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Visitors repeatedly say that Casa Sonrisa and our other bamboo houses are exceptional, and have made it a Travelers Choice Winner on TripAdvisor for four years. This year it was among TripAdvisor’s top hotels for families in all Costa Rica and Central America. Located on four acres in the midst of the rainforest, this off grid, bamboo house is right on beautiful Playa Pan Dulce, the area's premier beach and an easy walk to several others. Guests have compared it to having your own private nature preserve, as it is situated in the midst of wildlife coming and going. It is remote and secluded, yet not isolated; comfortable yet unspoiled. It lets you: experience the true Costa Rica, one of the most amazing areas on earth; relax on the beach; surf uncrowded waves; commune with monkeys; and enj...Visitors repeatedly say that Casa Sonrisa and our other bamboo houses are exceptional, and have made it a Travelers Choice Winner on TripAdvisor for four years. This year it was among TripAdvisor’s top hotels for families in all Costa Rica and Central America. Located on four acres in the midst of the rainforest, this off grid, bamboo house is right on beautiful Playa Pan Dulce, the area's premier beach and an easy walk to several others. Guests have compared it to having your own private nature preserve, as it is situated in the midst of wildlife coming and going. It is remote and secluded, yet not isolated; comfortable yet unspoiled. It lets you: experience the true Costa Rica, one of the most amazing areas on earth; relax on the beach; surf uncrowded waves; commune with monkeys; and enjoy countless natural wonders. All while staying secure and comfortable. At Casa Sonrisa the ocean waves lull you to sleep and the roar of the howler monkeys awaken you to a glorious sunrise over the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf). A gorgeous, pristine beach is a short stroll across the property, and the rainforest and wildlife are all around. If you love nature in all its wild beauty, you'll love Casa Sonrisa.
The house itself is a simple, yet comfortable handcrafted tree house. The view looks out at the magnificent Golfo Dulce. From your porch watch scarlet macaw fly by and monkeys swing past in the trees. Or venture out to marvelous waterfalls, deep-sea waters, rainforest trails and more breathtaking scenery and unspoiled sand and surf.
Casa Sonrisa is surrounded by a tropical paradise of fragrant, flowering plants like ginger, halyconia, and hibiscus; and fruit trees, with delicious succulent mango, lime, breadfruit, pineapple, papaya and banana there for the picking (depending on the season).
This off-grid house is handcrafted by owner Kirk, who leaves no detail overlooked.
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We already stayed at Casa Sonrisa 8 years before. At the time we didn’t write a review, but we enjoyed the place (and the people) so much that this year we decided to return. It was the right choice: everything was perfect as it was 8 years before. Perfect location, very close to the beach (from which we also saw a whale). The house is large, with a well equipped and comfortable kitchen and an amazing balcony where you can see animals from the sofa. Cleanliness is perfect. The manager William is always available and ready to help for every need. William is also a perfect guide for excursions: he is native of the area and has a passionate and profound knowledge of the surroundings and of the nearby Corcovado National Park. The dinner cooked by Leda was tasty and absolutely worth trying. We will return as soon as possible.
Visited August 2024
Written 7 September 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris I
Sunshine Coast, Australia2 contributions
Highlight of our RTW trip
Our family had the best three weeks of our entire year long RTW at Casa Bambu. Cabo Matapalo is a truly special little spot on earth with great wildlife, awesome surf and great people. The house was off grid but had the facilities as if it was. Kirk was super accommodating and there are kayaks to fish off, bodyboards for the kids etc. Sitting in the hammock and alternating watching spider monkeys, the surf or some toucans was great. Need I say more?
Visited June 2018
Written 4 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
waltonjs
2 contributions
Complete harmony with the Osa Peninsula and rain forest is built in!
If you are looking at the Osa Penninsula as a destination you value solitude in nature that is untrammeled by crowds that require every modern convenience. The Casa Sonrisa has the needed niceties to sleep, eat and minimally communicate with the outside world. There is nothing that interferes with listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle and looking out at the surrounding trees-cape full of monkeys, macaws, toucans, parakeets and other wild neighbors. Bring your binoculars and bring your National Geographic identification cards---you'll be busy.
Casa Sonrisa sits high on the Casa Bambu property. It is the most private and perfect for watching the jungle wildlife. You are a short walk from the beachfront of Pan Dulce where the host keeps kayaks and chairs for the use of the guests.
I have stayed in the Casa Bambu cabinas on 5 occasions over a period of 12 years and have been amazed at the attention the owners give to maintaining and upgrading the cabinas. The onsite manager is William who serves as a tour guide, fix-it-man, fishing guide and keeper of the grounds and cabinas. His enthusiasm and energy is infectious and reflected in all aspects of the property and grounds.
This vacation is recommended for people active and able to move well without assistance. Climbing of stairs and negotiation of rough ground is required. There are balconies, stairs, and other hazards that would make it difficult for young children.
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the rain forest, with just the right amount of creature comfort, Casa Sonrisa will be perfect for you. The beach and the amenities that go with this waterfront are icing on the cake.
Visited May 2017
Written 6 July 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trisha F
3 contributions
We are already planning our next trip!
We had a wonderful stay in the bamboo house. It was perfect for our family (not sure about really young children here) to relax, explore, swim and enjoy nature. William, the manager and guide was awesome! We did not expect to see so much wildlife so close--we were thrilled by the monkeys, birds and butterflies. The house is beautiful and easy to enjoy! Thank you for sharing it!
Visited August 2015
Written 2 September 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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What this rental offers
Location info
Beachfront/Lakeside
Nearby
Horse riding facilities
Property features
Ceiling Fans
Staff on property
Additional amenities
Boat available
Bathroom and laundry
Linens provided
Towels provided
Kitchen and dining
Grill
Refrigerator
Cooker
Scenic views
Ocean views
Waterfront views
Things to do
Fishing spots available
Watersports
Location features
Waterfront location
Services
Housekeeping included
Outdoor amenities
Balcony
Deck
Patio
Terrace
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Map
Getting there
Juan Santamaria Intl Airport
127.3 mi
Puerto Jimenez Airport
13.3 mi
Restaurants
Buena Esperanza
14 min
Guapira Restaurant
5 min
Fusión Food
1 min
Brisa Azul
5 min
Attractions
Osa Conservation Campus
3.6 mi • Hiking Trails
Access
Car not needed
How to get there
To Puerto Jimenez BY AIR:
The nearest town to our property (35-45 minutes) is Puerto Jimenez, gateway to the Osa. This is where flights from San Jose land, and where you buy groceries. Puerto Jimenez has several restaurants, a post office, Internet cafes, a 24-hour clinic, a pharmacy, two banks and other amenities we don't have out at Matapalo, where the houses are.
There is daily air service between San Jose and Puerto Jimenez on both Nature Air , and Sansa Airlines . Sansa leaves from the Sansa terminal at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (about 35 to 55 minutes from downtown San Jose, depending on traffic) where the international flights land. Nature Air leaves from the International Airport. Advance reservations are a must, as these flights often fill up. We recommend calling them for the most accurate and current information.
On your flight to Puerto Jimenez, which takes about 50 minutes, you will see spectacular views of the countryside and shoreline. For the clearest flying weather, we recommend morning flights.
There are rental cars available in Puerto Jimenez and we can arrange this for you, or a car originating in San Jose or elsewhere if you want to drive down. However, a car is not essential once you're at the beach. Taxis are readily available and much is within walking distance.
To Puerto Jimenez by RENTAL CAR:
Driving is a way to see this beautiful country and we provide you with detailed directions from San Jose to our door upon request. It takes about 6.5 hours from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez. We strongly recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle, especially during the green season. We do NOT recommend driving at night!
To Puerto Jimenez by VAN SERVICE:
We can arrange private transportation from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, as well as between other Costa Rica destinations, in an air conditioned van with an English-speaking driver.
To Puerto Jimenez by BUS:
There are two buses a day between San Jose and Puerto Jimenez. Both stop for lunch mid-route.
The bus company is Autotransportes Blanco Lobo. Phone number:
PLEASE NOTE:
We will assist you with travel logistics as much as possible. However, we cannot be responsible for your travel arrangements or how they work out. Ultimately, you are in charge of getting yourself to the house and back and we cannot give refunds based on not showing up.
When you arrive in Puerto Jimenez
If you fly, we can arrange to have a taxi meet your plane. Once you land in Puerto Jimenez we recommend stopping at a restaurant to get your bearings, eat, use the bathroom, etc. Your taxi driver is happy to wait. He will then take you to the grocery store. (Prior to your trip we send you a grocery list of what you can expect to find). There are several in town, including a new supermarket with a lot of variety. Shopping in Costa Rica is a great cultural experience!
There are also a fruit and vegetable market, a liquor store, and several bakeries in Puerto Jimenez.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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