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Playa Lapa, Private Beach Home, Carate, Corcovado, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

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Casa Playa Lapa--decks facing the beach

Casa Playa Lapa--decks facing the beach front deck, hand crafted 'tree' table. Kitchen--Casa Playa Lapa Dining and living area--Casa Playa Lapa Bedrooms and spiral staircase Master bedroom with view of the beach/ocean Guest bedroom with double bed. Hammock and back deck facing ocean Kayaking on the lagoon--fishing for snook. Chestnut Billed Tucan in cecropia tree Off shore fishing tour--Joe caught a sail fish! Roseate Spoonbill at the lagoon. Baby Olive Ridley turtles hatched in front of Playa Lapa Tree Frog in the garden Scarlet Macaw on the beach in front of Playa Lapa White Faced Capuchin monkey caught stealing bananas on the bird feeder stand! Young male Danta at Lookout Lodge (Katya) Surfer on Carate Beach Gaudy leaf frog Footbridge out to the beach Collared Anteater, sited from front deck Carate beach in front of Playa Lapa Horses at the lagoon

Calendar

Last updated: 05/17/2013
Check availability
23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
23 Selected dates
24 Special offer
  • Minimum stay:3-5 nights
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

With wide sand beaches extending for miles in either direction, Casa Playa Lapa is a privately owned beach front residence in remote Carate, Costa Rica, only two miles from the crown jewel of the national park system, Corcovado National Park. Tucked deep in a grove of lowland palms facing the Pacific Ocean and insulated from the rest of the world by jungle on either side, Playa Lapa is arguably the most remote vacation rental in all of Costa Rica, yet fully equipped for your family's comfort and convenience.

Completed in the summer of 2007, the house is constructed of tropical hardwoods, including teak interior, purple heart (nazareno) beams and accents, and cara de tigre posts. A magnificent spiral staircase of purple heart is the central architectural feature; the furniture, which has been custom built by a local craftsman, is fabricated from zebra wood. An open-design living area, loft bedroom suite, fully screened windows on both levels, and extended roof encourage free flow of air throughout the structure, supplemented by a continuous offshore ocean breeze.

Playa Lapa is about one kilometer from the end of the road in Carate, the most distant point from San Jose on the national highway system. The beach stretches pristine and vast toward Salsipuedes Point in Corcovado National Park to the northwest, and Cabo Matapalo to the southeast.

The Pacific Ocean pounds relentlessly against a prime turtle nesting beach--giant olive Ridleys have been observed laying their eggs on the path from the beach to the house itself. The thundering surf creates a continuous and exciting background upon which the cacophony of parrots and shore birds is orchestrated. This is no casual swimming beach--the costal bathemetry of the Osa Peninsula creates a typically strong undertow and large, often overpowering waves. The magnificence of this wild surf on a vast and undeveloped beach is one of Playa Lapa's most alluring natural attractions.

A resident flock of Scarlet Macaws feeds in the almond trees at the edge of the dunes, hence the name 'Playa Lapa,' meaning 'Beach of the Scarlet Macaw.' There is a migratory path through the canopy above Playa Lapa frequented by large troops of squirrel monkeys, and white faced capuchins can be seen daily feeding in the palm trees surrounding the house. Flocks of Amazon parrots are usually observed in the early morning and again at dusk. A variety of herons and egrets are found regularly feeding in the slough on small fish and lizards, while the shy and peaceable coatimundis play at the edge of the forest, occasionally lumbering from one side of the clearing to the other just off the back deck.

Casa Playa Lapa is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of its owners. Designed by engineer daughter, it is very comfortable, convenient, eco-friendly, and is situated in a remote part of Costa Rica that is well 'off the grid.' Power is supplied by a hybrid solar / hydroelectric alternative energy system, providing conventional 110V 60-cycle American-ready electrical power. A unique solar hot water system in the roof ensures comfortable bathing in the late acternoon. We also boast broadband satellite Internet and a wireless router to enable our guests to stay in touch with friends and family. High quality cookware, glassware, flatware and linens ensure that all your needs are accommodated. Typical Spanish architectural style security grills have been installed on all the windows and doors to enhance our guest's safety. In addition, bi-fold wooden shutters on the ten windows surrounding the living room permit the exclusion of ocean mist and rain as needed.

A remote getaway, Playa Lapa is truly a unique destination in and of itself. Its proximity to Corcovado National Park, while enhancing its attraction, also ensures its preservation from the tourist development occurring in the beach communities all along Costa Rica's shoreline. For a memorable experience of intimacy with nature, plus personal comfort and convenience, there is really nothing quite like Casa Playa Lapa.



Keywords: Beach house, Casa

Property Type

  • 2 story
  • House
  • 1500 sq. ft.

Accommodation Type

      • Vacation Rental

      Meals

          • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

          Onsite Services

              • Housekeeper Optional

              Suitability

              • Not Suitable For Children:

                The spiral staircase, loft and upper decks may pose a danger of falling for small children. This is not a casual swimming beach--there is a typically strong undertow making it unsuitable for children and poor swimmers....morecollapse

              • Non Smoking Only:

                Owners request NO SMOKING inside Casa Playa Lapa at any time Also, there is no fire department in case of fire....morecollapse

              • Minimum Age Limit For Renters:

                Owner requests close parental supervision for children 5 to 10 years old....morecollapse

              • Long-Term Renters Welcome
              • Pets Not Allowed

              Bedrooms

              • 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 4-6
              • Master Bedroom
              • 1 queen
              • Adjacent bathroom is shared with second bedroom.
              • Guest Bedroom
              • 1 double
              • Adjacent full bathroom is shared with Master Bedroom.
              • Convertible bed(s)
              • 2 twin/ single, 1 sleep sofa /futon
              • 2 recliners lay flat--with ottomans--Narrow single beds.
              • Details:

                A queen sized bed is located in the master bedroom, with a full screened view of the ocean. One double bed is located in the guest bedroom upstairs. These two bedrooms share a full bath between them. There is a futon sofa that folds out to make an additional double bed downstairs. The recliners in the living room fold flat for 2 additional twin size beds; the chaise lounges on the upper deck also fold out for sleeping. A second full bath is located downstairs....morecollapse

              Bathrooms

              • 2.0 Bathrooms
              • Bathroom 1
              • toilet, shower
              • Upstairs bathroom with toilet, shower and sink, jungle view.
              • Bathroom 2
              • toilet, shower
              • Downstairs bathroom has toilet, shower, sink, jungle view.

              Kitchen & Dining

              • Kitchen:

                6 burner gas stove with oven, chest style refrigerator, stainless steel sink, breakfast bar with bar stools, and trestle table with benches and chairs, seats 8....morecollapse

              • Cooking Utensils:

                A variety of pots, pans and bake ware, cutlery, and food preparation utensils, serving pieces and storage ware. ...morecollapse

              • Dining:

                Tressel style table with two Tressel benches and chairs seats 6-8 comfortably. The bar seats 3-4 comfortably....morecollapse

              • Pantry Items:

                Whistling tea kettle, cutting boards, drip coffee stand, beverage thermoses....morecollapse

              • Dishes & Utensils:

                Full service ceramic dishes, glassware and stainless flatware. ...morecollapse

              • Refrigerator:

                There is an energy efficient chest style DC refrigerator....morecollapse

              Amenities

              • Linens Provided:

                Sheets, pillows, cases and bed spreads; bath towels, and beach towels; kitchen towels; window shower curtains; rain curtains for bed and bath windows. SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM for comfortable showers....morecollapse

              • Parking Off Street:

                Private parking withing the gated property...morecollapse

              • Parking:

                Private,gated parking on property....morecollapse

              • Towels Provided

              Other Amenities

                  • Details:

                    Playa Lapa is located about 1hour's walk on the beach from the southern entrance to the Costa Rican National Park system's crown jewel, Corcovado National Park. Playa Lapa is also located adjacent to Pejeperrito Lagoon with excellent fishing and kayaking,as well as near the gold bearing Carate River....morecollapse

                  Entertainment

                  • Satellite / Cable:

                    internet satellite with wireless router--guests need a laptop computer with wireless capacity for e-mail communication....morecollapse

                  Communications

                  • Wireless Internet:

                    Wireless internet is available at Playa Lapa; please bring a laptop with wireless capacity....morecollapse

                  • Internet

                  Outdoor Features

                  • Deck / Patio:

                    For outdoor dining and recreational activities, there is a spacious, polycarbonate covered side deck with table, and a covered shade deck facing the ocean. Folding lawn chairs are provided. ...morecollapse

                  • Lanai / Gazebo:

                    There is a fully covered upper balcony with a breathtaking view of the ocean. This balcony is protected from sun and rain, with a continuous breeze that deters insects....morecollapse

                  • Lawn / Garden:

                    Tropical landscaping through the property, including fruit trees, coconut palms, and ornamental flowering plants....morecollapse

                  • Balcony:

                    There is a covered upper deck facing the beach with two chaise lounge chairs and side table....morecollapse

                  Theme

                  • Adventure
                  • Away From It All
                  • Romantic
                  • Tourist Attractions

                  Location & View

                      • Beachfront:

                        Playa Lapa is built in the maritime zone, facing the beach, with a sturdy footbridge to the beach just steps from the back deck. The beautiful Pejeperrita lagoon lies to the west, and the Corcavado National Park to the east....morecollapse

                      Activities

                      • Beachcombing
                      • Bird Watching
                      • Eco Tourism
                      • Walking
                      • Whale Watching
                      • Horseshoes
                      • Horseback Riding
                      • Sight Seeing
                      • Wildlife Viewing
                      • Freshwater Fishing
                      • Surf Fishing
                      • Surfing
                      • Kayaking
                      • Hiking
                      • Fishing

                      Other Activities

                          • Details:

                            Carate is a remote community on the Pacific shore of the OSA Peninsula, within hiking distance of Corcovado National Park. Casa Playa Lapa is the only beach front rental home in Carate, just steps from the open Pacific surf. The nearby Pejeperrita lagoon, is fed by a fresh water slough between the beach and the casa. Kayaking on the lagoon is a very popular tour in Carate, with 4 kayaks available to Playa Lapa guests. Hiking trails throughout the community and beyond traverse a variety of ecosystems including the watershed, jungle and higher elevations. Pumas, dantas, jaguarundis, anteaters, coatamundis, many varieties of parrots and shore birds, frogs, reptiles and butterflies can be see on the property and surrounding community. Sea turtle nesting occurs throughout the year....morecollapse

                           

                          Reviews

                          Write a review
                          • "An off-grid exquisite beauty"

                            Guest comment entered by owner

                            "An off-grid exquisite beauty"

                            • Guest Dave
                            • Date of stay 05/26/12
                            • Review Submitted 05/10/13
                            ‘Macaw Beach’ is located near Carate which is at the end-of-the-line for the Osa Peninsula. It’s where the road ends and the real (jungle) life begins. This Deluxe Oceanfront off-grid wooden home is unlike any other place you’ve been. It’s an excellent location if you are a writer, ecologist, biologist, photographer, famous, not so famous, wanted or unwanted or just darn tired of the rat race and feel a strong desire to just get away from it all. It’s a place for dreamers and yes, dreams do come true and, it’s a paradise for lovers. Spiritual? Then welcome to God’s country. A great place for meditation!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                          • Mostly good experience at Playa Lap, with some caveats

                            Mostly good experience at Playa Lap, with some caveats

                            • Guest Fraser
                            • Date of stay 04/06/12
                            • Review Submitted 04/20/12
                            The house is affectionately named "Playa Lapa", which is accurate because there is plenty of beach and plenty of scarlet macaws. You will see monkeys, possibly whales and dolphins in the distance, peilcans, a nearby hawk, and if you are lucky, the tapir that left footprints within 50 m of the house. You can dirve here and back from San Jose in the "dry season" in 8-9 hours, but it is definitely weather-permitting. The house was clean and everything functioned and the pictures are pretty accurate. Our family of 6 had a mostly great time there, but there were definitely some things we wished we had known ahead of time. The first is that, the house is a 2-hour walk from the Corcovado Park, not the 45 minutes claimed. This can make a difference when the Park is where you actually want to be. The second is that there was no indication that the caretaker lives about 15 feet from the back door. He seemed like a great guy and was helpful and worked hard on the property. But when remoteness is part of what you are paying for, this can make a difference. The third thing is that it gets damn hot and humid there, which a few more fans could really help with. The last thing is that there is really only bed space for 4 or 5, but there could be more. So, bottom-line, you won't find a better deal in Carate, near the Leona Ranger Station, but that is mostly because there are few alternatives. The owners and manager may be relying on this a bit too much and could invest a little more into making this a great spot, rather than a pretty good spot. Even if you email and get specifics, things might vary from what you are told, so be careful. Some last notes -- try dinner at Luna Lodge, its worth the challenging drive up the hill, but get the price in writing, we were told $15/person and paid $25. Bring everything with you! Soft drinks are $2.50 at the nearby "Pulperia" and deer is even more. Puerto Jimenez is expensive, so consider shopping for food in San Jose or Quepos.

                            Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

                            • Guest Karlie1
                            • Date of stay 05/02/08
                            • Review Submitted 05/02/08
                            What a beautiful and tranquil stay we had at Playa Lapa!!! A beautiful house in an enchanting setting. It is so rare to find a beach so beautiful and with not another soul in sight, and only steps away from your back door. The balcony with a view of the ocean was a great place to watch the monkeys swinging through the trees by day and the fire-flies by night. With the ocean waves lulling you to sleep, couldn't have imagined a more relaxing retreat. Every one should experience a little piece of Playa Lapa paradise!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

                            • Guest Marie17
                            • Date of stay 05/01/08
                            • Review Submitted 05/01/08
                            Bouncing through the jungle for close to an hour is an excellent way to prepare for the paradise that awaits at Playa Lapa. No neighbors in sight, waves crashing close enough for you to feel the ground shake, macaws flying overhead, monkeys howling in the hills behind and this beautiful house nestled in the middle. As if this weren't enough, satellite Internet has been installed to allow for the connection you might choose to take advantage of. The house itself is stunning, every inch done in amazing and rare woods native to Costa Rica, full of rich purples and deep golds. Full kitchen, balcony above, deck below, laundry, two bedrooms, two baths, and a feeling you cannot deny...tranquility.

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

                           
                          Rental basis: Per property
                          Rental rates quoted in: US Dollars
                          Dates Nightly Wknd Night Weekend Weekly Monthly * Event
                          Base Rate
                          3 night min stay
                          $150
                          $980
                          Christmas
                          Dec 15 - Dec 31
                          5 night min stay
                          $175
                          $1155
                          semana Sante--2014
                          Apr 13 - Apr 20
                          5 night min stay
                          $175
                          $1155

                          Additional information about rental rates

                          Rates are subject to change until reservation is confirmed. Reservation cannot be held without a deposit.

                          Deposit of 50% of total to hold the reservation. The balance is due 2weeks before occupancy. We prefer payment by Pay Pal.


                          Additional Fees and Taxes:

                          A stay of less than 3 days will incur a cleaning fee of $40


                          This owner accepts: Credit cards.
                          Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

                           

                          Calendar

                          Last updated: 05/17/2013
                          Check availability
                          23 Available
                          21 Unavailable
                          22 Today
                          23 Selected dates
                          24 Special offer
                           

                          Location

                          • Nearest Airport: Carate air strip at 1 Miles
                          • Nearest Ferry: Sierpe River at 50 Miles
                          • Nearest Motorway: Jimenez at 20 Miles
                          • Nearest Beach: Carate beach at 50 Metres
                           

                          Owner info

                          Year Purchased: 2007

                          About the owner: Joe and Helene are retired medical professionals from central Pennsylvania, where they live on their farm with their two dogs, one cat, and five horses. They make hay in June, and live at Playa Lapa for four months of the year. When not making hay or basking in the tropical sun, Joe works part time as an associate in a Vererinary Practice, and Helene manages Playa Lapa.

                          Why the Owner Chose Carate:
                          They chose this property for its remoteness, abundance of wildlife, and lack of develment. the house was designed by their daughter, Julie, with an emphasis on maximizing living space, excellent air flow and great views of the ocean and tropical jungle.

                          The Unique Benefits at this House:
                          Some of the best fishing in the world; Playa Carate is an important turtle nesting beach; close proximity to Corcovado National park, with abundant wildlife right on the property; and of course the relaxed tropical lifestyle.

                           

                          Photos

                          • Casa Playa Lapa--decks facing the beach

                            Casa Playa Lapa--decks facing the beach

                          • Kitchen--Casa Playa Lapa

                            Kitchen--Casa Playa Lapa

                          • Bedrooms and spiral staircase

                            Bedrooms and spiral staircase

                          • Guest bedroom with double bed.

                            Guest bedroom with double bed.

                          • Kayaking on the lagoon--fishing for snook.

                            Kayaking on the lagoon--fishing for snook.

                          • Off shore fishing tour--Joe caught a sail fish!

                            Off shore fishing tour--Joe caught a sail fish!

                          • Baby Olive Ridley turtles hatched in front of Playa Lapa

                            Baby Olive Ridley turtles hatched in front of Playa Lapa

                          • Scarlet Macaw on the beach in front of Playa Lapa

                            Scarlet Macaw on the beach in front of Playa Lapa

                          • Young male Danta at Lookout Lodge (Katya)

                            Young male Danta at Lookout Lodge (Katya)

                          • Gaudy leaf frog

                            Gaudy leaf frog

                          • Collared Anteater, sited from front deck

                            Collared Anteater, sited from front deck

                          • Horses at the lagoon

                            Horses at the lagoon

                          • front deck, hand crafted 'tree' table.

                            front deck, hand crafted 'tree' table.

                          • Dining and living area--Casa Playa Lapa

                            Dining and living area--Casa Playa Lapa

                          • Master bedroom with view of the beach/ocean

                            Master bedroom with view of the beach/ocean

                          • Hammock and back deck facing ocean

                            Hammock and back deck facing ocean

                          • Chestnut Billed Tucan in cecropia tree

                            Chestnut Billed Tucan in cecropia tree

                          • Roseate Spoonbill at the lagoon.

                            Roseate Spoonbill at the lagoon.

                          • Tree Frog in the garden

                            Tree Frog in the garden

                          • White Faced Capuchin monkey caught stealing bananas on the bird feeder stand!

                            White Faced Capuchin monkey caught stealing bananas on the bird feeder stand!

                          • Surfer on Carate Beach

                            Surfer on Carate Beach

                          • Footbridge out to the beach

                            Footbridge out to the beach

                          • Carate beach in front of Playa Lapa

                            Carate beach in front of Playa Lapa

                          Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #129501

                          There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                          This listing was first published here in 2007.
                          Date last modified - Saturday, May 25, 2013

                          $150 - $175 per night (USD)
                          4

                          2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom
                          Sleeps 6


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