PRIVATE CUSTOM HOME WITH POOL, MINUTES TO ESTERILLOS BEACHES

and the garden. I really loved the garden. The beaches really are the best I have experienced in all of Central America. Beautiful shells!

This beautiful home is situated right in the middle of a rainforest, on the edge of the mountain that is abundant with every type of bird that you would expect to see in Costa Rica. We never had to leave the property to be entertained. The monkeys were playing in the trees in the front yard upon our arrival. A sloth appeared one afternoon in the tree right next to the pool and proceeded to move about the tree, eating the leaves and grooming itself. We brought binoculars, but never needed to use them. The toucans were a constant visitor. There seems to be several pairs that live right next to the house. The kitchen was massive and had everything that we needed for cooking and serving meals. Nothing has been overlooked in this home. The beds were the most comfortable that we have ever experienced in a rental. The bedrooms are at opposite ends of the house so that there is plenty of privacy I would definitely recommend this home for two couples vacationing together. We saw parrots flying directly overhead while we were in the pool. You could even see the birds from the inside of the house because the ceilings are at least 20 feet high and there are sliding glass doors across the entire back of the home looking out into the mountains toward San Jose. We could not have been more pleased with the home, the location and the pristine and natural surroundings. There are three beaches within a 5 minute drive from the house. When we wanted to be alone on a quiet and empty beach we went to Esterillos Centro. When we wanted oceanfront restaurants and entertainment we could choose from Esterillos Este or Oeste. The local people were all friendly and the dining options available were reasonable priced and varied from very elegant to beach casual. Be sure to go to Los Almendros, that was our favorite place to eat dinner. We have already decided to return to this home on our next vacation to Costa Rica.

I'm not even sure I knew what a vacation was, until my visit to Casa Aloha.

Casa Aloha is situated inside a private gated community, with only a smattering of beautiful homes spread out through winding brick roads in a lush rainforest. The house itself sits at the very top of the development, with gorgeous views of the untouched valley below. Woke up at sunrise one morning to find the valley sunken into a thick fog - it was surreal! Sunsets at the beach were equally amazing; you think, once you've seen one, you've seen them all, but this was just breathtaking.

We spent almost the entire week in the infinity pool, watching for toucans and parrots and monkeys, listening to the animals and good music (and nothing else, no one else around!) We made it to the beach once or twice every day to collect shells (so many amazing shells!) and play in the fun surf, and look for monkeys and sloths and parrots (whole flocks of scarlet macaws!) The beach is literally right down the hill, about five minutes.

The house is furnished wonderfully, the owners really have a taste for quality pieces, and everything is oversized and so comfortable, but, really, the pool overlooking the rainforest steals the show. They thought of everything - the kitchen is fully stocked for the most experienced cook, the linens are top notch, the living and dining areas suitable for intimate dinners or impromptu cocktail parties. The hammocks in the tiki hut area are the perfect napping spot during the day.

We had dinner at Almindros (I hope I am spelling this right) twice, I think, and it was just amazing each time. One of those hole-in-the-wall gems that you would not find unless someone told you about it, this place is just enchanting and so is the food.

I also had an infant with me, and the owner was able to make arrangements for a crib and baby-proofing. He had a fabulous time and I hope to take him back soon!

I have not stayed anywhere else in Costa Rica, so I can't fairly compare, but we did visit a couple of other vacation areas on day trips, and were so relieved to get back to our retreat in the rainforest, away from the crowds, tourists, and noise. Casa Aloha is absolutely pristine, and truly made the vacation.