Casa Cuculeka is a 3-bedroom house in Manzanillo, Costa Rica, just 200 yards from the beach. A saltwater pool, open-air loft, and lush gardens create a relaxed Caribbean retreat for up to six guests.
The Space
Welcome to Casa Cuculeka, your serene retreat in Manzanillo, Costa Rica. This unique home comfortably accommodates up to six guests and offers a harmonious blend of comfort and nature. Nestled within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the house embraces an open-air bohemian style that respects the surrounding natural beauty.
The property is just 200 yards from the beach, allowing you to enjoy the soothing sounds of the jungle that give the house its distinctive soul. The open design seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces, immersing you in the rhythms of nature.
Location
Manzanillo is a vibrant village on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, rich in Afro-Caribbean culture. Situated at the end of the coastal road, the area is part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, offering a pristine environment filled with diverse wildlife and lush greenery.
The house is a short walk from the beach, providing easy access to the ocean and coastal activities.
House Layout
Ground Floor - Private Bedrooms
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Room 1 (Street-facing):
- Full bathroom
- Workspace with desk
- Hanging storage
- Glass-enclosed adjoining patio, perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation
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Room 2:
- Full bathroom
- Hanging storage
- Small dresser
- Shares the enclosed patio with Room 1, ideal for couples or friends traveling together
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Room 3 (Pool-side):
- Full bathroom
- Workspace with desk
- Hanging storage
- Private patio with direct access to the backyard and pool
All bedrooms feature full-size beds, air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and individual garden-access patios to ensure maximum comfort.
Upstairs Loft - The Heart of Casa Cuculeka
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Kitchen & Bar:
- Central open-air kitchen with built-in bar and stools
- Fully equipped with gas stove, new refrigerator with water cooler, coffee machine, blender, indoor grill, and all essentials for home cooking
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Dining Area:
- Seating for six
- Romantic nighttime lighting
- Overlooks the pool and backyard
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Relaxation Zone:
- Two hammocks for a perfect Caribbean swing experience while listening to jungle sounds
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Library Corner:
- Cozy reading nook with chairs and table
- A growing collection of books contributed by guests
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Living Room:
- Comfortable couches and two rocking chairs
- Fans providing refreshing breezes
- Views of Manzanillo street life below
Backyard Oasis
- Saltwater Pool: Newly built in-ground pool for a refreshing tropical swim
- Outdoor Shower: Bamboo-enclosed private shower offering an authentic jungle bathing experience
- Lush Gardens: Planted with natural mosquito-repelling herbs such as lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, and lemon balm
- Fruit Trees: The grounds feature trees bearing coconuts, papaya, cocoa, rambutan, and more, providing fresh tropical fruit at your fingertips
- Wildlife Viewing: From the upstairs loft, you can often spot howler monkeys swinging through the trees and visiting the backyard
The open-air design allows guests to fully experience the natural symphony of the area—from dawn chorus of howler monkeys to the gentle rustling of palm fronds—while enjoying modern amenities and the fragrant herb garden.
Guest Access
Guests have full access to the entire house and grounds.
Other Things to Note
Manzanillo is a truly magical destination surrounded by the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The house’s location offers a peaceful retreat close to nature, with the beach just a short walk away.
Guest reviews
4.8
· 58 reviews
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Accuracy
4.8
Communication
4.9
Location
4.9
Check-in
4.8
Value
What guests are saying
5
María Paula
1 month ago
A beautiful place with a lovely pool. The place is very clean and beautiful. Highly recommended
4
Beat
1 month ago
We had a wonderful stay at Casa Cuculeka. The house is really very nice, and we felt very comfortable there. Special thanks go to Omar, who was very helpful with the minor problems in the house. We would come back anytime!
4
Diego
2 months ago
The hosts were very knowledgeable, precise, communicative, friendly, and always attentive. They took care of a problem with the pool, which was the only negative thing about the trip. Otherwise, they were a 10 out of 10. Sometimes the people who take care of our businesses are not the most meticulous 😌, but otherwise they were excellent.
4
Maria & Paul
4 months ago
We had a memorable stay here and the property was as pictured. Omar was very welcoming and met us at check-in to show us around. The main highlight was the wildlife. We saw howler monkeys passing through the backyard, and nearby we saw a sloth at the nature reserve as well as many tropical birds. The location is excellent for experiencing the biodiversity of the area. The pool felt private from neighbors and was very helpful for cooling down. A few practical notes: bring dish soap, hand soap, shower products, coffee filters, cooking basics (like oil/salt), and bottled water if you are sensitive to changes in drinking water while traveling. There was no hair dryer, and while bikes were listed as an amenity, there were none on the property. As expected in a tropical home, there are insects inside. Since the home is open-air aside from the bedrooms, it can feel extremely hot and humid. We appreciated Reza’s flexibility when we became sick and needed to extend our stay by two nights.
Host replied
5
José Alberto
5 months ago
Our stay was very pleasant. The house is very well laid out, well equipped, and cozy, in a very quiet location close to many restaurants and supermarkets. The hosts, Tien and Jeff, were very friendly and responsive to our messages. Thank you very much for your hospitality and the favors you did for us.
5
Rachel
7 months ago
We loved the villa and Manzanillo itself, it’s such a beautiful part of the world. The open plan living, the pool, the terrace and the wildlife were all part of the charm.
5
Tanya
7 months ago
Loved, loved this place! Especially great for couples planning a relaxing vacation - but can see how a family group would like it too. May not be the perfect fit for families with multiple little ones. Just because it’s basically 3 master suites on the lower level. And you would really have to watch them on the stairs and railings . But I wouldn’t hesitate to bring a family where the youngest’s were 3-5 years old. As long as there were older ones to help keep an eye on everyone. Can’t say enough about how peaceful it is there. The local community was so nice and everyone was so kind and respectful. Reza was responsive and her travel tips were very helpful. Also Omar was great and helpful for the small things that might come up. Manzanillo itself is kind of the “end of the road”. If you want a peaceful tropical vacation with monkeys, birds and sloths this is the place. The wildlife refuge is a 5 min walk - great soda’s 5 min away too for a great meal.
5
Joyce
11 months ago
A place we would definitely come back to! The service was incredible, the place was impeccable, each room had its own bathroom and the idea of having the "common area" on the second floor gives it a unique style! 100% recommended
5
Arnaldo
11 months ago
The house is too cute. We loved it and want to come back.
5
Jennifer
1 year ago
Our time at Casa Cuculeka was wonderful. Reza was very responsive, and Omar was an incredible contact who helped us feel right at home. If you stay we highly recommend taking a jungle tour with Omar to learn more about the surroundings and history of Manzanillo.
Location
Location shown is approximate (within 1km radius)
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