Solitude with Ocean and Central Valley Views

• Fantastic Views, Great Ambience

  Fantastic Views, Great Ambience

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 04/02/13
  • Review Submitted 04/18/13
  Picture doesn't do the property justice. The ambience -- feel of the panorama, sound of the toucans, views of the Central Valley and the sun setting over the Pacific -- must be experienced. The landlord described the view best: like someone had thrown a handful of diamonds onto the valley. Manager was extremely helpful and very personable, and I sensed honesty and sincerity from the first contact. I recommend this property wholeheartedly.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• The Twilight Bunker Truly Lives Up to its Name

  The Twilight Bunker Truly Lives Up to its Name

  • Guest Jeff and Denise
  • Date of stay 02/01/13
  • Review Submitted 03/09/13
  We recently spent the month of February at Cima Estelar in the mountains above the Central Valley of Costa Rica, and we would both agree that it was an extremely relaxing, enjoyable time. The casita was very clean (and easy to keep clean) and comfortable, with an excellent, queen-size bed, very usable kitchen with granite counter tops and island, washer and dryer in the extraordinarily convenient laundry room, and a fine, overhead, rain-style shower. But these conveniences don't begin to tell the real story of the Twilight Bunker (as it's affectionately known). When the sun starts to dip low in the sky over the mountains, we were treated to exquisite sunsets followed by the most stunning view that you can imagine. The house itself is practically all glass, affording us a panoramic view of the lights of the entire Central Valley, a truly breathtaking nightly spectacle! Then with each sunrise, we experienced an ever-changing palette of sun-washed mountain views, a sight that we never grew tired of. We are birdwatchers as well, and despite this being the 3rd 2-month stay we've had in Costa Rica, we were still able to add over 25 species to our life list either on the grounds themselves or within walking distance. If you need to go into town, an 8-minute walk brings you to the bus pick-up area to go in for groceries and other needs in the town of Santiago de Puriscal. We also took a side trip to the Carara National Park (about an hour away) for excellent bird and wildlife watching near the Tarcoles River and Pacific Ocean. In addition, Skeeter and his son Alan will go out of their way to make sure your stay is completely satisfying, as they provide any lacking essentials, astute advice on possible excursions, transportation (for a price, of course), and their own brand of affability and humor! If you're looking for the ideal relaxation spot, with access to interesting side trips, interesting local culture, and breathtaking views, the "Twilight Bunker" at Cima Estelar is well worth a visit!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car.

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• Great time, great views, great company

  Great time, great views, great company

  • Guest Grace and Evan
  • Date of stay 12/15/12
  • Review Submitted 02/13/13
  We had a great time at this rental property. He was so helpful and welcoming. On the first day the owner showed us the ropes and made sure we had everything we needed. The rental was clean, updated and had beautiful views. Throughout the week we had solitude to enjoy the beautiful views and weather but in just a quick run down the hill were welcomed by our host and the dogs! We made great memories, did tons of exploring and were left with a great impression of the beautiful country of Costa Rica! Pure Vida!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• Amazining Views

  Amazining Views

  • Guest Kolleen
  • Date of stay 01/17/13
  • Review Submitted 02/01/13
  My husband and I stayed here two nights and wished we could have stayed longer. It's the perfect place to stay if you want to get away from the busy tourist areas and experience the real costa rica. It is quiet and peaceful and most of all, has absolutely breathtaking views. And the queen bed is very, very comfy. Our hosts, Skeeter and Alan, were friendly and helpful. We would definitly stay here again.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• 'Oh Canada!'

  'Oh Canada!'

  • Guest Naomi
  • Date of stay 01/19/13
  • Review Submitted 01/31/13
  January 2, 2013 - Transcribed from the guest book in Twilight Bunker: "A week ago today we left our home in Canada in the midst of a snowstorm and minus 30 Celsius weather. Today that is a small memory as we have completely adapted to the warmth (both environmental and spiritual) of this beautiful country. While both of us have visited many places in the world, this one has touched me deeply. The humble, gentle and open nature of the people here have left a lasting impression. The intentional preservation of the beaches and forests are powerfully superb. The diversity of plants, animals, birds, insects and fauna is a pleasure to the senses. Highlights of our week - butterfly farm (Guacima), ATV in the rain forest (Manuel Antonio Park), the deserted beaches in Parritta and the hummingbird garden in La Paz Waterfalls (Peace Lodge). Thanks, Skeeter, for a great place to land and your warm hospitality! We will be back! Pura Vida, Naomi and Franck Chelsea, PQ Canada

  Recommended for: Age 55+, people with disabilities, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car.

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• Best Honeymoon Ever!

  Best Honeymoon Ever!

  • Guest TheHappyCouple
  • Date of stay 07/01/12
  • Review Submitted 12/12/12
  My husband and I stayed in the "Twilight Bunker" for a week on our Honeymoon and OH MY GOODNESS it was GORGEOUS! It is exactly what the above title says it is "Solitude with ocean and central views" but it is also so much more. Our favorite part was when the clouds from the ocean came rolling over the mountain and right up into our room. Every day and night the sky was different and more and more beautiful. Not to mention we had the perfect host, Skeeter, to make us feel right at home. Skeeter was very knowledgeable and accommodating which was very helpful for a newly wed couple stepping out into their first big adventure together. He gave us the option to see the countryside or just stay at home and relax. There are plenty of excursions available if that's what you're looking for and there is also plenty of opportunity to drink in the peaceful solitude on the mountain top as well. Overall, I would recommend this destination for anyone looking for a place to relax with incredible scenery and the option to explore. This is NOT an overpopulated, over "touristy" area but rather the exact opposite. You will get a chance to see the "real" Costa Rica which in my opinion is invaluable.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car.

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• A room with a view

  A room with a view

  • Guest Maura & Marnie
  • Date of stay 11/28/12
  • Review Submitted 12/07/12
  This may have been the closest thing to a slice of heaven I've ever seen. The listing description and photos could not possibly have done this place justice. A wealth of vistas from the Twilight Bunker which itself was magnificent. Spacious and decked out with all the creature comforts, our accommodations were clean and comfortable. A large, stylish shower with breathtaking views. A beautiful open kitchen, stocked with fresh fruit, milk, juice, bread, and every snack we could have hoped for. A wrap around deck for soaking up the surrounding mix of gorgeous landscaping and exotic wildlife. The bed was luxurious. The bathroom replete with fluffy towels, and plenty of necessities. A state of the art washer and dryer in a separate laundry room. Our host was the epitome of helpful, warm hospitality - while giving us a sense of serene privacy. We arrived to the most gracious welcome, and spent four days in our own little world - always aware that Skeeter's friendly assistance was just down the hill. I would highly recommend this beautiful property to anyone traveling in Costa Rica. You won't be disappointed.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with young children, sightseeing.

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• Amazing place to stay with breathtaking views

  Amazing place to stay with breathtaking views

  • Guest PhillipM
  • Date of stay 09/17/12
  • Review Submitted 10/15/12
  My wife and I stayed here for two nights while we were on our honeymoon and we absolutely loved the place. It was just like how it looks in the pictures and was well taken care of. Skeeter and his son Alan were incredibly helpful, courteous and hospitable. We would recommend this place to anyone visiting Costa Rica and we will most definitely be giving Skeeter a call next time we are in Costa Rica. Thanks again Skeeter for everything, it was a pleasure being able to stay at your beautiful place!

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

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• Serene Mountain and Valley Views

  Serene Mountain and Valley Views

  • Guest Emily and Jim
  • Date of stay 08/06/12
  • Review Submitted 08/15/12
  We are awestruck and humbled by the amount of work put into Cima Estelar. Thank you Skeeter and family for this labor of love and for having the vision to share it with the rest of us! Every amenity we needed was here, down to minute details such as ambient lighting and a whole house music system. When we weren't home relaxing around the house with Thor, barbecuing, or enjoying the awesome views, then we were out exploring Costa Rica. Our activities took us all over the country: hiking, kayaking, ziplining, and people watching! We found the Ticos to be warm, helpful, and incredibly patient with us: whether ordering tasty homemade food at their sodas, grocery shopping at Nelly's and at the SuperMora, buying delicious fruit at the roadside stands,or exchanging money to colones. Pura Vida Costa Rica! Although Skeeter graciously offered to drive us around, we rented a car during our visit for several reasons: • We wanted an open schedule, preferring to take it day by day • We had a desire to get a local feel for Costa Rica, even though we spoke no Spanish • We learned from previous trips that Hubby and I have a history of being prone to motion sickness, and found that being behind the steering wheel helps to prevent it. Renting a car allowed us to accomplish all the above- we wouldn’t change a thing about our trip. A few caveats: • The mountain roads are twisty and hairpin turns are the norm. You will need to concentrate on your driving to avoid motorcycles, Ticos, dogs, and the occasional cow on the road. The payoff is the opportunity to interact with the Ticos and to experience the real Costa Rica. • The GPS was a godsend. Don’t even think about doing Costa Rica with paper maps, so many places don’t have addresses and don’t show up on maps. • We rented a 2WD sedan: a Toyota Yaris. It took us everywhere- up and down the roads of Cima Estelar, Monteverde’s unpaved roads, Arenal, Puntarenas, and the Poas area. All you need to do is learn how to use the lower gears. A sedan is what alot of the Ticos drive, too! As we reach our last full day here, we decide to rest before our travels bring us back to the U.S. Gazing at the hillside and watching the wildlife as they go about their routines, we try to lock in our memories and carry them in our hearts until we can once again return to Cima Estelar....

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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• Stellar Stay at Cima Estellar

  Stellar Stay at Cima Estellar

  • Guest Bill
  • Date of stay 07/09/12
  • Review Submitted 08/12/12
  What can you say about a property that consistently receives 5 star reviews from the guests other than now we add another 5 star review. We stayed for a month at this property and have nothing negative to report. The photos in the VRBO listing can not accurately show how beautiful this place is, you have got to stay here. Skeeter and his son Alan are uncommon folk who go the extra mile for their guests. They will act as your chauffeurs, guides and translators as needed or, if you prefer, just leave you alone. We had planned to rent a car during our stay. However, after a few trips with Alan and Skeeter we decided to leave the driving to them - that was more fun and relaxed. We didn't miss having a car - we were able to walk to the nearby town of Grifo Alto (which has two small grocery stores) and catch the bus into Pursical for restaurants and larger super markets. We highly recommend staying at Cima Estallar and plan to return.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Additional information about rental rates

Reservations: www.cimaestelar.com/payments

Your invoice number is the date of arrival i.e. 05/07/2013 for arrival date of May 7. 2013

Balance in U.S. dollars upon arrival

Additional Fees and Taxes:

14% additional