Playa Lapa, Private Beach Home, Carate, Corcovado, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
- 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
- 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.
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
Amenities
- Towels Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
Communications
- Internet
Outdoor Features
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
Location & View
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
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
Rates
| 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.
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.
Links to more information:
Photos
-
Casa Playa Lapa--decks facing the beach
-
Kitchen--Casa Playa Lapa
-
Bedrooms and spiral staircase
-
Guest bedroom with double bed.
-
Kayaking on the lagoon--fishing for snook.
-
Off shore fishing tour--Joe caught a sail fish!
-
Baby Olive Ridley turtles hatched in front of Playa Lapa
-
Scarlet Macaw on the beach in front of Playa Lapa
-
Young male Danta at Lookout Lodge (Katya)
-
Gaudy leaf frog
-
Collared Anteater, sited from front deck
-
Horses at the lagoon
-
front deck, hand crafted 'tree' table.
-
Dining and living area--Casa Playa Lapa
-
Master bedroom with view of the beach/ocean
-
Hammock and back deck facing ocean
-
Chestnut Billed Tucan in cecropia tree
-
Roseate Spoonbill at the lagoon.
-
Tree Frog in the garden
-
White Faced Capuchin monkey caught stealing bananas on the bird feeder stand!
-
Surfer on Carate Beach
-
Footbridge out to the beach
-
Carate beach in front of Playa Lapa
-
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
