Tenorio Volcano National Park - 27 min drive - 7.1 miles
Arenal Volcano National Park - 40 min drive - 19.2 miles
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 45 min drive - 20.7 miles
Tabacon Hot Springs - 46 min drive - 22.9 miles
Getting around
La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 105 min drive
Restaurants
Café & Macadamia - 8 min drive
El Corral - 4 min drive
Moya's Place - 6 min drive
Gutierrez Family Pizzería
Soda La Macha - 9 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.
Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.
Come stay at the rental home that offers the services of a fine hotel. The entire home, pool house, grounds, trails and amenities are EXCLUSIVELY for the use of your group for the duration of your stay. On site chef services, complete transport arrangements, great breakfast included in the rental rate, all tours can be arranged for you so that you spend your vacation having fun instead of trying to plan your next activity. Let us help you tailor your vacation to exactly what you want. We have been in the Lake Arenal area for 25+ years and can advise you and your special group on the tours that you will really enjoy and steer you clear of the tourist traps. Let us help you make the most of your vacation by offering our years of local experience and contacts. Take full advantage of having 'a friend in the area', right here at 'The Sunset'
Adventure at every turn.: Lake Arenal is the premier adventure spot in Costa Rica for windsurfing, canopy tours, lake fishing, boat tours, jungle hiking trails, quad rentals, kite surfing, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming in an extinct volcanic crater, spelunking and more. Enjoy the many adventures available or simply relax in our indoor glass pool/jacuzzi area with pool table and ping pong and enjoy the tranquility and majesty of your surroundings.
Tourism with a purpose.: In an effort to help the Costa Rican National Park system finance education, outreach and protection. Red Sunset of Guanacaste will devote a full 50% of each commission gained through our sales of adventure tours sold toward this goal. With the added benefit of specialized access to individuals in the tour system that make it all work. Tribal leaders, guides, and park directors.
What you can expect at 'The Sunset': Six beautifully appointed bedrooms featuring Costa Rican art, hand carved beds and doors with bathrooms en suite The entire property is a showcase of Costa Rican art, decorative tile, stone and craft work. Two of the bedrooms feature decorative fireplaces. The downstairs master suite bathroom features a hot tub built for two. Large library/ living room area with wrap-around couch, television, Roku, DVD, stereo. Large dining/presentation hall with a variety of available seating arrangements. Our unique indoor pool house features a divers pool, 4.5 feet on the shallow end, 10 ft deep on the deep end. 18x35 feet with attached jacuzzi heated on request. Featuring billiards, ping pong, weights, lounging areas. We live in the rainforest and nobody wants to swim in the rain, with our indoor pool house your group has access to all these amenities rain or shine, many groups hang out till the wee hours of the morning enjoying this incredible space, that is only offered by The Sunset! All located in the "real rainforest" we aren't in a gated community or off the side of the road. We are easily accessed but just far enough removed that your stay will be in the "real Costa Rica", a 500 hundred acre preserve is to the east of us and several thousand acres of protected rainforest encompassing Tenorio National park is to our North and West. A spot of perfect peace and privacy with access to all the great activities and adventures this country has to offer.
The villa is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 6 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 6 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fireplace. Limited housekeeping is available.
Property manager
Patrick Hughes
Languages
English, Spanish
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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
Note from host: You may smoke outside of course.
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Concierge services
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Safe
Location highlights
In a village
In the mountains
Near a hospital
On a lake
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycle parking
Billiards/pool table
Gym
Table tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing 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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Bed sheets changed on request
Bicycle parking
Composting
Comprehensive food waste policy
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Garden
Gated community
Housekeeping (on request)
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Living plant wall
Local artist showcase
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic soft drink bottles
No plastic water bottles
Recycling
Reusable coffee/tea filters
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 4,700 square feet
Vegetarian breakfast available
Vegetarian dining options
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 1:00 PM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
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
Parties and events are allowed on site
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 1:00 PM
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.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Parties and events are allowed on site.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Property is also known as
Simply Best Incredible Views pool delicious Food Friend Area
Frequently asked questions
What can I see within easy reach of this villa?
This villa is located in Arenal within a short 12-minute walk of Lake Arenal. You'll also find FlyZone Wakeboard School and Tronadora Arena nearby.
Will I be able to park at this villa?
Bicycle parking is also available for guests.
Is there a spa at this villa?
Spa services at the villa include massages.
Is this villa next to a casino?
No, this villa is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this villa?
Yes, this villa has an indoor pool along with a hot tub.
Is Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. good for couples?
At this lakeside villa, there are many amenities for couples, including a private pool and a fireplace in each villa with some featuring lake views.
Are there hot tubs at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.?
Yes, this villa has a spa tub.
Does this villa offer breakfast?
This villa offers free breakfast.
Will this villa allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this villa.
Does this villa have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this villa.
How close is the airport from this villa?
The closest major airport to this villa is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is about 19.9 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.?
Yes, every villa at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or mountain views.
Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. 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. 275 out of 281 reviews
10 - Excellent
275
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 281 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 281 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 281 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 281 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jul 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Property for both small families and large groups!
This property is amazing! It is steeped in Costa Rican charm including hand-painted tiles and murals and hand-carved doors. Amazing views of the lake and the volcano. Patrick was very helpful recommending activities and helping getting them set up. The house is large, but it's set up in a way that our 4-person family still felt cozy. It also has a relatively accessible bedroom on the first floor that makes it perfect for those with older family members.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kelly D.
Jul 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
First visit to Costa Rica
Our stay at Patrick’s place was amazing! He communicated prior to our visit as we planned out activities. Greeted us with a property tour when we arrived and offered suggestions of activities for our group of 10. He booked the activities and sent us directions…made planning easy for our group. There was plenty of room for our group to spread out and enjoy the property. The property is beautiful and the daily breakfast was a favorite!!! We had the best time visiting the Arenal and La Fortuna area and hope to return to Patrick’s place!
Kelly D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Wendy G.
Jun 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!!!
My family and I had the BEST time!!! Patrick was awesome. He helped with arranging any tours we wanted, pointed us on where to eat, and where to go if we needed anything. The house was unbelievable. Plenty of space for the seven of us, gorgeous views...everthing we could ask for. And the daily breakfasts were sooooo good. I can't say enough good things about Patrick and the Red Sunset. It is truly the best!!!
Wendy G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
BigLudsBBQ Y.
Jun 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
It truly is the best place to stay. We had a family group of 12 stay for 5 nights. It was perfect. Everyone had their own room & bathroom, a huge kitchen & dinning room. Amazing views of Lake Arenal from every room in the house. We all loved the indoor pool, ping pong, pool table, and foosball. The absolute best part of our stay was Patrick & his wife Alisa. We had a full, homemade breakfast every morning. It was fabulous. That was so nice to be able to just wake up and leave no dishes no cooking nothing. Each morning was a different breakfast and just as amazing as the day before. Thank you for taking care of us. Every activity and restaurant you suggested was perfect. We loved our stay.
BigLudsBBQ Y.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kim S., Caledonia Mi
Jun 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing views
The whole area is just wonderful! The house was so beautiful. All the extra touches like hand painted tiles throughout, an extensive library of local creatures that may be seen and even a spotting scope. This is Costa Rica, so be aware that when you find a house gecko in the house it brings you good luck. We were very lucky! We loved it. We even spotted a red eyed tree frog on the patio!The birds around are amazing… most we have never seen before. Many, Many humming birds and butterflies. The leaf cutter ants are amazing and they are all around the grounds working busily. We heard Howlers but never saw them. Went on a night hike up the road and spotted a vine snake, frogs and lizards. And a pit viper! Patrick was instrumental in helping us plan our adventures. Very willing and had loads of ideas for what our group was interested in. Air conditioning in the bedrooms was very much appreciated. Breakfasts were AMAZING and served with a smile. Wonderful stay and great house!If you have never been to Costa Rica before, be aware that all but the main roads are potholed gravel at the best and two track at the worst. And curvy. Very, very, curvy!
Kim S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cameron G.
Jun 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Villa in Paradise
Perched atop a hill, overlooking Lake Arenal and a lush valley, this estate was exactly what we were looking for. It is large enough to accommodate your party of up to 20 people, although we enjoyed having the entire place to our family of four to explore. The ornate details throughout the home remind you that this is authentic Latin American architecture. The pool house is nice and includes a deep pool, jacuzzi, weights, and table games. The property is expensive and you can take a nice hike around the perimeter, surrounded by jungle of course. Lastly, Patrick is awesome and arranged all of the excursions during our stay. The included breakfast is fantastic. I'll definitely stay again.
Cameron G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rosie C.
May 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning Inside & Out!!
This property did NOT disappoint … it was absolutely STUNNING inside and outside!!! The surrounding with its lovely flora and fauna were as beautiful as the inside of this home. Artistic touches everywhere throughout the home, from the unique floor and wall tiles with embedded tropical animals to the carved wood doors with exotic animal themes to the antiques and collections throughout the home. The library was memorizing and the pool house a total blast for the whole family with several activies to choose from: pool, billiards, ping pong, jacuzzi. We stayed here with family members, A group of 11 of us with room for several more. The views from each od the rooms were lovely and from the upper story bedrooms it was simply STUNNING… 180 view of the rainforest!! And to top it all off was the INCREDIBLE breakfasts served with so much care and attention each morning. It made it so easy to then go out and explore with a full stomach :). Can’t WAIT to return again with family. Patrick, his wife and crew went above and beyond in every way to make us feel at home. Patrick even helped pull out ur car when we pulled into the driveway incorrectly and got stuck. And they even made breakfast for us to go since the day we left was such an early take off. Thanks a million!!!
Rosie C.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melissa W.
May 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Spoiled!
The hospitality of Patrick and his wife left us spoiled for the remainder of our trip. Every day there was a friendly check in text to make sure we weee having the time of our lives and a request on what we could help book reservations for incredible dinners. House was beautiful, magnificent breakfast and all around fantastic place to stay. Book it! You won’t regret it!
Melissa W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robert E.
Apr 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Splendid!
We wish we would have spent more time at Patrick's place. The breakfast was the best we had in Costa Rica. This place has everything you need to explore the La Fortuna area.
Robert E.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Allison S.
Apr 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A Nice Place to Stay
The house was great for our needs. You can fit in a lot of people and it is a clean house. Breakfast (which is included) was excellent. Patrick made our dinner one night and it was also very good. He also knows all the excursions and sights to see and tells you about them and sets everything up for you. Hunter was a big help and very nice to talk to. The only downside was the fact that it rained a lot and was very windy--but you are in the rainforest. As soon as you travel away from the house to go to an excursion the weather clears up! There are quite a few restaurants in the area and we enjoyed them immensely.Thank you Patrick and family for a great time!
Allison S.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elorie M.
Apr 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning!
We arrived to breathtaking views of Lake Arenal and the volcano. Over the next couple of days we savored delicious varied breakfasts and a German cuisine inspired dinner that was prepared and customized to accommodate our dietary restrictions. All of us enjoyed visiting the hot tub daily. The library was well utilized during our stay. So many genres of books for our varied interests! We strolled through the gardens, admiring the many tropical plants and flowers and even saw toucans both mornings. The kitchen is very well equipped, and the beds were comfortable. This is an amazing, large yet cozy property with hosts that make us feel that this is our home away from home! We can’t wait to return!
Elorie M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Donna R.
Apr 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Stay at the Red Sunset.
The family loved this home. It was clean and the cook came and made a fabulous breakfast every day except Sunday. The teens loved it here as well. Note the pool is not heated but if you’ve swam in a lake before I would say it’s cold at 1st but once accustomed it it quite refreshing. Rooms were great and we were offered to have those cleaned by Mar the cook. She cleaned up the kitchen and ran and put away dishes while cleaning the main living area. Patrick met us as we came in and we kept in touch by what’s app messaging. About an hour drive to La Fortuna on a very windy road (like the road to Hana) so if you get carsick that could be a factor.
Donna R.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Marci K.
Mar 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful house & great host
We have stayed ar over 20 rental properties. And this one was by far the best! The house and grounds are beautiful. Patrick is an amazing host! We ended up with a flat tire and he arranged to have it taken into town to be repaired.The daily breakfast provided were also amazing and different every day!I can’t recommend this property enough!
Marci K.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Darryl P.
Feb 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Easy, enjoyable, comfortable
The property itself is wonderful for a family vacation. Ample room for everyone with the library/entertainment area, the dining room, deck, covered swimming pool and hot tub and every room with its own bathroom. Patrick couldn't have been more helpful. It was like having your own Concierge. Very helpful coming up with activities and and recommendations. The staff were friendly and took care of everything. The breakfasts delicious and large. It all worked flawlessly.
Darryl P.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025
8/10 Good
Kirit P.
Feb 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
Excellent views, breakfast and dinner made to our request was very nice. Great omlettes and local traditional dinner.Hot water was not working for first floor bathrooms but I am sure the host will fix that. The host is great and provided everything we asked for.
Kirit P.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
reba b.
Jan 31, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Place
My husband and I went here for our Anniversary and we were not disappointed. Everyone from Patrick, his wife, the housekeeper made us feel welcome. The drivers were like family by the end of the day, Miguel and Luis are the best! Patrick was a great help suggesting and helping plan our tours. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy yourself.
reba b.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karl S.
Jan 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
The property is in a beautiful location. Patrick is knowledgeable and helpful, he is very accommodating welcoming. Breakfast was so good. The stay was great and Costa Rica is gorgeous! I would certainly stay here again.
Karl S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Pavan B.
Jan 23, 2025
Pavan B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Matt H.
Jan 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Simply the best is right!
Our group of 9 had a great trip thanks to Patrick and his team! The property and house are beautiful, a wonderful oasis to relax in the rainforest. The daily fresh cooked breakfast was the perfect start and exceeded our expectations. Miguel, such a great guy and driver helped us get to any adventure we wanted and made sure everything went smooth. Patrick is a great chef and we had the best tres leche cake for dessert. We highly recommend this home and would not hesitate to book again.
Matt H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nataliya F.
Jan 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Experience
We traveled in a group of 19 to Patrick's home for 4 nights over New Years. Patrick and his home exceeded all of our expectations. First of all, his home is beautiful and build very tastefully. Secondly Patrick was an INCREDIBLE host. New Years is a HUGE holiday for our family. Patrick arranged for a private chef to make us a New Years feast. Also Patrick dressed up as Old Man Frost and gave out presents to all of the kids. Each morning, we were greeted by an incredible breakfast made by Patrick's wife. Each breakfast was different and each time super delicious. We have tons of picky kids in our group and they fell in LOVE with breakfast at Patrick's home. I cannot recommend Patrick and this property enough. Each room had its own bathroom which was incredibly convenient. The home is located in a beautiful property where you will truly feel connected with nature but yet close enough to go to a restaurant. Overall, our experience was amazing. I cannot say enough about Patrick's incredible support, assistance, and responsiveness to all of our needs. For reference our group had 10 adults and 9 kids. There was enough space for all of us to fit comfortably in the property.
Nataliya F.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Don D.
Jan 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, Pool/Hot Tub, Bedrooms for All
The Red Sunset in Guanacaste was a perfect stay. From first choosing this beautiful home to driving up it was wonderful. Patrick met us at the door full of information and support of us enjoying Costa Rica. Being in the mountains was a treat. There was plenty to do at the house to keep us in fun mode, no matter the weather.
Don D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amy P.
Dec 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
We had an incredible time at this property! Patrick, his family and the staff were wonderful!!! We hope to someday return.
Amy P.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mandy R., Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Dec 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Patrick and the staff were great. Patrick went above and beyond to book activities and gave great recommendations for places to eat and shop. So helpful. The morning breakfasts were a highlight of our trip. We would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Costa Rica.
Mandy R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Afshin F.
Dec 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A must book
It was a very unique and great experience you won't get at other places in terms of location, view, and accommodation. Patrick is a great host and I would definitely recommend this stay.
Afshin F.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Debbi I., Arlington Heights, USA
Dec 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing host and beautiful home
My daughter and I, stayed at this home and it was exactly as described. Patrick was very communicative, hospitable and took care of arranging all of our excursions. His wife and housekeeping staff prepared an amazing breakfast each day, and always ensured that we had everything we needed to make our trip perfect. Miguel was our driver for the week and he was phenomenal!! He accompanied us to every excursion to ensure that we were comfortable and was available anytime we needed assistance. He also pointed out several interesting things and animals. I highly recommend this home. Patrick will ensure that your trip is more than you could have initially expected.