Entire home

Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly

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Outdoor pool, a heated pool
4 bedrooms, in-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds
Beach towels
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Hot Tub
  • Washer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly

Located in the mountains above Uvita, Costa Rica, an area known for its wildlife, pristine beaches, and friendly locals, lies “Refugio Madreselva”. The spacious four bedroom, four bath home enjoys complete privacy surrounded by rainforest and expansive views of the Pacific coast, including the Marino Ballena National Park, and its icon, the Whale’s Tail. The stunning vistas of both ocean and mountains are sure to take your breath away.

Our staff is ready to pamper you - On weekdays, Carolina, our housekeeper will serve you a delightful breakfast made from local ingredients. She will also do a light housekeeping that includes tidying up, making beds, cleaning bathrooms and doing one load of laundry per day for your group. Carolina also provides (free of charge) concierge service to help you plan and organize your trip, such as transportation arrangements, vehicle rentals, tour reservations, on-site massage and private yoga classes. Carolina also offers additional services, such as grocery shopping, and preparing special meals for lunch and dinner (clean-up included!). As you can see from many of our reviews, her food is highly praised by our guests.

Madreselva is more than a home - it a wildlife refuge, encompassing 25 acres of forest and 2 creeks, and nested inside the Oro Verde Private Reserve. Madreselva is ideal for the nature lover, birdwatcher, photographer, and anyone looking for peace and relaxation.

Inside Madreselva, you will notice that we have an eye for detail. The house was designed to be at one with nature yet offer all the conveniences and charm our guests may desire. The open floor plan takes advantage of the ocean breezes, big views and incredible sunrise over the mountains. The HOUSE HAS NO STAIRS and is WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY. The gourmet kitchen is spacious, enjoys high-end appliances, and granite counter tops. There is a TV room with a flat-screen. The 4 bedrooms have high quality, comfortable mattresses that will leave you refreshed and ready for days of adventures. The yearly daytime average temperature at the house is 85 degrees & the evenings are normally a pleasant 69-73 making it perfect for sleeping! Gather your group together for a meal at the large ten person table that overlooks the beautiful (heated) pool, valley, and ocean.

Each morning you will be awakened by the howler monkeys. At Madreselva, you are surrounded by the wonders of nature and wildlife. Sit by the pool and watch the clouds roll by, waves crash onto the Whale’s Tail, and birds fly everywhere. The thatch roofed palapa (called 'rancho' in Costa Rica) hangs over the valley offering seamless views, and is a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or a sunset cookout on the BBQ grill. The outdoor spaces are complete with hammocks and comfortable furniture perfect for napping or reading that book you have been dying to finish. In the evening the delightful fragrance of the Ylang-Ylang waft through the breezeways, and the stars on a clear night will remind you of life before city-light pollution.

You can take advantage of our trails for hiking, bird watching, or taking photographs of our diverse wildlife. A short walk in our forested trail will take you to a small waterfall, where you can sit on a comfortable bench and enjoy the sound of the running water and the sounds of nature. With little effort you are likely to see morpho butterflies, strawberry frogs, and on occasion howler and capuchin monkeys.

Madreselva is also the perfect home-base from which to launch a number of exciting excursions. You can choose among a dozen beaches, surfing, whale and dolphin watching, horse riding, birdwatching, water rafting, kayaking, zip lining, fishing, and day as well as night-guided nature tours. Near us you can hike to 3 magnificent waterfalls through primary forest, as well as swim and play in the local river.

Uvita is only minutes by car and offers a wide array of services including super markets, banks, a health clinic, dentist, pharmacy, veterinarian, and much more. There are several good restaurants in our area, and Ojochal, the next town south, has several excellent restaurants receiving high reviews. If you are a golfer, the San Buenas 18 holes golf course is only 25 minutes away.

Madreselva is a 'green home' - we are proud that we rely on solar energy for power and hot water. The home was built to the highest ecological standards and best practices in tropical architecture. The roof is made from recycled plastic, the pool tiles are recycled glass, and the wood throughout the house comes from local wood, certified as being sustainably harvested. Even the dining room table was crafted from a hardwood tree that fell on the property decades ago.

We hope you will choose Madreselva for your next vacation, family get-together or yoga/meditation retreat. The balmy breezes, private setting, and lush jungle surroundings will leave you relaxed, refreshed and looking forward to your next visit to our beautiful country.

Important: Our private gravel road (1 mile), while in excellent condition, is steep and thus you will need a 4x4 car to access our property.

Bedroom Configuration:
- 1 master bedroom with a Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, and outdoor shower.
- 1 master bedroom with a King sized bed, ensuite full bathroom.
- 1 bedroom with a Queen bed and a Single bed, full bathroom across the breezeway.
- 1 bunk room with 2 Double beds below, 2 Singles above that can sleep up to six people. It also has an ensuite bathroom.

Property manager

Claudia Alderman

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No-smoking strictly enforced as per contract

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Phone
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Heated pool
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 5,000 square feet

Similar properties

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Pool not fenced. Children under 7 need permission
MONETIZATION_ON

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Pre-approval is required for parties and visitors.
Long-term renters welcome
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Eco home At One With Nature
Eco-home At One With Nature - Total Privacy Ballena

About the neighborhood

Map
Uvita, Costa Rica, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 15 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 18 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary - 19 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Playa Hermosa - 27 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Uvita Beach - 28 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

  • Quepos (XQP) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Scala - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly have a pool?

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

Is Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly located?

Located in the heart of Ballena, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Playa Hermosa, Catarata uvita, and Secret Lau Pool. Uvita Beach and Playa Colonia are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Eco-Home At One with Nature - Total Privacy, Mobility Friendly Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 93 out of 94 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 94 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 94 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 94 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 94 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Madre Selva heaven
Just a fantastic spot and we can’t say enough about the house, the views, and Carolina’s hospitality.The first time up the road was an experience and 4x4 is absolutely required - but it gets better with practice!Amazing home and vacation.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a place!
This was the ideal place for our family from grandparents to grandkids. And having Carolina, the housekeeper who made breakfasts, tidied up and did laundry was a real plus. She was a great source of information and did concierge duty to the many tours and arrangements that needed to be made.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meredith C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Madreselva
We enjoyed our week at Madreselva! Carolina made everything so smooth from helping arrange our excursions, providing exceptional meals and warm hospitality. The grounds are beautiful and we were able to see many different animals, birds, butterflies and frogs. I'd highly recommend this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Foley Kazura family
Wonderful stay! Beautiful setting overlooking Pacific Ocean. Loved the birds, insects, and monkeys in the vicinity. Local caretaker and her husband who maintained the property were extraordinarily helpful and friendly. Would definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful week!
What a fantastic vacation we had at Madreselva! A very special thank you to Carolina and her husband for amazing service, food, hospitality and concierge. We highly recommend staying here. Unforgettable experience!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Randolph B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mother of the Jungle
5 nights with 12, 10, 8 yo girls grandma and grandpa. Surfing, horses, and adventures within minutes Awesome place with unreal views Good internet and phone connectivity Need 4 wheel drive. No really
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob W., Rocklin, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
My friends and I had such an amazing time here. I can't recommend it enough. The house manager Carolina was such a wonderful person with such an attention for detail. She makes wonderful food and will always make sure you're taken care of. The property itself is in a very tranquil setting in nature. You can see plenty of wildlife. The house is designed with nature in mind and it's beautiful. You will not be disappointed staying here.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay
We traveled to Costa Rica and stayed at Refugio Madreselva the last week in December. We were 2 families traveling together with kids ranging from 7-13. Everyone (adults and kids) both LOVED staying here. Carolina was so great with communicating prior to the stay and assisted w/ booking care rentals, airport transportation and excursions. She made us feel welcome and her and her husband prepared delicious breakfasts and dinners for us. The kids and adults loved just spending time at the house watching all the birds, admiring all the vegetation and most of all taking in the view of Whale Tail Beach. This is definitely on our list for a repeat trip. 5/5 recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property, house and staff was absolutely wonderful!!
We stayed as 2 families with kids 15, 11 and 6 for 3 nights. The gorgeous pictures do not do this place justice. Beautiful property and views! We spent much of our time in the pool, hammocks and exploring the trail. Carolina was a wonderful host and made us delicious breakfasts in the mornings as well as a couple of wonderful dinners. She was so helpful and engaging. We can’t wait to return to Madreselva and the exciting drive up the mountain!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise in the jungle
Wish we could have stayed longer! The house is beautiful and the views are breathtaking! Carolina and her husband were so accommodating and made us feel so welcomed. The food was absolutely delicious and she even managed to keep my picky kid eaters pleased! It was such a blessing to have clean laundry done when we left the house to head home. You will not be disappointed with this house! Book it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Spring break visit
What a week at Madre Selva! Carolina and Rumenigg treated us like family and were such wonderful hosts. Breakfast each day was delicious and the house is clean and comfortable. The ride up and down the mountain is definitely treacherous, but we got the hang of it after a few runs. This location is fairly remote and requires a long drive from San Jose, but the views are worth it. The views are even better in person than the pictures online! Overall our stay exceeded my expectations- thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Johanna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
The best house ever! The property and views are so beautiful, the pictures don’t even do it justice. We woke up every morning with the incredible sunrise and with the sounds of howler monkeys and other animals on the property. Carolina was also amazing! The drive up to the house is steep but with a 4x4 and experienced driver it was fine, and so worth it for the views and privacy. There is so much to do in the area as well. We would love to come back!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

aviva o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Special house
This house is beautiful, well-made, and you can feel the love of the owners. Both Claudia and Carolina were very attentive and generous. The beds and pillows are wonderfully comfortable. I did find the drive to be a bit exhausting. Make sure you are comfortable with four-wheel drive roads before booking this location. If you do stay here, I highly recommend going to the local water hole. It was gorgeous and we had it entirely to ourselves. Carolina is a great help with anything you need. Overall this is a very special place!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

lisa s.

Spectacular mountain retreat!
We had an ideal family vacation in December at Madreselva . The view was spectacular from the house, and the house itself was tastefully decorated and spacious with lots of options for togetherness and privacy both indoors and outdoors. ( We were a family of 5 adults). Rosi the housekeeper was superb at preparing our breakfast, daily housekeeping and providing us with local contacts and arrangements for activities. Claudia's guide to the house and the area is very thorough and informative , and both Claudia and Rosi were very responsive to any questions or help needed. Would definitely recommend for a stay and would love to return!

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nature and hospitality
Communication with Carolina, (the property host) was excellent before and during our stay. She helped to coordinate our staggered arrival to the property, arrange some of our adventures. We had some quirky issues with the property gates and security alarms when we arrived, but Carolina was attentive to getting everything straightened out with just a phone call. The house was situated in the middle of the forest, with the view of the ocean and surrounded by the sounds of nature. It was cloudy for much of our visit so some of the nights were interrupted by the sounds of the generator located outside of our beautiful bedroom window. But the memories of the howler monkeys, toucans and other tropical birds prevailed. We appreciated the delicious breakfasts prepared by Carolina as well as the dinner the night before our departure. Our bilingual children and grandchild enjoyed conversations with Carolina and Rume in Spanish, and were pleased with Carolina's clear English for the others. The beautiful infinity pool was the desired spot for the grandkids, and perfect for our 5 year old to perfect his newly acquired swimming strokes. The hammocks were in constant use for relaxing. The bedroom on the back of the house with the queen bed and one twin bed was “less than ideal” as there was no cross ventilation and didn’t have an en-suite bathroom. The grounds were beautifully maintained and we enjoyed everything the house had to offer. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
Gorgeous house with stunning views. Claudia was a gracious host who patiently answered our many questions. Rosiess breakfasts were delicious and she also provided dinner on our arrival after a long travel day. During our stay we saw whales, dolphins, waterfalls, tons of wildlife, took surfing lessons and caught sailfish, mahi-mahi and dorado during a fishing excursion. There were many different unique and beautiful beaches to explore each day. The drive from the house to the main road was an easy drive and quite fun. This was an amazing vacation and I would absolutely love to stay at this property again. Pura Vida!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Corinna L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The MOST amazing place!
All we can say is WOW!!!! Not only is the house and view unsurpassed, but wonderful Carolina & Rume we’re the best! Their food is fabulous, and they took care of us like family! In addition, Claudia was so wonderful and welcoming we can’t say enough about them all! This property is at the top of an incredible mountainous dirt road that is absolutely worth the drive! You end up in the jungle with the toucans and howlers monkeys! We travel a lot, and this was our favorite trip ever! Thank you again, Carolina and Rume! We will see you again soon! ❤️🙏🏼
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Skyler E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An INCREDIBLE property/one of a kind views!
We were so excited to stay at this house. The pictures made it seem like the most incredible property and even as great as those pictures were, the actual views and property far exceeded our expectation. There are views from every spot in the house. The kids spent the entire time in the pool. Having 2 master suites was perfect for us and our friends to each have our own private space. The journey to the house made the trip even more epic. It felt like an adventure each time we drove up to the house. If you have the chance to have Carolina and her husband cook for you, definitely take it. The food was amazing. WE had the chicken and rice with homemade brownies and it was the best meal we had while visiting Costa Rica. My kids haven't stopped talking about it. Carolina was great to work with and very accommodating. If you're in the Uvita area, I can't recommend this place enough. We hope to plan a return trip soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emilie C., Smyrna

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Pura Vida Paradise
We had a family/friend group of 10, 6 adults and 4 teens. This house was absolutely perfect. The views, the gardens, the outdoor spaces, and the extra large, well stocked kitchen made our stay wonderful. Of course, the icing on the cake was Carolina and her husband, and the amazing meals they cooked when we wanted a break. Carolina's organization in advance of our trip was so helpful, she communicated with local tourguides and made sure we had a perfect itinerary, even when we needed to make changes and adjustments. Can not say enough good things. We loved waterfalls, scuba, snorkeling, fishing, zip lines, and everything about Costa Rica. Grocery stores are convenient, and well stocked. Definitely do not ignore the guidance about a good 4 wheel drive vehicle. The first time up the hill was a little scary but it got much easier after that. Pura Vida!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical family vacation!
We had a wonderful stay!! Madreselva is such a beautiful, spacious home with incredible views. Going to sleep and waking up to the sounds of the wildlife was incredible. Carolina is the house manager and made our stay even more special--she made wonderful food, was so friendly and fun to talk to, and quickly made inquiries and arrangements for any activities we wanted to do. Before our trip, she responded to any questions, and helped with our van and rental car arrangements. Our group was comprised of two families with a total of 3 teens. Our activities included: the nearby waterfall hike with the Nunez brothers which was so much fun, a half day at the "whale's tail" beach, a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, and a half day inshore fishing trip. We were all happy "lying around" the house too--with the gorgeous pool and plenty of space for everyone to go off and read or take a nap. We hope to be able to return to this amazing place!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Darrell F., Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing vacation home
If you enjoy nature book this place , The house is stunning waking up every morning to the sounds of birds also sleeping at night with just the screens open so you can listen to all the wildlife at night . The house is landscaped so it attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and lots of other bird species . The view is unreal you can literally sit in the pool and birdwatch. The porch off to the side is also an excellent place to just sit and watch the jungle . The nature trails right on the property are a big bonus as well. I saved the best for last , Carolina and Rumenigg the property managers were a huge help with booking tours and organizing excursions,recommending restaurants etc. I had a flat tire which Rumenigg repaired for me and got me back up and running . The waterfall tour is really exceptional and just up the road .The only tour I did not have a good time was the one I booked by myself without Carolinas help. Her meals were amazing and she is just a pleasure to be around . Mucho Gracias Amigos Darrell and Nicholle
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A True “piece of Heaven on earth”…..
Madreselva is truly an Architectural Gem which captures the character of the valley as well as the sea view!! The “breezeways”make the whole place come together and work very well. Loved the property trail to the waterfall and the pool and gardens are magnificent! Start your morning early as it is the Best part of the day, and Carolina’s Hearty breakfasts are Amazing…The changing weather is Beautiful from the mountain view, and more fun anyway than straight sun. Lots of local adventures to be had and Carolina can organize them all for you. Both Carolina and Claudia were delightful company and VERY helpful. Lots of wildlife to see ( toucans,coati,tayra,) and hearing the howlers are a great way to start each day! Carolina and Rumenigg made us a Wonderful fresh dorado dinner for a Lovely and quiet romantic evening ( with background music from the frogs and howlers!) Very much Looking forward to our next adventure at beautiful Madreselva…🙏
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
My family and I stayed at Madreselva for 8 nights in July and had a wonderful time! The views were absolutely amazing and constantly changing as the weather changed. I probably have 8 versions of the same picture from the pool area...each stunning. The house was exactly as the pictures showed and perfect for our group of 8 ("kids" from 17-23 and three parents). The house was set up perfect for our needs with shared space for hanging at the pool, eating and playing games after dinner.....but also enough separation to allow the kids an escape to their rooms when needed. Carolina was so helpful from the time we first booked the trip, to planning our adventures, and helping us with everything in-between. We were supposed to land in Costa Rica at 1:20 p.m. and she had a driver waiting to pick us up and bring us to the house. However, after flight delays and rerouting, we didn't arrive until after 9:00 p.m. She was in constant communication with us to make sure we were ok and that our driver was ready whenever we were. When we finally made it to the house around 1:00 a.m. Carolina and her husband were waiting for us with the 4-wheel drive vehicles to bring us up the mountain! Was so appreciative for their patience and help after such a long and stressful day. Would recommend the house to anyone and hope to return some day!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fran D., Seattle WA

Trip of a lifetime!
There were 8 of us, 4 couples (all women) and we had a fantastic time. The scenery, the bird watching, the views and the weather were very accommodating. Rosi and Yanan were fantastic hosts who were there for our every need. The drive up is not for the weak of heart, however, so be prepared for eye popping excitement on your daily trek. We rented two 4 wheel drive vehicles, but one had barely enough power to get us up the mountain. I would recommend making sure you have something with good power. At the end of the trip we loved the drive and had made a fun game of it. We did, however, limit the number of drivers as it took some getting used to. The pool was leaking from a recent earthquake and they did their best to keep it with enough water to enjoy it. Rosi's breakfasts were terrific. We felt very safe and welcome. It was hard to say goodbye.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tracie Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best vacation ever!!
Refugio Madreselva is what you envision when thinking of a Costa Rican vacation. This house is amazing. The view is breathtaking. The surrounding wildlife made this location truly one of a kind. However, what made it all come together was the property manager Carolina and of course her kind and sincere husband (not nephew ;) Rume. After a week with them, we felt like we were saying goodbye to family. Carolina was amazing with scheduling our excursions, transportation to and from the airport, and setting up our rental cars. By the way, when they say you need a 4x4 to access the property, you do need a 4x4. Traveling the road to the house was very much part of our adventures. The rental vehicles Carolina got us were perfect and we had no problems accessing the property, even when it was raining hard. Carolina's cooking is out of this world. Having breakfast prepared for us was so convenient and all of us could not wait to taste the next meal. Carolina and Rume made us some pretty amazing dinners with desserts. The layout of the house is awesome. There are 3 separate buildings of the house. This provided the group with privacy and a central meeting place. The infinity pool was so refreshing to dip in after a long hot day. This property gave us everything to make our first trip to Costa Rica memorable for years to come. Thank you to Carolina, Rume, and Tico for taking such good care of us! Sincerely, the Colorado and Oregon gangs
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024