Casa Tortuga...private, secure, steps to the beach & family friendly
Location: Santa Teresa, Mal Pais Area, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America (Exclusive northend residential area, 1.3 km from town center) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Detached Unit, 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 7-8)
Welcome to the pristine white sand beaches, lush green mountains and blue glassy surf waves that make Casa Tortuga in Santa Teresa a natural tropical paradise!
Casa Tortuga is a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath tropical style home which provides the creature comforts and quality northamerican building standards, something which should not be taken for granted in this remote area. This modern home is part of a four house gated complex on four acres with 100 yards of beachfront on a magical stretch of secluded Playa Santa Teresa.
Casa Tortuga enjoys the privacy of it's own 1/2 acre lot, the security of a gated community and the serenity of flowering gardens and mature tropical hardwoods. There is a typical palm roof "rancho" (gazebo) with hammocks and private swimming pool which you may find hard to get out of to make the short two-minute walk to the beautiful white sand beaches and 80+ degree year round warm water that makes Santa Teresa such a wonderful place.
We are conveniently located in a quiet residential neighborhood in the exclusive north end, about one half-mile south of the world-famous Flor Blanca Hotel and roughly one mile north of the many shops and restaurants in the bohemian surf town of Santa Teresa.
The house is as comfortable as it is functional, and reflects the casual elegance of Costa Rican living. The breezy open social side of the house offers three double sliders to the pool area. A large kitchen with an eat-up counter top bar, formal dining and a comfortable living room with a color TV. Both areas overlook the palm roof terrace, swimming pool, and are surrounded by vibrant tropical gardens.
Down the hall from the social area is the first floor master bedroom suite, which offers a king bed, separate A/C, ample closet space, a large private bathroom and a two double sliders to the outdoor gazebo and pool area, which is complete with an outdoor shower and a discrete area to hang wet clothes. Upstairs there are two bedrooms with ample closet space and a large bathroom. The upstairs balconies enjoy scenic mountain and ocean views.
Our lush & abundant gardens include a wide variety of mature tropical hardwoods, cocos, various palms, bananas, plantanes, papayas, lemons & guava trees, plumerias, & flowering tropical plants such as hibiscus, jasmine, heliconias, bromelias, tabacones & much more. Monkeys, iguanas, paroquets are just a few of the creatures you may see & hear right from your terrace.
Private parking for two vehicles, utilities, maid service, a safe, ADT Alarm system, WiFi and Sky satellite TV are also part of casa tortuga numerous amenities. So come, relax, and enjoy the beach, the picturesque sunsets, and all the natural beauty that makes Casa Tortuga in Santa Teresa a truly amazing place. Pura Vida!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: All throughout the house
- Linens Provided: beach towels provided
- Beds
- King Bed: Master bedroom downstairs
- Queen Bed: 3rd bedroom upstairs also w/1 single
- Twin/Single Bed (3) : Second bedroom upstairs, may be pushed together to form a King
- Crib: A crib and high chair available
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Private Pool: Exclusive use of Casa Tortuga guests.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Four burner gas stove w/oven, 18 cu.ft. refrigerator, garbage disposal.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: coffee maker, toaster oven,blender garbage disposal, cutting boards, mixing bowls, plates and glasses, wine glasses, colander, vegetable peeler, set of knives, serving plates,pots and pans.
- Refrigerator: 18 cu.ft.
- Microwave
- Catering Available: Upon request. Also a local cook can be arrange.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: Outdoor terrace with chairs by the pool
- Gazebo: palm roofed gazebo next to the pool with hammocks surrounded by tropical gardens.
- View/Location
- Beachfront: The beach is walking distance (less than 50 yards). Big trees, palms and gardens block the view of the beach
- Communications
- Telephone: 011 (506) 2640-0683
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- walking distance to the beach, quite and residential neightborhood, private, secure property completely fence, electric gate, caretaker house at the entrance, ample bathrooms, new matresses and pillows, walking distance to restaurants and supermarkets, build in safe, ADT alarm
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: Crib and high chair on site. We love kids!
- Smoking Not Allowed: No smoking inside in the house
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Yoga, Pilates, massages,walking and jogging on the beach, canopy tour, surf lessons.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Jan 8 - Dec 14, '10 Cuople's Special $225/night $ 1500/wk
Jan 8 - Dec. 14, '10 3-4 people $295/night $2,050/wk
Jan.8 - Dec. 14, '09 5-6 people $375/night $2,600/wk
Jan.8 - Dec. 14, '09 7-11 people $ 700/night w/detached unit
Dec.15th´09 to Jan.7th'10 $475/night
We have 5 homes on the property & can accommodate 44 guests
PLEASE INQUIRE FOR GROUP (WEDDINGS) RATES
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Santa Teresa
We have both traveled extensively around Costa Rica looking for the most beautiful place to live. We decided to settle in Santa Teresa for it's pristine white sand beaches, glowing sunsets, wonderful surf, nice people and magical tropical atmosphere.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Casas Pura Vida reflects our combined talents, passion for excellence and respect for nature. Our goal is simple: to provide every guest everything they need to enjoy a relaxing vacation! Our homes are comfortable quality constructions, with modern conveniences, beautiful private gardens and steps to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.
We welcome you to come and experience the beauty and magic of Santa Teresa, and Costarican "PuraVida" hospitality.
Owner's Map of Santa Teresa
Nicole and Stefan met in La Fortuna town, Costa Rica, at the base of the active Arenal volcano in 1999. Nicole is costarican and has worked actively in adventure tourism since 1998. Stefan is an ex-Aspen, Colorado middle school teacher who first came to Costa Rica in 1996. He returned every summer until moving to Costa Rica full time. They married in 2003 and have dedicated their full time efforts to the development and construction of the 5 rental houses ever since.
Property Photos
- Casa Tortuga...private, secure, steps to the beach & family friendly - Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Vacation Rental
- Dining room, kitchen and living room - Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Vacation Rental
- MBR/MBA suite w/King Bed & double sliders to pool & terrace - Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Vacation Rental
- Master Bathroom
- 2nd upstairs bedrooms w/double sliders & balcony with pool & mt. views
- Casa Tortuga private pool & tropical garden steps to the beach
- Poolside terrace surronded by tropical garden
- Upstairs (open - 1/2 wall) 3rd bedroom
Guest Comments (37)
First (10) of (37). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #113572
There have been 9766 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 08, 2009


Positive Rating
Jennifer Castillo , East Hampton, New York
Positive Rating
We had a great time at Casa Tortuga. We missed Ray and Aleshia. Maybe 2010!!! Thanks! Jeff and Shannon from Denver, Colorado Josh and Erin from Detroit, Michigan
Positive Rating
Homeowner Response:
Muchas gracias Lucrecia por hospedarse con nosotros. Estamos muy felices que disfrutaron de sus vacaciones en la casa Tortuga y en playa Santa Teresa. Esperamos verlos de nuevo por aqui muy pronto. Pura vida! Nicole & Stefan
Positive Rating
Steve Craig , Durham, NH
Homeowner Response:
Steve, we look forward to your next visit. We had a great time with the kids, they're great. Pura vida! Nicole & Stefan
Positive Rating
Christine , Winnetka, IL
Homeowner Response:
We are really happy to know that you enjoyed Casa Tortuga and Santa Teresa town. Thank you for staying with us! Pura vida! Nicole & Stefan
Positive Rating
Brooke , Boulder, CO
Homeowner Response:
Thank you Brooke for staying with us! Your family is beautiful. We really enjoyed the sunsets with the whole family.
Positive Rating
One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seem and one of the most relaxing vacations too. Casa Tortuga became our home for 10 days and we loved it. The pool, the hammocks and the beautiful grounds made the outdoor living so enjoyable... an unforgettable vacation. Korpe's family
Positive Rating
Happy New Year and what a great way to start it! This is a beautiful house and we have stayed many places but this is the best. You have thought of everything to make guest comfortable. We love Casa Tortuga, a hope to return.Thanks for everything. Melissa
Positive Rating
Des vacances formidable a Casa Tortuga! Merci a Stefan & Nicole pour votre acceuil chaleureux. La maison est fantastique et meme mieux que le mous mous altentioms votre site internet rend bien la maison. Encore une fois mille merci! A l'anne prochaine Viva la PURA VIDA! La familie Desmarteau
Positive Rating
Dear Stefan and Nicole We've stayed in a lot of places in Costa Rica but CasasPuraVida is by far our favorite. We had the opportunity to stay in 3 of the 4 houses on the property. I would highly recommend them all.... The location is perfect! Great surf is at your doorstep, fantastic ethnic restaurants, friendly people, spas,grocery store and much more. A secure and well maintained premises. We were looking for the perfect location and found it! If you're looking for "PURA VIDA" this is the place. Thank you all for accomodating our needs. This has been a wonderful vacation for our family. We will recommend CasasPuraVida to all our friends. Look forward to seeing you in the future! Take care! Bud and Karen Shipp Cape Carteret, NC