SHORT VERSION: Press CONFIRM! DO NOT HESITATE! YOU WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME AND WANT TO TELL OTHERS!
LONG VERSION: From start -to-finish, this experience was AMAZEBALLS. I had a rare and spontaneous opportunity to spend my birthday in Costa Rica with my Anam Cara (Gaelic for 'soul friend'.) Could've used Marriott points for a 5-star resort experience, but the allure of something quiet, beautiful, and non-commercial won-out, and I am SO glad I listened to that instinct. Mike (owner), and Sebastian and Dani (property managers), reached-out via WhatsApp a day before our arrival to introduce themselves and to say "think of me as your concierge, we're here to help make your trip easier." They struck the perfect balance between exemplary customer service and unobtrusively making us feel like the place was our own, private retreat.
The comfort, space, and VIEWS were like nothing I've experienced, and I am (as my partner would say) a 'hotel SNOB.' We spent 4/5 days thinking we should go somewhere, or DO SOMETHING (after all, it is Guancaste, Costa Rica. The list of things to do and see to enrich your experience is infinite... and Sebastian and Dani are perfectly willing and able to make your desires happen in a 5-star way); but we didn't want to leave. We ventured-out on my birthday to Coco Beach... it was lovely, but I wish we'd just spent those hours in the quiet paradise we were in.
I've been to Costa Rica before, and done the touristy, 'gringo'-thing. At this place, there's no need.
We spent our days basking in the sun, the view, and the sound of the jungle. We were visited daily by Howler Monkeys, impossibly-colored birds; and at night by friendly raccoons that entertained us with their play until we shooed them away.
As a bonus, Dani and Sebastian stopped-by to wish me 'Happy Birthday,' and give me a gorgeous pair of earrings that Dani made herself (See her schizzle on instagram: verdemar_crc ... hope that's ok that I put that there.) Such a lovely surprise.
We were sad to leave. We're already planning our return. And I cannot recommend this place, and the people who make it so special, enough. Thank you Mike, Sebastian, and Dani, for such a memorable experience.