Jaco Vacation Rental villa

Want to see the real Costa Rica, stay in a beachfront neighborhood and meet wonderful Costa Ricans? This is the place!
Located north of Jaco, a couple of miles from Carara Nat'l Park, we spent Christmas 2008 at this property and loved every minute of it. You can walk out from any of the 3 houses on the property right onto the beach. It's a typical CR beach--flat brown sand w/palm trees and rock formations here and there--great for walking, swimming or kayaking. There is a good restaurant a 15 minute walk up the beach. Local grocery, vegetable market and fish markets nearby, as well as ATM.
The middle house has a small but delightful walk-in aviary with friendly parrots to feed and talk to. There are starfruit, almonds, oranges, cashews, coconuts and lots of other interesting flowers and plants growing on the property.The pool is lovely and perfectly maintained, with a comfy hammock that our 3 teenagers loved.
The scarlet macaws came every day to the property (sometimes 5 at a time). There were many other birds, iguanas, little lizards, wild parrots and squirrels on the property, but no irritating bugs/mosquitos and no snakes.
We dined outdoors every day on authentic Costa Rican food--delicious seasoned rice and beans, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and a little meat--very healthy. We like to eat what the locals eat, but the cooks will make anything you like.
We could have stayed at the property the entire time, but chose to do several outings (all fun and interesting): Manuel Antonio Nat'l Park, jungle canopy ziplining, horseback adventure to a waterfall, watched sunset from a mountaintop amphitheatre, afternoon at Punta Leona, crocodile river cruise, shopping for coffee, Lizano sauces and local batik prints.
The staff at this property is unparalleled. Sal, the manager/concierge, will arrange everything for you--his advice was excellent in every instance. The cooking and housekeeping staff were very easy to work with. The staff were always available but also respectful of our privacy. By the end of the trip we felt like we were staying with good friends.
We felt safe everywhere we went, day or night, even at night in Jaco. The houses lock up tight and a friendly security guard stays on-site all night.
Tips:
-hire a driver--costs about the same as renting a car, and you get a free translator and tour guide (Sal will arrange)
-houses are nice but not fancy--think lodge w/pool, AC & cable TV
-take Sal's advice
-Pura Vida!