artiejay

Despite the wretched economy which we thought would keep us grounded in 2012,we just booked our flights and are now in the planning phase for a return trip at the end of March. We had a great time in Ojochal in '08 so we are thinking southern pacific coast as a base for our 9 night visit. Looking back at past reviews SFTS looks great and we would probably try to book the Monkey house for at least 4 nights. At the end of the trip we plan on relocating north near Carara Park for 2 nights to make a 11am departing flight.That leaves 3 nights still open - any recommendations? Right now we are looking at Las Cruces/ Wilson botanical gardens or staying in the same area as SFTS with a little different surroundings and book Villas de las Aves which sounds very interesting. Right now we can't decide so any help is welcomed!

tully

SFTS will be a great stop. The Monkey House is very nice with the deck overlooking the forest. And if you bring some kittie or doggie treats you will have friends for life

Villas de las Aves is a very nice setting. Plumboy has stayed there so he can chime in on that, I've only gone for dinner. I will say the road in/out is pretty darn bad, personally that would deter me from coming and going much. But I guess if you have plans to be out all day exploring or at the beach it probably would be bearable. Very peaceful place.

Another place you may want to look into is Rio Magnolia. I have not stayed there, only had some emails back and forth with the nice owner, but it looks lovely and would be a little change in scenery although it's very close to SFTS. Maybe 15-20 minutes max. It's right before you get to the Nauyaca Falls office.

Two other places to look into is Tiki Villas in Uvita and Rio Tica Safari Lodge also in in Uvita. Have not stayed in either though, just saved in my faves for one of these days!

artiejay

Thanks tully- I was hoping you would reply as your report on SFTS got me looking into it. For some reason I am having a difficult time making decisions about this trip- I think the planning is half the fun- kind of like a kid in a candy store. I have looked at the other places you recommended- Magnolia looks good but the lack of AC has the DW a little uneasy- gotta keep the peace! Just heard back from Donna at SFTS and they are open for the dates I need so we are making some progress.Are there trails around the hotel to hike on? Thanks again!

plumboy

I'm not so sure Villas de las Aves is still in operation. Does anyone know? I'm saying that because I did see it listed for sale at one point (though I often see many places for sale in Costa Rica -- one hotel owner told me once, "Everything's always for sale in Costa Rica."). But, also, there are no reviews on Trip Advisor for it since March. Seems a little strange to me, but I may be wrong. So I'd double check on that.

In any case, it was a lovely place, but just way too isolated for us. As tully says, the road in and out is really pretty bad. It takes about 12 to 15 minutes to get back and forth to the main road, depending. It's not THAT bad I guess, but it just wasn't what we were in the mood for, as it turns out. It really, really shakes you up (we both hit our heads on the windows of the SUV, it was that bad).

Also, we went in May, and the rain was freakishly bad. We were sort of stuck at the house for almost four days straight, and because of the heavy rains, the beaches weren't very appealing. Overall, we really didn't have such a great trip that time. So, I guess because of all of that, I don't have a really positive feeling toward that trip or that area, to be honest. I may not be the best gauge.

But, there is a lot of wildlife to be viewed, that's for sure. Walking up and down the road from Villas de las Aves I saw troops of howlers a couple of times, lots of blue morphos, and there are capuchins in the area too.

I hope that wasn't too much of a mixed message! Also, in addition to SFTS, which is probably where we'd stay if we ever went back to that area, Oxygen Jungle Villas peaked my interest.

costaricalover

We LOVED Villa de las Aves. Yes, it is isolated, and the road is long and bumpy to get there - but once your're there, it is paradise. I guess it depends on what your preferences are. We stayed 3 days there 2 years ago, and thorougly enjoyed the abundance of birds and wildlife. The owner also rescues parrots and has a wonderful family at the house that we would visit every day, as well as a little farm with goats and pigs and chickens. We had the beautiful pool to ourselves (only 2 villas) and there was nothing like chilling in the hot tub at night with a cocktail watching the stars. They were also cooking private dinners and breakfasts when we were there at the main house.
We also stayed at Shelter in the monkey house and loved that as well. They are 2 very different places but complement eachother perfectly. The villas are gorgeous at Shelter, the views are to die for, and Daryl and Donna are fabulous hosts. I loved both places.
When we return in February, we will be staying at Tiki Villas. Just to confuse you more, they also have great reviews on TA, and the place looks beautiful. You cannot go wrong with any of these places imho.
P.S. There is a beautiful waterfall you can hike to up the road from VDVA that is just magical!

xelas

If Uvita fits in your plans the do check Tiki Villas. I have only visited the place for an hour and had a tour by owner. The location is good, nice views to the ocean. The approach road is steep but not long. The bungalows are really nice, and the infinity pool excellent. A small boutique place with very affordable prices. I have made several photos if interested send me a PM over TripAdvisor.

artiejay

Thanks all for the great advice- lots of great places to choose from!Looking now at staying at SFTS and Villas Gaia in Ojochal where we stayed in 2008. They have nice trails behind the hotel and is very close to Exotica and several other great restaurants, so we got lured back thinking of the food!

Deb15July

I too have SFTS and the monkey house on my to do list. The other place that has been showing up on LuxuryLink that looks really nice is Rancho Pacifico in Uvita. Maybe someone on the board has been there or can comment.

Have fun...I can't wait to go back to CR but I'm aiming for Belize next year instead!