Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Nature's Paradise

Guest: Maceo (San Rafael, Ca)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 05/17/12

What a great find this was. Both my wife and I are into nature and wildlife and for that, this place was positively perfect. The top floor is open on all sides with amazing 360 views of the jungle (this is where we spent most of our time). You even have a nice view of the ocean. You’ll want to bring a good set of binoculars to take advantage of the many birds in the area. We saw both Chestnut Mandibled toucans and Keel Billed toucans on a regular basis. Other birds we saw, to name a few, included Aracari, a White Hawk, Laughing Falcons, and Oropendolas. Jeff provides a spotting scope for really zooming in on the wildlife. We also saw several sloths. One of the things that makes this property unique is that it comes with its own trails. It’s a very large property and trails snake throughout it taking you along a river, through mature jungle, and up to a high point that provides a really nice view of the surrounding jungle. Jeff was gracious enough to take us out on a tour of the different trails our second day there. I should mention that even though this property is tucked back in the jungle, you are a very short walk or drive to the ocean. We found the beaches down in Manzinillo, which is a short drive south, to be some of the prettiest we have seen anywhere. The property has a saltwater pool that we used on a regular basis to cool off after hiking. Both Jeff and his caretaker Bruce are a pleasure to talk to and are good hosts. This place truly is unique and I highly recommend it.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Rare Opportunity to Experience True Jungle

Guest: Jill (Ottawa, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 03/04/12 Review Submitted: 03/11/12

Thank you Jeff and Bruce for making our stay at CieloMar a great experience in the jungle. Our stay from Sunday, March 4th to Friday, March 9th was wonderful - from seeing the white-faced monkeys near the pool, to waking up to the howler monkeys and toucans and to all the little touches you did such as the fresh flowers in the house, the freshly picked bananas near the pool and the many up-to-date magazines you provided as reading material. Our favourite part was both looking out into the jungle from the 3rd floor canopy room (seeing both the ocean and the dense jungle) and the jungle trek with Jeff. We also enjoyed the many services available in Playa Chiquita and the neighbouring towns. Just walking down the road, we were able to see blue morpho butterflies, iguana and a sloth behind Botanica Organica. We loved El Refugio (excellent steak) and our visit to the Jaguar Rescue Centre. Had we had more time, we would have gone on a horseback tour through jungle and beach with Playa Chiquita Riding Stables. This house is a great place to explore the jungle and the many facets of flora and fauna - including ants, spiders, frogs, reptiles, sloths (there's one behind the house) monkeys, toucan, parrots, , etc. My husband and I are in our 40's and our parents came with us - they're in their 80's and we all enjoyed the experience. Thank you for making this place possible and sharing your piece of paradise with us. Pura vida! Rick and Jill Jones

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Sandra, liz and kids

Guest: Sandra (Boston, massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 02/21/12 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

This lodge is amazing!! It exceeded all of my expectations!! We had two children 9 and 11. The lodge itself is nestled in the jungle with a view of the ocean and rainforest. The house is very clean and Jeff and Bruce work to make the grounds beautiful and maintained impeccably. We heard monkeys every day and were fortunate to have a visit of about 15 one morning in a tree right above us. We also saw a sloth, coral snake, posin dart frog, bull frogs, two types of violet snakes. Just awesome. So quiet, safe and peaceful. We did not even lock our door!! My children and I loved having Bruce there, who has a stable on the huge property. We had the most amazing memories and wonderful experience riding with him for two days on the beach. He is very kindhearted and was amazing with my daughter. She will never forget riding the horses on the beach. He was so nice in bringing us fresh limes and coconuts!! The house is close to town where you have endless chooses of places to eat. We loved going to the beach and riding the waves. Most of all we enjoyed our night walks into the jungle to find any critter we could, it seemed that a whole new life came out at night and the house has wonderful trails that go for miles. It was exciting, mysterious and lots of fun discovering what was there. Bruce and jeff are a wealth of knowledge of the plants and wild life. It is great having them close by so they were always checking on us to make sure all our needs were taken care of. They both went above and beyond to help us. The laundry was great to have. There is a wonderful pool and bar area that would be fun to entertain at. Can't say enough how much we loved it. My 11 year old is so sad that we had to leave and they both are saying it was there favorite holiday. We have gone on many trips but ate lobbying on returning already. I highly recommend this lodge. You can veg out or go seek adventure it offers it all.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Jungle Paradise

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/05/11

We were a family of 6, 2 grandparents, 2 parents and 2 teenagers who had a wonderful week at Cielo Mar. The wildlife was amazing! Jeff was a great host and helped to haul our luggage up to the house when we were shorted at the car rental agency and failed to get a 4WD vehicle. Everything you need is close by. We could easily walk to the beach, explore the jungle, groceries are just down the road. We had a great dinner at Jungle Love, really good food. Our week was very relaxing and a true jungle adventure!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Gary and Rose from the Bay of Fundy

Guest: Rose & Gary (Island in Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/06/11 Review Submitted: 03/06/11

We traveled to many places and this was by far the most wonderfully unique place ever. If you appreciate a wonderful host, being secluded, having lots of space indoors and out, living among the wildlife, hiking in the jungle, having access to beautiful beaches, little shops and restaurants...this place is for you. We were definitely glad we had a 4 wheel drive vehicle to reach the house. This place has an amazing view and the house has so many wonderful touches including beautiful hardware throughout, a wonderful deep soaker tub and a shower with a full wall window view of the jungle with its beautiful flora, fauna, butterflies and birds. We loved sleeping in the jungle room and being woken each morning by the howler monkeys. We recommend a camera with a really good zoom if you want some outstanding pictures of the monkeys and birds. We hope to return someday. Thanks Jeff!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Toucans, Howler Monkeys, Ocean View, Oh My!

Guest: Vivian (Seattle, WA/USA)
Date of Stay: 02/10/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/11

We stayed a week on this beautifully situated property (4WD is best) where you can laze in a hammock on an open air landing while listening to the birds. Taking a jungle walk is easy and right out the front door for the ambitious ones or a nice swim in the pool to feel on top of the world. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter had a blast and loved hiking with her parents, checking out bugs, frogs, monkeys, and birds.. Jeff is a great host who makes sure your stay is comfortable. Water filtering system is perfecto so no worries there.. Drive to the grocery store (order a fresh loaf of french bread!) is very close and Playa Chiquita is a beach one thinks is only available in your dreams! (Oh, and please try to make it to the Jaguar Rescue Center to support their efforts with rescuing orphaned wildlife!)

Owner response:Vivivian is referring to our ceramic filtering unit for drinking water. Tap water placed in the top filters thru ceramic elements and comes out potable on the bottom! Jeff

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Should not be missed

Guest: Seams (Ottawa On CA)
Date of Stay: 01/30/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We are a family of five that spent one week at Cielomar on our three week stay in Costa Rica. We travelled through Monteverde, La Fortuna, Dominical area, Turrialba and the Caribbean. We saw more wildlife here in the first few days than the previous two weeks in Costa Rica! The 60 acre nature reserve beyond the house was a wonderful place to walk on its rugged, non-touristy trails. Walking the creek bed was very memorable. The community that exists close by is friendly and helpful. All the services one needs are right there. Highly recommend C&J’s Juice Bar: nice people and good food. We had no car so we walked up the hill but it seemed to get shorter the more we walked it! The pay off for climbing the hill is privacy and delightfully cool evenings. No air conditioning needed. The beaches were wonderful and with a bike/car rental /taxi or bus, one could easily explore a different one every day. The pool was a most enjoyable place to sit and relax as well as cool off during the day. We did less “tours” than we thought we would because everyone just wanted to hang around the house. The kids loved the open third floor with its ocean views, the many birds flying in amongst the canopy and monkeys jumping from tree to tree. There is a lovely private balcony off the master bedroom where we could steal time away from the kids to have a coffee. The house was clean and safe and the caretaker was most helpful and informative. The worst thing was leaving. If we could come back to only one place in Costa Rica . . . this would be it.

Owner response:Most groups that come here have a car. This family thrived without one! It really is only a 10 minute walk to the stores, restaurants, or beach. They also took advantage of the hiking right here at Cielomar, which several groups have told me was a better jungle experience than anything else they found in the area. Besides going to our "rancho" , (on a high ridge overlooking the jungle into Panama) they went with me on some alternative trails which take you down into the creeks on the property before looping back up to the house. They are among several groups this year that have been taking advantage of exploring the preserve, which is one small part of a much bigger area protected voluntarily by the land owners here, preserving the wildlife corridor between Manzanillo and points further north. Jeff

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wildlife Paradise

Guest: slothy (Dolores, CO)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/02/10

Four of us stayed at Cielo Mar for the Thanksgiving holiday and had an absolutely awesome stay. The house and property was everything the listing and photos portrayed and more. Probably some of the best views of any property in the area since it sits a little ways up the hill but still close enough to walk to the beach (5-10 minutes). We spent every morning and evening watching the amazing wildlife either from the top level open observatory or amazing pool area. Due to the bordering nature preserve, the animal and bird watching was a highlight of the trip. We watched howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, sloths, coatis, agoutis, toucans, and more exotic birds than we could possibly identify. Everything was clean and well maintained throughout the property. The driveway to the house is steep and rocky so a 4WD vehicle is a benefit but probably not required. We would definitely go back and highly recommend this property to others.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We went back!

Guest: ChaddSanders (Fort Worth, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 06/13/11

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

beautiful home

Guest: Larry and Kate (Flagstaff, AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

This home is close enough to walk to the beach yet it is far enough away to be completely secluded and safe. The wood work in the home is beautiful and the privacy and views from all 3 porches is spectacular. You are in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by many birds and monkeys. If you want to be near the Carribean and still feel like you are all by yourself this is the place for you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Magical Property

Guest: ChaddSanders (Fort Worth, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

We stayed for one week and it was much more than we had expected. We had worried that not having a/c would be a problem but we were quickly proven wrong. The breezes were sufficient. The house has amazing wood work throughout. The third floor observation room was the most utilized by my party. We were able to games while watching the unbelievable birds that live around the property. Next to the house is the owners 70 acre rain forest for everyone to explore. They have created an amazing trail system. One with a rancho at the end. Now the grounds are covered in wonderful bananas, gingers, plumerias, bromeliads, and many other tropical plants. The pool will take your breath away. It is set up with a full sized bar and a table. It has unsurpassed views of the ocean and the canopy of the surrounding trees. We were able to see Toucans and parrots everyday while hanging out in the pool. The beaches are just at the bottom of the driveway (4 wheel drive needed). I will recommend this place to everyone. A lovely find above it all. Cielo Mar is truly a magical place to visit. Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to answer any that i am able. We cant wait to go back!

Owner response:Thanks Chad, I'm glad you enjoyed our little lost Eden. Come stay again..we give old buddy discounts!!! Kerry McCracken

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Nathan Kerr (Harrodsburg, KY)
Date of Stay: 01/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

The place is as wonderful as the other reviewers say. The pictures here do not do the place justice. We hope we can come back many times! Truly amazing! Also, the property is huge and the hike to the cabin was as good as the national parks we've visited in Panama. Thanks to Jeff & Kerry & Ishmael! It was a pleasure.

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Guest: Stacy Lindshield (Ames, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

Cielo Mar is a gorgeous house atop a hill, where you can look over one shoulder to the Caribbean Sea, and over the other one towards the Talamanca Mountains. The pictures posted by its owners speak volumes about the beauty of the house and grounds but nothing compares to being there in person next to the tropical rainforest. During my stay there as a primate researcher, I was able to observe howler monkeys from dawn until dusk (poolside!) and closely observe a variety of other animals, including toucans, parrots, sloths and coati mundis. The relatively large size of the property, which is mostly rainforest with trails, makes Cielo Mar a suitable place to observe wildlife – for research or pleasure. I recommend Cielo Mar to anyone seeking tropical wildlife, scenery, or serenity.

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Guest: ellen crowley (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 12/22/08 Review Submitted: 12/22/08

Our stay at Cielo Mar last summer was one of the most delightful and relaxing vacations I have ever had. The location on the hill (about one quarter mile from the beach) provided not only cool breezes but spectacular views of the Caribbean and surrounding jungle. My favorite spot was the covered deck, built of gorgeous native wood, open on four sides, sitting atop the house – perfect for reading, napping, watching the ever-changing sea or the wildlife in the surrounding jungle. We saw toucans, parrots, and a huge variety of other birds I could not name (great for birdwatchers), as well as monkeys, and sloths. The views could be enhanced by a telescope on the top deck. In the late afternoon, the Howler monkeys would occasionally gather in large numbers in the trees around the swimming pool (my second favorite spot), seemingly conferring about where they would spend the night. On top of the natural beauty, there were great restaurants offering top-notch international cuisine just a short drive from the house. More restaurants and night life could be found in Puerto Viejo, just a 20-minute drive up the road. I can’t say enough about this little piece of paradise – friendly people, beautiful surroundings, and activities galore (from boating and fishing to swimming and surfing in the Caribbean, to hiking in the jungle).

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/21/08 Review Submitted: 12/21/08

This place is spectacular..We felt like we were in a zoo without bars.It is real primary jungle,real interface with it,but in a luxurious setting,and the pool is just perfect..We plan to come back often and hope we can help with some of the projects in the preserve.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/21/08 Review Submitted: 12/21/08

This place is spectacular..We felt like we were in a zoo without bars.It is real primary jungle,real interface with it,but in a luxurious setting,and the pool is just perfect..We plan to come back often and hope we can help with some of the projects in the preserve.

Owner response:Its so true..thats why I love it here..I feel like I am among the angels watching the birds and monkeys from the ridge..KM

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Guest: craig bowie (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 10/12/08 Review Submitted: 10/12/08

I would like to to share with whoever is interested that I had a very memorable time staying at this home last summer. The view from the home and pool is like nothing I saw anywhere else in Costa Rica. The swimming pool was a favorite hangout spot for me as it always had cool breezes. We spent hours walking along the beach between Punta Uva and Manzanillo or Punt Uva and Puerto Viejo. Another plus was the wildlife around the home. I saw Howler and El Capitan monkeys numerous times from the home. Upon arriving back in the US, I really missed the beautiful sound the Howlers make which you could here through the jungle almost daily. Finally I want to mention the upstairs balcony with open air views in all directions. This was the "reading haven" for me and my friends and I spent hours reading and watching the view. I hope to go back again and am so thankful for the experience!! Craig Bowie-Elementary School Teacher Flagstaff, Arizona

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Guest: Mark44 (Nottingham)
Date of Stay: 09/24/08 Review Submitted: 09/24/08

My fiancee and I stayed at the lodge for three weeks in May/June 2008. the simple truth is it's breath-taking. the views and sunsets are stunning. we found ourselves surrounded by toucans, howler monkeys and many wonderful frogs. the house itself is wonderfully crafted from wood for a rustic feel over three levels, yet retains modern comforts with washer, dryer, warm water and expansive kitchen etc. and best of all the cool breeze on the ridge keeps mosquitos to zero. a short walk are the most unspoiled and quiet beaches with all the trappings of a tropical paradise. the warm charm of the house is complemented by the jungle to explore and the pool for a quick dip. we really loved our time and will come again. you make friends in minutes of moving in or have the space to be aone on the hill in paradise. Geoff and Carry the owners are people we trust and keep in touch with as friends. your time there, at the risk of sounding trite, is going to give you some of the fondest memories of your life.

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