Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most-asked questions we receive. If you didn't find answers to your questions here, please call or e-mail us.

What is a villa? What type of building is this?

Our villas sit two-thirds up the side of a mountain. These luxurious villas each look like a large private home. Our villas were designed to the following specifications:

Each bedroom has its own sliding french doors opening onto a 12' balcony, and a tiled bathroom/shower.
Each room was constructed with 8" and 10" cement walls, floors, and ceilings to ensure much quieter rooms than you might find in a home or hotel.
Staff quarters, kitchen, dining, and laundry are separated from the private guest bedrooms.
Our villas offer privacy and luxury, nestled in an exotic Costa Rican paradise.
Each villa includes its own private infinity pool, available for your use only, any hour of the day.
When you stay at our villa, relax by the pool, swim, or dance under the stars, you are not forced to live for a week with persons unknown to your group. You and your invitees have the entire villa for your exclusive private use and pleasure.
You will experience all the comforts of a luxury hotel with your own personal cook, house boy, and continual maid service.
Enjoy three gourmet meals prepared for you each day - our kitchen and bar are fully stocked for your enjoyment.
A Shuttle to and from the airport, only 20 minutes away, is available for $35.

Are the villas safe?

Yes, the villas are located in a private gated community, Playa Ocotal. Neighboring homes are valued from $500,000 to $2,000,000, most owned by retirees. This private beach community has one entrance, which is staffed 24 hours a day by a security guard.

How many people can your villa accommodate?

Our villas can accommodate up to 14 adults each. We have 5 bedrooms per villa, three with king-size beds, and two with two twin beds per room. All bedrooms are larger than you find at most hotels. When requested, we can also provide several foldaway beds.

Is the house on the beach?

The villas are constructed on the hillside above the beach, and are a five minute stroll to the beach.

Is there a well defined path to beach, and is it safe to walk to the beach?

Yes, a paved path leads to the beach. It is safe because the community is gated and allow only residents and guests to enter.

Is there tranpostation available to and from Liberia Airport?

Yes, there is a Shuttle ($35 per person) please ask for details.

Should we tip our villa staff?

You are not obligated to tip your villa staff, but almost every family that stays in Costa Rica have been generous. If your vacation has been filled with exceptional service and food preparation, please let this guide your decision to tip. Recommended tip is $10 per staff person per couple.

Do you have a telephone?

Telephones are available in the villas, that are capable of making outgoing international calls with your international phone card. Please bring or purchase an international phone card so your group will be able to make international phone calls.

What beers are available in the villas?

Imperial, Bavaria, and Pilsen, and non-alcoholic Kaiser.

Can you arrange deep sea fishing trips and tours?

Yes, we can provide contact information for a trustworthy individual that provides group fishing for reasonable rates. Your concierge can also help you arrange many other things to do and see in Costa Rica. Our most popular activities include tree top cable rides, canopy rides, snorkeling, scuba, jet skiing, sunset boat cruises, volcano tours with hot springs, Arenal Volcano, Monteverdi Cloud Forest and mud pits, horseback riding, tennis, deep sea fishing, world class golfing, surfing, white water rafting, kayaking, jungle river rides, ATV rentals, gambling casinos, Indian art shopping, and more.

What is the beach sand like?

Ocotal beach consists of dark sand that originated from volcanic rock. The darker sand is unique, different, and in certain light appears to glisten. It is very attractive in its own way. Please look at the photos we have of the beach, as the photos speak for themselves of the beauty, privacy and serenity of Playa Ocotal.

Are the villas available year-round?

Yes, we open the villas for about 40 weeks per year. Be sure to book your reservation as far in advance as practical to ensure the dates you want.

Is is hard to find a day spa or massage?

It's easy - outcalls are available at the villa, offering manicures, pedicures, mud/facial/body treatments, and massages.

Are tennis courts available?

Tennis courts are a 5 minute walk from the villas, and are available 7 days per week.

What should we pack?

Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate, so cold-weather clothes are not usually necessary.

Bring a legal passport, not expired. Make a copy and leave it the copy at home.
Medications
Any other necessary personal items.
Extra film
A pencil and small notebook are handy for jotting down information
A small Calculator for quick conversions (local currency is "Colones", but most stores and vendors accept American dollars).
Light weight long pants
Long sleeved shirt
Sweater / windbreaker / light weight poncho
Insect repellent, although insects are not a big problem
Lightweight day-pack for outings
Shorts
T-shirts
Light weight cotton clothing
Hiking shoes / comfortable stable shoes
Sandals
Snorkeling/scuba equipment
Quality waterproof sun screen (min. 15 SPF for protection from our tropical sun)
Sun glasses with UV protection

Some items may not be available for purchase in the local area. Bring anything important with you.

What documents are required to enter Costa Rica?

All U.S. and Canadian citizens (regardless of their age) require the following documents to enter Costa Rica:

A pre-paid airline ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to your country or to go to another country)
A passport valid for at least 90 days*

*Your passport can expire no earlier than ninety days from the date that you arrive in Costa Rica. US/Canadian photo identification and original birth or naturalization certificates will are no longer accepted at any Costa Rican Immigration port of entry.