If you're looking for a relaxing, slower pace of life in a beautiful setting right on the beach managed by two of the most helpful and kind people ever, go to Casa Fuego! This was our first trip to Costa Rica and I'm so grateful we selected a property managed by Jarrod and Meaghan. They were always super responsive, eager to help, and full of information related to life in Costa Rica and the many available activities, restaurants, etc. (and never tired of answering my plethora of questions)! They ensured we made it in fine, checked in on us regularly and were 5 minutes away if we needed anything, but we never felt "crowded". Payment and reservation process was very easy.
Casa Fuego is ideal if you like outdoor living. We spent our time going between the amazing black sand beach just steps down the path and the patio/pool area. We had access to beach chairs, sand toys for the kids, boogie boards and there are a lot of surf shops around for board rental/lessons. The beach has soft and packed super fine sand, clean water, the best waves (sometimes big but no crazy currents like in Hawaii) and the shells were amazing. It was never crowded.
The patio is well equipped with many comfy lounge chairs, dining table and chairs, a charcoal grill, awesome views and shade. We loved the infinity pool which was always the perfect temp and cleaned/cared for by the nicest guys. Pool is 4 ft and deeper so bring floats for non-swimmers.
The house had tons of room, was very clean, and the kitchen well equipped. I loved that the TV was DVDs only and the breezy area lent well to hanging laundry to dry (elements of the slower pace we loved.) If you have young walkers, there are no stair or deck railings and the pool deck has multiple levels (but there is a baby gate at the top of the indoor stairs.) We have 5 and 8 yr olds and they were totally fine. We appreciated the fans a lot and we LOVED the upper deck views.
A car with good clearance helps as the roads in the area are mostly dirt with plenty of bumps but we saw plenty small yaris types too. We loved exploring the area. If you enjoy horses, do yourself a favor and go to Costa Rican Equestrian Vacations for lessons with Molly or a tour by horseback. Wildlife abounds: iguanas, howler monkeys, fin whales, sting rays, song birds, bats, praying mantis, giant grasshoppers, scorpions, wandering dogs and horses, fish, humpback whales, pelicans, geckos, crabs!
An unforgettable trip at an incredible spot! Thanks guys!!