Entire home
# New Home # El Cielo - Tropical Mountain Retreat
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2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 4
Popular amenities
Explore the area
El Castillo, Provincia de Alajuela
- Arenal Volcano
- Costa Rica Sky Adventures11 min drive
- Tabacon Hot Springs24 min drive
- La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)44 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
# New Home # El Cielo - Tropical Mountain Retreat
Breathtaking Spanish- Moroccan Style Retreat | Off-Grid Solar-Powered Home | 360° Views of Arenal Volcano & Lake, and surrounding Volcanos.
Perched atop El Castillo mountain in the Costa Rica’s lush rainforest in the Arenal Volcano area. This property offers an unparalleled escape with breathtaking 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding rainforest mountains, including Tenorio, Miravalles, Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.
The space
El Cielo de Arenal
Breathtaking Spanish- Moroccan Style Retreat | Off-Grid Solar-Powered Home | 360° Views of Arenal Volcano & Lake
Welcome to El Cielo, our family vacation home—a stunning Spanish-Moroccan-style, off-grid solar-powered retreat perched atop a mountain in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest.
Located in the serene village of El Castillo, just 5.28 miles (8.5 km) southwest of Arenal Volcano and a 40-minute drive from La Fortuna, this newly built property (completed November 2024) offers an unparalleled escape with breathtaking 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding rainforest mountains, including Tenorio, Miravalles, Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.
We’re excited to open our doors, inviting you to share this unforgettable experience with us. Designed with comfort and stunning vistas in mind, El Cielo de Arenal promises a magical stay from sunrise to sunset.
The Experience:
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Watch volcanic clouds drift around Arenal, spot exotic wildlife—such as toucans, howler monkeys, and macaws—from our balcony, and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. At night, a blanket of stars transforms the sky into a mesmerizing spectacle.
The Home:
Blending rustic elegance with modern comforts, this Spanish-Moroccan inspired home features expansive panoramic windows that bring the outdoors in. With four seating areas—the open-air terrace, wrap-around balcony, garden, and living room—every spot offers an unforgettable view.
The three-level house is designed for a unique experience:
Terrace:
Located at the roof top and accessed via an elegant internal staircase, this open-air space boasts 360° views of Arenal Volcano and Lake. Perfect for outdoor dining, yoga, sunbathing, star gazing, or simply soaking in the scenery.
Master Bedroom:
Featuring a queen-size bed, a panoramic window, closet, and a sliding glass doors to the balcony.
Wake up to tropical bird songs and sunrise views over the lake and volcano.
The en-suite bathroom includes a rain shower, a two-person bathtub, and a large window over the tub overlooking the lake.
Guest Bedroom:
A cozy room with a full size bed, closet, and glass access door to the balcony offering views of the volcano and lake.
Living Space:
Relax on a comfortable couch with a reclining chair sitting in front of a 7 meters (22 ft) wide panoramic window overlooking the Volcano and Lake, offering open air living space concept, surrounded by indoor plants and rainforest-inspired artwork and four-person dining table.
Enjoy board games, yoga mats, and binoculars to spot wildlife like Howler monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, and many tropical birds.
Fully Equipped Kitchen:
Prepare meals with a view, equipped with a large fridge, stovetop, oven, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee supplies, and a French press.
Garden Area:
A comfortable lower-level space with bird- and butterfly-attracting plants. Great for butterfly and bird watching or just enjoying the view from the garden.
Amenities:
Hair dryer
Full kitchen with microwave
Keyless entry
Binoculars
High-speed STARLINK Wi-Fi (ideal for streaming and video calls)
No TV (to encourage relaxation and disconnection)
Rules & Recommendations:
El Cielo de Arenal is a nature sanctuary designed for respectful enjoyment. Please note:
As an off-grid, solar-powered home, electricity is generated by solar panels. During the rainy season (November–February), avoid using high-power appliances (e.g., hair dryers) for extended periods on cloudy days or at night to preserve the system.
The house is intended for respectful enjoyment of nature and all its elements. We take pride in having created a nature sanctuary for all our guests. This is not a venue for late-night parties or loud music.
A 4x4 vehicle is required to navigate the steep, bumpy road to our peaceful retreat.
It gets dark around 5:30–6:00 PM year-round. Arrive by 5:00 PM on your first day for easier navigation; after that, aim to return before 6:30 PM.
The house is not child-proof and cannot accommodate guests with children under 10.
Smoking (including vaping) and pets are strictly prohibited.
No cleaning service is offered during the stay. If you need extra cleaning service during your stay, we offer cleaning service for additional charge.
Activities & Attractions Nearby:
El Castillo is a haven for adventure seekers, tranquil escape and nature lovers. A great place to explore the many nearby attractions:
Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike the lava trails and spot wildlife.
Lake Arenal: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, Jet Skiing, or stand-up paddleboarding with stunning views.
Hiking: Discover numerous trails in the area.
Butterfly Conservatory: Dive into Costa Rica’s biodiversity at the local conservatory.
Hot Springs: Relax in natural geothermal waters nearby.
Horseback Tours: Ride through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls.
Hanging Bridges & Waterfalls: Experience the canopy and cascades.
Getting Here:
Perched atop a mountain above El Castillo, El Cielo is a short drive from La Fortuna. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended (mandatory during the rainy season, November–February) to navigate the scenic, rugged roads.
Why Stay Here?
✔ Unmatched 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the rainforest
✔ Peaceful and private—a true escape from crowds
✔ Ideal for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts
✔ Proximity to Costa Rica’s top outdoor adventures
Book your stay at El Cielo de Arenal and experience the magic of Costa Rica like never before!
Guest access
Full access to the home
Other things to note
Please review our house rules prior to reservation
Perched atop El Castillo mountain in the Costa Rica’s lush rainforest in the Arenal Volcano area. This property offers an unparalleled escape with breathtaking 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding rainforest mountains, including Tenorio, Miravalles, Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.
The space
El Cielo de Arenal
Breathtaking Spanish- Moroccan Style Retreat | Off-Grid Solar-Powered Home | 360° Views of Arenal Volcano & Lake
Welcome to El Cielo, our family vacation home—a stunning Spanish-Moroccan-style, off-grid solar-powered retreat perched atop a mountain in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest.
Located in the serene village of El Castillo, just 5.28 miles (8.5 km) southwest of Arenal Volcano and a 40-minute drive from La Fortuna, this newly built property (completed November 2024) offers an unparalleled escape with breathtaking 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding rainforest mountains, including Tenorio, Miravalles, Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.
We’re excited to open our doors, inviting you to share this unforgettable experience with us. Designed with comfort and stunning vistas in mind, El Cielo de Arenal promises a magical stay from sunrise to sunset.
The Experience:
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Watch volcanic clouds drift around Arenal, spot exotic wildlife—such as toucans, howler monkeys, and macaws—from our balcony, and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. At night, a blanket of stars transforms the sky into a mesmerizing spectacle.
The Home:
Blending rustic elegance with modern comforts, this Spanish-Moroccan inspired home features expansive panoramic windows that bring the outdoors in. With four seating areas—the open-air terrace, wrap-around balcony, garden, and living room—every spot offers an unforgettable view.
The three-level house is designed for a unique experience:
Terrace:
Located at the roof top and accessed via an elegant internal staircase, this open-air space boasts 360° views of Arenal Volcano and Lake. Perfect for outdoor dining, yoga, sunbathing, star gazing, or simply soaking in the scenery.
Master Bedroom:
Featuring a queen-size bed, a panoramic window, closet, and a sliding glass doors to the balcony.
Wake up to tropical bird songs and sunrise views over the lake and volcano.
The en-suite bathroom includes a rain shower, a two-person bathtub, and a large window over the tub overlooking the lake.
Guest Bedroom:
A cozy room with a full size bed, closet, and glass access door to the balcony offering views of the volcano and lake.
Living Space:
Relax on a comfortable couch with a reclining chair sitting in front of a 7 meters (22 ft) wide panoramic window overlooking the Volcano and Lake, offering open air living space concept, surrounded by indoor plants and rainforest-inspired artwork and four-person dining table.
Enjoy board games, yoga mats, and binoculars to spot wildlife like Howler monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, and many tropical birds.
Fully Equipped Kitchen:
Prepare meals with a view, equipped with a large fridge, stovetop, oven, microwave, blender, toaster, coffee supplies, and a French press.
Garden Area:
A comfortable lower-level space with bird- and butterfly-attracting plants. Great for butterfly and bird watching or just enjoying the view from the garden.
Amenities:
Hair dryer
Full kitchen with microwave
Keyless entry
Binoculars
High-speed STARLINK Wi-Fi (ideal for streaming and video calls)
No TV (to encourage relaxation and disconnection)
Rules & Recommendations:
El Cielo de Arenal is a nature sanctuary designed for respectful enjoyment. Please note:
As an off-grid, solar-powered home, electricity is generated by solar panels. During the rainy season (November–February), avoid using high-power appliances (e.g., hair dryers) for extended periods on cloudy days or at night to preserve the system.
The house is intended for respectful enjoyment of nature and all its elements. We take pride in having created a nature sanctuary for all our guests. This is not a venue for late-night parties or loud music.
A 4x4 vehicle is required to navigate the steep, bumpy road to our peaceful retreat.
It gets dark around 5:30–6:00 PM year-round. Arrive by 5:00 PM on your first day for easier navigation; after that, aim to return before 6:30 PM.
The house is not child-proof and cannot accommodate guests with children under 10.
Smoking (including vaping) and pets are strictly prohibited.
No cleaning service is offered during the stay. If you need extra cleaning service during your stay, we offer cleaning service for additional charge.
Activities & Attractions Nearby:
El Castillo is a haven for adventure seekers, tranquil escape and nature lovers. A great place to explore the many nearby attractions:
Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike the lava trails and spot wildlife.
Lake Arenal: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, Jet Skiing, or stand-up paddleboarding with stunning views.
Hiking: Discover numerous trails in the area.
Butterfly Conservatory: Dive into Costa Rica’s biodiversity at the local conservatory.
Hot Springs: Relax in natural geothermal waters nearby.
Horseback Tours: Ride through the rainforest to hidden waterfalls.
Hanging Bridges & Waterfalls: Experience the canopy and cascades.
Getting Here:
Perched atop a mountain above El Castillo, El Cielo is a short drive from La Fortuna. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended (mandatory during the rainy season, November–February) to navigate the scenic, rugged roads.
Why Stay Here?
✔ Unmatched 360° views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the rainforest
✔ Peaceful and private—a true escape from crowds
✔ Ideal for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts
✔ Proximity to Costa Rica’s top outdoor adventures
Book your stay at El Cielo de Arenal and experience the magic of Costa Rica like never before!
Guest access
Full access to the home
Other things to note
Please review our house rules prior to reservation
Property manager
Susan Ellenberg
Languages
English, Spanish
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 13–17
10+ Children are allowed
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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 indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Peñas Blancas
Located in El Millon, a neighbourhood in Peñas Blancas, this holiday home is in the mountains. While the natural beauty of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Baldi Hot Springs.
Butterfly Conservatory and Arenal Eco Zoo are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
El Castillo, Provincia de Alajuela
What's nearby
- Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 11 min drive - 5.9 km
- Tabacon Hot Springs - 24 min drive - 14.6 km
- Arenal Volcano National Park - 24 min drive - 15.0 km
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 30 min drive - 18.1 km
- La Fortuna Waterfall - 45 min drive - 30.9 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Restaurante Río Lounge - 38 min drive
- Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - 20 min drive
- Fusión Arenal Mirador. - 5 min drive
- Soda La Palma - 22 min drive
- Caña Brava - 21 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
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About the host
Hosted by Susan Ellenberg

Languages:
English, Spanish
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