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☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆

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Covered veranda by infinity pool
Front of Villa
Main entry
Airiel
Exterior detail

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 64000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
Dominical, San Jose Province
  • Place, Playa Dominicalito
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Hacienda Baru
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Playa Dominical
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Quepos (XQP)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Den

1 Double Futon

EAST JUNGLE BEDROOM

1 King Bed

WEST JUNGLE BEDROOM

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆

Located just 20 minutes up from the Costnenera Highway between the towns of Dominical to the north and Uvita to the south a partially paved road (4 wheel drive mandatory) winds it way thru the jungle to the gated community of Costa Verde Estates. There you will find Casa de Zen the only home located at the end of a dead end road. Privacy abounds so if you are the kind of person who enjoys the likes of traffic, police sirens or other unnatural noise pollutants this is certainly not the home for you

Casa de Zen offers an unparalleled serenity skillfully chiseled into the mountain side surrounded by Old world primary rainforest on three sides. Tastefully decorated with an array of natural local wood, stained glass and muted colors that emulate the surrounding landscape this Casa has all the creature comforts to make you feel right at home. Air-conditioners are in the bedrooms only but rarely needed. Rising high above the coastline below ocean breezes cool the temperature by a whopping 10 degrees compared to lower elevations making it quite comfortable day and night.

The casa consists of two large Master bedrooms complete with private baths both located on opposite sides of the house giving you yet again the feel of intimacy even while sharing the home with other guests. The comfortable oversized open air livingroom has the atmosphere of a movie theatre complete with a big screen TV and comfortable seating for your viewing pleasure. There is absolutely no bad seat in this house. Whether it's movies, classic TV, documentries or sports we have it all via a Roku box or choose from a large selection of DVD's or CD's from our extensive libraries.

The lush landscape was professionally designed by an award winning American landscape archetect using local flora and fauna that melds into the surrounding jungle complete with Papaya and Mango trees. Open spaces include sculptured well maintained rich lawns that sweep over the jungle's edge bringing a plethora of fireflies as the night falls. Night lighting is also a beautiful addition to this enchanted land artistically positioned to up light trees in the jungle and give much needed light to the pathways on a black as ink night.

No tropical paradise would be complete without an infinity edge salt water pool complete with in pool seating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. If you're not wanting to float around on an air mattress in the pool then a pool shelf with lounge chairs is just the ticket for you in an area submerged in just 8 inches of water. And yes, the pool butts right up to the jungle giving it the feel more like a lagoon than a pool itself. Imagine drinking cold fruity umbrella drinks with ice served straight from the ice machine in your outdoor kitchen. Life doesn't get any better than this.


Enjoy a cup of coffee at sunrise with the sounds of hundreds of songbirds serenading a new day as Howler monkeys feast on tasty leaves in the canopy tops above. White faced monkeys will keep you amused with their antics and acrobatic finesse. As you relax on the oversized Veranda the unobstructed breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean lie 1700 feet below overlooking the famous Whale’s Tail where it is not unusual to observe the almighty Humpback Whale in it's natural habitat. Past the Whales Tail the view sweeps over the ocean to the Osa Peninsula and Cano Island which has some of the finest diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica.

Be prepared to listen to the green parrots squawking noisily as they compete for the many fruits that the Peach Palms offer. Handsome Toucan's dressed in mini tuxedos will nose dive down into the jungle to add just another dimension to this lush paradise. If you are a big fan of butterflies there are entirely too many different varieties to count in just one hour.

As the sun starts to set you return to your slice of Heaven after a long day of hiking, swimming, fishing, zip lining or Whale watching. Rinse off in your outdoor private shower and settle in with a sparkling glass of wine. As darkness falls upon the land starlight intermingled with the lights of Uvita and Ojochal twinkling to life in the yonder valley. As the jungle grows silent for the night the soothing sounds of the waves crashing below brings a joyful peace and time for reflection from a long day filled with life long memories.

☆☆☆ All this can be found during the popular season known as the HIGH SEASON or DRY SEASON starting in late November thru mid to late April. During these months Costa Rica comes alive with oil slicked beach goers, surfers and nature fanatics enjoying in abundance the warm, dry, sun-filled days.

☆☆☆ The LOW SEASON or GREEN SEASON is May thru November which allows for a Seasonal discounted Rental fee. This low season allows you an exclusive one on one with nature. As the rainy season rejuvenates the jungle our on site Waterfall comes alive and peeks through the jungle as it cascades into our Rio Zen below. Personally one of our favorite times of the year. There truly is no need to make the long drive to the Monte Verde Cloud Forrest because the cloud Forrest will come to you.

Come visit and stay at Casa de Zen . Your life long memories await.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3-17
With any pool/jungle setting there is dangers
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Please check with owners.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed outside ONLY.
Please treat our home with love and respect as you would treat your own home.
No loud music or noise after 9:00 PM

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Barú

Located in Barú, this villa is in a rural area and by the sea. Marino Ballena National Park and Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Traveling with kids? Consider Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Uvita Arts Center. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Dominical, San Jose Province

What's nearby

  • Playa Dominicalito - 14 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Dominicalito Beach - 14 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Hacienda Baru - 15 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Playa Dominical - 17 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Uvita Beach - 23 min drive - 18.7 km

Getting around

  • Quepos (XQP) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Moromo - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Beyan Restaurant & Coffee - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Bakery - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Fuego Brew Company - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪La Junta - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆ have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆?

As of Mar 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆ on Apr 30, 2026 start from $380, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆ pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆?

Check-out is at 9:00 AM.

Where is ☆☆the Tranquility Of Casa De Zen☆☆Costa Rica At It's Finest☆☆ located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly villa is within 6 mi (10 km) of Playa Dominicalito, Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Dominicalito Beach and Playa Dominical are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay!!!

Ellen and Bob were great hosts! They were so accommodating and helpful! The property itself is beautiful with a gorgeous infinity pool! The house was so clean and comfortable!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Treasure of a home with epic views

We so enjoyed our stay and plan on coming back. What a treat of tranquility and artistry. this home is like a jewel box.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful private home with incredible property and views!!

We had an amazing stay at Casa de Zen! The property is like staying on a nature preserve with a huge diversity of plants and animals. The views from the patio are incredible. The location is perfect for trips to Dominical, Uvita, and nearby waterfalls and surfing beaches. The house is clean and comfortable and Bob and Ellen were gracious hosts. Kids said this was the best vacation ever! We enjoyed our stay and look forward to coming back! Pura Vida!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing stay at Casa de Zen

My wife and I planned a Thanksgiving Week holiday at Casa de Zen and had a fabulous time. Our hosts Ellen and Bob were wonderful, and everything was as nice as it appeared in the VRBO listing. The house is quiet and jungle is all around, yet close enough to town for dinning and activities. The pool area and landscaping are really stunning! We were very impressed at the high quality of restaurants in the close by town of Ojochal, which should be a must make stop on your trip. Thanks to Ellen and Bob for a great vacation! The Lewis family
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Must See Property

We loved every moment of our stay. Our plans were to pretty much stay put.... why go anywhere when you can wake to howler monkeys, enjoy the sunrise, watch hummingbirds flit from bush to vine, swim in the most beautiful pool with a water feature, and be visited by coatis, agoutis and toucans almost every day. Other than a trip to the store and a visit to Whale's Tale, we were totally thrilled just to be here! The owner is a fabulous landscape architect and it is evident everywhere you look.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brett M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing, amazing, amazing!!

We had an incredible time! The house was absolutely stunning! Our host were equally amazing and helpful with anything and everything we could ask for. We will absolutely be coming back to stay at this beautiful home again! We had nothing but good vibes the entire time we were there. We had an absolute wonderful time unwinding and decompressing by the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the whales tail. We can’t say enough about this beautifully landscaped home. It is breathtaking to stand back and look at! Thanks to Bob and Ellen we had an amazing stay! Awesome experience!!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

If I had to use one word to sum up this VRBO home, it would be PARADISE. The home is very well-appointed, with magnificent views of the ocean. We spent much time in the infinity edge pool, gazing at the beautiful view. The home featured two large bedrooms as well as two large bathrooms, (en suite), a half bath and even a wonderful outdoor shower, (we never used the indoor showers). The kitchen was well appointed and had everything one needs to prepare any meal. The landscape is perfect and the lighted pool and uplighting on the landscape at night were nothing short of stunning. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the owners who took the time to answer any questions and to show us around their beautiful home. If you seek relaxation, Casa de Zen is what you want for your Costa Rican vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hillary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on Earth

Staying at Casa Zen was wonderful! The hosts greeted us upon arrival and were available throughout our stay. They were happy to share insider "tips and tricks" with their years of experience in Costa Rica. Ellen and Bob were fabulous hosts, providing everything and more to make our vacation a memorable one. Their attention to detail is key. Casa Zen is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica. There are several comfortable spots inside and out to relax and take in the beautiful ocean view, the lush jungle, and the wildlife. The home is stocked with everything you could ever need to make it your home. We actually spent more time at "home" than we did away. If I could give Casa Zen 10 stars I would! We are looking forward to keeping in touch with Ellen and Bob well into the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dori P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great hosts and great house

We spent 2 months at this house hosted by Ellen and Bob who are so gracious and accommodating. They live in the casita and their presence was very advantageous as Bob was able to be a huge help with our flat tire for example. Or when we lost power or other jungle issues because you are truly in the jungle! As the washer and dryer are not in the house and only in the casita, there is laundry service courtesy of Ellen. I have not been near a washing machine or dryer for 2 months. Quite liberating! The house itself is quite spacious with a bedroom on either side which is great for privacy. The pool is great and the breezes are amazing. The ride up on a very bumpy road is 16 minutes long and don’t even think of not getting a 4x4! You will not get up that mountain without it. But the view is gorgeous and well worth the bumpy ride!!
Stayed 55 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A blessed place

Casa de Zen is a true gem. I spent 9 unforgettable days there with my wife and 2 children, aged 12 and 15. The house is very spacious and well equipped, including remarkably reliable WiFi and a wonderful grill. But the best of all is the location -- ensconced in the mountain overlooking the ocean and tail-shaped Playa Uvita. The view is spectacular. Enjoying it while surrounded by nature, including toucans and morphos, while relaxing in the pool, is simply a miracle. I don’t think the pictures here do justice to the beauty of the house and its surroundings. Besides, the whole area is extraordinarily beautiful, with plenty of beaches and places to visit, including Corcovado National Park and Caño Island. I'm Costa Rican and I can say that this is probably the most beautiful stretch of coastline in the country. Both Dominical and Uvita (about 25m drives in both cases) offer plenty of options to buy supplies of all kinds. Bob and Ellen are wonderful, warm and helpful hosts, so good in fact that we celebrated New Year's Eve with them. One note of caution, though: the drive up the mountain from the main road is not easy. It takes 15-20 minutes to go up or down on a tricky gravel road, and this was during the dry season. A tall 4x4 vehicle is a must. The good thing is that the place is so beautiful that you may decide to spend entire days at the house without going anywhere. We shall return to Casa de Zen, a magical place!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

Absolutely The Best!!!

This was the BEST place we have ever stayed in over 28 years of renting in Costa Rica! Ellen and Bob, welcomed us with open arms and we truly felt at home upon arrival. The setting, including: architecture, design, VIEW, landscaping, artwork, pool, lighting and amenities is second to none. Our family of five can not say enough about this beautiful home set in the "selva" of southern Costa Rica! You feel like you are in a dream!! If we could give 10 stars out of 5, it would still not be enough. The flora and fauna that surround this 'oasis in the jungle' seem to be never ending, as we saw so many different birds, flowers and critters(all outside ;) everyday and night. This house is an ornithologist, horticulturist, entomologist nirvana. The views from the pool, many decks and sitting areas, living room, bedrooms, outdoor shower and even the kitchen sink! is nothing you can describe in words or even pictures... but I will say, we all got up everyday at 5:30-6am to begin enjoying spectacular vistas of the Whale's Tail, the distant Osa Peninsula and the stretches of virgin, prime-evil jungle between. The stars at night were much enjoyed from the lower pool deck. Also because of the beautiful artwork and tasteful design there is always something new to admire this spacious, comfortable home. Super clean and ultra secure, all the wonderful things I can put into words are only an understatement of how truly amazing the experience at Casa de Zen is..... Thank you again for this place you have created, which has given us a time and memories we will never, ever forget. Ellen and Bob, your hard work and clear dedication to creating something this special is wholeheartedly appreciated by us all! Hope and plan to return and stay here again and again :)
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casa de Zen is absolute paradise!

While the trip up the mountain is a bit treacherous, it is so well worth it! I don't think there is a better view in the southern zone! Every aspect of this home seems to be built to blend seamlessly into the rain forest, and cannot be beat for solitude and utterly astounding views. We were absolutely surrounded by wildlife and nature, including monkeys, toucans, a million hummingbirds, butterflies, frogs, coati, and more. It's an ideal setup for 2 couples with split masters, a fantastic kitchen (and an outdoor kitchen), a perfect infinity pool and multiple places to hang out. Ellen and Bob are the most amazing hosts and now friends, and they clearly care about your experience while staying with them! Ellen even so graciously helped with our laundry, as the units are in their guest house. The home is appointed with amazing art, and has excellent ambiance, day and night. We did have to be careful with our two boys (2 & 4), so that they didn't wreck the place too bad, and especially around the pool and access to the jungle, but they settled into the rules quickly and all went swimmingly! Ellen's restaurant, outing and beach recommendations were spot on, and She & Bob were both available if we needed them but very careful to not be intrusive. We ended up hanging out and having a great time on several occasions, but at our request! To reiterate, the need for 4 wheel drive as mentioned in the listing is no joke, and we found it best to stock up on groceries and booze in town, spend lots of time enjoying the house, and make specific outings (dinner, beach, breakfast, waterfall, etc.), as managing the kids and their naps, etc. required some logistics. Also, kid-related, there is a great entertainment center (on generator power!) with great cable and internet for any gloomy days you might have! Overall, I cannot say enough nice things about the home, or our hosts! We can't wait to get back next time! Pura Vida!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect "ZEN" experience

After spending many trips in the Costa Ballena area of Costa Rica, my wife and I decided to bring her parents to the area to show them everything we had been bragging about. Finding the right home for this trip was very important because my mother-in-law is not very mobile, and the home needed to have minimal steps and levels which brought us to this residence. We must say that it ended up being perfect. Casa Zen was a delight. The house is situated in the Costa Verde Estates which is a very high-end gated community located at 1700 feet in elevation overlooking the whale’s tail of Uvita. The temperature at that elevation is extremely comfortable with highs in the upper 70’s during the day and high 60’s at night. Casa Zen is located on the edge of the mountain and offers complete privacy and killer views as well as a one-with-nature feel. Howler monkeys, toucans and many other animals visit the property daily offering great entertainment. You will find that the house is much more open and larger than it appears in the pictures. The inside and outside living areas flow together perfectly giving you a very comfortable and relaxing experience. The landscaping is exquisite with detailed viewing and sitting areas throughout. The owners Bob and Ellen took great pride in creating the perfect atmosphere conducive for relaxation as well as socializing in all of the intimate areas. While there we found that Bob was a professional landscape designer back in the states which shows in all of the detailed work that has been done on the property. The home is comfortably furnished and decorated in a very inviting manner. You will also find that Casa Zen has all of the amenities you will need for your vacation. The description of the premises on the VRBO website is exactly what to expect. No surprises here. Bob and Ellen are fabulous hosts and are willing to help you out, if needed, with anything at any time. We rent homes in this area four times a year for the last 5 years and I must say that this one is very special, especially if you plan on spending quality time at the home itself. The reviews on VRBO are accurate and you will not be disappointed. My wife and I highly recommend Casa Zen.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true slide of heaven in Costa Rica

We came to Casa de Zen for our 20th wedding anniversary, hoping for a much-needed break from the rat race, stress and general mayhem of the last couple of years. We could not have chosen better. The house is beyond gorgeous, and is complete with all the essentials plus the extra touches to make it special. The many porches and decks provide access to the unbelievable view of Bahia Ballena - we were there in the rainy season, but enjoyed watching the clouds over the ocean with the decks providing shelter - we were able to enjoy both rain and shine due to the thoughtful design of the house inside and out. It was our first trip to Costa Rica, which our gracious (and fun!) hosts Bob and Ellen were aware of, and they made an effort to point out wildlife as it came by (they stay in a nearby casita). Their presence was welcome, not intrusive, and they truly give you peace and privacy while being a ready resource for all things in the area including restaurants, sites to see, etc. We were thrilled to see white-faced monkeys, coati, a toucan and even a sloth - all in their natural habitat in nearby trees. The landscaping is beautiful and blends with the area, giving you a feel of living in the rainforest while having modern luxuries. The plunge pool was cool and refreshing, the fountain adding another pleasant layer of sound - the whole auditory experience was like one week-long relaxation tape! Dining in the area we found to be outstanding with a wide variety of cuisines available in nearby Uvita and Dominical. Fair warning that the road from the highway to the house REQUIRES A 4-WHEEL DRIVE vehicle - don't poo-poo this. It's very bumpy, rutted, and narrow, so forewarned is forearmed. As long as you take your time climbing up, you'll be fine. While it was only the two of us at this lovely home, it would be ideal for two couples as both bedrooms have ensuite baths and are at opposite ends of the home - plus with all the outdoor living spaces you can have separate space as well. I could rave on and on about this special home - and it IS a home that Bob and Ellen have felt compelled to share with the world. If you are considering Costa Rica and are looking for a retreat from the world, this may just be your place. Pura Vida!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Guy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis in the heart of the jungle. We could not have been happier.

Bottom line: if you want to be One With The Costa Rican Rainforest, this is it. We’ve been to CR 3x now but this was our first in Dominical/Uvita. All of our stays have been well- researched and pretty darn sweet. But there’s only one Casa De Zen. Top 4 Things We Adored -- Bird & Animal Sightings: Oh, where to begin. We are animal lovers and brought big & little monoscopes and a respectable camera. It paid off. Sometimes without looking you’d see Crested Guans helicopter in…or catch a family of Howlers in one of the flagship trees by the pool. We spotted toucans, aracaris [but more rare], coatis galore, and many other birds. Easy, plentiful sightings. Others were a bit more elusive [e.g. the charming woodrail bird that Ellen named Clacker], which was also fun to try and spot. I almost hated to do my daily run for fear I would miss something! My fiancé would later show me on his camera what animal or bird I missed. Turns out I myself would spot a pack of 8 capuchins on my way back from a run right near their entrance gate…so it evened out. -- Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Home: The finishes, materials and craftsmanship were so cozy and well-appointed. The pics don’t do several of the rooms justice. My fiancé hardly ever wanted to use the 2nd bedroom shower, for he would rather keep it dry so he could watch animals/birds in the all-glass enclosure that faced yet ANOTHER beautiful landscape nook. Bob and Ellen are proud of their decorative accessories and artwork, too, which we found so heartwarming. (If we wanted modern decor, plenty of great places abound. We didn’t.) -- Perch Position: 1,700 glorious feet of elevation. That made the vista breathtaking. The lush rainforest, rolling hills & valleys, and sheer depth was our fav of any of our prior trips. This elevation also kept bugs at bay, a huge bonus. -- Owner Charm: Bob and Ellen were such lovely, spirited hosts. Yet they took cues from us and never invaded privacy. We chose to go out w/ them several times during our 10-day trip. Several of those nights were also with their wonderful friends that lived in the greater area. (Hello to all of you!) It was one of the highlights of our stay. Attention VRBO Mktg Dept: if you ever need single hero image that embodies the vista & lushness of renting in the CR rainforest, you just found it with this gem. Thank you, Bob and Ellen! We are happy to call you our friends now.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristen ( Compass Point ) H.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jungle retreat

Beautiful home and property! The photos don’t do it justice. It is perfect for two couples or a small family! I could have stayed in the Pool the whole trip! It is 20 minutes up the mountain in the jungle, so be prepared when you turn off the Highway. 4x4 vehicle is definitely required for this part of Costa Rica!! Bob and Ellen were great hosts! It might have be helpful to have them meet you at the security gate if you arrive in the dark. We would absolutely return to this house for another stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janae S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Paradise

Let me begin with, this was our first trip to beautiful Costa Rica. After much research and plenty of blog reviews, we decided on the area of Dominical and Uvita and found this beautiful home, Casa de Zen nestled high on the hill side of the mountain. This home was as advertised and the pictures don't even begin to do it enough justice. If you are looking to truly unplug, relax and listen to the sounds of the jungle, then this is the spot for you. We traveled here with our two boys and they enjoyed every minute of this magical place. From seeing families of howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, and humming birds galore, the jungle was always bursting with activity. Now back to the house. It comes well equipped with any utensil needed to prepare all meals, which we did for most of our trip. Our boys especially loved the pool, they woke up every morning and started the day with a swim. Bob and Ellen were the perfect hosts and were available at a moments notice. We could not have asked for a better vacation and cannot wait to visit again. Thank you Bob and Ellen for sharing your slice of paradise with us. The Watson Family!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay at Casa de Zen

We were so happy with our stay at Casa de Zen. The house was spotless and clean, Bob and Ellen are wonderful host, they made our stay very enjoyable. The pictures don't do the place justice. Between Ellen's decorating and bobs knowledge and love for the landscaping detail it couldn't have been better. We will definitely be staying with them again. Thanks Bob and Ellen.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Daniel and Jennifer D.

Nature and Luxury all in one!!

Our finest stay in Costa Rica! We have rented homes through VRBO the last 9 years and this one takes the cake! The owners Bob and Ellen became fast friends! The house sits high in the mountainous jungle with exceptional views of Whales Tail and the Osa Peninsula. Every morning we were blessed to see and hear new birds and other friendly creatures. The landscaping outside and the interior decorating are of the highest quality we have ever seen. There is not one thing that we would change! The house becomes your home the instant you walk through the doors with everything you could possibly need! We enjoyed the cool infinity pool every day and used the outdoor cooking area several times. The outdoor shower is the best, as you can watch hummingbirds and butterflies while you bathe! True magnificence awaits you every morning. Thank you so much Bob and Ellen for sharing your Casa de Zen!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andriy K.

Absolutely amazing - it's not enough 5* to rate it!

If we could rate this house with more that 5 stars, we would definitely do it. We (me, my wife and family of our friends) stayed on the villa during New Year holidays and it was a real luck to find it. With my personal experience of 50+ counties, I have a lot of reasons why it is a great choice: - HOUSE: extremely comfortable, built with attention to every single detail both in construction and interior design; important thing that the owners built the house for themselves and just started to rent it, moreover they still living nearly so personally taking care about the house and the garden; - GARDEN: it is a result of really, really hard work and great creativity! the territory looks beautiful and very natural at the same time, perfect synergy with surrounding jungles. - VIEW: "impressive" is a pretty weak word to describe it: you can sit on the terrace and staring at the ocean, jungles, wild nature, sunrise and sunsets for hours (and maybe years..). Really worth to experience! - NATURE: when you are surrounded by jungles and the area of the estate is quiet and protected, the wild life is flourishing - we watched a lot birds, some iguanas, frogs, I also was lucky to see capybara; and while there, you hear the sounds of wild creatures - awesome feeling! - ESTATE: maybe one of the best projects in the country - well-organized, secured, wild nature is fully preserved, all lots are planned to ensure full privacy of each house - thus no noisy neighbors etc - AREA ITSELF: don't be fooled with thousands of tourists coming to Tamarindo - the real, natural Costa Rica is on the south (IMHO): a lot of real jungles, great ocean and beaches, not so crowed and urbanized yet safe and cosy - really worth to visit! - OWNERS: very friendly, intelligent people that really love the country, proud of their house and taking care about their guests - you don't feel yourself by renting a house, you feel like visiting a close relatives that love and taking care of you. Bob and Linda are amazing people and we are extremely happy that we met them. Just to make your holiday really comfortable - 4x4 car is a must as it takes appx. 2 km to get there from the main roads up to the hills. Anyway, don't afraid of it - with a good car the road it easy enough, it's perfectly constructed - we had no difficulties even we'd got into heavy rain. Therefore, everyone of our company STRONGLY recommends the house and owners for one of the most amazing holidays you'd ever have!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2017

About the host

Hosted by Ellen Philbin

Host profile image
Hello and Welcome to our home!
My husband Bob and I would like to thank you for your interest in our our own little piece of paradise.
We're originally from Long Island, New York and then relocated to Denver, Colorado after a business opportunity surfaced . Bob was a successful award winning Landscape Archetect back in the United States along with his many building designs. I on the other hand spent my entire career in the world of Banking.
We have two married adult sons living in upstate New York along with a total of six grandchildren. Although we miss the kids with all our hearts, the thought of just one more winter shoveling snow and scraping ice off the windshield finally convinced us hands down that a tropical ocean view home was just the ticket. So Bob and I decided to make the move to Costa Rica and never looked back.

Why they chose this property

Casa de Zen was designed by Bob in 2014 and the house was completed in 2015. Bob spent many mornings and evenings sitting on a lawn chair during the day lite hours and early evening hours on a virgin plot of land planning for a "just right" positioning of the house so that the heat of the day would not effect the comfort of the home itself nor interfere with the stunning views . Giving the house a constant comfortable temperature of 70 - 75° . Cooler at night.

Unlike a majority of homes in our neighborhood Bob designed this home to not be a clear cut lot, but to nestle the home amongst the jungle making it feel like it grew out of the land itself leaving the trees and the jungle the way mother nature intended it to be.
Also on site is a detached studio with one queen sized bed and one full sized pull out couch. This seperate sleeping area offers sleeping room for 4 more guests. Included is a refrigerator to keep snacks and drinks cold. Teenagers getting on your nerves? Perfect get away for them.
Unlike the United States where basically you know your day to day schedule, Casa de Zen offers a truly different experience that changes daily.
Our neighbors are not of the human kind but an over abundance of wild life. Armadillo, Deer, Howler Monkeys, Picotes, Capuchin monkeys, Toucan's, paccaries, tree frogs and way too many birds and butterflies to count. This is just to name a few. Maybe you can add a few that we haven't seen yet.

On the property (in season) you will find edibles like pineapple, mangos, papaya, peppers, and a baby lemon tree not yet ready to produce fruit. In the near future oranges, avocados, limes, starfruit and various other edibles will be introduced.

What makes this property unique

Casa de Zen is located exactly between Uvita to the south and Dominical to the north (9 km to each).
Uvita is where we do all our grocery shopping, Banking, Liquor Stores and Medical Services. Further past Uvita is Ojochal with some of the South Pacific coast's finest dining.
Dominical is a quaint little surf town offering many tourist attractions, shopping and smaller restaurants. There is also the Dominical Tourist Information Center which I highly recommend.

If you don't want to travel all that far, the Jolly Roger Bar and Grill is about 15 minutes down the mountain offering giant hamburgers, hot wings, local musicians and large screen TV's for your favorite sports teams. Nothing like watching the Superbowl in the middle of the jungle.

Back to Casa de Zen....In the "Green Season" Casa de Zen has an on site Waterfall that feeds into Rio Zen in our East Jungle. The Green season is beyond stunning with the feel of Jurassic Park and the thought of maybe a dinosaur or two looming in the jungle could be a possiblibility (?!)

I stepped out the norm here and did away with stark white walls and added a touch of pastel color to emulate the surrounding landscape. Stained glass for a touch of artistic beauty and natural wood to soften up the house and to give it a more natural organic feel. I also designed etched glass at the front entrance, over the transoms,
The wall facing the Ocean totally opens up to a 25 foot opening with large glass pocket doors for an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean, the Whale’s tail, Osa Peninsula and Cano Island. Below at night you will spy the twinkling lights of Uvita & Ojochal to the south.

This is a fine home to just "Chill" and get in touch with nature and yourself. Whether it's to meditate, do yoga, create, Honeymoon or just unwind.....Come see why we call this "Casa de Zen"

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