We (two couples) had the perfect week enjoying arguably the best holiday home we've ever experienced. The property itself is stunning and has actually given us all plans to own/build something like it in the future! We probably didn't spend as long as we wanted there nor made the most of it, but more evenings than not were enjoyed at the house in the end, staying in, cooking and entertaining ourselves with the two forms of pool on offer.
The owner, Sarah, was extremely attentive and helpful in organising our stay. The housekeeper, Juan, is a great and very willing guy, on hand if and when you need him. We are quite a self sufficient group but we know he would go above and beyond to cater for whatever you need. Sarah and Juan organised some amazing fresh lobster and fish for our arrival so we could make ourselves the ideal tropical christmas dinner.
The walk to the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo is easily manageable but there are plenty of tuktuks around for quicker journeys. Lots of great bars, restaurants and live music to enjoy.
Wildlife abounds in the neighbourhood and in the garden itself - resident green and black poison dart frogs and daily/ nightly visits of hummingbirds, parrots, flycatchers, tanagers, howler monkeys raccoons and olingos. We suggest taking a morning/evening/night walk 'around the block' to the forested and empty plots inland - plenty of sloths, howler monkeys, frogs, toucans, parrots and other birds to find.
The only slight downside is it's actually quite a noisy neighbourhood. It may be due to the Christmas period, but lots of trucks pass the road adjacent to the property and there's a nearby/neighbouring 'party house', blaring out music til 4am every other night. Ear plugs are therefore a must for light sleepers. Tbh, we planned to wear them anyway to counter the dawn howler monkey chorus ;).
This, however, didn't tarnish the stay at all and Casa Pilon genuinely is close to perfect! The house is an amazing base to explore the southern Caribbean coast of the country and we really do intend to return one day.