We had a large group of family (that stayed at this incredible property in the Pavones, Costa Rica 6/30-7/9 . Main house holds 10, and we rented the bird house (secondary property about 40 yards down hill from the main house) that holds 3 people.
1. Location. It was incredible to be on top of a roughly 200 foot cliff, overlooking the ocean in the distance, with about 1/3 of a mile of jungle below us running out to the shoreline. We brought a drone and shot video that Gustavo will post online.
2. Animals and birds. While sitting on the deck chairs or hanging out in the pool we watched monkeys, toucans, parakeets, vultures, and even a sloth - all roughly 25 - 75 yards away from the house.
3. House. All of the rooms were great, and if you are the main renter, highly recommend you take the separate bedroom that sits up on the hill over looking the pool. It has the best views of the ocean on the property. You walk up some stairs from the pool to get into it. The house also has good Internet, you can also watch Netflix.
4. Birdhouse. Really nice. One week rental at the birdhouse is roughly the same price as one day rental of the main house, so it is a great value. Downside is no hot water in the birdhouse. So you have to shower in the main house.
5. Staff. Gustavo, Jenny, and Santos are fantastic. Gustavo knows the area incredibly well, is friends with the investor that built the house. He took care of everything: arranging horseback rides, eco jungle walking trip, ATVs, taking our family out surfing, etc. Of course we gave him a good tip when we left (figure $50 a day to be fair to him)). Jenny, who did the house cleaning every day did a great job and we also paid her to do our laundry for us (a nominal fee). Santos is the on property maintenance man, his small house is across from the birdhouse. Everyone in the family loved him - and he is great at killing bugs you don't want to deal with. Tipped Jenny $120 and Santos $100 for the week.
Surfing - Simply incredible. Long breaks, not too heavy. But the beaches are not as pretty - dark sand, rocks -as some spots in Costa Rica.
Cautions
Driveway - You need a 4 wheel drive. It is VERY steep. Passenger vans are a no go
Bugs - It's the jungle. Spiders, frogs and crabs. They can get in the house. Santos will take care of them.
Groceries - Two small stores in Pavones are expensive. Bakery is great though.
Arrival Meal - We paid $15/pp for a cook to make dinner. Just OK