Ocean view pool, wetbar, a view so easy on your eyes you'll feel above it all
Location: Punta Uva, Limon, Costa Rica, Central America (Playa Chiquita Ridgetop,oceanview. 3 miles to Puerto Viejo) View Map
Accommodations: Lodge, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 7-9)
Keywords: Oceanview Lodge with private preserve,walking distance to beaches. We are located on a breezy cool ridge with one of the finest ocean views you'll ever rest your eyes on
CieloMar..our hidden treasure of the Caribbean.
A unique artistic house located on a cool breezy ridge overlooking Punta Uva and Playa Chiquita... best ocean views in the area, walking distance to several excellent restaurants, as well as 2 grocery stores,and,of course, the beach (1/2 mile down the hill from the house to Playa Chiquita- a beautiful walk-in only beach situated along the 8 miles of coconut palm lined beach stretching from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo). The world renowned beach at Punta Uva is about a mile walk along the beach south of Playa Chiquita. Awesome oceanviews and cool breezes enchant and seduce lucky guests from every level of the three story lodge. Up the path from the lodge is an ocean view pool with covered cabana, bar, and picnic table... with awesome ocean and jungle canyon view.. all romantically lit for evening entertainment or swimming.
Large and sexy downstairs mastersuite with king bed, private porch with jungle and ocean vistas, oceanview bathroom with elegant stone surround shower.
Main level queen suite with additional single bed, couch on front porch and convertible in living room. Full bath main floor.
Spectacular cool and breezy third story canopy room, with a double bed on one side, and a game table and chairs on the other side. Find yourself in the canopy with the toucans.. great wildlife watching-bring your binoculars or use our spotting scope for incredible birding! If you stay in a place down on the flats along the ocean, you might occasionally see a toucan or some parrots- at Cielomar, on the top of the hill, we normally see dozens of both every day,as well as many other kinds of birds and tropical wildlife... Gametable and viewing benches.
Open ocean and jungle view decks on every level with comfortable outdoor lounge furniture..
Behind Cielo Mar is a canyon where clouds are born.....we call it
THE LOST WORLD PRESERVE
Explore the real jungle on our extensive cleared trails and rest at our secret hidden rancho. Magical jungle vistas,creeks and old growth forest delight. Huge bromeliads cling to the heights and trees and vines flower and paint the hillsides. Endangered hardwoods big as a house hold up the sky.
The wildlife viewing is spectacular. Virtually every species found in the region is represented in our preserve and the neighboring private preserves. Its like a zoo without bars.
A stay at CieloMar is truly enchanting. It will be a once in a lifetime adventure to find yourself here ...ABOVE IT ALL!!!!
If renting a car in Costa Rica to get here rent a FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. Our hill is steep and slick if rainy. The rest of the country is also steep and slick when rainy. It may cost a few extra dollars but will provide you with access to many places(including alot of the parks) you could not easily get to otherwise.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- King Bed
- Double Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed (2)
- Entertainment
- DVD
- Video Library
- Stereo System
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Complete kitchen including 6 burner stove / oven, microwave, refrigerator, blender, toaster coffee grinder, coffee maker, and pots and pans for cooking
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Lanai
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Beach View : overlooks whole caribe
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Broadband Internet : Modems available thru local property manager for $5/ day, will connect your laptop.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Allowed
- Activities
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Private preserve with maintained jungle trails provides unique access to birders and other wildlife watchers. Trails lead thru primary and secondary forests of hardwoods and walking palms,across creeks to our rancho. This is one of the rare places in the area you can actually walk thru the jungle and see the fantastic ecology unfold around you. Our upstairs viewing room has scopes and an incredible 360 view of the surrounding rainforest. The pool is a great place to watch toucans,sloths and monkeys and pacas pass through the yard daily.The lodge is onted on a breezy hill about half mile above the beach, and is cooled by breezes off the Talamance Range. On a clear day you can see high mountains of Panama through the canyon. The house is ecclectic and artistic with hardwood floors and spiral staircase to view room above. . Downstairs master suite is sexy and seductive,king suite with private decks and seaview stone shower. Main floor has queen suite and upstairs has double.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$165/nt (3 nt minimum stay) .$1000/wk(Low season:before Nov 19 and after April 30)
$220/nt ( " ) .$1320/wk(high season)(Nov.19-April 30)
$265/nt ( " )..$1600 wk Holidays (Dec 22 - Dec 31, and April 1-8)
Above rates are for up to 4 people.Additional guests:$25/nt or $150/wk each
10% discount 2 weeks or more
Credit cards accepted thru Paypal
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Cielomar Wildlife Guaranteed! Seaview Lodge, Pool,Trails,Cool
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Punta Uva
This property is one of the rarest and most spectacular I have seen over many years.We could not believe the potential here and are now starting to share this treasure with other wilderness and wildlife lovers throughout the world
The Unique Benefits at this Lodge
Cool breeze,incredible Caribe view,our house is in the primary canopy at the top of a ridge. The birding and wildlife watching is as good as anywhere in the country - you can see lots of birds (and sometimes other wildlife) with binoculars or a spotting scope from the house, or venture into the jungle.Close to the beach,and town,but secluded in its own world.
The cool pool could not be prettier and the house is full of artsy splashes and whimsical fun touches.
Owner's Map of Punta Uva
Hello I am Kerry McCracken.My partner is Jeff Van Arsdell.Welcome to our home.We hope you find your stay here magical and a memory of a lifetime. I am a native of Arizona,where I still ive and work. I have been a Real Estate Broker in Arizona for many years,although I am now working on other projects and only occasionally selling property.
Jeff has been a supervisor in commercial construction for years.
We have just finished raising our kids and we are expanding our horizons as the nest empties...
We have a magnificent farm we are developing in the desert here, to keep us busy.
and we spend our off time in Costa Rica,working on the CieloMar Lodge and more important to us, the preserve we have created behind it.
It is a rare and special spot and we have become enchanted by it and Costa Rica
Property Photos
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- Ocean view pool, wetbar, a view so easy on your eyes you'll feel above it all - Limon, Costa Rica Vacation
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- Cabana at the pool features a wet bar and large picnic table - Limon, Costa Rica Vacation
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- High on the COOL breezy ridge above Play Chiquita sits our sweet home - Limon, Costa Rica Vacation
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- Family room. Wood floors and handpainted murals bring the outside in
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- Full kitchen features custom hardwood
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- Master suite has king bed,nice oceanview porch, and a bathroom with a view
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- Master bath has an impressive view
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- Main floor bedroom has a double and a single bed
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- Beautiful spiral staircase of native hardwoods leads to the canopy room
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- Canopy room has great ocean and jungle views, and a double bed
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- Rear vistas into our private preserve are magical..clouds are born here
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- Green Anole at Cielomar
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- 3- toed sloth and chestnut mandibled toucans- in guarumo tree at the house
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- Capuchin (white-faced) monkey in the yard
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- Howler monkeys feeding on new Laurel leaves in front of the house
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- Amazing animal encounters abound!
Traveler Reviews (24)
Breathtaking
Guest: Costabride
(Flagstaff, AZ)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 01/19/12
I stayed here with a group of friends for my wedding and we had an amazing time. A lot of places boast about being in the jungle...YOU ARE IN THE JUNGLE! Wonderful people and the coolest house! Words can't really describe how amazing this place is, but defintely worth staying at! I hope to be back soon to hang out with the creatures and stare out at the ocean while sitting by the pool. A truly unique and satisfying adventure.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Highlight of our three week trip to Costa Rica
Guest: farnorth
(Anchorage)
Date of Stay: 12/12/11
Review Submitted: 01/12/12
Off the beaten path with great views- woke to monkeys each morning at daybreak. Bruce was very accommodating, we regret not to have had the right weather to go horseback riding with him. He brought us fresh fruit from the property each morning! Jennifer is the other host, and several of us had excellent massage from her- she has a different style of deep tissue that was very healing- especially the neck and shoulders. The layout of the house is really interesting- my wife and I took the upstairs open-air loft double bed with mosquito netting. That was really special to be able to lay in bed and see all around a 360 degree view of jungle and ocean, and waking and viewing howler monkeys from bed is unique! The pool was great, and although we did not use it had a kitchen area with bbq. The only downside was the kitchen gear was far beyond its useful life, but we heard that the owner was bringing new pots and pans so that should not be an issue. Local restaurants were excellent, but we enjoyed the house so much that we only ate out one of three nights. The local hiking trails were very nice- a private walk that one should not hurry through. Everyone talks about the bugs- they too were a highlight. Praying mantis, a 'headlight beetle' was our favorite, and we got far fewer mosquito bites there than in other areas of Costa Rica- we observed most of them on the mosquito net just after sunrise for about half an hour then they seemed to be gone. Being situated on top of a small ridge made for really nice breezes- and again the view is waht really sets this place aside. This is not for the high-maintenance types, but for the traveler who wants to have that unique and special place away from the masses. Our only regret was in not staying longer. Fears about how the Caribbean Coast has such drug and other issues, including much rain, had us decide on only three nights. The rains are not an issue- take an umbrella or just get wet- it is warm! And the rains were infrequent. The owner Jeff was quick to respond to emails, and we can tell that he has a passion for the place and does much work there. There are many things to see in the area, and time here seems to pass too quickly each day. If we are ever to return to Costa Rica, we will be sure to stay longer at Cielomar.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
jungle lodge
Guest: Eric
(Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/11
Review Submitted: 12/09/11
My wife, 5 years old son, plus my inlaws - down from Mexico, and I spent a week at Cielo Mar in November 2011. We arrived shortly after sunset after a long drive from San Jose (I recommend trying to avoid driving the road from Limon at night!). Cielo Mar is at the very top of a steep, mostly dirt road of about perhaps a quarter mile from the main road. Four wheel drive should not be necessary, but extra clearance is good for the road and more generally for the potholes one encounters on the Costa Rica roads. The place is completely tranquil, other than the sounds of the jungle. There are no lights from other houses, no sounds from the road. Sligthly spooky the first night for my mother-in-law, but once the sun rose the next morning, and she got her bearings, she was fine. We had a terrific week. We explored the jungle trails in the reserve every day (saw spider monkers, howlers, two eyelash vipers and an ebony keelback, toucans, parots, oropendulas, blue/black poison dart frogs, etc.). Jeff joined us for several excursions, and was quite knowledgeable about the animals. In general, Jeff was an excellent host: informed, laid back, helpful, with a good sense of humor, and not intrusive. My inlaws appreciated as well that his Spanish is fluent. The house is truly unique in its setting, views, and especially, the open-sided third floor. The jungle hardwoods used throughout give a nice feel, and my son especially liked climbing up and down the spiral staircase. But, it is not a luxury property (and does not pretend to be): some insects get in (nothing problematic, and mosuitos were actually not bad), the beds are a bit sqeaky, and the kitchen is simple, though functional. On balance, though, I have to say we were plenty comfortable, and I would not want to trade the wonderful jungle sounds, smells and sites for a higher end and more steril place. The place is hard to convey, as it is unique in so many aspects. A typical day was to get up at dawn, eat a breakfast of eggs and very fresh fruit (including cacao and papaya provide by Jeff), spend an hour hiking in the jungle, smim in the pool, eat lunch at the house, walk down to the beech, walk back, swim in the pool, and then head down to "Jungle Love" restaurant for a well-prepared dinner. Then early to bed to the sounds of the jungle. Repeat. We all agreed we definitely want to return.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Truely Amazing Experience - Just know what your getting into
Guest: Mark C.3
(Charlotte, NC USA)
Date of Stay: 08/26/11
Review Submitted: 12/02/11
My wife, parents and I stayed at Cielo Mar in late August. The setting is absolutely gorgeous and a one of a kind experience. My parents in particular LOVED the location and the bird watching was like nothing I have ever experienced. My Mom and I hiked the pathways and spent hours outside. You are quite literally in the jungle so you will absolutely will be in the middle of all of the flaura and fauna that comes with it so keep that in mind. The house itself is beautifully built. The nature of its location makes it naturally damp and dark and you absolutely will have close encounters with many, many bugs. We didn't have any more problems with being bitten than anywhere else we were in CR but if you are not tolerant of damp / dark conditions or are not a "bug person" you might consider it "kind of like camping" as my wife described it. Bruce (the caretaker) was immensely helpful, generous and very interesting to talk to (He's got great stories of his many travels). All in all, we had a great experience in a truely unique location that we will never forget.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Three weeks in paradise
Guest: Gerhard
(Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 07/28/11
Review Submitted: 09/11/11
Cielomar is located up a steep hill a few driving minutes from the beach. The villa is entirely surrounded by impressive natural jungle: overgrown trees, colorful flowers, howling monkeys, sleepy sloths, tukans, parrots, and much more. A covered terrace on top provides a 360* view of the jungle and the ocean. Great views also from the pool, with groups of parrots and toucans flying in the trees above us. Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo have incredible beaches, lots of nature, good restaurants, friendly people, coco loco, and it's virtually tourist-free. We enjoyed driving over unpaved roads to jungle waterfalls, turtle sanctuaries and hidden beaches. We are glad we rented a 4-wheel-drive SUV for our jungle explorations. The beaches closest to Cielomar, such as Arecife and Punta Uva are very beautiful as well. Our 2-day trip to Vulcan Arenal taught us that we had found the best place for us in Costa Rica: Punta Uva. We (4 adults and 2 children) stayed at Cielomar for almost three weeks - and it was a sad day when we had to return home. We thank Jeff for being a great helpful host; and our daughters say hi to Puca and Africa and all the other dogs they met during this most memorable vacation.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children.
Exceeded our expectations
Guest: Wayne
(Matthews, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/24/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
We spent a week at this wonderful property, and with the combination of the wildlife we saw from the canopy room (or as the kids called it, the jungle room) and what we saw on hikes through Jeff's personal jungle preserve (65+ acres) we did not feel the need to go an any additional jungle tours or travel to Manuel Antonio. It is amazing to have primary jungle with well maintained trails right in one's backyard. We saw howler and white-faced monkeys, sloths, flocks of toucans, parrots, red-eyed tree and poison dart frogs right from the house. Insect life was also amazing. All this will an ocean view and proximity to some very beautiful beaches. We and the kids took turns sleeping in the canopy room. The sound of the jungle (and waves crashing on the beach) at night is amazing. This was an amazing trip that we and the kids will remember for the rest of oyur lives.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Best place in costa rica
Guest: Kristen G.
(Raleigh, nc)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11
Review Submitted: 07/14/11
We spent the beginning of a 2 week stay in costa rica at this wonderful home. Jeff was so helpful, and we truly enjoyed his company and his stories about the place. We saw more animals here than anywhere else and it was so active in the morning. we were up early every day. loved the hike to the ranchero, lots of interesting birds and bugs, loved the geckos in the house (keep looking for them at home out of habit). the pool was so refreshing to come home to daily. fun things to do-snorkel at punta uva, it was calm and we saw many fish, the rescue center and holding the monkeys, good places to eat, A 4x4 is necessary if you dont want to walk a great deal, we however managed our 5 days without one, (and with some help from jeff). there are no ATMS within walking distance, but local grocery did take debit. restaurants tended to only take cash. the water in the home was great, no problems..loved how everything is kept so natural by jeff and environmentally fits in. would go back again!! was our favorite part of the 2 week stay, only wish our friends had joined us in this home instead of in manuel antonio. thanks jeff!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
We went back!
Guest: ChaddSanders
(Fort Worth, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10
Review Submitted: 06/14/11
This was our second trip to Cielo Mar. We could not wait to return. The property immediately took us in and made us feel at home for our short 8 day stay. The first thing we noticed upon arrival was the AMAZING view of the ocean. I did not think it could get any better but I was wrong. We spent every night on the 3rd floor playing games and laughing. Then we would all retire and listen to the jungle noises. We watched troupes of howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots everyday while we relaxed at the pool. This area had some amazing restaraunts near. We even cooked a few times for breakfast. Such a magnificent place. This is a must visit. The view alone will make your day. We can not wait to return again. Hopefully before the year ends. Jeff has always been more than helpful with our needs. The property is meticuouly maintaned and let me tell you again... the pictures don't do it justice. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful place!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
amazing view and location
Guest: kyle
(Midland)
Date of Stay: 04/30/11
Review Submitted: 05/19/11
9 of us just spent a week here and absolutely loved it. The pictures do not do it justice for the house or the view. The house is beautiful with amazing views. It easily accommodated us and Jeff was very helpful with scheduling things and with information. We were within 10 min of 4-5 different beaches and the seclusion up in the jungle made the trip even better. We felt like we were all alone in the jungle, but were just minutes from fantastic food and other amenities. We were a little worried about the water and about being hot, but it wasn't bad at all. The breeze from the jungle, along with the occasional storm, left our house cool. We had no problems with sleeping or staying cool. The surrounding jungle is full of life and was fun to explore. The paths that Jeff maintains makes it very easy to walk through, for the less adventurous type. You will definitely need a car with 4 wheel drive, but they are easily attainable. We are definitely going to go back again and spend our time at this wonderful house. Thanks again. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Cielo Mar
Guest: Marcus
(Coastal North Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/11
Review Submitted: 05/12/11
We spent 6 days at Cielo Mar, April 23-29, and loved it!! There are a bunch of things that would have been helpful to know going in though, so I'll spell them out here. First: If you are thinking about staying here or anywhere in caribbean Costa Rica, you'd better get over your fear of bugs! They grow them HUGE and plentiful - not the really annoying kinds, like flies and mesquitos, but the crazy, amazing kind, like spiders and grasshoppers and moths the size of your hand. I must admit that we were a little freaked out the first night we arrived, but got over it pretty quickly. In fact, the bugs turned out to be one of the most interesting things there, and we actually came home with a lot fewer insect bites than we would have gotten in the States. Second: If you are looking for luxury, go to Aruba. You are in the rain forest, so don't expect down pillows and fluffy cotton mattresses - they would mildew in short order. The furniture in this part of the world is, of necessity, the indoor/outdoor type. Not uncomfortable, just not fluffy and overstuffed. Third: The heat - it's not nearly as bad as we expected! Cielo Mar was never uncomfortable, and even the lowlands weren.t bad at all. We must have hit a dry spell, because it only rained a couple of times while we were there, and then for only a couple of hours at a clip. Fourth: You WILL need a 4x4 to get up the driveway, unless you can have someone bring your things up in theirs. This is not to say you must have a car once you get there; you could pretty easily do without if you're in good physical shape and don't mind walking. There are good restaurants within a mile of the house, and the beach is an easy walk as well - again, as long as you're in fairly good shape. Now for the house. LOVED it! The pool is wonderful, as is the canopy room. I actually set my alarm in the morning just so I could go out and watch the jungle start the day. Coffee by the pool was a ritual I very much miss to this day :-( We had 2 sloths in the tree right outside the house, but it took us 4 days to find them. There is a reason they've survived for 16 million years - you CANNOT see them if they aren't moving! The howler monkey troupes waging verbal war across the property was pretty darned exciting, and a little scary until you realize how small they are! The jungle trails behind the house were amazing, and great excercise. Darnit, out of space. Thank you for sharing your wonderful place with us Jeffrey, we LOVED IT!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
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