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PLAYA LAPA, Private Beach home, Carate, Corcovado, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Half Baths | 1 |
| Space | 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Property type | house |
| Minimum Stay | 3 - 6 nights |
Overview
House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 1/2 Baths, outdoor shower
With wide sand beaches extending for miles in either direction, Casa Playa Lapa is a privately owned beach front residence in remote Carate, Costa Rica, only two miles from the crown jewel of the national park system, Corcovado National Park. Tucked deep in a grove of lowland palms facing the Pacific Ocean and insulated from the rest of the world by jungle on either side, Playa Lapa is arguably the most remote vacation rental in all of Costa Rica, yet fully equipped for your family's comfort and convenience.
Completed in the summer of 2007, the house is constructed of tropical hardwoods, including teak interior, purple heart (nazareno) beams and accents, and cara de tigre posts. A magnificent spiral staircase of purple heart is the central architectural feature; the furniture, which has been custom built by a local craftsman, is fabricated from zebra wood. An open-design living area, loft bedroom suite, fully screened windows on both levels, and extended roof encourage free flow of air throughout the structure, supplemented by a continuous offshore ocean breeze.
Playa Lapa is about one kilometer from the end of the road in Carate, the most distant point from San Jose on the national highway system. The beach stretches pristine and vast toward Salsipuedes Point in Corcovado National Park to the northwest, and Cabo Matapalo to the southeast.
The Pacific Ocean pounds relentlessly against a prime turtle nesting beach--giant olive Ridleys have been observed laying their eggs on the path from the beach to the house itself. The thundering surf creates a continuous and exciting background upon which the cacophony of parrots and shore birds is orchestrated. This is no casual swimming beach--the costal bathemetry of the Osa Peninsula creates a typically strong undertow and large waves. The magnificence of this wild surf on a vast and undeveloped beach is one of Playa Lapa's most alluring natural attractions.
A resident flock of Scarlet Macaws feeds in the almond trees at the edge of the dunes, hence the name 'Playa Lapa,' meaning 'Beach of the Scarlet Macaw.' There is a migratory path through the canopy above Playa Lapa frequented by large troops of squirrel monkeys, and white faced capuchins can be seen daily feeding in the palm trees surrounding the house. Flocks of Amazon parrots are usually observed in the early morning and again at dusk. A variety of herons and egrets are found regularly feeding in the slough on small fish and lizards, while the shy and peaceable coatimundis play at the edge of the forest, occasionally lumbering from one side of the clearing to the other just off the back deck.
Casa Playa Lapa is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of its owners. Designed by engineer daughter, it is very comfortable, convenient, eco-friendly, and is situated in a remote part of Costa Rica that is well 'off the grid.' Power is supplied by a hybrid solar / hydroelectric alternative energy system, providing conventional 110V 60-cycle American-ready electrical power. A unique solar hot water system in the roof ensures comfortable bathing during afternoon hours, as well as an outdoor shower. We also boast broadband satellite Internet and a wireless router to enable our guests to stay in touch with friends and family. High quality cookware, glassware, flatware and linens ensure that all your needs are accommodated. Typical Spanish architectural style security grills have been installed on all the windows and doors to enhance our guest's safety. In addition, bi-fold wooden shutters on the ten windows surrounding the living room permit the exclusion of ocean mist and rain as needed.
A remote getaway, Playa Lapa is truly a unique destination in and of itself. Its proximity to Corcovado National Park, while enhancing its attraction, also ensures its preservation from the tourist development occurring in the beach communities all along Costa Rica's shoreline. For a memorable experience of intimacy with nature, plus personal comfort and convenience, there is really nothing quite like Casa Playa Lapa.
Keywords: Beach house, Casa
About Helene
Joe and Helene are retired professionals, now living on their farm with their two dogs and six horses. They make hay in June, and live at Playa Lapa for four months of the year. When not making hay or basking in the tropical sun, Joe works part time on the farm and Helene manages Playa Lapa.
Helene purchased this house in 2007
Why Helene chose Costa Rica
They chose this property for its remoteness, abundance of wildlife, and lack of develment.
the house was designed by their daughter, Julie, with an emphasis on maximizing living space, excellent air flow and great views of the ocean and tropical jungle.
What makes this house unique
Some of the best fishing in the world; Playa Carate is an important turtle nesting beach; close proximity to Corcovado National park, with abundant wildlife right on the property; and of course the relaxed tropical lifestyle.
Guestbook comments from the manager
‘Macaw Beach’ is located near Carate which is at the end-of-the-line for the Osa Peninsula. It’s where the road ends and the real (jungle) life begins.
This Deluxe Oceanfront off-grid wooden home is unlike any other place you’ve been. It’s an excellent location if you are a writer, ecologist, biologist, photographer, famous, not so famous, wanted or unwanted or just darn tired of the rat race and feel a strong desire to just get away from it all. It’s a place for dreamers and yes, dreams do come true and, it’s a paradise for lovers. Spiritual? Then welcome to God’s country. A great place for meditation!
Amenities
Puntarenas House Accommodation and Amenities
- house
- Guests provide their own meals
- Housekeeper Optional
- 1500 sq. ft.
- Max. occupancy: 6
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters ...
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only ...
- Beachfront ...
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
- Internet
- Linens Provided ...
- Living Room ...
- Parking ...
- Parking Off Street ...
- Towels Provided ...
- Wireless Internet ...
- Coffee Maker ...
- Cooking Utensils ...
- Dishes & Utensils ...
- Kitchen ...
- Oven
- Pantry Items ...
- Refrigerator ...
- Stove ...
- Dining ...
- Dining Area
- seating for 6 people
- 1 Bathroom,
- 1 Half Bath
-
Bathroom 1 -
toilet
,
Upstairs bathroom with toilet and sink, jungle view.
Bathroom 3 - outdoor shower , The outdoor shower has propane hot water, and jungle view.
Bathroom - toilet , shower , Downstairs bathroom has toilet, shower, sink, jungle view.
- Passive solar hot water available in downstairs shower as weather permits, usually between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Outdoor bath house for refreshing shower after swimming, and with propane hot water.
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
-
Master Bedroom -
1 queen
,
Adjacent bathroom is shared with second bedroom.
Convertible bed(s) - 1 sleep sofa /futon , 2 recliners and 2 chaise lounges suitable for youth beds
Guest Bedroom - 1 double , Adjacent bathroom is shared with Master Bedroom.
- A queen sized bed is located in the master bedroom, with a full screened view of the ocean. One double bed is located in the guest bedroom upstairs. These two bedrooms share a half--bath between them. There is a futon sofa that folds out to make an additional double bed downstairs. The recliners in the living room fold flat for 2 additional youth size beds; the chaise lounges on the upper deck also fold down for sleeping. A second full bath is located downstairs, and a shower house is off the East Deck.
- Books ...
- Games ...
- Satellite / Cable ...
- Balcony ...
- Deck / Patio ...
- Kayak / Canoe ...
- Lanai / Gazebo ...
- Lawn / Garden ...
- Outdoor Grill ...
- Water Sports Gear ...
- wheelchair inaccessible
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- eco tourism
- horseback riding
- sight seeing
- walking
- whale watching
- wildlife viewing
- groceries
- deepsea fishing
- fishing
- fly fishing
- freshwater fishing
- hiking
- kayaking
- surf fishing
- surfing
- swimming
Reviews
Wonderful!
4.9/5 -
(27 traveler reviews)
Playa Lapa: Experience the wonder of Costa Rica, without the crowds!
Nestled amongst Royal Palm trees and tropical gardens, this beautiful home is within sight of the black sand beach of Carate. There are a few homes nearby, and our sense of the place was not of isolation but sheltered solitude. Solitude, but not quiet! During the day, the macaws make a wondrous racket, and the pounding surf is ever present. This is the only place I’ve been able to sleep without earplugs in 30 years!
Part of the Playa Lapa adventure is being far from a grocery store and making do with what you remember to buy in Puerto Jimenez, and living "off the grid”; becoming conscious of the electricity and water that you use. With a little care we always had plenty of electricity to light us into the night, and while there was heated water available for showering we never used it, delighting in the cool outdoor shower.
We found as much to do here, and more, as was offered at the resort we had just left, but here we experienced the joy of discovery without the crowds: Morning and evening nature hikes with an expert guide who grew up on the Osa Peninsula, kayaking in the nearby lagoon at dawn and gliding within feet of uncounted species of shore and water birds, viewing the late afternoon monkey show in the trees above the lagoon, playing in the surf at low tide, and simply observing wildlife from the verandah... we saw coatis, iguanas, lizards, bats, and many different birds including the gorgeous Scarlet Macaw, common on the peninsular but nowhere else in the world. Other highlights included a wonderful ride on sturdy Costa Rican horses, well cared for and responsive, and a fascinating day at Ave Azul de la Osa, a breeding facility for endangered tropical birds. Not to be missed by any naturalist, either amateur or very serious, we left full of stories and a whole new appreciation and awe of this important work.
But the best part was the people. From our host Helene, never far away via WhatsApp, to Manuel the caretaker, discreet but always there to help, friendly and patient with my broken Spanish, Daisy -- a local Tica who cooked delicious Costa Rican dinners for us, Cristhian our guide who showed us so much and was so patient with our questions, Patrick and Rubyann at Ave Azul, Andi and Dennis our taxi drivers who stopped to show us wildlife including a three-toed sloth that actually looked into my camera!
It was hard to leave and harder still to come home to snow. We'll be back soon, I hope!!
I Could Live Here
There are many times I've said "I could live here" knowing I'll never do it. After a week a Playa Lapa, I came pretty close to not leaving. If you are looking for the near off-grid experience in the wilds of Costa Rica, Playa Lapa is a definite "YES". Everything from the wonderful owner who helped with many aspects of getting to/from the home and set us up with gracious on-site assistance who will assist with your needs. You are right on the beach. They have four kayaks free to use when ever you want, which we used daily (we found out most other hotels charge on a per use basis). The site groundskeeper even showed me how to fish like the locals. Nearby trails abound. Corcovado is just a short walk up the road. Some of our best wildlife viewing was from the front porch. We did without a car for the week, which worked out fine because we really didn't have to much desire to go anywhere we couldn't walk or get to with the "collectivo".
Keep in mind going near off-grid on the Osa amounts to glorified camping but if you're going to do it, go in style at the Playa Lapa.
Fantastic Adventure
From the beginning & throughout our vacation Helene was extremely helpful in planning our special adventure.
From the verandah we frequently saw Scarlet macaws, capuchin monkeys, hawks, even ant eaters and a jaguarundi!
***
We flew into San Jose then drove the rental vehicle easily in one day to Playa Lapa. The roads were very good all the way to Puerto Jimenez where we stopped for our groceries, then the last 40 km to Playa Lapa was an "adventure" but easily doable in the daylight with no pressure for time.
Our first impression when driving down the driveway and up to the house was that of excitement and awe. The beautiful home and lg private yard was well-maintained for our jungle vacation. It was extremely hot and humid but running the fans made it bearable. We were after all very prepared to take the jungle at face value.There are a fair number of gringos in the area, and English speaking locals . Helene was always on the ball with easy communication through WhatsApp .
Wi-Fi at the house worked just fine so we could easily communicate back home via email, Facebook, and especially WhatsApp.
There are a couple of close establishments that offer restaurant service which was nice from time to time over our two week vacation . Groceries were bought in Puerto Jimenez, however they were just establishing a nearby mini super market the week we arrived, so some groceries, beverages, and toiletries could be purchased there as well for very Comparable rates. As a new booking Guest I would recommend checking with Helene to see if the mini super is up and running. The refrigerator is essentially a large bar fridge with a small upper freezer, but it is very doable to have a good portion of your food for a week in there. We would also advise bringing some dry goods such as nuts and protein bars. We easily froze about 3 L of water per person every night so we could have plenty of cold water on our daily hikes and activities.
Cristhian was our guide and we took many of the tours on Helene's webpage. We are not super fit type people but managed everything well being that we are prepared adventure seekers.
Things We discovered:
The 3.5km hike into the Corcovado park could actually be done up to the border of the park without purchasing the park pass and guide, we saw just as much in that section as in the park.
If you are wanting to watch for hatching baby turtles or mothers laying their nests it's best not to come during full moon.
Playa Lapa es la Pura Vida! Amazing property, location and people!!
We loved Playa Lapa! The beach is steps away and was absolutely beautiful! The nearby lagoon was full of wildlife and so much fun to kayak. Shady Lane right across the street had an abundance of monkeys, birds and butterflies. So amazing! The house was comfortable and had everything we needed. Manuel took good care of us and Helene was very responsive. Laura, who greeted us and showed us around was very charming and helpful as well. We loved our guide, Christian! He was the best! Our trip to Corcovado and Cabo Matapalo were unforgetable! Patrick and his birds were very interesting at Ave Azul as well. You must go to Carate and stay at Playa Lapa and visit nearby lodges for dinner and drinks. So fun and we met so many people. Con mucho gusto!!
FANTASTIC STAy in Paradise!
My husband and I and our 20 year old son recently spent a fabulous week over Christmas at Playa Lapa in Carate.
If you and your family are true nature lovers wanting a remote unspoiled destination to completely unplug from the pressures and stresses of modern life, then you will be in seventh heaven. If you need air conditioning, constant entertainment, wide screen TV’s, hair dryers, a huge fridge and constant electricity look elsewhere. There is no electricity, just solar panels. We were probably over cautious with our extremely minimal use of lights in the evening as we really wanted our fans to work in the bedroom! The master bedroom was quite cool, but our son’s room did not have as much circulation and he did get bug bites at night. The description on the website is very accurate...but the pictures really do not do it justice. It is gorgeous and the approach to the house from the gate with its royal palms looks like the entry to the Garden of Eden. We did several hikes-one 18 kilometer hike to the famed Sirena Station with our own guide and saw the elusive and most friendly puma reclining in the shade, a napping tapir, a band of up to 30 coatis, collared anteater, countless birds including scarlet macaws, the Costa Rican coast guard (brown pelicans), egrets, hawks, eagles, owls, trogons, basilisks, peccaries. We also saw trees with up to a dozen scarlet macaws, sloths , magnificent scenery with a swim in a waterfall and spied the much feared Fer de Lance venomous snake-all with the expert guidance of Cristhian Jimenez, a great guide recommended by the owners. The beach outside the house is insanely beautiful, the sand is soft and velvety and the sunsets outstanding, but real swimming can only be done at low tide. Because the destination is so remote with absolutely no air pollution, the night sky is amazing!! We made our own breakfasts and cooked the occasional meal. While there is a gas stove, an outside BBQ and a medium sized fridge, I was on vacation and wanted to have meals at the neighboring eco lodges. We did not rent a car as we did not feel comfortable driving through rivers to reach Carate. We kayaked in the nearby lagoon and loved it. We heartily recommend Playa Lapa Enjoy!
Amazing Experience at Playa Lapa
Our family spent 9 amazing days at play Lapa. The house is situated perfectly between the jungle and the beach. Every morning, and evening, the various types of monkeys would visit the mango trees on the property. We'd sit and watch them take one bite of the mango and toss it to the ground. The Macaws squawked at one another in the surrounding trees. We'd see as many as 30 macaws flying overhead at once.
The beach was a bit rough but swim-able at low tied. The kids played in the waves daily. We'd visit the neighboring lodges and hike though the jungle in search of howler monkeys.
The accommodation were perfect for our family. It gave us a chance to disconnect from the reality of daily job and responsibilities and focus on one another and nature. This was a wonderful experience and we are already planning our return.
Map
Carate is a remote community on the Pacific shore of the OSA Peninsula, within hiking distance of Corcovado National Park. Casa Playa Lapa is the only beach front rental home in Carate, just steps from the open Pacific surf. The nearby Pejeperrita lagoon, is fed by a fresh water slough between the beach and the casa. Kayaking on the lagoon is a very popular tour in Carate, with 4 kayaks available to Playa Lapa guests. Hiking trails throughout the community and beyond traverse a variety of ecosystems including the watershed, jungle and higher elevations. Pumas, dantas, jaguarundis, anteaters, coatamundis, many varieties of parrots and shore birds, frogs, reptiles and butterflies can be see on the property and surrounding community. Sea turtle nesting occurs throughout the year. Excellent nature photography, each season with its own exciting species--just sit back on one the breezy decks around the casa and enjoy the show!!
Photos
Rates & Availability
- Available
- Unavailable
Additional information about rental rates
| Additional Guest Fee | $15 per person per night |
| Damage Deposit | $200 |
CHECH IN: 3:00 PM. CHECK OUT: 11:00 AM
Rates quoted are for 2 persons ONLY. Additional persons ((total of 6) are $15 extra per person per night. RATES INCLUDE ANY TAXES.
DAMAGE DEPOSIT 100% refundable if the house is left in the same condition as arrival. Laundry will be processed by staff. ***EXCESS laundry usage will be deducted from deposit.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 3 months or more before arrival date, refund less bank and processing fee. Less than 3 months to 1 month before arrival date, re-booking credit (less fees) will be given. Less than 30 days before arrival date, a rebooking credit will be given only if the dates can be rented to another party. No refunds for late arrivals or early departures.
Manager's Cancellation Policy
Request to Book