Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Payment

How do we book?

Most guests call or message us first to talk through dates and details — then we send a secure link to reserve. You can also request dates right here on the site and we'll follow up quickly.

Is it cheaper to book direct?

Yes. Booking directly with us instead of through Airbnb or VRBO saves you roughly 10%, because we skip the third-party service fees. Call or message us for a direct quote.

How far in advance should we book?

For weddings, retreats, and holiday weeks, six to twelve months ahead is ideal. Smaller stays can often be booked a few weeks out, but our best dates fill early.

What's the deposit and cancellation policy?

A deposit reserves your dates and the balance is due before arrival. The full terms are in our rental agreement, which we share when you book.

Getting There

Which airport should we fly into?

Most guests fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José (SJO), about 1 hour 20 minutes from the property, in the cooler Central Valley just off Highway 1 between San Ramón and Esparza. Liberia (LIR) is another option.

Do you offer airport pickup?

Yes. Our caretakers can greet you at the airport and bring you straight to the property (and stop for groceries on the way). Airport pickup and drop-off is $175 per vehicle for up to 8 guests; for larger groups, each additional vehicle (up to 8 guests each) is another $175.

Do we need a rental car?

Not necessarily. Costa Rica has invested heavily in its roads over the last 20 years, so almost any vehicle can reach the vast majority of places you'll want to go (unless you're set on serious off-roading). Many groups rely on our airport transfers and on-site caretakers, especially for weddings and retreats. If you'd like to explore on your own, a rental car is easy — and you can rent one of ours right at the property.

Can we rent a vehicle from you?

Yes — we keep a 12-passenger van and an SUV available to add to your stay. It's a popular convenience: after a six- or seven-hour flight, you can skip the airport rental counter entirely and have a vehicle waiting for you at the property.

The Property & Rooms

How many people can stay?

The whole-property villa sleeps up to 28 across four homes: the Main House (sleeps 14), the Guest House (sleeps 8), the Treehouse (sleeps 4), and the Tiny House honeymoon suite (sleeps 2). See the full bedrooms & sleeping arrangements.

Can we rent just one house?

Yes. Rent the whole estate for a big group or event, or book a single home for a smaller getaway.

Is the whole property private?

When you rent the whole estate it's 100% yours — a gated, private property with no other guests.

Food & Meals

Is there a kitchen?

Yes — each house has its own kitchen, and the Main House kitchen is fully stocked for cooking for a large group.

Can someone cook for us?

Yes — our on-site manager, Patricia, can prepare authentic Costa Rican meals daily on request. Meals are about $12 per person for breakfast and $16 for lunch or dinner, paid to her directly. Many groups say having Patricia cook is a highlight of the trip.

Can you accommodate dietary needs?

Yes, with advance notice — vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free included. A few specialty ingredients carry a small extra cost in Costa Rica.

Amenities

Is there a pool and hot tub?

Yes — an infinity pool with valley-and-ocean views and a volcano-stone jacuzzi. The Guest House and Treehouse also have their own smaller pools.

Do you have pickleball courts?

Yes — four private, lit pickleball courts reserved just for your group. See our pickleball resort page.

Is there wifi, and can we work remotely?

Yes — high-speed internet across the property with dedicated workspaces, so it works well for remote work and corporate retreats.

Is there a gym?

Yes — an on-site gym with a treadmill, stationary bike, free weights, and a yoga mat.

Weddings, Retreats & Groups

Can we host a wedding or event?

Yes — Bella Vista hosts weddings, family reunions, corporate and yoga retreats, and pickleball camps. We have tables and chairs for up to 80 guests and connections to local planners, officiants, caterers, and photographers. See our wedding venue and retreats pages.

How many guests can an event have?

Up to 80. When you host an event the whole property is reserved for your group. Event set-up fees run from about $500 (up to 24 guests) to $1,200 (51–80 guests).

Good to Know

When is the best time of year to visit?

Any time of year works. December–April is the dry season; the May–November green season is lush and beautiful, usually with sunny mornings and a short afternoon shower.

Is it safe?

Yes — a private, gated estate with on-site staff and security cameras, in a quiet rural area.

Is it family-friendly?

Very — it's a favorite for multi-generational reunions, with a pool, wide lawns, bunk rooms, and room for every age to spread out.

Do the staff speak English?

Our owner and booking team communicate in English; the on-site staff speak mainly Spanish, but texting and a translation app make day-to-day coordination easy.

Do you allow pets?

We're not able to accommodate pets at the property.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is after 4:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM; we can sometimes flex these for whole-property bookings.

What is there to do nearby?

Waterfalls, coffee tours, ziplining, hanging bridges, and Pacific beaches about 35 minutes away, plus volcanoes and hot springs within a couple of hours. See our attractions guide.

What should we pack?

Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a light rain layer for the green season, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes for exploring.