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Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience

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Beach nearby, beach towels
2 bedrooms, desk, travel crib, free WiFi
Exterior detail
Outdoor pool
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 83100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste Province
  • Place, Carrillo Beach
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Samara Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Playa Barrigona
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nosara (NOB)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Puerto Carrillo

Located within a leisurely stroll of Carrillo Beach, this villa is within a few miles (5 km) of Samara Beach. The villa includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a balcony.

What's nearby

  • Carrillo Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Samara Beach - 8 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Playa Barrigona - 31 min drive - 12.6 miles
  • Guiones Beach - 40 min drive - 19.9 miles
  • Playa Pelada - 50 min drive - 24.2 miles

Getting around

  • Nosara (NOB) - 81 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Las Olas Beach Club - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Plaza - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Sheriff Rustic - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Gusto Beach Club - Samara - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Pool Bar del Hotel Leyenda - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience

This paradise villa is more than a home; it's an experience.

Nestled in the tropical rain forest 150 meters from the perennial Top 10 beach of Playa Carrillo, the feel and experience of Casa Hakuna Matata is unlike any other.

24/7 ocean breezes and views, this privately gated home is as comfortable as it is encapsulating, with unmatched ambiance and connection to the ocean and nature around us.

The ocean-centric, open space focus and comfortable, peaceful design of the home together combine to provide the foundation for among the most enjoyable vacation settings that can be experienced.

The home is uniquely designed to provide ideal gathering and bedroom experiences.

~ The living, dining, kitchen and breakfast-nook areas are often the center of daily activity. Upon opening the double hand-made wooden doors facing east and the entire wall of full glass doors facing west over the pool and ocean, and you will feel enmeshed in the beautify land feel of the rain forest around us.

~ The 2 family bedroom suites each have full courtyard and ocean views. Each is capable of hosting a family of 4 (8 total), has their own en-suite bathrooms, and generously oversized walk-in closets. The master bedroom is complete with a private balcony overlooking the pool, courtyard and ocean, the first floor suite has walk out access to the pool and courtyard areas.

~ The pool courtyard is so very unique. Surrounded by rainforest around us and the ocean slightly below, with occasional families of monkeys in the trees adjacent to us, it is especially inviting from sunup to well past sundown, so much so that it would be possible to have the vacation of your dreams without ever leaving the Casa Hakuna Matata private compound.

Add to these the ease of access via a small, quiet street, the excellent restaurant resources of Playa Carrillo, the shopping and additional dining universe of Playa Samara a 10 minute drive away, and the newly constructed private 3rd floor, full ocean view office with 200 MB high speed internet, and Casa Hakuna Matata becomes an unparalleled vacation and/or remote working environment experience.

Peace, privacy, connecting to nature combine, to one's self, or to or with those we love - the opportunities for each of these - and lifetime memories - are available at Casa Hakuna Matata.
The villa is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3.5 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fenced private yard.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Music library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near the bay
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,100 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

As Costa Rica septic systems cannot process paper of ANY kind, all bathrooms have waste baskets for all bathroom paper and/or ALL non-human waste.
Due to minimum $800 repair cost of septic system damage in CR, security deposit will be assessed to guests who flush ANY non-human waste into toilets.
Our home is designed to assist Costa Rica in minimizing energy use during the day, with Air Conditioning used in the evenings/nights.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Safety rules apply for children due to pool

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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: 21

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.
  • 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 carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to this villa?

This villa is located in Puerto Carrillo within a short 11-minute walk of Carrillo Beach. Samara Beach is also within a driving distance of 2.5 mi.

Will I be able to park at Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience?

No, there isn't parking at this villa.

Is this villa next 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.

Is Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience a good place to stay for couples?

This waterfront villa offers many amenities for couples such as a private pool, a private pool in some villas, as well as an outdoor pool.

Does Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this villa.

Does this villa include breakfast service?

This villa offers breakfast for a surcharge.

Does this villa allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this villa.

Does Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this villa.

How close is the airport from this villa?

The closest major airport to this villa is Nosara (NOB), which is 24.6 mi away (81 minutes by car). Another top airport is Cóbano Airport (ACO), which is around 28.7 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience?

Yes, every villa at Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience comes with a balcony and some offer ocean views.

Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Keith S., Port Perry, Ontario

Liked: Cleanliness
The property is excellent. The pool is huge and has a large shady place to sit and places in the sun as well. We stayed two months and went to the beach every morning. Thoroughly enjoyed the house and found it very comfortable. Our daughter and a friend joined us for a week and we expected them to share a bedroom. There is a third bedroom with ensuite not mentioned in the listing.There a many good restuarants, bakeries, grocery shopping and a drug store very close by.Easy to deal with the owner, Erik and with Fred who lives on the same street. Both very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 63 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Costa Rican Paradise

Our family enjoyed our stay at Erik’s home. The home was immaculate. The. Views from the backyard were amazing. Erik and his staff were accommodating and available when we had questions. Our kids loved the tunnel in the pool. We loved our stay. Thank you so much.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

james b.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay- highly recommended

We were two families of adults ranging in ages 18-60. Hakuna Matata was an outstanding place for us to stay. It had something for everyone in our group-- great pool that was the center of many of our afternoon activities after morning excursions swimming/morning walks along Playa Carrillo, surfing at nearby Playa Camarones with 3-5 foot waves, trips into Samara for food/farmer's market, and for me (a budding ornithologist) to sit nearby in the early am and identify and film amazing birds such as the motmot, Acari, green parrot, and monkeys. I have been fortunate to stay in many vacation homes and this is my top 2 for house pools. The house itself was great. Kitchen was well equipped and we cooked breakfast and dinners most of the time as two of our party really enjoy cooking (we got great ingredients at fair prices from the Saturday farmer's market which starts at 7am--- not 8am). each main room had its own AC which was needed as it is hot in this part of Costa Rica. Wifi was quite good and used by some in our party as remote work was necessary. There were boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas which made heading out to the beach comfortable and enjoyable. We had an issue with a door knob and Fred showed up quickly and remedied the issue. Highly recommend Hakuna Matata--- great location, great amenities, at the end of a quiet street in Playa Carrillo area, walkable to the beach but it is a trek down a hill and up a hill. Great for beach goers, splendid sunset seekers....
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

William A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Exceeded All Expectations

Hi Eric. Thank you for giving us the opportunity of enjoying your home. It exceeded all of our expectations! The sound of the surf, nights in the pool gazing at the stars, the comfort and beauty of your home, Carrillo beach (the best kept secret in Costa Rica), barbequing fish and hotdogs at the beach and finally your exceptional team who took such good care of us! Thank you! We will return. Five plus star rating. Bill and Julia
Stayed 30 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cabrina L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Paradise!

Our stay at Casa Hakuna Matata was so memorable. The hosts made everything so easy. The accommodations were extremely comfortable and the pool and ocean views were unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The people and restaurants were wonderful, and the local access to grocery stores provided everything we needed. We were able to horseback ride, deep sea fish and surf. It was such a great vacation. Our family be returning again as soon as we can
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

William A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Exceptional property, great host, outstanding maid service.

The home is very unique, special and very well appointed. The pool, ocean views, gardens, jungle and overall experience are truly 5 star! Every aspect of our stay was more than we could have asked for. Carrillo beach is one of the top 5 beaches in Costa Rica. Thank you Erik, Flor, Fred, Efrim and team!!
Stayed 45 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Unforgettable view

The PM Fred and owner Erik were both great. The pool, views and wildlife in the yard are all unforgettable. Beautiful jungle pathway just up the road down to the port where you can snorkel (depending on the tide) and collect shells with the kids. Casa Hakuna Matada is a magical place and we would like to come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022