Situated at the riverfront, this 4-bedroom villa accommodates 9 guests and features 3 bathrooms. It includes 1 outdoor pool and offers amenities like a private chef and games. Enjoy beach views from the patio, deck, and balcony while exploring nearby Carrillo Beach and Samara Beach. The property is pet-friendly.
Highlights
Family fun awaits
Top-rated for families.
Arcade/game room
A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!
La Paila has broad panoramic views of the Pacific due to siting at one of the highest elevations overlooking Samara Bay. The sky and light change throughout the day often finishing in spectacular sunsets! -- brand new gourmet kitchen just completed in October 2025! -- you'll love the private, outdoors shower set in a garden! -- staff prepare meals (if desired, up to 2 per day, your choice), clean house daily and do laundry! The pool and grounds are professionally maintained. Relax and enjoy yourself! Staff live in a separate house on the property providing security and availability but also as much privacy as desired. -- free delivery of pre-stocked food waiting for you (just reimburse for groceries ordered) -- La Paila has a huge open air room containing dining, sitting, entertainment and game areas. It has no walls so that you’re directly connected to the views, breeze and nature! (All four bedrooms can be closed completely and are air-conditioned). -- La Paila is very private, tranquil and quiet with only a few neighbors and little passing traffic -- designed in the colonial Costa Rican style of architecture, the house is appointed with art and artifacts celebrating local Tico and Guanacaste culture. Much of the house is made from tropical hardwoods and the furniture crafted locally. Immerse yourselves a bit in Costa Rica!
Free hi-speed WiFi, TV (Roku streaming) with a VCR/DVD machine A Bluetooth JBL Extreme speaker powers music through the big room and to the pool so bring your playlist. Laze in the hammock or lounge in the pool! We have ping pong and backgammon tables, board games, a volleyball/badminton court and darts! Take the boogie boards with you to the beach or use in the pool!
Nature is all around: flocks of parrots fly by each morning and evening, howler and capuchin monkeys will visit the backyard trees occasionally and maybe you'll see a coatimundi (pizote) or anteater! Mangos are plentiful from from May to June.
The sunsets can be stunning but also look for rainbows, sundogs and green flashes. At night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky if clear. Look for planets, fireballs, moon rings and meteorites!
Use La Paila as a secluded retreat for pure R & R or as a home base for day trips. The daily destination for most?: just five minutes away by car is the iconic, palm lined, two mile-long Playa Carrillo (Carrillo beach), a certified 'blue flag' beach of Costa Rica (means it is safe and clean)! It offers beach strolls, jogging, swimming and picnics and so much more. Horseback riding is available on several beaches. Go deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, swordfish and mahi-mahi. Turtle watching is best at nearby Playa Camaronal, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta. Snorkel to an off-shore island. Zip line through local jungle canopies. Surf lessons on the bucket list? Dine out in nearby Samara and Carrillo at numerous outstanding but casual restaurants. Explore the surrounding teak plantation. To the south, schedule a tour of the macaw (parrot) reservation at Macaw Recovery Network. You will not run out of things to do!
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Surcharge applies for weddings, receptions, etc.
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Dogs only
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside only.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 514779vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: surcharge applies for weddings, receptions, etc.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Puerto Carrillo
Located in Puerto Carrillo, this villa is in a rural area and on a river. Samara Beach and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Jungle Butterfly Farm and Safari Surf School. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!?
As of 17 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! on 18 September 2026 start from NZ$4,787, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Amazing Sea/Mountain views! New Kitchen! Pool! Private cook/cleaning included! located?
This family-friendly Puerto Carrillo villa is located by the ocean, within 3 mi (5 km) of Carrillo Beach and Samara Beach. Playa Camaronal and Playa Islita are also within 9 miles (15 km).
About the host
Hosted by Andy and Christine Durham
The owners are a husband and wife...she an architect and he a landscape architect. We manage the house ourselves -- not through third parties -- and make frequent visits to maintain and improve the gardens and house. It is our pride and joy.
Why they chose this property
The property has been in one family since construction. The site was selected for its panoramic views of the Pacific but also the cooler air and breezes provided thanks to its elevation. La Paila faces directly west for sunset views year round. With virtually no light pollution, the night skies can be spectacular. You can see as many as four bays from the pool terrace but the primary view is of Playa Samara and the town of Samara -- at night Samara's lights glisten gently in the distance.
Tico flavor! The house was designed by a Costa Rican architect in the Spanish hacienda style. Our staff is Tico so you'll be closer to Tico cooking, culture and Spanish language at La Paila. The house is appointed with Costa Rican artifacts and art: Guaitil pottery, colonial sugar-cauldrons, a Sarchi cart, ox yokes, and more.
Families welcome! Small special events by permission. Dogs OK too.
What makes this property unique
Broad, panoramic views of the Pacific! Western view of stunning sunsets! Great for families! Huge living room open to nature and breezes! Outstanding home-cooking by our staff -- included in the price! Daily housekeeping and weekly laundry (included at no extra charge!)! Safe, private, quiet, and tranquil! Well appointed with Costa Rican artifacts and historical items. Experienced owners-mangers and full-time, year-round staff