Villa Mirador in Samara Reefs: monkeys, macaws, walk to the beach, very private.

Villa Mirador is one of 7 homes in the gated Samara Reefs development, located 10 minutes outside of Samara's town-center. Villa Mirador is the best of all worlds: a luxurious 4-bdrm villa surrounded by natural jungle and breath-taking ocean views from your salt-water pool deck. You get to enjoy sun-rises AND sun-sets, all the comforts of home, 4 bedrooms, and enjoy complete privacy. Gardens, flowers and trees surround the house and, if you watch at the right time, you'll see and hear howler monkeys as well as a family of scarlet macaws (the super- colorful parrots) flying overhead. From Samara Reefs, it is an easy 10 minute drive to two of Costa Rica's best beaches: Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo. And it's a quick drive into Samara's town-center where you can enjoy shopping along sidewalks full of interesting tourist stores.
Villa Mirador has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large open-concept kitchen, indoor dining AND outdoor dining, a barbecue on the deck, and a large indoor space that can accommodate a large group. The house was designed by award-winning Architect, Karin Nagel - she designed the house to take full advantage of the HUGE stunning ocean view. Everything about its design is well-thought-out and there is great flow from room to room. Two double-wide glass folding doors open up to take full advantage of the gorgeous view of Samara Beach. The large deck has glass railings so nothing gets in the way of your gorgeous panoramic view. The waters of Playa Samara provide some of the country's safest swimming due to its off-shore reefs. The reefs break up any big waves that roll in so when they reach the shore, they are just gentle waves.

In Samara go for lunch or dinner at superb world-class restaurants: Italian, Mexican, Spanish, French, Thai. Check out reviews for Locanda, Gusto's, and Ahora Si. Make sure to visit the Saturday Market to buy fresh fish from the fishermen and fresh veggies from local farmers.
Villa Mirador is surrounded by natural forests and fauna. Located just behind the Samara Reefs development is the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. In fact, the entire area around Samara Reefs feels like a nature reserve. You'll see over 20 varieties of birds: scarlet macaws, flocks of parakeets, kiskadees, flycatchers, doves, as well as iguanas and several families of howler monkeys (who thankfully are very shy and stay up in the trees). Dotted throughout the property are lemon trees, lime trees, starfruit trees, and gorgeous tropical shrubs and flowers.
“Mirador” is Spanish for "viewpoint" or a look-out point. Situated 125 feet above sea level, there are gorgeous views in ALL directions.

Inside Villa Mirador there are vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural rock and hardwood flooring, carved exotic hardwood doors, a large gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a wine-fridge, a butler's pantry, and a handy walk-in air-conditioned pantry for food storage. There is a large living room, indoor dining room, as well as a huge upper outdoor deck with outdoor dining tables. There is a beautiful barbecue/outdoor kitchen area and two outdoor showers. Every amenity you could wish for. Out every window you'll enjoy stunning panoramic ocean or jungle views. Plus, you will have the privacy of your own infinity edge salt-water swimming pool, complete with a refreshing outdoor shower, lounge chairs, umbrella, beach towels, and a huge sundeck!

The house has 2 king-size bedroom suites with ensuite bathrooms which are perfect for 2 couples. The other two bedrooms are smaller and share a bathroom. This works well for 3 couples, extended families or 2 couples with kids.

Villa Mirador is, in every way, a perfect “getaway”. It is located at the very end of the Samara Reefs driveway so you will see no cars pass by and no other people (other than the caretakers and neighbours in Samara Reefs) … complete privacy and tranquility.
At Villa Mirador, what you WILL hear is the soothing sound of ocean surf, the sounds of various songbirds, and, from time to time, the hooting of several families of monkeys (Mantled Howler Monkeys) - many which are visible from your lounge chair on your deck or from their favourite trees, just outside the front door.
The Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is located on the hillside behind the house. It is a 340-acre Nature Reserve that had formerly been a family farm. Now it is a nature reserve with guided hikes; it is home to 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, porcupines, coatimundi, armadillos, jaguarundi, foxes, etc.

For those who might enjoy walking to town, Samara Reefs is close to a beach-front trail where you can easily walk to town in 25 minutes. The path goes past various hotels and restaurants, is nicely shaded and easy to walk.

What sets Villa Mirador apart from the other 6 Samara Reefs houses is its very private location and lack of car-traffic. Because it is situated a bit lower on the hillside, you are eye-to-eye with the beautiful green mature jungle canopy native to this dry tropical rainforest. The huge trees, which you can practically touch from the kitchen sundeck, add to the feeling of serenity and beauty. This piece of preserved jungle canopy, which stretches down hundreds of yards towards Samara beach, is something you would only expect to find off "the beaten path".

Samara has been described as "a small funky beach-town" but it has a SURPRISINGLY LARGE number of activities available. There are surfing lessons, boogie-boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, you can rent Quads or ATVs and go explore neighbouring beaches, you can rent bicycles, book a fishing charter in Carrillo and go catch dorado, ahi tuna, sailfish, marlin ... as well as see thousands of porpoises or perhaps whales! Or go for a guided nature hike with Samara Trails, go zip-lining with the wonderful guides from WingNuts Canopy Tours, all highly rated. Ask Brenda at the Samara Info Center for her recommendations and check out her website.

When you arrive at Samara Reefs gated entrance, you will be greeted by our Samara Reefs Administrator, Daniel Quiros. He will show you how everything works in the house: the telephone, the alarm system, the room safe, the pool controls, etc. If you need any assistance with anything to do with the house, the pool, or the remote-controlled security gate, he will be able to help you.

Because of its convenient location, having a car is optional. Taxis are cheap and plentiful; a taxi ride from the town-center to your doorstep is just $5. Pick up some delicious Nicaraguan Tomahawk steaks ("San Martin" label) and cook them at home in this barbecue-dream-location. The hardest decision you might have all day is whether to have the amazing Spaghetti Vongole at Locanda, whole fried fish at El Ancla, mouth-watering Argentinian outdoor grilled entrees from the ultra-romantic El Lagarto, seafood pasta from the #1 local's favourite, Casa Esmeralda, wood-grilled steak at El Colibri Steak House.
In the town center you will find several very good grocery stores (Pali, Iguana Verde, the China Grocerystore, a fresh and very well-stocked produce store called Dona Lechuga (Mrs. Lettucehead), 2 ATMs, the very helpful Samara Info Center (where you can book tours, rent a car, and arrange an airport shuttle to and from the house), Roots bakery (YUMMY ciabatta bread), as well as excellent beach-front surf schools, a scuba dive shop, unique jewelry stores, a large and very popular organic grocery store, and fresh fish from the Saturday Farmer’s Market.
Pura Vida - ENJOY!