Tropical Villa

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.