Villa Makai—Private House Rental, Santa Teresa

Tucked away in the lush jungles of Cobano, Villa Makai Santa Teresa offers a tranquil retreat just a 20-minute walk (or 3-minute drive) from the beach. This modern yet naturally-inspired vacation home, opened in 2017, is a short drive away from the beach and the bustling town of Santa Teresa. It comes fully equipped with a pool, kitchen, WiFi, and laundry, and the hosts are available for any special requests. 

Pros

• You'll have the entire villa to yourself- ideal for travelers looking for solitude. 
• The pool terrace is well-furnished and faces the ocean, providing an excellent place to lounge and relax. 
• Martin and Julie, the owners of the villa, are extremely friendly and able to arrange a wide range of activities. 
• Everything you'll need for a comfortable stay is available at the villa, including a kitchen, WiFi, and laundry. 

Cons

• The road to the villa can be hard to traverse as it's steep and rocky (travelers recommend renting an ATV or AWD to access the location). 
• As the villa is a private rental, you won't have access to traditional hotel services and amenities. 
• Not an option for travelers with limited mobility due to interior design and rough access road. 

Authenticity

The villa was designed by a local Costa Rican couple, resulting in a modern style accented by touches of local culture. The lush jungle comes right up to the building, and you'll feel more like a local living in the area than a tourist staying at a crowded resort. Concierge services provided by the hosts give an added sense of hospitality, and you'll get great recommendations from people who really know the surrounding area. 

Location

Santa Teresa is just down the road from the villa, and here, you'll find small shops, art galleries, grocery stores, and a range of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The beaches lining the Nicoya Peninsula are popular surfing destinations year-round and are quite beginner-friendly if you're just learning. You'll have your pick of dozens of different beaches within three miles in both directions on the coastline. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is Costa Rica's first National Park and is a 13-mile drive away on the southernmost point of Nicoya Peninsula. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Villa Makai features two bedrooms, each with a king-size bed, air-conditioning, and ocean views, making it an ideal choice for small groups or families. The rooms are bright and airy, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Both bedrooms have a private en suite bathroom that has an ocean view and a modern design, with a walk-in shower and marble sink. For added convenience, the villa offers two extra folding single beds upon request.

Wildlife

The villa's location makes it a perfect spot to witness wildlife up close—you might even spot troops of monkeys feasting on papayas in the mornings. The canopy of the dense jungle surrounding the villa is home to many varieties of local butterflies and birds, which you can spot from the pool terrace by keeping an eye out for the bright plumages. 

Amenities

When booking the villa, be aware that this is a private rental, so you won't have access to traditional hotel amenities like restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, or staff around the clock. The villa has a private, non-heated pool that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by a spacious patio and garden where you can relax and take in the views. The main level of the home features an open-concept living and kitchen area that opens up to a patio perfect for al fresco dining. The villa comes equipped with parking, WiFi, and washing machine, and a tumble dryer. 

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at the villa, with those under the age of 11 staying for free, while children older than 12 are charged as adults. The hosts can provide free cribs for infants and up to two single folding beds for older kids (for a small nightly fee). The pool has been a big hit with kids as it has a shallow end and is equipped with pool toys. A fully equipped kitchen and laundry machine make it easy to take care of all your family's basic needs on-site. 

Other Highlights

Martin and Julie, the co-owners of the villa, have received exceptional reviews from travelers for their hospitality and flexibility in accommodating traveler requests. They serve as a de-facto private concierge during your stay and can help arrange everything from restaurant and vehicle reservations to babysitters, private chefs, and massage therapist visits.