Entire home

🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine!

Beach holiday home with fitness centre and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for 🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine!

Casa Baula is luxurious indoor/outdoor living, day & night, right on the beach!
The Grand Room between the kitchen & backyard patio keeps everyone together!
Patio minibar, tables & sofas with a pool view. Step One to a PERFECT vacation!
Looking south. Our premium location: beachfront in the middle of Playa Grande!
Lounge chairs & love seats for keeping an eye on the pool with an ocean backdrop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6213.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Playa Grande, Guanacaste
  • Place, Grande Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Tamarindo Beach
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Place, Playa Langosta
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Airport, Tamarindo (TNO)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine!

The Casa Baula, Costa Rica on the beach, is proud to have been in Conde Nast Traveller's Vacation Villa Issue, October 2021! Casa Baula is our family's private Villa which we offer for rental! That’s a BIG difference and exactly why after all the searching, you may have just located your ideal Costa Rica beach home. Vrbo Staff, Conde Nast Magazine, & many vacation rental homeowners have selected the Casa Baula (Home of the Leatherback Turtle), so why not you with your family and friends?

Costa Rica On The Beach, Casa Baula is located in Playa Grande's most desirable beachfront neighborhood, Palm Beach Estates. The location is directly on the white sands of Playa Grande, a 3-mile beach that is the nesting site of giant leatherback turtles and offers some of Costa Rica's best surf. You will feel completely at home in this private, 2300-square-foot beachfront villa. We can easily accommodate up to six people but frequently rent to parties of two. You're planning a trip to a lush tropical country! WHY stay in a stark, white-walled vacation rental with a couple of palm trees in the yard? Chose the Casa Baula, Costa Rica on the Beach instead with its lush, tropical gardens & colorful Costa Rican art & decor!

Why are we unique?
What sets the Casa Baula, Costa Rica On The Beach, apart from the other rentals, beyond our OVER 140 Five Star Reviews?

ARE YOU REALLY ON THE BEACH?
Yes, the Casa Baula is truly built on the sands of Playa Grande! There is absolutely nothing but our backyard between the house & the beach. There are no 300 steps or 5-10 minute walks to access the beach. Walk 15-20 seconds across the backyard & you're on Playa Grande. CASA BAULA is COSTA RICA ON THE BEACH!

INTERIOR
It’s a Family Home, Not just a Rental!
3 Bedrooms, two with King Beds and one with 2 Twin Beds. (Twins can be converted to a King bed, just let us know.)
2 full Baths with double sinks & extra-large showers.
House & grounds are private & shared with no other parties.
Tropical, beach decor throughout the house.
Original works of art in every room.
AC & ceiling fans in every room.
FULLY equipped professional kitchen, large enough for several cooks.
Open, interactive, indoor-outdoor floorplan perfect for groups.
Grand Room is the perfect group gathering place.
Large flat-screen TV.
High-speed WIFI internet access throughout the house & patio.
US cable channels & Apple TV.
“Old school” DVD player, and over 200 classic movies in DVD format.
A large collection of family games & puzzles.
Extensive Library including Costa Rica reference books, Spanish Nobel Laureate literature, and 'Beach Read' novels.
A separate children's library.
Home security system.
2 extra-large lockboxes.
Gated entrance & property.

EXTERIOR:
Pool with jets, surrounded by palm trees, on the sands of Playa Grande!
Beachfront indoor & outdoor patios overlooking the pool. It’s all about enjoying nature within the comforts of Indoor-Outdoor Living!
The Pacific Ocean, seen through the mangrove, is the background for our gorgeous garden.
LED lighted, lush, tropical gardens & 3 large living garden walls.
Gas BBQ
Outdoor Minibar with a refrigerator on the patio.
Outdoor ping pong table.
Bocce/Pétanque Court. We have both sets!
Covered outdoor seating & sofas.
Beautifully landscaped gardens: living walls, palm trees, hibiscus, ginger, ferns, heliconias, malinche bushes that attract a variety of butterflies, & fragrant gardenias.
The local wildlife congregates in our garden including parrots and exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, & our resident iguana family, with Atticus the Iguana Dad, who you may spot lounging under roof tiles, overlooking the pool!
Outdoor poolside seating with love seat, two oversized chairs, and a recliner chair.
Brick walkways throughout the property & a driveway with off-street parking for 3 cars.
2 outdoor showers.
The entire compound is gated for your security, keeping curious beach wanderers off the property keeps your family protected.
Leatherback Turtles nest on the beach & baby turtles can be seen racing to the water, December-March.
Fun surf break in front of the house.
Sandy beach bottom, no coral reef or rocks.
Conde Nast Traveller, a high-end, premier travel magazine, offered us the opportunity to advertise in their magazine. Unfortunately, I'm forbidden from posting our advertisement on this site, because it contains my contact info.
Smarter Traveler has named Playa Grande as one of “10 Beaches for Your Lifetime Bucket List”.
We completely agree that Playa Grande is one of the Top 10 Must-See Beaches in the World, & certainly the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica! Why not stay at The Casa Baula, Costa Rica On Beach, & experience it for yourself? Love Nature! Live Amongst Nature at the Casa Baula! The Ulitmate Beach Vacation!

NEARBY ADVENTURE AND EXPLORATION OPTIONS
Easy 10-minute walk to the estuary where you can take a one-minute boat ride to the hustle & bustle of Tamarindo. Nearby endless adventure awaits including surfing, world-class golfing, kayaking, tennis, pickleball, deep-sea fishing, powerboat & sailboat excursions, estuary tours, ATVs, horseback riding, river tubing, canopy & zip lines, hiking, or mountain bike riding. Or enjoy the laid-back, beach life with a long lazy walk down the 3.5-mile white sand beach. Be careful not to step on the seashells!

INCLUDED WITH YOUR RENTAL:
Concierge service.
A Welcome Orientation.
Availability of an off-site Property Manager for anything related to the house during your stay.
One to two times a week cleaning, depending on arrival date
Departure cleaning.

NO SMOKING!
Our home & gardens, as well as the national park we are located in, are all NON SMOKING.

LOCATION ON PLAYA GRANDE IS KEY!
Casa Baula, Costa Rica On The Beach, is perfectly located in the more intimate and private Palm Beach Estates portion of Playa Grande. There are fewer hotels & tourists than the north end of Playa Grande.

ABOUT PLAYA GRANDE
Playa Grande is consistently rated on Best Beaches Lists for good reason. Travel & Leisure listed Playa Grande in "THE BEST BEACHES ON EARTH". BBC listed Playa Grande in its list of "BEST BEACHES FOR WILDLIFE VIEWING". And Smarter Traveler recently listed Playa Grande in its "10 BEACHES FOR YOUR LIFETIME BUCKET LIST". After all, where else on earth can you find a 3-mile long beach, 84-degree water, white sand with seashells, & a consistent surf break, but also mellow waves for everyone to enjoy. All this & the beach is nearly empty!

SECURITY
Palm Beach Estates has its own privately contracted security team at the gated entrance & they also patrol the streets nightly from sunset to sunrise. The security team is non-invasive but present. They have proven to be a great compliment to the neighborhood security watch system already in place.

DO WE NEED A RENTAL CAR?
Our Concierge can arrange an airport shuttle for your arrival. Quick & easy car delivery to the house can be arranged for the morning after your arrival. You can rent for your entire stay, including the return trip to the airport, or keep the car for 3 or 4 days & then schedule for the car to be picked up. A car is needed to access restaurants & groceries beyond our 4 nearby restaurants & local mini-market, for exploring the north end of Playa Grande & the greater area, or for transit to activities that cost so much more if you include transportation. Do not plan to rely on public transportation. The bus comes once in the morning, & once in the afternoon only. Our more adventurous guests who wish to truly detach & take a step back can manage by renting bikes & walking around the Playa Grande National Park area. However, keep in mind the roads in Palm Beach Estates are dirt, very dark at night, & can be wet in the green season.

MEDICAL CARE
Beachside Clinic with emergency services & doctors on call 24/7, for those concerned about traveling with medical conditions or potentially needing access to care during their visit.

FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE At Casa Baula, Costa Rica On The Beach,
In-home massage or yoga classes in the privacy of our home.
Backyard surf lessons.
Local Costa Rican cuisine prepared by local cooks.
Freshly baked bread & breakfast pastries delivered warm to the house. Don't miss the warm Chocolate Croissants!
Salsa lessons & Spanish lessons can be arranged in advance.

FOOD LOVERS
Nine local restaurants (4 within walking distance of the house) feature a fusion of Costa Rican, European & American cuisines.
Home Made European bread & pastries can be delivered warm to the front door in the morning.
Mini Market 2 blocks from the house.
Take a ten-minute walk down the beach, followed by a short boat-taxi ride, to the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo for more fine dining plus shopping, surfing, and nightlife.

REVIEWS!
Please take a moment to read a few of our more than 140 Five Star reviews! We are proud to hold the Vrbo Number 1 Review Rating for the Greater Playa Grande Area.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Vrbo posts their generic cancellation policy however PLEASE NOTE, The Casa Baula Cancellation Policy listed in our Rental Agreement takes precedence and is the actual Cancellation Policy. No refunds for cancellations 60 days prior to the check-in date. A 25% processing fee is retained for reservations canceled prior to the 60-day cut-off. Cancellations are only accepted via email. No refunds or credits for early departure, late arrivals, or no-shows. If there are border closures due to Covid we refund in full, otherwise, we do not honor Covid cancellations.

Highly recommended for: Romantic getaway, families with children or teens, birders, girl's getaway, weddings, age 55+, guy's getaway, surf trip, Foodies, adventure seekers, sightseeing, beach lovers.

Keywords: Costa Rica On The Beach; Casa Baula; Beachfront Home; Pool; Playa Grande; Beach Front House; Casa; Villa; 3 Bedroom 2 Bath House; Family-Friendly; Couples; Seniors; Surf; Golf; Sleeps 6

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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
RENTAL AGREEMENT: All guests are required to complete the Casa Baula Rental Agreement.
Cancellations before 60 days receive a full refund less a 25% fee. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 60 days before arrival.

Important information

You need to know

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Playa Grande

Located on the beach, this holiday home is in Palm Beach Estates, a neighbourhood in Cabo Velas. While the natural beauty of Conchal Beach and Tamarindo Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course. Travelling with kids? Consider Las Baulas National Marine Park and Monkey Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Playa Grande, Guanacaste

What's nearby

  • Grande Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Las Baulas National Marine Park - 6 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Tamarindo Beach - 36 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Playa Langosta - 43 min drive - 22.3 km
  • Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course - 50 min drive - 27.6 km

Getting around

  • Tamarindo (TNO) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Brisa Mar - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Pico Bistro - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Nari - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Rural - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Agua Salada - ‬30 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does 🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is 🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 🏝Premier Private Villa ON THE BEACH-As Seen In Conde Nast Traveller Magazine! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Palm Beach Estates holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Grande Beach, Ventanas Beach and Las Baulas National Marine Park. Conchal Beach and Tamarindo Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 138 out of 142 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 142 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 142 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 142 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 142 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Staci B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place and so well thought out.

Nearly everything was as described.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mindy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Beach Vacation

The house and where it is located is amazing! So be able to walk out the backyard to the beach was absolutely lovely! Olivia, the concierge, connected us with an excellent surf instructor who came right to the house. Being able to relax at the house and then go be active at the private like beach area was fantastic. The house had all the amenities we needed and more. We are so thankful for the lovely week we were able to enjoy at this beautiful location.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular

Everything about our weeklong trip to Costa Rica was perfect. This house topped it off. It is such a unique and special place. We loved all of the art and the location was unbeatable.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Desiree B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

Thank you for sharing your home with us. It’s the perfect match of location and amenities. Every detail in the home was fun to view and the waves in the backyard were unbeatable. The pool was the perfect location for us parents to relax during children’s nap times. Pura Vida!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casa Baula Fall Break

Well-appointed. Everything is absolutely gorgeous. The location is perfect. It was not high season, so we had Playa Grande to ourselves
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brooke B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

We loved our stay at Casa Baula. It was away from the hustle of Tamarindo, but Tamarindo was easily accessible for a town day. Lots of great place to eat in and around Playa Grande. The concierge was awesome arranging activities for us. The house was fantastic. Our family liked having lots of place we could gather or go for privacy. We hung out by the pool, laid in the hammock and every night played games in the game room. We saw iguanas, monkeys and a turtle that came up on the beach. Sunsets were breathtaking.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Experience

The house and the grounds are immaculate. This home is clearly well loved. The beautiful art and the thoughtful touches throughout made us feel at home. Having only steps between the house and the ocean was perfect for our family of surfers. Casa Baula is a very private oceanfront oasis with more amenities than I have ever seen in a vacation rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing One-Of-A-Kind!

Words cannot express how grateful I am to the hostess for all of the love and attention to detail she has poured into this place!!! I needed a retreat from the world and this was the perfect place for that. The hostess was also accommodating to special requests and just took care of me when I needed someone to care. This is my home in Costa Rica now!!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

kelley k., Texas

Perfect Location and nice home with plenty to do

We enjoyed our stay here and really loved the location and the property itself. The property owner was very helpful before our stay and the concierge was great. There were a few negatives and I hate to even mention them because everyone was so nice but the home could use some minor repairs such as some of the doors dragged the ground, the entrance gate lock is difficult to open and the home has a very musty smell before the a/c is turned on. Overall we enjoyed our stay and it was really nice having this home on the beach. The property is very quiet and in a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

julie j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Home on the beach

We were a group of six adults on vacation at Casa Baula for 12 nights. This home is immaculate and the personal touches that Annette has put into the home are amazing. She has provided all the necessities to have a wonderful vacation from boogie boards, beach chairs, the bocce ball, ping pong and loads of games. The kitchen is well equipped. The living space outdoors is very comfortable and we utilized the pool every day. The close proximity to the beach is a 30 second walk. We would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

erika c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Family trip for the books!

What an amazing experience. From first booking the communication with Annette (the owner) to the concierge who helped with ALL aspects of our trip the experience was 100% positive. If you’ve ever traveled with a mixed group ranging from 15-75 years old you know that pleasing everyone is quite a feat and EVERYONE is waking away smiling. Unlike many rental homes this spot is gorgeously furnished with cozy bath towels SHARP knives and house games, beach toys and gorgeous decorations. The bocce court saw a lot of action! The neighborhood was not what I was expecting delightfully quiet but everything we needed… cafes other hotels and restaurants all within a quick easy walk. 10 out of 10. The pictures don’t lie, you won’t be disappointed!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betty K., DOYLESTOWN, PA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best sunsets - EVER!

You will not be disappointed choosing Casa Baula for your Costa Rica vacation. Our party of 4 adults found everything we needed to make the week memorable. Concierge Jules from Frijoles Locos arranged our fishing trip & we had a fully equipped kitchen to prepare our tuna. Housekeeping & gardening staff kept inside & grounds clean & tidy. The local restaurants were excellent & Manfred, the property manager should open his own bakery. There's a bit of a learning curve for locks & alarms as well as baffling light switches but after a couple days we were experts. Just grab your beverage of choice, head to Playa Grande beach outside your gate, have a seat on your private bench & toast the most memorable sunset you'll ever witness. Pura Vida at its best.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and amazing trip to Costa Rica!!

We had a wonderful stay at Casa Baula. The house is right off Playa Grande beach, and it was the perfect beach for my kids who love boogie boarding and body surfing. They played for hours! Annette and Olivia were so helpful in the planning process. It was nice to know we had Manfred in the neighborhood as a point of contact should something come up. And his croissants were delicious!!! It was also wonderful to have several dining options within the neighborhood, all served amazing food. With it being dark quite early and us not wanting to do much driving after dark it was perfect to go to dinner within the neighborhood. We ventured out and did several excursions that were must do in Costa Rica. Do realize it takes awhile to get anywhere compared to what you may be used to, but still well worth the experience. The very last morning we had a group of howler monkeys pass right over the trees between the house and the beach- the perfect ending to our Costa Rican adventure!! Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Costa Rica and at Casa Baula, it is truly a hidden gem!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff T., aliso viejo United States

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boyz surf trip

Fricking insane everything! Beyond words. If u want to have a private home completely sealed up right on the sand (ok private path 50 yards to sand) and u live for the beach and surf this is IT! We were a party 3 45-50 year old dudes from so cal wanting to surf for 5 days. Epic house pool, yard, outdoor living, house has a incredible gate and block wall around entire property and is big enough for a few more people but with 3 it’s very nice space. The kitchen is well equipped but the highlight is the path to an incredible beach. So nice sunrise to 930 Am for session and coffee and a great glass off session 445-sunset. In between a bit windy but u will need a break anyway to eat and rest. Such a cool neighborhood south of entry to grande in palm beach estates. Unreal stay. Will return again. And again and maybe again. Can’t wait to show my family.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Chad W., United States

Pura Vida!!

This Costa Rican home exceeded all our expectations. The house itself was comfortable and has been taking care of over the years. We had four adults and to 2 kids and still had plenty of room. We played ping pong, bocce, and relaxed around the pool and patio when not at the beach. We saw numerous lizards, the giant resident iguana, crabs, and monkeys around the area nearly everyday. Casa Baula is so close to the beach!!! My son and I love to surf and we're able to surf everyday directly behind the beach house. Don't waste your time walking the beach looking for the best surf. The best surf is in your back yard!!! The beach area is uncrowded and full of fun. Whether you like to boogie board, swim in the warm water, or search for sea shells, playa grande is the perfect place!! There are many restaurants in playa grande to choose from. If shopping is what you to do. Walk the easy 10min beach walk and catch a boat taxi across the estuary into Tamarindo. I would recommend this home to anyone looking for the best Costa Rican experience!! Pura Vida!! Live simple!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

A.J. Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Beach Getaway

My wife and 3 kids (2, 13, and 17) had been planning this vacation for about 6 months. We love Costa Rica and did our research in checking out VRBOs and hotels across the country. Once I stumbled across Casa Baula it was a no brainer in terms of the luxury it offered at an affordable price. After booking the trip, my decision was validated as Annette called and had a phone call to discuss any needs or concerns we had. Best of all the property offered a concierge service and alleviated the stress of arranging transportation from the airport with a two year old. The following days we had a rental car delivered to the property, surfing lessons, and a horseback riding trip all arranged through the courtesy concierge service. Additionally, the private pool and quick walk to the beach made it easy for our teenagers to come and go as they pleased while giving us a safe option to enjoy the pool with the baby. Playa Grande itself is secluded and offers a private oasis but restaurants are a quick walk or drive if you desire. I also highly recommend Tamarindo if you need to mix up the solitude as there is plenty of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife if that’s your wish. Everything about our trip was enjoyable and if we ever return to the Tamarindo area we’ll be sure to see if the property is available. Highly recommend!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tehren W.

Great house, great location!

We just returned from one of the most memorable Christmas family vacations ever. Thanks to Annette and Dennis for letting us stay at Casa Baula. What a great house! We loved the open family room design, the comfortable bedrooms, the beautiful and unique furniture, the artwork throughout the house, the fantastic backyard/pool and the view when you get to the end of the pathway to the beach. It was all perfect! We were lucky enough to witness a nest full of turtle hatchlings make their way to the water on our second morning there, as well as a family of monkeys in the tree above the front door. Loved the resident iguana in the tree above the pool too! My parents own a small villa in Playa Grande, so this was our 4th trip, but only our second time to rent an outside house. We would definitely choose your home again. You all went out of your way to make sure the house has every amenity (beach towels, chairs, washer/dryer, board games, ping pong table, every kitchen tool imaginable, first aid kit, paper & pens...I could go on forever)! The Christmas decorations were a special touch as well. My parents and brother have known Manfred (house manager) for the last 14 years, so it was great to see a familiar face when we checked in. He and his wife cooked dinner for us one evening at their beautiful home. The food was fantastic and it was great to see them reminisce with my family. Thanks again, Sullivans! Your house is beautiful and it's obvious you love it. We loved it too! Pura Vida! The Webbs ~ Houston, TX
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C.

Secluded beachfront treasure

Everything in the online description was true! and so much more. This is a truly secluded paradise. There is privacy from the neighboring houses. The "walk to the beach" is only 50 feet down a private path from the locking back gate. The beach is an astounding stretch of pristine sand stretching 1 mile south to the river across from Tamarindo and 2.5 miles north past Playa Grande. We would often be at the beach and look to the left and right, and the nearest person would be 1/2 mile away in either direction. The surf was great for beginning surfers and experts alike. Perfect for kids on boogie boards, too. The outdoor space was perfect for siestas out of the sun. The indoor great room was also very comfortable when it got too hot. The air conditioning was unimpeachable. There were plenty of indoor spaces for the kids to sneak away to read there books. There were many family board games that we made use of. Our daughters loved cooling off in the pool. The river between Tamarindo and Playa Grande beach seemed to keep the crowds, walking salesman and party atmosphere of Tamarindo refreshingly away. The kitchen was well stocked and very foodie-friendly. We cooked many meals. We also made use of the option of having a Costa Rican chef cook 2 of our meals. They were two of the best and most authentic of our trip (economical as well). We highly recommend Manfred's freshly baked and delivered treats and bread. We worked with the recommended concierge at Frijoles Loco surf shop to set up a private shuttle from the airport, a wonderful estuary tour, and horseback ride on the beach at Playa Concha. All our local contacts/guides through Frijoles Loco were reliable, friendly, on time, and professional. We were able to continue our running program on the beach at low tide (beautiful beach runs on nice compact sand) and on the dirt roads from Palm Beach resort back to Playa Grande center. The restaurants just steps from our door were surprisingly good for such a small population center. There is a small mercado for supplies only a 5 minute walk from our door. In review, this was the ideal place for a family to rest, relax and be with each other. The beach was spectacular. It took us a few days to go from normal life mode to Pura Vida mode, but we relished it once attained. This was our first time in this country, but we know that we will need to come back soon. Thank you to the Sullivan family for sharing your secluded beachfront treasure! We loved it!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

April W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Blissful Sanctuary

Perfect location, beautiful well loved home and gardens with every comfort. Gorgeous uncrowded beaches just steps away. Manfred is a gem, so kind and responsive.(excellent baker) We enjoyed the restaurants within easy walking distance. Don’t hesitate to book this haven. Thank you Annette!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best rental ever, by far. World class!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Place

Exquisite ,perfect ,unbelievable could fill this entire page with adjectives ..The pictures do not do this place justice at all From the layout to the art work down to the finest detail ..Outdoor space is Paradise Fabulous support staff we loved Olivia the concierge ..She can help with anything …Hope we can come back again
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Week Getaway at the Premier Private Villa

My wife and I had a great stay. The property was just as advertised and we really enjoyed the privacy and ease of access to the beach. The property manager was easily available and brought over fresh baked goods. The owner and concierge were very helpful in recommending and scheduling activities during our stay. We will definitely consider coming back in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

francis d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a beautiful, peaceful place!

We spent a very relaxing week here in June 2024, walking the beach, visiting Tamarindo, lounging around the pool, and spending time at local restaurants and bars. As others have mentioned, the beach is practically deserted and at low tide is very wide and flat. At high tide, it's almost unwalkable, so then you just swim or relax and watch the waves and surfers. The owner was very easy to communicate with and very responsive. Manfred, the property manager, is great - also very responsive. The roads in and out, well, let's just say they contributed to the adventure that is Costa Rica! I cannot stress enough that when you rent a car, rent an SUV. I guarantee you will be saying to yourself and your companions: "So THAT's why that guy said 'rent an SUV'!" We very much enjoyed the fact that there are very good restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. If I had it to do over, I would not even have bothered cooking dinners, we just would have gone out every night. But we did cook, and the kitchen is very well stocked with dishes, pots/pans, and implements. The gas grill works great. There are lots of available chairs to use on the beach, but you'd be wise to either bring some type of canopy or rent one, as there is not one available that we could find. The sun is HOT, as close to the Equator as Costa Rica is. The sunsets! Wow! They did not disappoint, and you will want to be sure you're back from wherever you were by 6 or so to make sure you don't miss one.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unparalleled Privacy in Paradise

Spacious and beautiful home filled with local artwork and lots of color, you can see the love that went into decorating this home. Spacious for our group of six adults with a well stocked library, game room, and washer dryer. The kitchen was large and three to four of us easily fit while cooking and prepping food, making drinks, and cleaning up. We spent the majority of our time outside which was well equipped with an outdoor bar, bbq, two tables(one being a very large Guanacaste tree trunk!) couches, lounge chairs, and beach equipment. The gardens were gorgeous and lush and very private. Surrounded on all sides with greenery we didn’t see a single neighbor! The pool was perfect for a cool dip and we enjoyed playing ping pong on the concrete table outside! There is also a bocce court and cornhole and equipment for badminton. The beach is literally just steps from the back gate, it’s enormous and beautiful with gentle waves, incredible sunsets and so private! Great for morning and evening walks, it’s absolutely stunning. I could write a book about how much I love this house! The location is amazing with many restaurants and a small store within walking distance of the house. We never had a bad meal, the food is delicious! The Grateful Hotel is walkable from the house and has live music and is right next to the estuary where you can grab a water taxi into Tamarindo. The Owner, House Manager, Concierge, Chef Luis, and everyone who took care of us were lovely! Pura Vida!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert D., Easton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Experience

The pictures do not do the home justice. The location was great . From booking to the property manager to the concierge I could not have been treated better. The food at the restauraunts in the neighborhood is good and it is within walking distance and a short ferry ride to town. I will be staying there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Annette

Host profile image
Dennis and I both grew up on California beaches and have traveled the world enjoying a variety of beach cultures. Dennis and my 25-year-old son, Luca, love to surf. I love to boogie board and walk the beach, in search of the perfect seashell. When we unexpectedly (See Story Below) found ourselves on Playa Grande, we knew our search for the perfect beach had finally concluded! We love Playa Grande and can't wait to share it with you. One of our greatest pleasures is listening to happy people who can't stop talking about their amazement at the beauty and solitude of Playa Grande and the wonderful experiences they shared with family and friends in our home.

Why they chose this property

We first visited Costa Rica, in 2004, with absolutely no intention of buying anything, except a few souvenirs. We were chatting with our hotel manager and he mentioned two American real estate agents who would pay for a round of golf if you toured a home. Dennis was up for both adventures so off he went for a round of golf. That afternoon, we all piled into the real estate agent's tiny car and headed off through the cow fields. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about exactly where these American guys were taking us! When we finally arrived at the house, we fell in love with the home's tropical colors. Then, we walked through the backyard and onto the beach. We were sold, hook line, and sinker, as they say. It was the ONLY house we looked at!!! We have never regretted our impulsive decision and our love for this amazing country grows stronger with every visit. For several years after we bought, we would drive to other beaches along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in search of a finer beach. After 4 years we stopped, and we thank our lucky stars that we own a home on the most perfect beach in Costa Rica! We are located in Palm Beach Estates which despite its proximity to Tamarindo is the far more private end of the beach.
BOTTOM LINE...You will have the incredible beauty and wonder of Playa Grande all to yourself! You will see very few people, on your “private” 3.5-mile beach, throughout the course of a typical day!
We love to talk about Costa Rica, so give us a call.

What makes this property unique

WHY PLAYA GRANDE?
The magnificence of this beach is incomprehensible to most Americans. Miles of white sand, seashells, and 84-degree average water meets tropical jungle, & not a soul around.

THERE ARE A SMALL NUMBER OF HOUSES DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH WHY SELECT OURS?
There are even fewer homes on the beach that rent to 6 or less, without sharing the property. You’ll have our Entire Property to yourself! We also don't consider our family home to be a rental. It is our home! We are very proud of comments we've received from repeat visitors to Grande, as well as Grande Locals, stating our home is the best-appointed house on Grande. From our swimming pool & lush gardens, the gourmet kitchen, to entertainment for all, including a collection of over 200 DVDs, puzzles & games galore, ping pong, badminton, bocce, & a Soft Top surfboard. The office library is stocked with a large collection of books on Costa Rica, the seashore, the ocean, & the jungle, a wide variety of 'Beach Reads', and a comprehensive collection of books by Spanish Nobel Laureate writers. There is a smaller children's library in the third bedroom. Each room is beautifully decorated with original works of art & FULLY EQUIPPED with everything you could possibly desire for your best beach vacation ever.

WHY NOT THE NORTH END?
Most travelers to Costa Rica are looking for less crowded beaches & waves. Surfing the North End of Grande tends to be crowded. As you move south, the waves are often as consistent, but it's far less crowded, meaning you may actually get more waves and there's no need to share the waves. When a northern swell hits Grande, the waves in front of the house have all the qualities of a PERFECT WAVE! Our home’s location behind the mangrove makes for a more peaceful and private, sanctuary-like setting. You certainly won't be bothered by people selling trinkets or wanting to borrow beach chairs or using the showers, while you are enjoying an outdoor massage on the patio

Languages:

English, Italian, Spanish