Located 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Carrillo Beach, this villa is within a 15-minute drive of Samara Beach. The villa includes a private pool and a kitchen and guests can enjoy free breakfast.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Entire luxury private villa overlooking the Pacific with cook and onsite staff
Our beautiful and spectacular villa in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's only five Blue Zones, creates the perfect setting for your dream holiday to Costa Rica. Built in an extraordinary position above Playa Carrillo on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific coastline, Casa Iscaja has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and wonderful, welcoming living spaces finished with bespoke, elegant furniture and fittings. The unique and breath-taking views from the generous terraces over the sparkling natural stone salt water infinity pool and lush vegetation to the ocean beyond are truly spectacular. Occasionally whales can be spotted from the terraces.
Designed by a well-known British architect, Casa Iscaja is contemporary in style with accents inspired by Costa Rican architecture. The house was completed in spring 2019 with interiors curated by a Nosara-based interior design agency using custom made furniture throughout.
You will find some of the most beautiful beaches that are also safe for swimming within easy reach of the house: Playa Carrillo and Playa Samara are 5 and 15 minutes away respectively and Camaronal which is amazing for surfing is also close by.
The area is also home to a wide and tempting variety of restaurants serving local, Japanese, Thai, French, Italian, Spanish and Mexican food.
There are a tremendous range of activities to enjoy and Gerardo and Elieth, our caretakers, will gladly help arrange any of the following for you:-
Surfing Fishing Diving and snorkeling Horseback riding - you will be picked up from the house Trekking/hiking/Zip lining Bird watching Whale watching - occasionally you can actually see them from our terraces! Dolphin and turtle watching Yoga sessions and massages can be arranged at the house Visits to the Macaw Recovery network – rather wonderfully, macaws are now spotted regularly in the area.
Gerardo can also arrange for you to be collected from the airport and there are car rental agencies in Samara (Alamo and National) which usually can arrange for the car to be dropped off at the house.
Wonderful Elieth will make delicious breakfasts for you (only between 8 and 10) and can (after consultation) prepare lunch or dinner at extra cost. Groceries would then have to be purchased and provided by the guest, but can be discussed at Casa Iscaja with her.
Casa Iscaja is available for rent throughout the year and is perfect for private retreats as well as for families and friends. However, we would ask you to bear in mind that because of the location, the house is not recommended for children under the age of 3.
A 4 WD car is recommended.
The drive from Liberia (Guanacaste) Airport is under 2 hours and from San Jose (Juan Santamaria) Airport approximately 4 hours.
Our team is looking forward to welcoming you to our small piece of Costa Rican paradise.
The villa is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 4 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with WiFi. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a coffee maker. Limited housekeeping is available.
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Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Unit size: 5,317 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
It is agreed that all guests (and their guests) are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the premises and it´s contents.
The Homeowners are not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the guest
Staff day off Sunday
Kitchen: Staff only cleans breakfast dishes, not at other times
Linen change 3 to 4 days
Daily light cleaning only of premises
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Note from host: House has terraces with balustrades
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do around this villa?
This villa is located in Puerto Carrillo, close to Samara Beach, Carrillo Beach, and Playa Camaronal. You'll also find Playa Islita and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal nearby.
Is parking available on site at this villa?
No, there isn't parking available at the villa.
Is a spa located at this villa?
Spa services at the villa include massages.
Is this villa adjacent to a casino?
No, this villa is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this villa?
No, this villa doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Entire luxury private villa overlooking the Pacific with cook and onsite staff?
There are many amenities for couples at this villa, including a private pool and access to a chef in each villa with some featuring ocean views.
Does Entire luxury private villa overlooking the Pacific with cook and onsite staff have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this villa.
Does this villa offer breakfast?
This villa offers free breakfast.
Does this villa allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this villa.
Does this villa have connecting rooms?
No, this villa doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this villa?
The closest major airport to this villa is Nosara (NOB), which is 22.7 mi away (75 minutes by car). Another top airport is Cóbano Airport (ACO), which is around 27.8 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Entire luxury private villa overlooking the Pacific with cook and onsite staff?
Yes, every villa at Entire luxury private villa overlooking the Pacific with cook and onsite staff comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean views.
Entire luxury private villa overlooking the Pacific with cook and onsite staff Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 29 reviews
10 - Excellent
28
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 29 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Susanne S.
Aug 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Casa Iscaja is a beautiful home in a location that allows for relaxation, enjoyment of all types of weather from hot sun to impressive lightning storms, and is a quick drive to a gorgeous beach. We enjoyed a week with friends, and Elieth's delicious cooking was the cherry on top. Wonderful memories made.
Susanne S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bradley R.
Jul 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Best Vacation Ever
Wow. Casa Iscaja is gorgeous. We had amazing breakfasts prepared by Eli with the freshest ingredients. Gerardo used his connections to find us fresh Tuna for dinner. Relaxing poolside overlooking the beautiful Costa Rican landscape and Pacific Ocean was tranquility at its best. Having massages while listening to the waves. We enjoyed beautiful sunny days and loved watching evening thunderstorms roll in. A perfect location for venturing out to the local beaches, zip lining, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring. We did it all and built a lifetime of memories we will never forget.
Bradley R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jody C.
May 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay near Samara!
We had an amazing stay at Casa Iscaja. Owners were highly responsive to questions at all times (both before and during our stay), and extremely helpful with recommendations before we arrived. Elieth and Gerado are amazing hosts, they take care of the place with immense pride. Breakfast every morning provided by Elieth was exceptional and an absolute treat, and she readily accommodated our family schedule in the process. Google translate easily remedied the language barrier.The house really is a private oasis, yet Samara is easily accessible for excursions, trips to town, etc.5-star experience!!!
Jody C.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Charlie K.
Apr 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
What a view!
Casa Iscaja is a truly perfect setting for a dreamy Costa Rica vacation. The location is superb, the views are stunning and the house is beautifully designed. We had two families (with 4 kids total) and the space worked wonderfully for us (but for those with young children, note that 3/4 bedrooms are on a lower floor with outdoor-only staircases). We loved our stay, but as others noted, the level of attention/involvement from the house caretakers was a bit too much for us. While they are clearly well-intended, they live on the property and at times there is a feeling of being watched over. To that end, the caretakers have many house rules/expectations beyond those shared in advance (e.g., how to use kitchen appliances/tools, expectations and nuances with breakfast/cleaning/laundry services, quiet hours, etc.). As we are not fluent in Spanish, this led to communication challenges on the ground. We found the owners to be extremely responsive and highly committed to ensuring an exceptional stay, so we might simply suggest they provide a more detailed handbook with all guidelines/expectations outlined for guests (in English and/or other languages). All that said, this experience would not keep us from recommending the home to others! With the right expectations, it is a truly special place for a memorable vacation and we will forever cherish our time spent at Casa Iscaja.
Charlie K.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany P., Franklin, GA
Feb 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise Found at Casa Iscaja!
If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway, Casa Iscaja is it! Perched on the cliffs with breathtaking Pacific views, this stunning home is impeccably maintained and offers the perfect balance of luxury and adventure.From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Gerardo and Elieth, the most incredible hosts who ensured every detail of our stay was seamless. Whether spotting whales and monkeys from the terrace, embarking on unforgettable adventures, or celebrating a milestone birthday, every moment here felt magical.This is more than just a vacation rental—it’s an experience of a lifetime, made even better when shared with great friends. If you’re searching for a dream destination, look no further. Casa Iscaja is pure perfection!
Tiffany P.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jay L., Petersburg, Alaska, US
Dec 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family stay
Perfection
Jay L.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amy M., Charlotte, NC
Jun 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Week
We had such a wonderful stay at Casa Iscaja. The house is gorgeous. The perfect blend of Costa Rica and your favorite modern necessities. There were 7 of us and we had our privacy if needed while able to enjoy the beautiful open and shared spaces. Breakfast each morning by Elieth was an amazing treat. As some others have noted, having Elieth and Gerardo around can take some getting used to but they are only there to make your stay even more enjoyable. We saw so many howler monkeys from the patio! Thank you for making our week in Costa Rica so special.
Amy M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Anne B.
May 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice property with great view!
Very nice property offering a great view of the ocean and the forest. The neighborhood is quiet. Elieth and Geraldo are very nice and and helpful. We had delicious breakfast prepared by Elieth every morning.
Anne B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sarah B.
Mar 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing house and amazing vacation
We loved every minute of our vacation! The house is beautiful and I wish I could take the housekeepers home with me. We're all spoiled after they took care of cleaning everything all week! We will be back!
Sarah B.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mike B.
Dec 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Could not have asked for more
We stayed at the property with a group of friends and the entire trip was amazing. The house was well cared for, clean, and had everything we could have asked for. Gerardo and Eli were excellent managers at the property and help coordinate everything from airport transport to excursions. The breakfasts were amazing every morning. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Costa Rica!
Mike B.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth H.
Jun 26, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection
The house is exactly as listed. We loved everything about it, we were a family of 6 adults and there was plenty of room and privacy. We would spend mornings watching the birds and other animals and come home in the afternoon and do the same. Spent a lot of time swimming in the pool, reading and playing cards on the outside table. The view and the sound of the ocean never get old! Eli and Geraldo were a great help with arrangements for activities and rides to and from the airport. Eli cooked us wonderful breakfasts and a couple of dinners, she also did some laundry, which was very helpful. They were both fun to talk to and lovely to have around. There are plenty of great restaurants in the surrounding area, we loved going to Gusto on the Beach for lunch and using there beach club! You need 4 wheel drive for the road up to the house but it was in great shape!
Elizabeth H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Talia L.
Jun 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning property and outdoor experience
My family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) spent 6 days out of a 21 day trip to Costa Rica at Casa Iscaja. It was one of 4 properties we stayed at.
Casa Iscaja is gorgeous. The architecture is beautiful. It felt very safe and we loved returning to it at the end of the day. The outdoor "feel" was wonderful. The pool and the views are exceptional for the area. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, but here are a few areas of consideration:
- The property managers only speak Spanish (keep in mind for communication)
- We had some issues with scheduling dinner preparation.
- We had to pick up and buy our own groceries for Eli to cook (We were told that we could have dinner prepared for a set investment + the cost of groceries but were unaware that we would have to find and purchase the groceries.)
- 2 of the 3 downstairs rooms had unpleasant smells (unsure of origin), so our children shared a room to avoid them. Perhaps from the A/C?
- The property managers felt a bit too “present” at times. Please note that they are lovely and kind people, just a privacy and comfort perspective.
The owners were always very responsive both before and during our stay and appear to be very committed to a quality experience by guests.
Talia L.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Johnna M., United States
Apr 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
True Paradise
Our family of 7 - all adults- had the most amazing time at Casa Iscaja. The photos do not do the property justice. It is truly a beautiful home, well maintained and appointed, and in a great location. Although in more of a remote area - definitely need 4 wheel drive- it is close to anything you need. Gerardo and Elieth took excellent care of us from cooking breakfast, arranging activities, tidying up, and even doing laundry. We all felt spoiled! We ate at some amazing restaurants just a short drive away, took daily walks and explored the area around the home including the small beach, rocks and tide pools, and did a lot of relaxing around the pool. The views from the home are amazing and watching the wildlife, including the monkeys, was incredible. We can’t say enough about this home or vacation and plan to be back!
Johnna M.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ken O., Toronto
Mar 15, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Breathtaking Vista
Three couples visited Casa Iscaja for a week. You know when you rent a house and you hope that it will be as fabulous as the pictures and your expectations? Just know that this is one of the rare places that checks both boxes! The design and decor of the home is only exceeded by the unbelievable panoramic view of the Pacific. Having Eli and Gerardo there to tidy and cook breakfast was the cherry on top. The pool is larger than the pictures appear and we spent plenty of time there cooling down and enjoying some cool beverages. Do yourself a favour and make some memories with friends or family at Casa Iscaja.
Ken O.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Layne G.
Feb 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Extraordinary Home in Carrillo, near Samara
We had a totally wonderful stay at
This amazingly beautiful house. We can't say enough about the setting, the architecture, the surroundings, the access to great activities and so much more. The Owners list of things to do, places to eat, even
where to get great organic meat was incredibly helpful. And of course Eli and Gerardo - the housekeepers- were beyond wonderful -- so helpful and kind and interesting. We will miss them and the house very much. Our family and friends also loved it here.
Layne G.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Christopher O.
Jan 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great caretakers
Thanks is for a great stay.
Christopher O.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jun 28, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven on the Pacific!!
Casa Iscaja is truly a lil' piece of heaven on the Pacific! This stunning home was so well thought out and designed, you are able to experience and enjoy peacefulness, serenity, beauty, and priceless views, no matter where are you in the home! When you walk in the door, there is a sense of peace that you feel, that causes you to relax, unwind, and enjoy being present! This home is so lovely and welcoming, you could literally not leave, and truly enjoy your whole vacation, and be 100% relaxed when you go home! It's very spacious, and the bedrooms and bathrooms are truly lovely as well! Besides the home being amazing in every way, the caretakers, Gerardo and Elieth, made the stay even more special, ensuring we were well taken care of, including waking up to a yummy breakfast every day! After such a perfect stay, I truly didn't want to leave on our last day, but I will definitely be back!! Thank you for opening up your amazing home to us! It's a true gem!!
Verified traveler
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
steve b.
May 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Breathtaking home and views
Words can not describe just how beautiful this home and the views that come with it are. We thoroughly enjoyed our days in the infinity pool while taking in the views of the ocean and all the surrounding wildlife. Elieth and Gerardo are a wonderful, kind and helpful duo. Thank you John and Carla being such gracious hosts.
steve b.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jay S.
Apr 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Unbelievable view, lovely home
House designed to take full advantage of a beautiful ocean view, away from touristy beach towns but still convenient. Great pool, comfortable bedrooms, extremely helpful house manager and very communicative owners. First rate all around.
Jay S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
10/10 Excellent
Troy I.
Mar 22, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Property
This was our first time in Costa Rica and like any first trip you worry what its going to be like, however from the moment we stepped into Casa Iscaja we were blown away and undoubtedly made the right choice.
This home is very well take care of, it's not just a rental property but something the owners utilize themselves and have put much thought into making it a paradise getaway for guests. We could have stayed at the property for the entire 8 days and done nothing else, that is how much we loved being here. The home is perfectly placed in a tropical surrounding, with wildlife in abundance (monkeys, many birds and the occasional Iguana)
The sunsets are amazing!!!! The view of the ocean, and waking up looking out your window to all of this every morning.
I could not forget to mention the onsite caretakers, they are amazing! They helped us with excursions, meal planning, shell searching, and just great conversation. WONDERFUL PEOPLE!
These owners have done everything right, we will be returning again, and again, and again. Every once in awhile you find something real special, and for my family and I, this was it!
Troy I.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn L.
Feb 15, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing experience!
This is a very special and beautiful home and I truly hope we can stay again in the future. The house itself is spectacular and there is not one thing I would change. Eli and Gerardo were a big part of our wonderful experience - the daily breakfasts were delicioso! And the sunsets were perfecto! Thanks John and Carla!
Kathryn L.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
10/10 Excellent
Dan C.
Feb 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Retreat from the cold
This is a truly wonderful property. Excellent location, wonderful decor, so much attention put into every detail. Samara and Carrillo are such places and this is the place to enjoy them from!
Dan C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
10/10 Excellent
Diane L.
Dec 13, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding!!!!
Elieth and Gerardo did an exceptional job: Elieth made a wonderful breakfast every morning, they cleaned the house to perfection and they helped arrange our activities- fishing, snorkeling and dolphin watching, atv tour, horseback riding, zip lining and surfing lessons and a poolside yoga session at sunset.
The house is gorgeous- well appointed furnishings, beautiful view and we enjoyed the outdoor living space.
Diane L.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2021
10/10 Excellent
Shanin T.
Jul 25, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and relaxing stay
My husband and I rented this home with our 3 older children and my son’s girlfriend. We had an amazing time. The home is gorgeous, the views outstanding and the caretakers of the property are absolutely wonderful. Close to the beach, with plenty of wildlife to be seen from
the home which was a huge bonus. Definitely make sure you get a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get up the hill to the house!
Shanin T.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Michelle M.
Jun 20, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Stay
Beautiful home! Elli and Gerardo were amazing care takers which made our experience in Costa Rica exceptional!