Entire home

Spectacular view, convenient to attractions of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano

The front porch is a wonderful place to relax

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 62200 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Kitchen
Air conditioning

Explore the area

Nuevo Arenal, Guanacaste

Lake Arenal
‪14 min walk‬
Tenorio Volcano National Park
‪24 min drive‬
Tabacon Hot Springs
‪41 min drive‬
La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Garden

About this property

Spectacular view, convenient to attractions of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano

Casa Esmeralda is a lovely well-maintained three bedroom, three bathroom Mediterranean style villa, located above Lake Arenal in the Guanacaste highlands of Costa Rica. The view is one of the most spectacular in Costa Rica that features ever changing colors as clouds pass high above the lake and surrounding mountains. The home was recently renovated and refurnished with new box springs queen size beds as one of the new features to ensure comfortable nights. It features a spacious, covered terrace for morning coffee, afternoon cocktails and conversation anytime. There are comfortable 'Tico' rockers on the porch for your relaxation. The home has satellite TV, DVD player, telephone and WiFi, in case you feel the need to stay in touch. The home is fully air conditioned, but this is rarely needed with our mild temperatures and gentle mountain breezes. The kitchen is well equipped with new appliances. The dining room seats eight and features dramatic lake and mountain views. The laundry room is conveniently located off the kitchen and is equipped with a washer and dryer. Each of the two main bedrooms comfortably sleeps two adults. The third bedroom is equipped with a futon for children or additional adults.

Property manager

Kirsten Werink de Witte

Languages

Dutch, English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Mountain view

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Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Arenal

Arenal is home to this holiday home. Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include FlyZone Wakeboard School and Monteverde Frog Pond. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tronadora Arena or Quebrada Grande Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and mountain biking.

Nuevo Arenal, Guanacaste

What's nearby

Lake Arenal - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Tenorio Volcano National Park - 24 min drive - 11.9 km
Arenal Volcano National Park - 35 min drive - 29.6 km
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 40 min drive - 32.1 km
Tabacon Hot Springs - 41 min drive - 35.6 km

Getting around

La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 102 min drive

Restaurants

‪Café & Macadamia - ‬9 min drive
‪El Corral - ‬5 min drive
‪Moya's Place - ‬4 min drive
‪Gutierrez Family Pizzería - ‬28 min drive
‪Bar y restaurante La Pradera - ‬26 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spectacular view, convenient to attractions of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Spectacular view, convenient to attractions of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spectacular view, convenient to attractions of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Spectacular view, convenient to attractions of Monteverde and Arenal Volcano located?

Situated in Arenal, this holiday home is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Lake Arenal and within 9 miles (15 km) of Tenorio Volcano National Park and FlyZone Wakeboard School. Cavernas de Venado and Venado Caves are also within 16 miles (25 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Rick H.

30 Jan, 2023

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

Beautiful house, beautiful view, great value

We loved the house, the drive to La Fortuna is about an hour each way, but worth the drive. House felt very secure, kitchen was well equipped, full size washer and dryer was nice, and beds were some of the most comfortable we've had down here.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dennis G.

6 Apr, 2023

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

Rental property

House was great! View was amazing! Kirsten was so kind to buy us a barbecue, which we really appreciated. Great restaurants in the area- we really enjoyed Gingerbread Restaurant and Moya's. Everything was great!

Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rohini

12 Jan, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Loved this spot so much we canceled plans to head out and explore one day, and just hung out at the place to enjoy a secluded spot and a jaw-dropping view. It was raining quite a bit when we first arrived, so when the air cleared the next day, it was just incredible. Saw lots of beautiful birds and great sunset view. Highly recommended!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

David S.

4 May, 2018

A relaxing and secluded getaway with great views and a few points that need attention.

We were a group of 4 and overall we had an enjoyable and relaxing stay. We enjoyed the views, the wild life and the colorful gardens. The local town of Nuevo Arenal is close by and has some great, casual places to eat with really good food (Lucky Bug, Los Platillos Voladores, Las Delicias). Ed had returned to US before we arrived, and his friend Kirsten got us settled and was helpful with a couple of questions we had during our stay. The use of the local phone was very helpful. However there are some things that either need attention or guests need to be aware of. The beds are a disaster - this is primarily because there is no box spring under the mattress, and so the mattress collapses into the bed frame during the night. The recent renovations mentioned in the property description were not very evident and seem to be relatively minor. The kitchen is functional but needs updating, and the washing machine & drier are rusty and tired looking, but worked fine. The cleaning in the bathrooms prior to our arrival was not good and there were many examples of hair around the basins and shower. The internet was slow, but I suspect this is not so much a property problem but the capability of the local infrastructure. There were only 3 rocking chairs available rather than the stated 4. Guests need to be aware that any food crumbs/particles not cleaned up will attract ants. As a final comment, while the views are good, they are not "one of the most spectacular in Costa Rica". With a small amount of extra attention this property would go from good to great.

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Charles B.

31 Mar, 2024

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

Paradise Found

We found Casa Esmeralda to be the perfect spot for us to stay in Costa Rica. The view of Lake Arenal is breathtaking. The people of Nuevo, Arenal, are different than any other people we’ve ever met. Esmeralda was the perfect home for us. It’s a private location only minutes away from a small town with some of the best restaurants you’ve ever dined in. In two months, we’ve gotten to know, the restaurant owners, the shopkeepers and many others in town. Each person was friendlier than the last one we met. If you’re not obsessed with culture and busy days will absolutely love being here. Our house had all of the amenities that you could ask for. It meant all of our needs, and then some. We had many guests, all of them were comfortable in the home, and absolutely loved being here. We can’t say enough about Denis, Jennifer, Amelia, and Kirsten. They responded to our requests immediately and took care of any issues promptly. Many thanks to our host and staff. We are grateful for the opportunity to live in Casa Esmeralda for Teri months. We will be back. If you stay Casa Esmeralda, you will not be disappointed.

Stayed 59 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel E.

15 Jun, 2022

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

Views and Peaceful

We enjoyed our stay! The views are amazing and the nights at the covered porch too. Quiet location with birds, insects, and mammals sounds to make you feel close to nature. We saw toucans, parrots, and more!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

2 Jan, 2022

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

Cozy house with beautiful lake view

Private setting close to nature. Saw toucans and many other birds. Easy access from highway and only a few minutes to Nuevo Arenal where you can get everything you need. House was just repainted and looked great. Beds were fine, the TV worked and the shower has hot water! Property Manager Kirsten will provide you with all the information required for your stay, including places to eat at, places to visit, etc. Furthermore, she is easy to reach and ready to help you any way she can to make your stay more enjoyable. The most wildlife we saw was when the 4 of us took a personalized boat tour around the lake with Alberto. He was very knowledgeable about all the flora and fauna visible on the lakeshore. We enjoyed his tour very much and highly recommend it. He can be contacted directly at +506-8317-0537 or ask Kirsten.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian H.

24 Feb, 2020

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

Little Piece of Paradise

If you are looking for a quiet somewhat out of the way place to relax this is it. Short drive to groceries and restaurants but a completely secluded spot. Bird watchers paradise.

10/10 Excellent

Lee M., usa

19 Feb, 2020

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

Great stay.

Stayed here 5 nights. Everything was as stated in description of property. Was here with 2 young grand kids, my daughter and son in law. Great view of lake Arenal. Property manager, Kirstin was fantastic. Easily accessible and very knowledgeable about the area. Would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

25 Jun, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Even though the journey to this home was a bit much, it was indeed worth it. We were disappointed that we did not stay here sooner and wished we could have stayed longer. The owner was very open, informative and friendly. Since no one was checking in after us, she allowed for us stay as long as we wanted to on our last day. I would speak on the view but my words would not do it any justice. This is something that must be experienced in person.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Steve P.

29 Mar, 2019

Fabulous view!

We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 week stay here. The view was truly amazing with flowers in bloom throughout the yard. We saw many birds from toucans to hummingbirds while sitting on the porch. Howler monkeys, though not seen, could be heard most mornings from down the hill. The house is nicely appointed and quite comfortable for the two of us and would be fine for another couple or small family. Kirsten and her husband could not be more helpful, from recommending restaurants and trips to jumping our dead car battery. Truly a magical place.

Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kathy W., Seattle Wa

12 Jan, 2019

Beyond Beautiful!

This home was a delight to stay in. We spent most of our time on the outside porch enjoying the view and the absolute quiet. Home interior though was very nice with comfortable beds. Kristen went out of her way to be helpful and available if needed. Of consideration might be that most of the advertised activities are 45- 60 minutes away on a windy road which made a few of us car sick and made for a long day.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Arturo E., Miami

6 Jan, 2019

Peaceful place to relax

Amazing views of lake arenal. Great place to relax or go exploring in the nearby attractions. Kristen is a great host, well organized and hospitable. Definetley recommended.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Hicham B., Fort Lauderdale

25 Dec, 2018

Amazing Panoramic view from the porch

Amazing paronamic view from the porch. It was awesome to wake up in the mornings to a view of the lake and mountains and the sounds of the birds. This is exactly what we were looking for. We came with our two kids (6 and 9 years old) who enjoyed the nature and of course the wifi (ipads). Kirsten is amazing. She helped us getting to the place at night, which was a bit challenging especially with a fog and rain. Her recommendations around the area were good. We all loved the hot springs and the waterfalls near la fortuna. The beds have definitely been upgraded and comfortable. We all slept so good. We would definitely come back for more to do in the area.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Tricia P., Florida

6 Apr, 2018

Awesome property and view!

Loved this house and property. It helped that the weather was great while we were there. But the view and the yard with flowers and toucans and other beautiful birds also was awesome! Kitchen could use a little updating or it would be a 5 plus!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018

6/10 Okay

Mike P.

5 Apr, 2018

Breathtaking view, good location, but back breaking beds

If you could take a picture of the ideal view, this would be it. We enjoyed mornings and evenings sitting on the porch, overlooking the bay and watching the colorful birds fly by. The house was very clean, equipped with all the basic necessities and cutely decorated with local art. Our only complaint was the comfort of the beds. We used all 3bedrooms and the two regular beds you could feel/hear the squeaky springs and the futon has a gap in the middle. We were staying with our three pre/teen kids who generally can sleep anywhere, but complained. Location was 45 minutes/hr from La Fortuna and all the activities, and the town of Nuevo Arenal had some really good restaurants (we ate at Las Delicias and Gingerbread). With new beds, we would come back here in a heartbeat.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

KEITH D.

17 Mar, 2018

Wonderful Time in Nuevo Arenal at Casa Esmeralda!

The house was clean and well equipped. The view from the front porch was amazing. We watched the sunset most nights. Although the house doesn't normally have a BBQ, Ed was willing to make sure one was there when we arrived. A cell phone was made available for local calls- that was very convenient! As we really liked to hike, it was convenient being able to hike to Cote Lake without needing to drive. Loved the history of the Aliens that have been reported to land there! We also walked around the nature walk in the adjacent development, Las Flores. As driving anywhere in Costa Rica can take a long time, we limited our excursions mainly to the Arenal Area. We hiked the 1968 trail, the Observatory Trail and the Arenal National Park Trail. They were all different and beautiful. We also did the Mistico Hanging Bridges- if you need a Disney World Experience in Costa Rica- do it. Otherwise it's crowded and nothing special. We paddled in the eastern end of Lake Arenal. We rented kayaks right from the side of the road before the dam- $15 a person for 2 hours! No reservations needed. We soaked in the free natural hot springs that are located right before Tabacon. Liked it so much we did it a few times after our long hikes. Pay the guy $5 and he'll make sure you park in a good spot on the side of the road. The springs were filled with both tourists and locals. We felt completely safe. Our longest trip was to Rio Celeste in Volcan Tenorio National Park. The hike was well worth the muddy trek. The waterfall and river are a most beautiful blue! Be prepared for about an hour and 45 min trip each way- one hour of which was on a dirt road. We zip lined at Sky Trek- a lot of fun- beautiful views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Eat at Las Delicias for inexpensive authentic Costa Rican food. It's minutes from the house. Berta is wonderful and makes you feel very much wanted. Don't worry if there are not a lot of people there- it just doesn't matter! Los Platillos Voladores has great Italian food. It's also close by. Forget about the German Bakery- my stomach felt like it had lead weights after eating there. We had breakfast a few times at Lucky Bug (also close by).Monika's breakfasts were delicious and nutritious! It overlooks a small pond- there are humming birds right next to you while you dine alfresco! All in all, we had a wonderful time and I would recommend Casa Esmeralda!

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Helen and Steve S.

10 Mar, 2018

Spectacular Setting!!

The home is very comfortable, clean and just as pictured. The setting is much more spectacular than the pictures. The grounds are beautiful with so many flowering plants. Birds, butterflies abound! So wonderful to watch sunset from the rocking chairs on the porch. The property is very private and we felt very safe. The road from the highway to the house is rough in places. We had a 4 wheel drive. Ed Woods was very attentive, gave excellent recommendations on restaurants and efficiently handled a minor bathroom problem. We look forward to returning.

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

John H., Fonthill, Ontario

20 Feb, 2018

Beautiful, secluded spot.

Our family of 5 adults thoroughly enjoyed returning to this quiet oasis at the end of our busy touring days. Everything is there for your comfort, including the cozy rocking chairs on the patio. Others had mentioned slow wi-fi, our family had no issues. Would return again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bryan E.

15 Apr, 2017

Excellent Place

This home is a perfect spot to enjoy your time in Arenal. Awesome view of the lake and very private. Well maintained home that makes your stay very comfortable. Ed Woods is very knowledgeable about local hot spots and things to see and do in the area. If you are going to Arenal don't miss this place to stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

james m., Pembroke Pines Florida (Ft. Lauderdale)

4 Apr, 2017

Incredible View and a great host too!

Stayed Mar 26-30. The house is great, and the view of the lake is beautiful. I found myself just sitting on the front porch for a couple of hours each day. The house is clean, roomy and completely stocked with everything needed. It was unusually hot while I was there, and the house having room air conditioners was a great benefit for sleeping at night. The directions provided were excellent and precise, so finding the house was fairly easy. Nuevo Arenal is about 4km away for grocery shopping and some very good restaurants. La Fortuna and the tourist activities are about 45 minutes on a very scenic drive. I also went to Canas, Liberia, and Monteverde from this great central point...all a short drive away. Ed was a great host, extremely helpful and just a phone call away if needed. His directions were precise, and he is so accommodating. I can't recommend this property enough. I go to the area about every 3 months, and feel that I will return to this property every time from now on.

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas N.

19 Feb, 2017

Very Nice House in a Beautiful Location

We loved staying at Casa Esmeralda. The view was gorgeous! Beautiful landscaping. We saw monkeys and lots of birds, including a couple toucans. The house was very comfortable and had everything we needed. It was a short drive to Nuevo Arenal for groceries and other supplies, and a little longer drive to hot springs and other activities near the volcano. The property manager Ed was very helpful in providing suggestions for things to do. Overall, an very pleasant experience.

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Paul & Tammy G., Nova Scotia Canada

19 Feb, 2017

Beautiful location

Very well kept home, a nice welcome by Ed and his wife with fresh flowers in the house, bit of an issue with the ants but easy to deal with, no BBQ. Loved having coffee on the terrace and seeing the parrots and toucans and even some monkeys at a distance. Three bedrooms but the third is just a futon not very comfortable. About an 50 min drive to La Fortuna over very twisty roads and slow going, we did the La Fortuna falls( worth doing) approx 500 steps to go down but you can go in the water at the bottom, Mystica hanging bridges seen some wildlife(also worth doing), Sky Trek zip lines (very good) well organized. We also tried out the hot springs the locals used very relaxing. There is a trail nearby the house that Ed told us about that was nice to do and close by. Nice grocery store in La Fortuna. Overall a great experience. Thanks Ed for use of a phone and all your help. .

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Byron D.

22 Jan, 2017

Amazing location excellent views

An excellent place to stay. A little off the beaten path so it's nice and quiet. Incredible views, clean house. We hope to stay again.

Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Sara V.

9 Aug, 2016

Stunning Views!!!!!

Our stay last week was amazing! The home has stunning views and the solitude was enjoyed! The porch and rockers were addictive! We spotted toucans and enjoyed hearing the howler monkeys every morning. We drove to La Fortuna almost every day for activities, which was about 50 minutes each way. The area has so much diversity! If you or family members get car sick, BRING MOTION SICKNESS PILLS! (Or you can get them at the local pharmacy as we did) The roads are as windy as the scenery is beautiful!! :) Our only difficulty was the wifi which didn't work even 1 moment the 3 days we were there. My husband needed to send out some work documents a couple of times and we had to drive into town and send them from a restaurant there. Other than that, we can fully recommend this home!! The driving directions given were so helpful and we found the home with no difficulty. Thanks for a lovely place to hang out and enjoy the beautiful Arenal area. While there we did the Mistico Hanging Bridges tour. We had already been hiking a lot by our selves and I'm glad we took the time to do it with a guide. He was able to point out so much more to us and it changed how we viewed things for the rest of our trip. We also did canyoneering, a river rafting trip on the Balsa river and the Arenal Volcano hike with finishing at the local's free area of the hot springs near Tabacon. We were thrilled with everything we did. Costa Rica has done an amazing job with tourism!

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016

About the host

Hosted by Kirsten Werink de Witte

The house is owned by a North American family. The extended family members vacation at the house whenever their schedules permit.

Why they chose this property

The owners were vacationing in Costa Rica. Overwhelmed by the view from the house and the surrounding area, they purchased the house without concrete plans. It has been one of their best decisions.

What makes this property unique

The house is conveniently located right off the main road and only a few minutes from Nuevo Arenal. The area is a vacationer's paradise that offers a variety of activities unique to Costa Rica. The house is entirely air conditioned for any 'outdoor challenged' visitors.