Savor the tropic breezes and take in the big sky and all-embracing mountain top views of the Pacific Central Highlands and the Valley of San Jose spread out before you from this villa retreat nestled on the edge of a coffee plantation just 10 minutes from Atenas, 40 minutes from the San Jose airport and under an hour to the famous Pacific beaches.
Brew a fresh cup of local coffee with pure, clean water from the well to be enjoyed while listening to the cadences of exotic bird song on the sparkling patio overlooking the cobalt tile solar-heated pool and magnificent surrounding vistas. Catch a glimpse of flocks of parrots returning to roost in Atenas at sunset or hear the purring sounds of the occasional toucan--this is a birdwatchers dream spot! With warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings, often referred to as "forever spring", combined with spectacular valley and mountain views, this is truly a piece of paradise, and exactly what you are looking for to enjoy a fabulous vacation stay. In the evening take in the twinkling lights of San Jose and the starry expanse above you. Located above the bustle of quaint Atenas, you find this home a quiet, cool and breezy retreat. Take day trips to Pacific beaches, waterfalls, wildlife parks and cloud forests, returning in the cool of the evening to your mountain retreat.
This gracious and gated villa with a resident guard and caretaker, sleeps 6 people in the main house, and is excellently appointed throughout, with a welcoming open floor plan. The spacious, well-stocked kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and is ideal for making snacks or entertaining family and friends in style. The dining table is handcrafted of native Guanacaste wood by a local artisan and comfortably seats eight. The entire glass wall facing the pool yields views with the manicured gardens and mountains beyond.
Generous seating and dining areas are located both inside and out-of-doors on the wide veranda creating an expansive open air living space. The cool mesh loungers by the pool complete the laid-back scene.
Two equally comfortable master bedrooms wing off of the living room space each with a generous King-sized bed, ensuite bathroom with beautifully tiled walk-in shower, marble vanity, custom-painted sinks, and walk-in closets with plenty of space to stow your things and stay a while! There is also a dormitory room off the kitchen with twin bunk beds, great for kids but comfortable for adults as well. Plenty of quiet and privacy as the walls are dense cement and the woodwork all of local almond and laurel hardwoods including the vaulted ceiling in the great room.
The main house has all the modern conveniences, including dishwasher, laundry room, alarm system and electric gate. There is a discrete and genteel young man named Elder who maintains the garden and pool.
There is also a Casita (Guesthouse) on the property which can house up to two additional guests for an additional charge of $300 per stay. It offers privacy with a Queen bedroom, full kitchen, living room, laundry room and porches with a spectacular view above the main house. Please enquire.
Nearby Escazu, San Jose and Sarchi offer shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Take day trips to the Zoo Park, Orchid Gardens, La Paz Waterfall near the Poas volcano, Carrera and Manuel Antonio wildlife preserves filled with white-faced monkeys, scarlet macaws and toucans. Go horseback riding, ziplining, rafting--- all adventures which can be easily arranged through our wonderful team, Marian and Aad, who can handle all your needs while you are visiting Atenas.
Atenas has every amenity you might need--the supermarket and Friday farmers market are magnets for locals and expats. The hills are filled with artisans, restaurants, and eco-adventures. Small town charms are abundant here and the Costa Rican people enjoy "Pura Vida" in the "best climate in world" in this town halfway between the airport and the famous Pacific beaches.
As mentioned above, our property managers Aad & Marian Veltman, a multilingual Dutch couple, are ready to welcome you at Villa Alto del Monte and will do everything within their power to make your stay a great success. They can arrange to pick you up at the airport, do your grocery shopping to stock your kitchen, deliver homecooked meals, provide you a cook if needed, arrange a driver, custom tours, and other assistance. Bunki Tours, their company, can provide car rentals and tours to all corners of the country, including the Poas and Arenal volcanoes, La Paz Waterfall gardens, private Catamaran Sailing tour, a nearby Coffee farm, and tours custom made for guests' requests throughout Costa Rica.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is incredibly beautiful, travel is easy, and the people are wonderful. There are many micro climates to suit individual needs and an abundance of things to do. In 1949 the country abolished their army and invested all their money into education and health care and, today, have a well educated, healthy and happy population. Recent surveys show that Costa Ricans are one of the happiest people in the world. Costa Rica has a very low crime rate compared to other countries in Central and South America. They also have a longer life expectancy because of the lifestyle they live - Pura Vida!