WELCOME to LA SOMBRA, where Costa Rican Jungle Tree House meets modern luxury sophistication. Minutes from the infamous Nauyaca Waterfall & a 18-minute drive down the mountain to Dominical Beach, enjoy outdoor living up in the gorgeous mountains of Santa Dios where the temps are "mas fresco"! La Sombra is a beautiful, secure 2.5-acre property where you'll be enchanted by beauty, nature, food, and adventure. We hope you’ll slow down and notice the magic outside, inside, and all around you. The space We offer three private villas totaling five bedrooms, each with a private bath and a well-stocked kitchen for all your retreat or vacations needs. Every villa has been thoughtfully filled. We hope you’ll notice the natural & luxurious linens, textures, soaps, smells, flavors and beyond. We hope you’ll stroll the jungle trails while you listen and notice the sounds, the birds, the bugs. We hope you’ll follow our leadings for beaches, excursions, and sunset musts. Additionally, each La Sombra booking offers our local cook who is available for making breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a very reasonable price; we can source our area’s best organic and local ingredients for you as well if you’d like! Beautiful, enchanting, and wild experiences await you at LA SOMBRA. Live Slow. Guest access You'll have access to the entire property. This includes the hiking trail system, the spring fed creek and waterfalls (down at the base of the property and trails), the extra large jacuzzi pool, the hammocks and swings, and the gravel lot for parking and playing games. Other things to note We feel passionate about: slowing down, experiences, wonder, noticing, adventure, creativity, and most certainly filling the body and mind with rich nutrient dense things.

## Welcome to La Sombra

La Sombra blends the charm of a Costa Rican jungle treehouse with modern luxury. Located just minutes from the famous Nauyaca Waterfall and an 18-minute drive down the mountain to Dominical Beach, this beautiful retreat sits in the scenic mountains of Santa Dios where the temperatures are refreshingly cooler.

Set on a secure 2.5-acre property, La Sombra invites you to immerse yourself in nature, savor delicious food, and embark on exciting adventures. We encourage you to slow down and appreciate the magic both inside and outside your surroundings.

## The Space

La Sombra offers three private villas with a total of five bedrooms. Each bedroom includes a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen to meet all your vacation or retreat needs. Every villa is thoughtfully appointed with natural and luxurious linens, textures, soaps, scents, and flavors to enhance your stay.

Explore the jungle trails while enjoying the sounds of birds and insects. We are happy to provide recommendations for beaches, excursions, and the best spots to watch the sunset.

Additionally, each booking includes access to a local cook who can prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a reasonable price. We can also source the finest organic and local ingredients from the area upon request.

## Guest Access

Guests have full access to the entire property, which features:

- Hiking trail system  
- Spring-fed creek and waterfalls at the base of the property  
- Large jacuzzi pool  
- Hammocks and swings  
- Gravel parking lot suitable for games and activities  

## Other Information

At La Sombra, we are passionate about encouraging a slower pace of life filled with meaningful experiences, wonder, adventure, and creativity. We also emphasize nourishing both body and mind with nutrient-rich food and enriching activities.

Minutes from the infamous Nauyaca Waterfall & a 18-mi...

Ryan And Catherine

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Maximum Occupancy

5BR villa

Enchanting Luxury Villas - Villas for Rent in Platanillo, San José Province, Costa Rica

Ryan and Catherine's place exceeded our expectations. Our family really enjoyed our stay. Excellent coordination and service. A spectacular place to rest and relax, just 25 minutes from the beach. We would stay at this beautiful property again without hesitation.🤗 1000% recommended. 👌😉

El alojamiento de Ryan y Catherine superó nuestras expectativas, nuestra familia disfrutó mucho la estadía, excelente coordinación y atención, un lugar espectacular para descansar y relajarse, a tan sólo 25 min de la playa, nos volveríamos a hospedar en esta hermosa propiedad sin dudarlo🤗 1000% recomendados 👌😉

La Sombra was beautiful. I enjoyed celebrating my 50th birthday with my girlfriends since childhood. Most of my friends didn’t know one another and
La Sombra was a place that connected all
of us together, making new friendships! Plus having Marta to make us feel at home by cooking home cooked meals for most of our stay there. However, towards the end of our stay, I was shocked to find out that there were additional costs for services that I felt were not communicated. Those extra costs were listed instead of providing receipts for those services. When requesting receipts, there was a lot of back and forth and when those reciept were provided, there were items that we have not initially requested nor was it part of our daily menu. Furthermore, we had to buy additional items for the Villa that came out of pocket.  Even though it soured the experiences at La Sombra towards the end of our trip, I want others to know to ask/look/request for all receipts and not take the listed items.

La Sombra was beautiful. I enjoyed celebrating my 50th birthday with my girlfriends since childhood. Most of my friends didn’t know one another and La Sombra was a place that connected all of us together, making new friendships! Plus having Marta to make us feel at home by cooking home cooked meals for most of our stay there. However, towards the end of our stay, I was shocked to find out that there were additional costs for services that I felt were not communicated. Those extra costs were listed instead of providing receipts for those services. When requesting receipts, there was a lot of back and forth and when those reciept were provided, there were items that we have not initially requested nor was it part of our daily menu. Furthermore, we had to buy additional items for the Villa that came out of pocket. Even though it soured the experiences at La Sombra towards the end of our trip, I want others to know to ask/look/request for all receipts and not take the listed items.

We are sad to know Sharon’s experienced was soured. We were happy to provide any and all receipts. Because we purchase goods from local Costa Rican vendors it is not always easy. Everything purchased was used to take care of Sharon and her group. Her group chose to use Marta’s cooking service & chose to have us purchase the groceries (a service we offer) and supplies needed to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner during their stay - so that they didn’t have to. We did just that. Unfortunately Sharon chose not to pay the full bill. We make zero profit from this service, but offer it so that our guests can enjoy their trip free of preparing & cleaning up meals. We charge the exact cost for Marta’s WONDERFUL service, and the groceries needed to take care of our guests. Nothing more. We have no desire to do anything beyond giving our guests the best service and experience. Every guest we’ve ever had takes advantage of the service, loves it, and pays for it.

We enjoyed this beautiful place with my family 🙏🏻 ✨ what a blessing to wake up surrounded by nature in this magical place, thank you Ryan and Catherine!! Catherine, special thanks for your help with everything to make our stay perfect 🤩

Gozamos de este hermoso lugar con mi familia 🙏🏻 ✨ que bendición despertar rodeados de naturaleza en este lugar tan mágico, gracias Ryan y Catherine!! Catherine gracias especiales por su ayuda con todo para que nuestra estancia fuera perfecta 🤩

We had another Airbnb that fell through in the area. I found Catherine’s place and instantly was greeted by here with a welcoming message which put my mind at ease. It was a beautiful and peaceful place to relax for our large group. The property is very very private and is in a serene location at the top of the mountain surrounded in the clouds and lush rainforest. The cherry on top of this place is using the option of the personal chef Marta who is a gem of person. I was able to communicate with her and she provided our meals both me morning and night. We did have a few hiccups with the place but Ryan and Catherine assured us they were on top of them and did the best they could to remedy the situations. That’s what made this place great was the place it self and the owners and staff/helpers who took our stay over the top! Thank you for a memorable stay en La Sombra. We will be back!

I booked this listing for a group of 8 women.  We all needed time to get away from our busy lives in the U.S.  The six nights at La Sombra were peaceful and inspiring!  What a beautiful location and beautiful grounds.  We were all stunned by the property, in a good way:) It was even better than the beautiful pictures provided.  Each villa was appointed beautifully with quality linens, towels, robes, bath soaps, dishes, etc.  We especially enjoyed the patio views and the design of the structures that incorporate natural light and the surrounding nature. We ate dinner each night on the patio of the main house, and found a spot for morning meditations on the bridge.  Catherine and Ryan were available and responsive before, during and after our visit.  And, I cannot say enough about the local cook, Marta. We all wanted to take her home with us! What a treat:)  Thank you for sharing your home with us, Catherine and Ryan!

The atmosphere is amazing. We were 4 families and each had our own little slice of heaven. Each room had a completely glass wall which made us wake up with nature.  We couldn't wait to get back to our villa in the evening.  Martha's dinners added value to our stay.  Dream house! All fabrics, furniture, towels were of quality which made our stay even more comfortable

L’atmosphère y est incroyable. Nous étions 4 familles et avions chacun notre perit coin de paradis à nous. Chaque chambre avait un mur complètement vitrée ce qui nous faisais se réveiller avec la nature.  Nous avions hâte de retrouver notre villa le soir.  Les soupers de Martha ont ajouté un cachet à notre séjour.  Maison de rêve! Tous les tissus, meubles , serviettes étaient de qualité ce qui rendait notre séjour encore plus confortable

We really enjoyed our time at this beautiful property. You truly feel plopped in the jungle (but safe and like every thing was thought of for you!). We loved how much privacy we had from our other travel guests. The special touches like sound machines and diffusers, along with very comfortable beds/linens, and towels were great. You truly can slow down and savor your surroundings. Marta was such a special addition! Definitely have her make you breakfast. Her empanadas are delicious. She accommodated all of our food allergies and was so thoughtful. The area is a bit of a drive to the places you may want to go (mostly because of the long winding road the house is on), but the drive is filled with stunning views. We went to the beach (multiple times and locations, Hermosa was our favorite), waterfalls (our teens loved Poza Azul with a rope swing and clay rocks to ‘draw’ with also Catarata Uvita with a jumping platform and slide for the brave souls!) ATVing, Zip lining, and boating!

Talk about a true 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ experience! Catherine and Ryan not only have an incredible property with La Sombra, but their heart and soul goes into every detail of your planning, arrival, and stay. So much attention-to-detail in the decor, the functional spaces, and the furnishing to make your stay super convenient. Alejandro was also there on site to help and assist with any needs! They were incredibly communicative, detail-oriented, and thoughtful with everything. We practically felt like family! The property itself is so uniquely laid out, it makes for a great retreat space. There is enough beds to comfortably fit a small nation (kidding 😆), but we had more space than we knew what to do with! We would absolutely stay here again, and also appreciated Rachel assisting with activities and amenities! I could go on, but you get the point. Stay here! You won’t regret it!

Catherine and Ryan’s villas are something out of a fairytale. The keen attention to detail in the aesthetics, from the Turkish cotton towels, to the cozy linen sheets, showed that they are hosts who have genuine care and love for their property. To have wildlife exposure while also being just down the road from farmer’s markets, convenience stores and restaurants allows for convenience in the heart of a rainforest. The landscape is well maintained and our chef Marta is unmatched! All of this said, you can find countless beautiful villas in the area. Why we would come back to these villas is exclusively because of Catherine’s incredible support. She was very thorough and communicative offering endless resources so that myself and our guests could have the best experience. Her knowledge of the area and what it has to offer exceeded our expectations. Hands down she is the reason to come back for more retreats!

Catherine and Ryan have been the kindest hosts we have ever encountered. Prior the visit, they were super proactive with a lot of details (food, places to visit nearby, staff required, etc) in order to have the best possible experience. During the stay, they were on top of everything to solve any problem that we could’ve been facing, even the smallest. They have a great cleaning, cooking and maintenance staff… that knows how to do things impeccably. The place was just like the pictures or even better. Super clean, peaceful, private, mixed with the nature, with high quality furniture inside those three well designed (architectural speaking) villas. These are super well equipped, with a lot of gadgets, accessories and devices in order to have the best experience. The jacuzzi was amazing, easy to manage and capable of reaching high temperatures. Our favorite spot of La Sombra. It was an extraordinary experience and we are looking forward to return the next year.

Our group really appreciated all the effort that Catherine made to create a very special Christmas and birthday holiday celebration for us. She went above and beyond to help us plan our time in the area, even helping us find a real Christmas tree. The stunning villas are much more than an Airbnb rental - they are a fully managed accommodation with a property caretaker, a private chef, and cleaning services all available. This area near Dominical and Uvita is a wonderful place to visit, with a much more relaxed atmosphere than Jaco and Quepos to the north. Thank you again!

Literally the most perfect setting for our healing retreat! We came during rainy season and being in the hills and forests were a gift each day when the rain moved in. The surroundings are lush with life and invite you to just slow down and breathe. There’s several stores and restaurants close by with a local farmers market on Tuesdays. Then a town and beach located about 20 mins away that has an awesome farmers market on Fridays(we preferred this market but both offered a fun local vibe). Marta prepared our meals and kept the house tidy during our 8 day stay. We loved her too. We will be returning and several of my retreat guests are planning to book for their friends and families to enjoy again. Truly, it was that good!!

Very nice house, nice that you have several rooms but can still eat together, enjoy... Great communication and Martha who cooks delicious locally for you. Great vacation

Zeer mooi huis, leuk dat je verschillende vertrekken hebt maar toch samen kunt eten, genieten... Prima communicatie en Martha die heerlijk lokaal voor je kookt. Top vakantie

This is an incredible property. Plenty of room for all of our family and guests. The host has incredible style and taste regarding decor and amenities. We were extremely pleased with the way the hosts continually supported us during my our stay. Top notch!

In the embrace of Costa Rica's green bosom, where the rainforest breathes its ancient secrets, there lies a sanctuary of luxury, a hymn to modernism in harmony with nature. It is called La Sambra. With a private chef orchestrating culinary marvels and daily meticulous care to the home, each moment unfolds as a haiku to the mantra you will forever hold onto... "Live slow." Here in the wild, Ryan and Catherine invite guests to savor a rare blend of serenity and splendor, where the soul finds rest and the body's senses rejoice in the beauty of Costa Rica's untamed treasures. Don't leave the shade too quick. Our time is better there.

Catherine and Ryan were great hosts. Anytime we needed anything Catherine was there to help out. The place was gorgeous. I enjoyed sitting on the back porch and watching the rain. My family went on the Catamaran tour, Canyoneering, and took surf lessons. Everyone had a great time on the excursions and then ended going back to the villa and went in the hot tub and relaxed. The meals that Marta cooked were fantastic. I would definitely recommend Catherine & Ryan's place to rent and I would go back again. It is so relaxing.

Lodging- hands down the most beautiful place we have ever stayed in. There is beauty in the big (the exterior, the property) and the small (fresh flowers in the bathrooms, the smell of the sheets) and all of the in between (high quality dishes, furniture and unique decorations throughout). Large hot tub (more like a mini pool) on site. Location- “close” is relative in Costa Rica! This location was “close” to everything we wanted to see and do though. The waterfall nearby (8 minutes) is gorgeous and worth a visit. The large property around the villa ensures a feeling of safety, privacy and an ability to focus on the natural beauty around you. You’ll be watching morpho butterflies and hearing the creek from your dinner table. Hosts- responsive, kind, respected privacy, truly wanted our family to relax and enjoy as well as to experience true pura vida If you want to experience a luxury stay in a beautiful part of the country, this is it. ♥️

What a magical place to stay! The villas were peaceful, beautiful and incredibly well thought out. Being surrounded by nature, waking up each morning to wild birds and animals was truly breathtaking. Catherine was very responsive and helpful to connect us with local spots to eat, get amazing coffee and locations for tours and adventures! The beaches close by are amazing! The cacoa tour was a highlight for sure! The food that the in house chef Catherine set us up with was healthy and delicious too. I felt so well taken care of and enjoyed every part of my stay. I highly recommend staying here you will not be disappointed!!!!

Beautiful place, the property has three beautiful cabins, with nice views, you can connect with nature and appreciate it, the attention from the hosts was excellent, the chef  Marta was very good. Excellent place to rest and disconnect from the world.

Hermoso lugar, la propiedad tiene tres cabañas hermosas, con lindas vistas, puedes conectar con la naturaleza y apreciarla, la atención por parte de los anfitriones fue excelente, la chef  Marta fue muy buen. Excelente lugar para ir a descansar y desconectarse del mundo.

We had the most beautiful and restful stay at Catherine and Ryan's home.  Not only is it absolutely gorgeous and impeccably designed, it was tranquil with amazing flora & fauna.  We saw loads of animals and birds and ate wonderful organic and naturally delicious food & juices prepared by their cook, Marta.  We never wanted to leave the property it was so perfect.  What a gem!  Will bring family and friends back!

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How many stars can I leave for a host and a beautiful experience in the rain forest?! Catherine and Ryan are extremely hospitable. They are the kind of people you would want to bring along on any vacation you took with your family. They have thoughtfully curated not just a home, but an entire experience that allows you to have a rested and much needed respite in the rain forest. They put lots of attention to the details and so much thought put into hosting us in the rain forest, but also helping us navigate all the wonderful beaches and unique spots in Costa Rica🇨🇷. We loved every recommendation they had for our family and we highly recommend having Marta cook breakfast during your stay! If you are looking for an adventurous experience in Costa Rica, with friendly and thoughtful hosts, along with luxurious accommodations in the rain forest- book La Sombra!!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THIS PLACE IS STUNNING!! Beautilful property set among the trees - the greenery is breath taking!  Was the definition of luxury. All the amenities of a 5-star hotel in costa rica.  This stay lacks nothing (especially in the plumbing dept)! The space is so intentionally and beautifully designed and every detail has been thought of.  It’s serene and tranquil but very close to all the excursions CR has to offer.  Our family of 6 traveled with another family of 5 and the property had abundant space for us all (and more).  We beached, snorkeled, rode horseback, zip lined, shopped, visited Manuel Antonio, ate at delicious restaurants, and rested/enjoyed the house and especially the oversized hot tub.  The hosts even helped us arrange a cook/houskeeper for daily meals and cleaning.  It was the perfect vacation of both relaxation and fun!  Cannot recommend enough.  Will definitely be back!!

Our 10 days at La Sombra will be with our family for years to come. Catherine + Ryan have created a true respite. The linens were luxurious and comfortable. Each casita had a fully stocked kitchenette, bathrooms with robes + hairdryers, + a wooded view. There was enough space on the property for all 14 of us to spread out. The teens loved the private creek for play. There was also space for all of us to sit down together at one beautiful dinner table! Chef (Marta) made A+ meals from scratch, fresh juices from locally sourced fruits allowing us more time for adventuring + enjoying the pristine + rugged beauty of the region. She made a yummy bfast + we came home to delicious dinners (even tidying while we were out)! We enjoyed beach days as well as snorkeling + waterfalls. The hot tub fit all of us + was the perfect spot to unwind. This place is not just any rentable house. Catherine + Ryan have put their heart into curating a peaceful and carefree space to be with your loved ones.

BEST vacation ever! Catherine and Ryan treated us like family and went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. This was our family’s first international trip, and the hosts had an entire team dedicated to making sure every detail of the trip was thought out. Groceries were delivered, a local chef cooked Tikan breakfasts and dinners, and we came home from every excursion to a clean home and the laundry done! They anticipated every need to make sure the trip was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation! Their local recommendations were spot on, leading us to hidden beaches, charming restaurants, and fun filled excursions. There were luxurious touches throughout the home from the plush comfortable beds, linen sheets, cozy bathrobes, local coffee samples, curated books, and large hot tub. All of the villas have an open concept design allowing for indoor and outdoor living so that we could truely enjoy the breathtaking views of the private rain forest!

5BR Villa