Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
At the riverfront, this vacation home features mountain views and accommodates 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It includes 1 outdoor pool and 1 hot tub. Enjoy game walks, swimming, hiking, and biking in the area, and explore nearby attractions like Miravalles Cross and Canaan Cheeses. The property is pet-friendly.
Highlights
Cook, dine, and unwind
Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
Beach equipment
A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Your private hideaway
Guests love the secluded location for peace and quiet.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Private pool
Hot tub on site
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Explore the area
Rivas, San José Province
Quesos Canaan
Place, Quesos Canaan
26 min drive
Samaritan Xocolata Chocolate Factory
Place, Samaritan Xocolata Chocolate Factory
28 min drive
The Secret Gardens
Place, The Secret Gardens
28 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room
Welcome to Rocka Verde Retreat, a truly extraordinary luxury riverfront vacation home in Rivas, Costa Rica. This one-of-a-kind jungle villa is built around four massive ancient boulders, believed by locals to have belonged to a prehistoric cave where mammoths once roamed. It is unlike any other rental in the country — a private sanctuary offering mountain views, lush fruit trees, river pools, total seclusion, and high-end comfort.
Designed by artist and homebuilder Robert Hennesy, Rocka Verde seamlessly blends nature and luxury. When the enormous stones were discovered during construction, they became the architectural centerpiece, creating a space so remarkable it will soon appear on House Hunters International. Guests often describe the home as “the eighth wonder of the world.”
Property Highlights:
Private dipping pools directly in the river
Indoor jacuzzi with waterfall
Riverside gazebo ideal for massages or relaxing
Spa-style bathroom with dual waterfall showers and warm bidet
Artistic architecture built around giant natural stones
Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances + cappuccino machine
Inside, the home offers an open, airy, natural atmosphere while still providing all the comfort and style of a high-end, boutique retreat. The property is perfect for couples, honeymooners, nature lovers, wellness travelers, and those seeking a one-of-a-kind escape.
Please note: Bedrooms and the bathroom are accessed by spiral staircases. The home may be challenging for young children, elderly travelers, or those with mobility limitations.
Guest Access:
You will have exclusive access to the entire property — the home, gazebo, river pools, jungle paths, lounging areas, and fruit trees. This is a fully private retreat, not shared with anyone else.
Enhance your stay with optional add ons:
Riverside professional massages in the gazebo
Private chef-prepared dinner by Robert, featuring organic, local ingredients
Special-occasion decorations
Airport transportation with a private driver
Car rental assistance
Local Guidebook Included
Before your arrival, you’ll receive our digital guidebook full of curated recommendations: restaurants, hikes, hot springs, waterfalls, activities, local markets, cafés, viewpoints, and secret spots only locals know.
About the Area — Rivas, Costa Rica:
Rocka Verde is located in Rivas, one of Costa Rica’s most charming mountain towns. Known for its perfect year-round climate, friendly community, access to nature, and proximity to the Chirripó region, it’s the ideal home base for exploring southern Costa Rica.
Jungle Experience — What to Expect:
This is authentic Costa Rica — wildlife, birds, and insects are part of the environment.
Keeping screens closed helps reduce bugs indoors.
Occasional power or internet outages may occur (rare but possible). WiFi is available but not high-speed.
A 4x4 vehicle is recommended; you may cross small bridges and a shallow stream.
Travel Tip:
We strongly recommend arriving before dark. Rural Costa Rican roads can be difficult to navigate at night, and arriving during daylight ensures a smoother, safer experience.
Guest Experience:
We are always available to answer questions, help plan adventures, offer local guidance, or arrange services to make your trip unforgettable.
Rocka Verde Retreat is more than a vacation rental — it’s a modern jungle experience, a natural sanctuary, and a truly unique architectural masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating something special, reconnecting with nature, or simply seeking peace and beauty, this private riverfront hideaway delivers an unforgettable stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of Costa Rica’s most magical homes.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3831912vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Long-term renters welcome
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 indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
About the area
Rivas
Located in Rivas, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Cloudbridge Nature Preserve and Alexander Skutch Bird Sanctuary reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Mariposario Casa Alegría and The Secret Gardens. San Gerardo's Birds - 'Garden of Hummingbirds' and Trapiche Dulce de la Montaña are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with rafting and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding.
Samaritan Xocolata Chocolate Factory - 28 min drive - 16.8 km
The Secret Gardens - 28 min drive - 17.9 km
Restaurants
Botánika - 27 min drive
Soda Donde Yoha - 22 min drive
Plaza De Comidas El Descanso - 19 min drive
Le Chalet Bleu - 23 min drive
Antojitos del Maíz - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Artsy Riverfront Jungle Retreat: River Pool & Hot Tub in living room located?
Situated on a river, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Miravalles Cross, Mariposario Casa Alegría and Quesos Canaan. Samaritan Xocolata Chocolate Factory and The Secret Gardens are also within 9 miles (15 km).
About the host
Hosted by Robert
The retreat was built by the host Robert Hennessy, a custom home builder, designer, and artist. Robert is also an amazing chef and prides himself with the quality of his creations using local and organic food. He is available by request to cook you up a meal either at your retreat or at his home. Yorleny, his wife, is a local and enjoys providing massages to guests that can be booked in advance.
Why they chose this property
Across the street from the retreat is a fantastic organic farm, and the hot springs are just a few minutes away. Additionally, there are many 4-star restaurants a short drive away. If you like shopping, San Isidro is just a few minutes away.
What makes this property unique
The Rocka Verde Retreat is a unique and unparalleled experience. It's the perfect place to stay if you want something extraordinary. It's even possible that this land was a mastodon territory hundreds of years ago!