Casa Big Sur

Casa Big Sur was designed to embrace absolutely stunning views of the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush tropical jungle on a mountainside which descends directly to the shore between Dominical and Uvita, views of the endless Pacific, Ballena National Marine Park, the Whale's Tail, the Three Sister and Cano islands and the Osa Peninsula are appreciated from every room, balcony and terrace.  Tropical flora and fauna of the primary tropical rainforest surround guests.  Wake in the morning to a chorus of tropical bird calls and the roars of howler monkeys, watch colorful Toucans and Toucanettes frolicking in the trees while falcons and kites soar gracefully overhead.  Maybe even spot a coatimundi, anteater or sloth.

Guests approach the exclusive three villa enclave through an automatic gate and past the 24 hour security guardhouse.  Entering the foyer through massive wooden doors, guests encounter an awe-inspiring panorama encompassing the formal dining area, gourmet kitchen, and spacious living room, and extending across the spacious balcony to the ocean views.  The living room balcony overlooks the pool area and views, is furnished for outdoor dining and lounging, and features a gas barbecue.

The Balinese inspired design in the living areas is highlighted by 30 foot ceilings, finished with farmed teak and beamed with recycled Eucalyptus.  German designed folding glass doors open fully to the balcony, and are backed by folding screen doors.  Throughout, guests are treated to design with native hardwoods, natural stonework, and local tile work.  Although the entire house offers separately controlled air conditioning, the multitude of graceful ceiling fans move the fresh ocean breezes throughout and keep the interiors comfortable.

The large gourmet kitchen is fully equipped, and features tropical wooden cabinets, a long granite eat-at bar, a central island, a wine cooler, and an ice maker. Water is obtained from a private well and passes several filtration processes, including reverse osmosis in the vegetable sink.  The water is safe to drink throughout the villa.

Two master bedrooms on the upper floor are situated on opposite sides of the living areas for maximum privacy.   The master bedrooms are large, have seating areas, dressing areas, walk-in closets, private balconies, and en-suite bathrooms with his and her showerheads, double vanities, and jacuzzi tubs.  The third bedroom on this floor contains office facilities as well as a king sized bed, a private balcony,  and a private bathroom.  Four of the five bedrooms in Casa Big Sur are equipped with individual satellite T.V. Indoor-outdoor stereo, as well as Wifi Internet, are available throughout the house.

Downstairs, guests encounter the fourth bedroom, an outdoor living room with wetbar, a covered and equipped work-out area, the pool and raised hot-tub.  The fourth bedroom hosts a queen sized bed, and a bathroom and outdoor shower are adjacent.  There is also a private lounging terrace outside this bedroom.  A media room with games, DVD library, and large screen T.V. is situated on the opposite side of the outdoor living room, and may be used as a fifth bedroom with a queen sized bed.  A large bathroom is shared by the living area and the media room/fifth bedroom.  

The vanishing edge pool appears to spill directly into the rain forest and ocean below.  The raised jacuzzi tub provides expansive mountain and ocean views and is a romantic spot for sipping a glass of wine and stargazing in the evenings. The outdoor living room extends to a floating terrace over the pool. A pathway leads to a private seating area set in the rainforest below.

This is the land of 'pura vida' or pure life, which you'll hear often in speaking with locals.  Activities which can be enjoyed in the immediate region include fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, beaches, surfing, and a multitude of parks, including the Ballena National Marine Park, the first marine reserve in Latin America to protect important natural marine habitats. There are many superb beaches in the vicinity, including Playa Hermosa, an incredibly scenic tropical beach which is but a five minute drive from the villa; Playa Dominical, which is ideal for surfing, and Playa Ballena, which is located within the Ballena National Marine Park. The staff at Casa Big Sur includes daily housekeeping, security, and concierge service. Staff special requests, such as a chef or nanny services, may be arranged at additional cost.