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Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS

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One of two private patios to enjoy at Casa Selva
Hammock time
A little more chic than the average home rental (telescope not included)
A sunset dinner on your treetop patio space
Welcome to Casa Selva (and your outdoor shower)

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue grill

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Jungle View Master Suite

1 Single Bed and 1 King Bed

Ocean View Master Suite

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Hall washroom

Toilet

Master Ensuite 2

Toilet · Shower only

Master En suite bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS

Please note: The coastal highway near our community is currently under construction. While the construction is not visible from the home, access routes may change from time to time, and you may hear machinery during daytime hours. We appreciate your understanding as the area continues to improve!"



Casa Selva, also known as The Jungle House in Balcones de Majagual, is a stunning 2-bedroom, 2 1/4-bathroom rental home in San Juan del Sur. It boasts over 100 five-star reviews and has been featured in AIRBNB's "Best Designs Of The World." With high ceilings, polished concrete floors, and advanced screen systems, this unique home offers natural comfort without the need for air conditioning, providing cozy blankets for restful sleep.

The bedrooms are beautifully designed with stone accents, en-suite bathrooms, large storage spaces, and views of either the ocean or the jungle. Fine linens, plush pillows, and comfortable beds highlight the attention to detail throughout the home. The large Japanese-style sliding doors, custom woodwork, stone features, and vibrant decor with pops of pink, blue, and gold create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Casa Selva is equipped with modern amenities, including lightning-fast 200 mega WiFi and a flat-screen SmartTV with Netflix connectivity. The spacious living room offers plenty of seating, and the indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with sliding walls that open to the stunning patio. Enjoy ocean or jungle views, relax in the hammock with a cup of coffee or local rum, or work remotely at the desk overlooking a majestic fig tree.

The kitchen is fully equipped to meet all your culinary needs, featuring a gas range, pots, pans, a hand mixer, spices, large bowls, and dinnerware for eight people. The home also includes a battery-backup system for uninterrupted power during outages and a solar hot water system for hot showers and dishwashing.

Outside, guests can enjoy the shared 15-meter infinity pool, offering breathtaking views of the jungle and ocean. A 4WD vehicle is required to access Casa Selva, which is located 12km from town on country dirt roads. The hosts can assist in arranging a discounted rental vehicle from local contacts, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure on the scenic roads leading to San Juan del Sur’s beautiful beaches. Casa Selva in Balcones de Majagual offers a truly unique and memorable stay!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 22

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Ideal family home- perfect for kids

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking forbidden inside home

A 4WD vehicle is required to stay at and access Casa Selva all year round. An ATV or Quad will also be able to access the home. No exceptions

Important information

You need to know

Property # 219209vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

San Juan del Sur

Located in San Juan del Sur, this villa is in a rural area and by the sea. Christ of Mercy Statue and Petroglyph are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at San Juan del Sur Beach and Ostional Private WildLife Reserve. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and ecotours.
View more Villas in San Juan del SurOpens in a new window
Map
San Juan del Sur, Rivas

Getting around

  • Managua (MGA-Augusto C. Sandino Intl.) - 163 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rancho La Cubana - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪El Timon - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Mercado Machete - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Loco Tacos Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Henry's Iguana - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS?

As of 29 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS on 18 Jun 2026 start from £100, 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 Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cozy, ocean view villa set in the jungle canopy in SJDS located?

Situated by the sea, this villa is within 6 miles (10 km) of Playa Marsella, Maderas Beach and Nacascolo Beach. San Juan del Sur Beach and Christ of Mercy Statue are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rita L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was amazing, clean and wonderful. My family had an amazing experience. While we were in pool, the monkeys were sleeping above us in the trees. It was so much fun and we appreciate the experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mariana R.

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

Paradise jungle

My husband and I had an amazing stay here! Cozy, clean, and had all the amenities we could ask for.My husband loves to cook, and the property had everything we needed for our nice dinners with the sound and view of nature.I enjoyed my coffees in the morning listening to all different types of bird songs, and even the howler monkeys was an exotic nice experience.I highly recommend this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Archival

4/10 Poor

Andrew S.

Lacks Privacy - Driver Beware

The house was lovely as picture and was well stocked. Everything worked well, and the place was clean. The layout is open which is really nice. The breeze was wonderful and we were only warm inside the house during the day. Evenings were cool and pleasant. The house requires a 4x4 rental. Check this out carefully before deciding to drive. You do not need to rent a vehicle to get to most of the beaches, there are shuttles and the taxi drivers will take you as well. Hiring a car and driver for the day doesn't cost much more that the rental with full insurance. The maximum third party liability limit for Dollar is $10,000, Budget $15,000 and Alamo $20,000. Visa does not cover liability and you cannot purchase more coverage for the rental car company. The cars cost the same down here or more.... so don't be at fault in an accident because you don't have a lot of insurance. You can check your personal insurance policy but it probably does not extent outside the U.S. Don't count on using the pool, there are so many bugs that the pool was filled with dead mosquitos. The staff cleaned the pool, but the kids were done at that point. It's mentioned in other posts, your in the jungle there are lots of bugs. The cutter ants are awesome, the mosquitos were not. Although we never saw a scorpion inside the house the warning we received on arrival scared the kids a bit. We did kill 10 or more wasps inside the house. Given the remote location and the need for 4x4 you would perhaps expect privacy. However, there are two neighboring houses that are remarkably close especially since the houses are so open. At night you can listen to your neighbors movie or crying baby as you drift off to sleep. Also, Casa Colina sits pretty close and just above Casa Selva so they have a nice view into your shower.... The local beach Playa Maragual was absolutely beautiful but a little rough for young kids. After we arrived in Nicaragua we asked about beaches for kids and families, most of the recommended beaches were to the south - Playa Hermosa, Playa Coco and Playa La Flor making them over an hour away from this house and closer to San Juan Del Sur.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thanks for the reply Andrew. There is an onus on guests to do the research required to decide whether a home and location are a good fit for their abilities and capabilities. As you said yourself this wasn't a good choice for you and your style of action which is not something we forced upon you, that was your decision alone. All the information in regards to the house was given to you and the contract between you and the car rental company was just that- between you and the car rental company In regard to the pool it was cleaned daily- it is rainy season so the bugs are very attracted to the lights at night which are needed to see! It is important to note that there are indeed lots of bugs here in the tropics during rainy season and the home is called the jungle house! Again I think this was a case of a the wrong house for what you were capable of handling. We have solid reviews, repeat happy guests, and have lived there ourselves the past several months quiet enjoyably. We do hope you enjoyed your stay though- your emails outside of being very angry about car insurance (which is not anything we have anything to do with!) you did state you liked the house and we hope you have some good memories of your stay.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

melanie c.

melanie and randy

Casa Selva is a haven on the hill. The home is so beautifully designed.Cool polished cement floors,beautiful wood accents and beams and no glass windows but mesh screens with shutters all thru the house. Air conditioning is not needed as by opening all these shutters you get an amazing breeze running thru the house and enables you to hear the outdoors. And boy do you want to hear the outdoors! The birds sing to you , the howler monkeys laugh at you and the crickets just happily chirp to you. We were blessed to see families of monkeys, complete with their tiny babies travelling on their backs, two sloths (one right behind our house), parakeets, vultures,eguanas, gekos, and some really cool bugs.No scorpions or tarantulas but I know they were out there .The security guards are so nice and Gabby (the concierge) was just a phone call away (with the cell supplied at the house). We ran out of propane one night at 8:00pm and in less than half an hour Gabby had one of the guards there changing the outside tank. The pool is pristine. Watching the red glow of the sun dip below the horizon from the pool was magic. Most times we had the pool all to ourselves. Very private and a few paces from the house. One evening we even had a vulture come to the edge of the pool for a drink. It was like he was saying, "You're in my house now.." and apparently if you want to see more monkeys at dusk/dawn, just splash....they like to watch humans swim. I guess we are as unique to them as they are to us. We also rented a must needed 4x4 Jeep , rented surf boards, took lessons and headed off every day to be a local. We are a family of 4 (kids 14,16) . We must have looked the part , in our rustic jeep, boards on top, bathing suits on. We even had a surfer dude come up to us in town to ask some advice about the waves as he was new in town. We have never been so sweaty, dusty, tired (from surfing , sun) and simplistic.....and never been happier. We met some amazing people; from the couple who we rented the jeep from (the wife gave us our surfing lessons) , to Gabby and her sweet daughter who showed us what tamarands were, to a neighbour in the Balcones,( who very hospitably invited us over one night for a BBQ on their huge beautiful deck while we sipped a cold one and watched the sun set) and finally, to every face that would smile at you if you tried your spanish..no matter how bad it was. Thank you Joel and Laura for generously sharing your home with us. Melanie and Randy
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Randy and Melanie, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, your pictures were fantastic, and we are so genuinely happy you enjoyed our home and Nicaragua as much as we do! What really made us happy was that you were able to feel as though this was your home while you were there, and not just a place you slept. Happy Travels, and hopefully you'll return to stay with us again at Casa Selva in the near future! Joel and Laura
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Graham H.

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

Silent, solitudal bliss

If you want to commune with nature and don't need close proximity to shopping, restaurants, action etc, this is a perfect place. The kitchen is very well stocked with appliances and gadgets making this a great spot for preparing gourmet meals. We particularly liked the fact that there's both a front porch and a back porch giving us the option to sit in the sun or not at our whim.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Graham H.

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

Great spot to unplug

The area is peaceful and relaxing. Butterflies were everywhere. The kitchen is SUPER well equipped (although the listing says that there is a microwave, while in fact there is not one.) The property has both a north and south facing view, which are both amazing. We will return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Valia T.

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

Utterly Gorgeous cabana perfect for a group stay

Our stay at this property was wonderful. We loved the views and the beach here, although you had to drive to access, was amazing! We did see howler monkeys on property by the pool one morning, which was magical! That said, I would point out a few things to future travellers which the listing does not make clear. Although you have your own house, these cabins are side by side in a development row with other cabins. If you are looking for complete privacy, this would not be for you. Also, the cabana living room and deck sits off the main property access road so it is also not secluded. Lastly, the pool is not next to the cabana but down the access road by a 1 minute walk. None of the above points negatively impacted our stay, but I would like to mention them as I think pointing them out would help better set expectations for future visitors. Thank you for hosting us! Les Balcones is a unique and gorgeous location.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thanks for the review Valia it was lovely to host you and your family. Glad you had a great time. We we want to note we clearly state the pool is shared with the other villas (this is not a cabin) and that it is an easy 30 meter, less than one minute lazy stroll. The road is an internal, private road with which access to these homes Is gained. It’s a one way loop- so the only traffic are the guests and staying here . With only 14 homes on a 120acres there isn’t a lot of traffic to say the least! We agree it’s important to read listings thoroughly and hope future guests due just this. Thanks so much
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jose A.

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

Great stay.

It was a real cool fun place to stay. Definitely need a 4x4.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thanks Jose! It was a pleasure sharing Casa Selva with you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah j.

Beautiful breezy Jungle views! Amazing sunsets

We loved our Stay here. Beautifully designed and lovely warm solar heated showers. Nice touch to have shampoo and conditioner in each bathroom. Book here if you can. We also had surf lessons from Elsie, who checked us in. She taught our children 5-7 then my husband and I. It was so much fun. Thanks for a lovely stay
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

Paradise in the jungle!

In the words of Axle Rose, "Welcome to the jungle!" Except the only screaming we heard was from the howler monkeys that came right up to the back balcony of the house and "hung out" with us over dinner (this seriously happened on night three)! Our two young girls (ages 5 and 7) were overjoyed when the monkeys just watched us as they munched on leaves and crashed around on the branches! This place may be in the jungle, but it's an idyllic getaway for young families, or couples. We were a short walk to the common pool (100 yards away) where our kids loved to swim while overlooking the jungle canopy down the hillside! Don't believe the exaggerated reviews of the bugs in the pool. We were staying there a couple weeks later than one reviewer and had a blast in the pool. The ground-keeping guy was excellent and cleaned the pool every day (despite bugs in the jungle, it was super-clean)! The pool is long enough for some laps, while the kids were able to work on their swimming skills (the deepest part is only four feet)! In general, we were so impressed with how clean and well-maintained the grounds were. The house itself is gorgeous! The design is incredibly well adapted to the environment in which it's situated. Coming to Nicaragua from a cooler North American climate, we were expecting to be hot at night in a place that doesn't have air conditioning (the house is made up of an open screen system). However, much to our surprise, the cool evening breezes combined with some well placed fans kept us very comfortable each evening! The fully-functional kitchen was excellent, and we were able to make use of the bbq to grill fresh seafood we bought from the SJDS fish market! Each evening we ate while watching the beautiful Nicaraguan sun set on the ocean horizon below the jungle-covered mountains! The beach was a short drive away, but go at low tide. The Balcones property manager, Gabby, was so helpful when we arrived and frequently checked in on us! She warned us that sometimes we might see scorpions or tarantulas in the house, but we quickly realized that the reason for this is they are often looking for an open door. We just made sure the sliding doors were closed and we never had anything to worry about! Don't get me wrong, you'll see these cool creatures around the property (after all, you are in the jungle baby!), but there's nothing to worry about! The most interesting insect we saw in the house was a six-inch long Praying Mantis on the bug net. Cool!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Karyn H.

We miss it already!

What an fabulous time we had at Casa Selva. We were so thankful that we chose this place, and ended up outside and above the city. The house itself is an incredible design and there are elements of it that we are talking about incorporating into our own new build. The view is amazing. We loved having our morning coffee and a good book on the terrace with the walls open, overlooking the jungle and the ocean beyond. The kids woke up to some howler monkeys one morning and had a game of Risk before breakfast. The kitchen had everything we needed, including different coffee makers and bodums. Oh and the beach! My son says, "the fabulous, amazing, private, gorgeous sand, beach"? 😊 Ya, that one. The owners were great and very easy to communicate with. We would love to return to Casa Selva again some day. Thanks Laura and Joel!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

jacky m.

A luxury jungle home with breezy cooling

We had a fantastic 10 night stay at Casa Selva. Wonderful views, a fully equipped kitchen, a choice of beaches (Majagual was our fave...local beach with excellent food and cheap beer at the little shack). Even a great choice of films and PlayStation games. The security and cleaning staff were all very friendly, as indeed nearly all of the Nicaraguans we encountered were. The Howler monkeys and their babies were delightful, as were the lizards, spiders, iguanas, snakes and hermit crabs. A great time, a great location. It was extremely windy on some nights, but the house was still standing in the morning! A lovely cool oasis to return to...the pool included...at the end of a hot day.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Angelique P.

Beautiful Home, Great Service!

My boyfriend and I stayed at Casa Selva for a week. Wanting a blend of relaxation, adventure and comfort- This was perfect. The ReMax staff was very helpful and always quick to respond with answers and helpful information. Laura and Joel were also helpful in our entire trip planning madness to give advice and tips on coordination. The house is beautiful, clean, breezy, and lovely. We cooked twice a day and the kitchen was great! While we would not change anything about our stay, here is a bulleted list of pros and considerations: Considerations: - Most days, the breezy wonderful air was perfect. Nights were quite hot. We adapted well after the first night. One should know that breezy does not mean your nights will be 70 degrees with climate controlled air. - If you want to be able to easily access nightlife in town, be prepared for a good 15 - 20 minutes on a dark bumpy dirt road (This would have been easier if Dollar Rental would have given us the automatic 4x4 I had confirmed 3 times over the two month lead up to our stay... But hey!? - Learning to drive a stick shift in Nicaragua was an adventure). Don't miss the signs!! - The pool was ridden with bees, and we couldn't use it. This was somewhat disappointing, but most days we either spent on the beautiful beach, or the beautiful pool at Pelican Eyes in town. Pros - Beautiful home!! --Designed so well to compliment the beautiful nature that surrounds it. The breeze is wonderful and we enjoyed the openness of the home. Also, while you are close to other homes, it feels very private with the way the windows and layout are designed. - Service! From before we arrived, Larua and the Remax staff were so helpful and easy to coordinate with. They helped us hire a driver to drive the car from the airport to SJDS, which I would highly recommend because there ARE NO MARKED road signs anywhere. - Location!! While the nights we spent in town made for an interesting drive back to Balcones, we loved that we could experience SJDS and feel so relaxed and comfortable when we returned home. - Beach! The beach that is reserved for Balcones is one of the best we visited in Nicaragua. It was private, clean, and had food and refreshments. We would recommend this home to friends! The love and eco-conscious thought that went into designing this property really makes it feel like home. We are looking forward to going back.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Diana R.

Great getaway for relaxation!

We had a wonderful time. It was great to have a few beaches to choose from and that they were not busy. It felt like we were in our very own paradise. The house was spacious and cool during the day. Hearing the monkeys in the morning was really cool. Fantastic views! We would recommend it to friends.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Frank M.

Jungle Paradise

Upon our arrival at Casa Selva we were greeted by the sounds of the Nicaraguan jungle. The birds, howlers and insects provide a musical symphony that can not be described. The house is absolutely beautiful, elegantly decorated and well supplied (since we love to cook). If you are on a romantic vacation then you'll love the bedrooms with the hanging mosquito nets (which we didn't need for mosquitos). The most beautiful secluded beaches are only a 5 minute drive away so make sure you take time to visit. Don't forget to watch the breathtaking sunsets from the infinity pool. The picturesque seaside town of San Juan Del Sur is a 30 minute drive and has some great restaurants, grocery stores and gift shopping opportunities. The property is managed by the local Remax realtor and they helped us with a private guide (Francisco) for day trips to Granada and Ometepe. The people of Nicaragua are warm, friendly and always greet you with a smile. The Balcones property has 24 hour security and the guards were helpful and attentive to our needs. The road to Casa Selva is 4 wheel drive only and you MUST rent a car if you stay there. I recommend Dollar located at the Pelican Eyes Resort. We had a Toyota Hilux truck and were able to give the locals rides to and from town (that was fun). If you're looking for a secluded location with beautiful accommodations nearby beaches, toucans, monkeys, iguanas and the most beautiful sunsets you've ever seen then this is the place to go.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne S.

Jeanne

We stayed at Casa Selva June 15-21. Had a great time. House was wonderful, better than the pictures. Awesome view. Was worried about no A/C, but the breeze through the house was great. Rented a must-have 4x4 at the airport and was very happy Mandy had arranged to have Frank meet us and drive us to San Juan del Sur. We had him drive us back to the airport (little over 2 hour drive). Mandy met us and drove us to Casa Selva and was available our entire stay. Kitchen had everything we needed and great places to eat on town. Beach was beautiful, but not really a 5-10 minute walk. Easy to drive to beach in 4x4. Pool was a minute walk and very relaxing. We've recommended Casa Selva and Nicaragua to our friends.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Karen P.

Beautiful Peaceful Retreat!

Thank you Laura & Joel for sharing your beautiful villa with us. Amazing views. Gorgeous sunsets. Raw, untouched beaches. Tons of wildlife. A great romantic getaway!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Casa Selva Will Always Be Dear To Our Hearts!

My new husband and I travelled to Nicaragua because of Casa Selva really!! In choosing a travel destination we decided to return to Central America after having seen the photos and reading the reviews of Casa Selva. Despite feeling like we had a pretty good idea of what to expect, we walked into the space and were blown away. It was larger and even more stunning than the photos depict and it really was well equipped with all of the comforts of home with attention to every detail from the linens and yoga mats to coffee makers and cooler bags to transport lunch down to the beach. The open air concept of the house provided a cool breeze, making for very comfortable sleeping temperatures The location is perfect. Remote enough to offer a relaxing getaway but close enough to town that driving in to pick up a forgotten item was no trouble at all. Not to mention the beach which never had more than 10 people on it, and even that many was rare, offered the most beautiful sunsets and photo ops (we took advantage of these and wed there just before sunset!!). Unlike the previous review we thought the pool was more than adequate and to be honest, with the beach a short walk away the pool was an after thought. There are other private and semi-private pools on the property so the one we had access to was quite sufficient. Everything from Laura and Joel's quick response to our rental enquiry, to their staff in Nicaragua who assisted with our transportation arrangements, orienting us to San Juan Del Sur and helping us pull together an intimate wedding ceremony we received the highest level consideration. Everyone on the property was extremely friendly and ready to help. We would definitely love to return someday and perhaps bring along some friends. The house is big enough to offer couples or families more than enough privacy. Thank you Laura and Joel for being such terrific remote hosts in your beautiful home!!
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Tanya and Caleb- Congratulations on your marriage. Laura and I were thrilled you choose our home for your special day and your honeymoon, and are so happy that everything exceeded your expectations. We look forward to you both creating more memories in our home in the future. Best wishes to you as husband and wife- and all the adventures yet to come- Joel and Laura
Archival

6/10 Okay

Good memories

Agree with most reviews that this place is well organized. Still, there are couple things guest must be aware of. For those who like walking or wildlife it might be little disapointing. It is not a rainforest or lush jungle that you might have seen in Costa Rica, Brazil, Malaysia or other tropical countries. Its dry coastal bush on the high cliffs, with steep mud road, that connects houses and gate. Weird enough, in this quite large territory they built houses so close to each other, probably saving space for even more in future. All these houses share one rather small pool on the roadside. House itself is well built and needs no A/C as winds blow constantly through it. Its virtually open - even for those who are not welcome. Scorpions, for example. Our kid was bitten in the bed at night by juvenile scorpion the day after we saw its mother running for shelter in kitchen. Sure, its wilderness and we knew it, so one to blame, just be cautious if you go as this is very painful. Beaches are gorgeous, howlers are there (just like in may other places in Nicaragua) and staff very helpful. We're grateful to Gabriela who helped with doctors in SJDS and in other occasions. Maybe it was just a bad luck for us this time.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thank you for the time you took to write a review for us! We are glad you enjoyed the home itself and work to keep it well organized. It is unfortunate how dry the forest was during your stay. Nicaragua is in the grips of a very serious drought, and as a result what should have been a lush and green coastal forest was unusually dry. We are hopeful that this years rains will be more generous. That said, the dryness does make monkey spotting much easier. Having been to both Costa Rica and Malaysian Borneo, this is a very different kind of jungle, but jungle nonetheless, and you certainly wouldn't be able to rent a home in one of the above jungles as they are generally bioreserves. In regards to the scorpion, we are very sorry that you were bitten. This is why we stress the importance of checking your shoes, sheets and clothes. While unpleasentl, thankfully it is the common brown scorpion, identical to the ones found in the lower parts of the US and not fatally venomous. Unlike big resorts, we do not spray toxic insecticides outside the perimeter of the home as this could be fatal to our bird and small mammal population. Our apologies if the pool was smaller than you had hoped, we feel that a 15meter pool shared by four homes is more ecologically responsible than a 15meter home owned by one house, particularly during times like this. We strive to use less vs more water in an effort to be environmentally conscious and it was one of the reasons we choose to buy the home. We do sincerely hope you enjoyed your stay at the home and that you also enjoyed Nicaragua. We do hope that when you come back you have better luck. Happy travels and best wishes for you future vacations!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

In a word...Paradise.

My boyfriend and I stayed at Casa Selva from Dec 9th to the 14th, 2012. We were floored when we finally made it to the house...it's absolutely gorgeous. The roads are bumpy on the way there but omg the drive was worth it! I was shocked at all of the space! I especially loved the concrete and wood decor... and the screened windows all around the house letting the breeze and the jungle sounds in were amazing. I'd seen the photos but I was still very pleasantly surprised. It has absolutely everything you need to be comfortable and the view of the jungle is stunning. The beaches are only minutes away and there were never more than about 4 other people there at any time...usually fewer than that. And the sunsets....sigh! There's also a really cool pool a short walk away if you don't want to go to the beach. It's very private, very comfortable, absolutely gorgeous and the staff on the site are really nice. Even if you don't speak Spanish very well you will have no problem. It's about a 20 min drive into San Juan del Sur where you can get fresh fish if you want to cook at home or go to some really great restaurants. We ate in town every night because the food was just so good and so cheap. The coffee is also amazing and the people are really friendly. It's not very touristy which I really liked. And the weather was perfect every day. Laura and Joel are super friendly and helpful. They will help you out with all of the contacts you'll need to rent a car (Thanks John!) and get yourself around without any difficulty. You'll also meet Gabby who was a huge help to us. Our luggage was held in customs when we got there and she bent over backwards to help us out and get our bags back for us. I can't thank her enough for that. The highlight of our vacation, aside from staying at Casa Selva itself, was our sunset ride at Rancho Chilamate. Blue and Jamie are fellow Canadians, a really fun and friendly (and gorgeous!) couple, and they have a beautiful ranch in the jungle. My horse was a really sweet little guy and we had a blast galloping thru the surf. I was literally in heaven and have not had so much fun in years! Make sure you check them out! I would recommend Casa Selva to all of my friends and family...and I already have. I didn't want to leave and would love to take another trip there in the future.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Casa Selva was amazing

Our stay at this house was absolutely amazing! From the breathtaking sunsets over the ocean to the monkeys outside the windows. Every moment was fantastic. You def need a 4x4 truck to get there, but its totally worth it! The pool was refreshing and the beach was beautiful. The guards were very kind and Gabby was fantastic when showing us around town and then out to the house. I can't wait to come back!
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Michelle- We are so glad everything worked out and that you even got an extra day! We can't wait to have you back at Casa Selva in the near, near future! Happy Travels and thanks for your kind words!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Maria V.

Wonderful !!!!

We stay in Casa selva the last year during spring break. The house in the photo wasn't available so they rent us another one just like Casa selva. Everything was amazing! The views, the house, the staff. We have 2 kids and they had a great time. The beach is 2 minutes down the road by car, and you can walk to another 2 beaches near by, all of them wonderful white sand and clear blue ocean. The house is very beautiful and comfy, we had ocean breeze all the time, so although the house doesn't have air conditioning is really fresh. We can not wait to come back there. I'm sorry it took so much time to writte this review !!!!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Perfect getaway!

My wife and I just returned from 2 weeks in Nicaragua, 4 days of which were spent at Casa Selva. This was easily one of our most memorable experiences. Perched up on the hill overlooking the Pacific this location is tough to beat. Its close enough to San Juan Del Sur (about 30 minutes) to benefit from the restaurants and shops but far enough away that the beach just down the road is quiet, clean and spectacular. The house is exactly what we were looking for. It was spacious, clean, has a great kitchen, TV to watch movies on (no Cable), Wifi, two beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms, and its open air concept was literally a breath of fresh air (no glass windows, just screens). The mountain air rolls through day and night and is just amazing. Owner Laura was a huge help providing us with info before our arrival and putting us in touch with various options for car rental (you'll need a 4x4 to access the house). Gabby who helps manage the property in Nicaragua, met with us, showed us around San Juan Del Sur and escorted us to the house. She was just amazing. If you are looking for a beautiful spot that offers both jungle and beach combined with the frills of modern living, then Casa Selva is tough to beat. The infinite pool overlooking the Pacific isn't too shabby either. Always cleaned by the local security guys (super friendly), it makes for a nice dip after a day at the beach. Truly a unique experience my wife and I will not soon forget. Dave & Julie Montreal
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Shelley P.

Wonderful Adventure

My adult son and I had the pleasure of living in the jungle of Nicaragua, in Casa Selva, for 7 weeks. The experience will be remembered for a lifetime. The length of the stay enabled us to make Casa Selva our home, and we became intimately familiar with life in the jungle from a place of comfort! The house is gorgeous, the pictures are 100% true. The home is spaceous, impeccably clean and well kept, and provided the conveniences of very important items like several styles of coffee pots, a well-equipped kitchen (pots and pans, dishes and small appliances), and two types of filtered water. The fridge was large enough for us to stock a weeks worth of groceries, no problem. The house is well screened (many windows) and it feels as though you are living outside ... the sounds of the jungle are with you in the comfort of your bedroom! The monkey sounds became an expected and familiar part of every morning, as did the parakeets' squabbles. The lightning and thunder events could be watched from the living room, and the sunsets were spectacular. The other conveniences were much appreciated ... back up power, WiFi, hot showers, a cool swimming pool after a hike back from the beach! The cleaning service was amazing, laundry service too. The location was isolated enough to feel apart from civilization (a welcome break, especially for two writers), but close enough to Sjds to enjoy the conveniences of grocery stores and restaurants. We rented a vehicle for the first 2 weeks, and then opted to have a driver/4x4 vehicle pick us up and drive us to town for our supplies once a week. Thank you so much, Casa Selva, for providing us an amazing home base for our jungle experience!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nicaragua at its Best

Casa Selva was a dream home and was a perfect place to spend a vacation. We were in walking distance to the some of the best beaches for surfing and for relaxing and the house was a perfect retreat away from the urban chaos. In the heat of the day, the house stayed cool because of the breeze that flowed through. Monkeys greeted us in the morning and entertained during dinner. The bedrooms were modern and spacious and the house had a great open concept. We loved the fact that Balcones is ecologically conscious and felt a little more comfortable knowing that our footprint in Nicaragua was smaller than when staying at a resort. The employees at Balcones treated us like family. They helped us with everything from getting home on New Years Eve to greeting us with a flashlight when we arrived home late. They were friendly and positive, and worked so hard at making our vacation the best it could be. Laura and Joel went above and beyond to get us prepared for our trip and helped us make the most of the area. San Juan del Sur is a cute town with all the amenities needed… café, grocery store, spas, tour centers, restaurants, market with fruit, vegetables and fish, and of course a beach. What more could anyone ask for?
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2020
Julie, It was such a pleasure meeting you and your group and assisting you with sorting out your plans in the months leading up to your stay at Casa Selva. Wishing you many adventures to come, and we would love to host you all in the future again in Nicaragua!

About the host

Hosted by Laura

Host profile image

On one of our many jaunts around the world, we got a little tired of all the tourists in Costa Rica. So we decided to head up to Nicaragua, with no plans, no expectations, and no reservations. From the first moment we crossed the border into Nicaragua, we knew we found something special. Nicaragua is the kind of place where you can still have a little bit of an adventure, but enjoy world class surfing, excellent eating, and untamed wilderness. It's that little bit of adventure we all crave that is missing in so many of todays 'Top Destinations' . We feel so lucky to be the owners of a home as beautiful as Casa Selva, and when we aren't there enjoying it ourself (we do have to work, as Paramedics in Toronto, and are somewhat professional travellers) we are thrilled to be able to share our slice of paradise with you! Come to Nicaragua, it's one of the most beautiful places we've found!
Saludos,
Joel and Laura Johnson
Casa Selva owners and lovers!
Toronto, Canada

Why they chose this property

After traveling the world (and we mean world, Asia, Africa, Europe South and Central America) over the past ten year, our minds kept returning to the little town of San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. We first visited in 2008 during what was supposed to be a trip to Costa Rica. After tiring very quickly of the tourists and the gringo trail, we crossed the border into With some of the most consistent surf in Central America, beautiful landscapes, great seafood and gorgeous beaches, we knew in our hearts this was the place for us. The town of San Juan del Sur has everything you need from restaurants, spas, great pubs and bars, groceries, and excellent coffee. Even with Costa Rica to the south, Nicaragua manages to maintain that sense of adventure and untouched beauty lost in so many over touristed places in the world. It's a little piece of paradise. We look forward to the day that we are able to call Nicaragua our home, but for now we are happy sharing this little gem with you.

What makes this property unique

One of the best parts of staying at Casa Selva is the quiet that allows you to enjoy the sounds of the jungle. On days when the breezes are gentle you can hear the ocean crashing. Every day you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee with the parakeets singing and the Mono Congo monkey's hanging in the trees around the house. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets singing outside the house. Unlike many of the homes in and around San Juan Del Sur, Casa Selva is unique in its setting. Perched on a ridge, the home is located in a private boutique community, containing 11 homes on roughly 100 acres stretching from the jungle to the ocean. There is enough space between homes to enjoy complete privacy without feeling alone or isolated. The lack of light pollution allows you to swim in the pool on clear nights by moonlight, something not to be missed. We provide 24 hour on site security, cleaning service and management without being intrusive.
We are also an ecologic conscious community. What does this mean? We do not believe in spraying heavy pesticides like local hotels do to control bugs, what this does mean is you may encounter a few critters in and around the house, but we are not poisoning the food chain from the bottom up. All of our actions have far reaching consequences, and we want monkeys and parrots to visit the home. We heat our water with solar heat (and there is no lack of that!) and all our furniture and wood in the home is reclaimed fallen hardwoods, ethically sourced in north east Nicaragua.

Languages:

English

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