds, fresh herbs, and salad greens.

There is river access to waterfalls, dipping holes, and sunbathing rocks directly in front of the property. Swimming in the main river is not permitted during the rainy season.

A fresh-water swimming pool is available year-round, 24 hours a day. The electric bio-sauna costs $40 per session. Massages and yoga are available upon request; see the full spa menu in the photos for pricing.

Guest Access

Guests have access to all areas of the property except the hosts’ private house and entrance.

The property is enclosed by a two-meter-high concrete wall with large wooden gates that can be locked for privacy and security. The hosts are always happy to show guests around and offer them a cup of tea or coffee.

Location and Activities

The area offers countless mountain trails, including routes to Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest mountain range at 3,820 meters (12,530 feet). Other activities include:

• Horseback riding.
• Zip lining.
• Mountain biking.
• Paragliding.

The following attractions are approximately 10 minutes away by car:

• Entrance to Chirripó National Park.
• Cloudbridge Reserve.
• Waterfalls.
• Thermal baths.
• Botanical gardens.
• Trout farm.
• Kapi Kapi organic eco-market and restaurant.

Cannan village center is a five-minute walk away and includes:

• Bar and restaurant.
• Bakery.
• Cheese farm.
• Grocery store.
• Butterfly dome.
• Gelateria.
• Soccer pitch.
• Church.

Chimirol village is a five-minute drive downhill. A local farmers’ market takes place there on Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering local produce, organic coffee, chocolate, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, Kahlúa, and hot chili sauces.

San Isidro city center, with a population of approximately 45,000, is 30 minutes away by car or bus. The city offers shopping and a large farmers’ market on Thursdays and Fridays.

Dominical Beach is approximately one hour away by car and offers surfing, whale and dolphin watching, and paragliding.

Travel and Transportation

The property is a three-hour scenic drive from San José without traffic or stops. Plan for five to six hours from landing at SJO to arriving at the house. It gets dark at 6:00 p.m. year-round, and the mountain pass can become foggy and rainy in the afternoons. Allow at least six hours from leaving the house to your flight departure.

The road is paved all the way to the house. Do not take shortcuts on dirt roads. When driving from San José, stay on Highway 2 all the way to San Isidro, then turn onto Route 242 and continue to the house.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required to reach the house, but a midsize SUV is strongly recommended for accessing the property and exploring the surrounding area.

Important Information

The house and terrain may be challenging, particularly during the rainy season, and may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues or those requiring special access.

The minimalist design includes open bannisters inside the house and no fence around the pool. The property may not be suitable for toddlers or young children. Children should be supervised at all times, both inside and outside the house.

The hosts have cats and dogs that live in their house and may visit during your stay. Guests with allergies or those who do not enjoy being around cats or dogs may wish to consider this before booking.

Please follow these three rules:

1. Do not feed the animals.
2. Give them plenty of cuddles.
3. Send them home by dark.

Climate and Wildlife

Because of the property’s elevation and climate, mosquitoes are uncommon. You may see an occasional mosquito during the day in shady areas, but generally not at night. As the property is located in a tropical cloud forest, you may encounter the occasional interesting insect.

The property sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). Mornings are usually warm, dry, and sunny, while afternoons tend to be cooler, wet, and misty. Evenings and early mornings can feel fresh, so comfortable long pants, a sweatshirt, and wool socks are recommended.

River and Bio-Pool Safety

The property borders 140 meters (500 feet) of a fast-flowing mountain river, creating constant white noise throughout the year. Some guests may find the sound intense, while others find it soothing.

The house is positioned a safe distance above the river, but take extra care when approaching the water, especially during the rainy season when the river level rises. Kayakers may occasionally be visible below. Swimming in the main river should only be attempted with great caution and under adult supervision.

The fresh-water bio-pool is accessible year-round and is ideal for cooling off on sunny mornings or after using the sauna.

Bio-Sauna

An electric bio-sauna is available on the property for guests to use. Sessions must be booked in advance directly with the hosts.

• $40 per 90-minute session.
• $100 for three sessions.

The fee helps cover the sauna’s operating costs, cleaning, and laundry.