Casitas del Sol Private Compound of Four Villas

Location

Ojochal, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Short Description

Entire Property is Yours! No shared spaces!

Description

Welcome to Casitas del Sol…a truly special family property built for large groups to enjoy spending time together, without compromising individual privacy. This lush, spacious compound consists of 4 separate studio apartments (all included in the rental) surrounding a central outdoor kitchen, communal lounge areas, and sparkling turquoise swimming pool. It’s like booking an entire boutique hotel for private use – there is nothing else like it in the surrounding areas. We call each studio apartment a “casita,” and each unique casita is individually named after beautiful local wildlife. Colorful artwork by Monica (the “Mama of the family”), inspired by the Costa Rica “Pura Vida” spirit and painted sustainably on recycled canvas, can be found throughout.
More about the Property and Sleeping Arrangements
That’s right…your group will have this entire, private compound to yourselves! That includes the centeral4 private studio apartments (casitas) to spread out in. Part of the fun is masterminding where everyone will get to sleep. NOTE: a portable, twin-size cot, suitable for a child or teenager, is available on-site and can be moved into any apartment for overflow sleeping space.

Each studio apartment has its own separate entrance:

Casita Ballena (Whale House) – the largest apartment, with one queen-size bed and a twin bunk (sleeps 4). Adding the twin-size cot allows this apartment to sleep up to 5.
Casita Tortuga (Turtle House)– one queen-size bed. A full-size futon extends for overflow sleeping (sleeps 4). Includes a flat-screen Smart TV.
Casita Mariposa (Butterfly House) -one queen-size bed (sleeps 2).
Casita Tucan (Toucan House) – one queen-size bed (sleeps 2).

The property owners are a fun, extended family of teachers and world-travelers (with kids, parents and grandparents ranging in age from 6 to 75). And since we are frequent guests of our own property, we’ve added plenty of touches make the Casitas del Sol a safe, enjoyable place for kids and adults alike. Guests will enjoy:
• Top-quality mattresses
• Wifi/Internet access throughout
• Air-conditioning in all 4 apartments
• Separate entrance and private bathroom for all 4 apartments
• Small kitchenettes in all 4 apartments for preparing light snacks (microwave, coffeemaker, electric water kettle, small refrigerator, utensils, plates and bowls, and a cutting board)
• Top quality, locally made bamboo and wood furniture (we support Tico businesses)!
• A covered patio “recreation space” with hammocks, foosball, and a dartboard
• A top-quality, six-burner gas stove
• A well-stocked main communal kitchen with a large-capacity slow-cooker (Crock Pot, rice cooker, wok, colorful quality crockery (plates, bowls, mugs), and other essentials
• Large propane gas grill
• Washer and dryer on-site
• A brand-new fence around the pool, so parents of toddlers can rest easy knowing their children aren’t wandering into the water unsupervised
• Smart TVs with cable for watching major sports games

Communal, outdoor spaces abound for lounging, socializing, sipping cocktails, cheering on your favorite FUTBOL team on one of two cable Smart TVs, playing darts or foosball, or just relaxing in a shady hammock with a good book. Join the group in the central outdoor kitchen for casual homemade meals and happy hour….retreat to your own private, air-conditioned apartment on-site when you need to take a nap or work on your laptop. Wi-fi is available throughout the property.

There’s a reason why the youngest family “nino” (age 6) calls the central communal kitchen, “the kitchen that warms our heart…”….it’s the warmth, vibe and Pura Vida spirit that you feel, the longer you stay on this magical property. The Casitas del Sol is an open-concept property with a perfect balance of communal and private spaces to suit everyone’s needs and mood of the moment. Be surrounded by the soothing sights and sounds of nature while enjoying a glass of wine al fresco or your morning coffee; mountain views (sometimes topped with clouds), watercolor sunsets, and lively jungle bird chatter all await you. Flora and fauna lovers will enjoy the many trees gracing the property (mango, avocado, almond, water apple, citrus, and more), and the large family of iguanas living in the mango tree. Vibrant macaws make regular flights over and through the property. You may get occasional visits from the friendly neighborhood dogs popping in to say hello; feel free to shoo them away, or give them a pet. They’ll respond to either 😊.

Interaction

One of the advantages of reserving this property with Osa Property Management, is the professional assistance and the appropriate level of communication and support from our local and knowledgeable staff, including several who grew up in Ojochal and know the famous town's history and locations of all the waterfalls.

We will assist you with booking your tours, securing your rental car or scheduling in-home services, such as a private chef or a massage. An Osa Property Management Representative will meet your group at a predetermined spot in Ojochal, or at one of our offices, and escort you to the property for check-in.

Neighborhood

You may never wish to leave the property once you arrive 😊, but in case you do:
Casitas del Sol is in the heart of Ojochal, located minutes from gorgeous beaches, restaurants, grocery stores, a playground and soccer field, a gourmet deli and gift shop, and a pharmacy. This peaceful neighborhood is a diverse mix of local families and international expats. The Casitas del Sol is a peaceful sanctuary located in town (not isolated in the middle of nowhere), and the road to the property is paved, so 4-wheel drive is not needed. Walk easily (5-10 minutes) to a small supermarket, library (biblioteca) chock full of books in English and other languages, and Los Gatos Locos for excellent drinks, food and live music – all with the “Pura Vida” vibe that one expects in Ojochal.

Less than five minutes away by car, there are more restaurant options. High end restaurants including Citrus, Exotica, and Sud are best known. There is a French café as well, just off the main highway coming into Ojochal, offering delicious coffees, sandwiches, crepes, croissants, and other homemade pastries and savory dishes. For a more affordable option (cash only), and for authentic Costa Rican food, try Soda Ojoche. Note: a “soda” in Costa Rica is a local restaurant offering fresh fruit juices and smoothies, traditional food like “gallo pinto” (rice and beans) and “casados” (typical dishes including rice, beans, plantain, salad, and chicken/beef/pork/fish) at an affordable price. Driving a bit further afield (15-20 minutes), you’ll come to Pizza Time (excellent, wood-fired pizza), Fusion Sushi, a local panderia (bakery), and Rapi Pollo (another good “soda”).

Playa Ventanas (our favorite family beach) is a 7-minute drive from the property, with a beautiful cove of soft sand fringed with palm trees and a lot of natural shade. It’s best to come during low tide and avoid weekends/holidays during high tourist season. There are locals selling snacks and souvenirs, and for a small fee you can reserve a table and chairs under a canopy for your group (recommended). This beach has a small river flowing into the ocean, providing lots of safe little pools and streams for children to play in 😊.
Playa Tortuga is a little closer to the property, and is a wider and much longer stretch of beach. It’s also more rugged and remote-feeling, with fewer people than Playa Ventana. During low tide, this is a great beach for taking long walks. Guests will pass “Reserva Playa Tortuga” first, which is a non-profit biological research center. They are often looking for volunteers and donations. Depending on the time of year, guests may have the opportunity to help collect and count and protect turtle eggs, be part of a turtle release on the beach, or help count and observe wildlife in the area.

Playa Hermosa is further away (about 20 minutes by car), near Dominical, and is a very accessible, beautiful, and walkable stretch of beach.

A 15-minute walk uphill from Casitas del Sol, or a very short drive, is a path to the Rio Tortuga (at the bridge going over the river), where you can go for a refreshing dip during green (rainy) season.
20 minutes away is the town of Uvita, which has larger grocery stores and additional amenities, as well as several farmer/artist markets and souvenir shops. About 45 minutes away is Nauyaca Waterfall, which offers hiking and horseback rides to a beautiful waterfall with a large, refreshing swimming hole – very popular with tourists (and rightfully so).

Access

Guests will meet with Osa Property Management for a personal check-in and to receive the keys. Guests will then have unlimited, 24-hour access to the property.

Space

Casitas del Sol is a private gated home with no shared spaces. Guests will have the exclusive use of the property and the swimming pool.

Each building unit has two private casitas. Each casita has its own private bathroom, with toilet, shower and sink. In addition, each casita has its own kitchenette. A full-size oven and refrigerator is available in the rancho.

THERE ARE NO SHARED SPACES. RENTERS ARE RENTING THE ENTIRE PROPERTY.

Transit

Any vehicle can access Casitas del Sol. A 4x4 vehicle is NOT required to access Casitas del Sol. The property is on a paved road from the highway to the driveway.
Ojochal does not have UBER and private taxis are not always available.

Please contact Osa Property Management if you would like to secure private transportation during your time at Caistas del Sol and/or transportation to/from San Jose International Airport (or any other airport).


Notes

Reminder: There are no shared amenities with anyone else. Renters who book will have the exclusive use of the property.

Up to two (2) dogs are allowed, per reservation. There is a non-refundable fee of $75/pet required to be paid at check-in for anyone who brings a dog. Cats and other pets are not allowed.

Indoor

TV
Cable TV
Air Conditioning
Air Filter
Heating
Kitchen
Stove
Washer
Dryer
Indoor Fireplace
Smoke Detector
Fire Extinguisher
Essentials
Baby Travel Bed
Baby High Chair
CD/DVD Player
Board Games
Towels Provided
Dehumidifier
Ceiling Fan
Hair Dryer
Crockery Cutlery
Pots Pans
Oven
Microwave / Oven
Water Kettle
Coffee Maker
Dishwasher
Toaster
Fridge
Alarm System
Internet Wifi
Ipod Station
Steam Room
Safe Box
Smart Home
Wardrobe
Iron
Ironing Facilities
Shampoo
First Aid Kit
Safety Card
Has Buzzer
Has Cat
Has Dog
Has Other Pet
Hangers
Hot Water
Cooking Basics
Has Surveillance
Linens Provided

Outdoor

Hot Tub
Free Parking
Barbecue
Pool
Balcony Terrasse
Sea View
Gated Property
Helipad
Private Entrance
Garden
Deck / Patio

Rules

Allows Pets
Children Not Allowed
Infant Not Allowed
Event Friendly
Allows Smoking

Extras

Gym
Basketball Court
Cinema Room
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Elevator
Massage Room
Library
Office
Pool Table
Piano
Soccer Field
Has Tennis
Toiletries
Wine Cellar
Breakfast
Lock On Bedroom
Family Friendly
24 Checkin
Water Front
Doorman
Lake Access
Beach Front
Ski-In Ski-Out
Carbon Monoxide Detector

Family

Baby Bath
Baby Monitor
Window Guards
Bathtub
Changing Table
Children Books & Toys
Children Dinnerware
Fireplace Guards
Game Console
Outlet Covers
Pack & Play TravelCrib
Room Darkening Shades
Stair Gates
Table Corner Guards
Babysitter Recommendations

Availability calendar

Emily J. (review from Vrbo)
Amazing Stay
The place was wonderful and exactly as described. We loved cooking in the outdoor kitchen and lounging by the pool.

Cristian Solano Roque
Excelente servicio!
Todo el servicio fue genial! Atentos a las consultas y a todos nuestros requerimientos. 6 estrellas se merecen!

Verónica (review from Airbnb)
La experiencia fue muy buena. Las villas son muy cómodas, estaban limpias y en buen estado. La cocina está súper bien equipada y las zonas verdes están cuidadas. La atención fue buena, nos llevaron a la casa, y nos dieron instrucciones claras. En el momento que llegamos había una fuerte tormenta que provocó un corte de electricidad de varias horas, pero la cocina es de gas y había una lámpara de emergencia, así como focos en cada villa. Atendieron rápidamente una falla del aire acondicionado. Solamente no nos contestaron cuando informamos de un reguero de agua que creemos que se dio por el arreglo del aire, pero lo limpiamos y no volvió a pasar. El punto de mejora es la piscina, estaba limpia pero descuidada, con manchas y mosaicos sueltos.

Ruth Salas Paniagua
Vacaciones en Ojochal
Casitas del Sol está en una ubicación muy conveniente: cerca de varias playas y otras atracciones turísticas en la zona, sus instalaciones son confortables y bien equipadas, la empresa que gestiona la propiedad hizo un excelente trabajo y en todo momento estuvo comunicándose para facilitar nuestra estadía. Tuvimos un pequeño inconveniente con uno de los inodoros, pero de inmediato enviaron a alguien para repararlo. Lo único que quizás podría mejorar es el estado de la piscina, que presenta algunos problemas en sus muros internos (desprendimiento de repellos), aunque la misma puede usarse, se ve algo descuidada con respecto al resto de las instalaciones.

chrissy m. (review from Vrbo)
Beautiful and safe property
My family and friends stayed here, and everything was just as listed. Clean, working, safe, and well stocked with necessities. We were close to beaches, and with in reasonable driving distances to other activities. And Steven, our property contact was just a text away to answer questions. Thank you

Marika L. (review from Vrbo)
Excellent Area - your own OASIS
It felt like we had our own resort! The open air kitchen was awesome, we congregated there all the time! The birds and iguana were so cool :) The casitas were comfortable and fit our family just fine. The pool was great to have on site - we were in it all the time (a few of the sidewall tiles are coming off, it might need a bit of maintenance there) The pool was clean and a very nice size!

Carolina (review from Airbnb)
Muy lindo lugar bastante espacioso y cómodo!

Response:
Muchas gracias Carolina! Osa Property Management / Costa Rica Las Villas

Carlos (review from Airbnb)
Excelente lugar, perfecto para ir con la familia.

Eli (review from Airbnb)
Host failed to respond to EVERY email and text questions before and during our stay. Because of this there was a little confusion about checkout time, so only 3/4 rooms were vacated at checkout time. The crew was allowed in to start cleaning ten minutes before checkout. The last room was vacated a little late. And THEN a flood of correspondence comes from management trying to squeeze out a few bucks from their guests.

Decent place, but not big on hospitality and communication. This is a money making operation and you should know who you’re dealing with.

Shane (review from Airbnb)
Beautiful property in a safe neighborhood in the charming little community of ojochal. We were close to several beautiful beaches and only about 80 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park.

Jimena (review from Airbnb)
Ideal para grupos de 10 personas. La piscina cercada da mucha tranquilidad si hay niños presentes. Las habitaciones son muy lindas y todas tienen aire acondicionado. Playa Ventanas está muy cerca y la propiedad está muy bien ubicada. Volveremos pronto.

Meredith J. (review from Vrbo)
Amazing Retreat!
This weekend was absolutely perfect. The cabinas had everything we needed! The beds were comfortable, the property was clean, and the outdoor kitchen was incredible. We loved having all of the space in the yard for lawn games, and there was plenty of seating for our group. The property management team was communicative during the entire stay. We will return to this spot next time we need to get out of San Jose. Thank you!

David Villegas Palma
Excelente lugar familiar
Un lugar bastante bonito para una estancia familiar o con amigos, zona amplia y los cuartos en excelente condiciones, la piscina es grande y puede estar un poco mejor con respecto al acabado de la misma, mi única observación para el lugar es que cobran por llevar mascotas pero hay perros en los alrededores que entran por las noches y abrían las bolsas de basuras y o bolsas con alimentos e hacían mucho desorden.

David V. (review from Vrbo)
Excelente lugar familiar
Un lugar bastante bonito para una estancia familiar o con amigos, zona amplia y los cuartos en excelente condiciones, la piscina es grande y puede estar un poco mejor con respecto al acabado de la misma, mi única observación para el lugar es que cobran por llevar mascotas pero hay perros en los alrededores que entran por las noches y abrían las bolsas de basuras y o bolsas con alimentos e hacían mucho desorden.

Esteban (review from Airbnb)
This property it’s all you are looking for a family trip or even to go nomad for few days, there is a supermarket near the property and the best beaches of Osa.

The property have all you need, even two Clothes dryers and one washer so yo don’t need to carry much clothes with you.

I definitely want to come back here!

Response:
Esteban was a pleasure to host. Everyone here at Osa Property Management would welcome him back anytime!

Gabriela (review from Airbnb)
Un lugar bonito para pasar tiempo en familia, llegan los perros de los vecinos todo el tiempo.

Walter (review from Airbnb)
Highly recommended, great location. fast response times to needs.

Ayaz (review from Airbnb)
Great location and property with 4 separate units, a nice pool and outdoor kitchen. Family had a great time.
Great communication with the Osa Team! Will be back.

Juliette (review from Airbnb)
Wonderful place ! We were 3 couples with 3 children and each couple with his room. The outdoor is so good to share the moments with your family

Roland (review from Airbnb)
Great location and property but a few frustrating features. First, absolutely beautiful property, great location with easy drive to Playa Ventanas, Uvita, and the Osa Peninsula. We particularly enjoyed Ojochal Waterfall, which is just up the road. The kitchen is extremely well equipped and there were lots of fun things to do. A great setup for large families/multiple families. Frustrations: We did have several maintenance issues (broken door, broken toilet, one of the rooms - Tortuga - had trouble cooling down) but the staff was responsive and got things fixed. Also, numerous neighborhood dogs were on the property during our meals and got into the trash several times when we were out

Lidia (review from Airbnb)
Una propiedad preciosa! Las fotos no le hacen justicia. Es el lugar perfecto para grupos de amigos o familias grandes, ya que cada pareja tiene su espacio privado con cafetera y microondas, pero también tiene espacios comunes muy cómodos y bien equipados. Definitivamente me quedaría en esta propiedad nuevamente.

Jorge (review from Airbnb)
Great place to stay, great outdoor area, I would definitely stay there again if I visit the Uvita area.

Susan (review from Airbnb)
Un lugar hermoso para compartir y convivir en familia el tiempo se pasa volando, 2 noches no son suficientes