cpcd

I am planning a February family vacation in CR. We have been to Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Playa Flamingo areas. We have not been to the Osa Peninsula. I am looking to rent a house for the family. Looking on VRBO under Osa there are about 6 areas listed.Agujas
Cabo Matapalo
Drake Bay
Puerto Jimenez
Rincon
Sierpe
Since I am not familiar with this area I'm hoping that someone can direct me to a good location. Not too isolated, some restaurants so I don't have to cook all meals. Near the beach that is swimable in Feb. ( maybe even surfng for 11 and 13 yr old) wildlife (which the Osa seems to be known for) hiking, horseback riding. Any help would be appreciated.

volcanogirl

You might check Casa Bambu. I've read several good reviews on that one.

tully

Casa Bambu is nice but it is isolated, so not sure if that would work out with wanting restaurants near. There is one small place a couple minutes away, but that's it. But they do have someone who will prepare meals for you, for a charge.

The Matapalo area will be your best bet for wildlife but it is a 30-45 minute drive back to Puerto Jimenez. (The road though, as of late June, was in best condition I have ever seen it).

volcanogirl

Thanks for clarifying that, tully. I believe on the reviews I've read that they've had people come in to cook.

glover

We stayed at Casa Linda (next to Casa Bambu)several years ago and thought it was fabulous. It is probably 20 yards from the beach (though not a terribly swimmable one - shallow and rocky some distance out from the beach - beautiful though). We had monkeys and scarlet macaws next to the house (perhaps on the house) every day. Don't know if they still have the same nice caretaking family (their house is across a big yard from Casa Linda) - but when we were there the two women were lovely (and would have cooked meals) and the young man was a great and enthusiastic guide (he spoke more English than the women - so good Spanish practice). We went with him on a long drive to and through the national park - and also to a local waterfall. Believe a kayaking trip was also possible.
We didn't have any kids with us, but I remember thinking that nature loving kids would probably enjoy - unless they're pre-teen girls squeamish about bugs, etc. . . cause the house had no screens. Check their website if you haven't yet and read reviews by families. We mostly ate at home - you need to bring groceries from Puerto Jimenez - though the caretakers go into town sometimes and they did some shopping for us once also. But we did eat one dinner at the fun, funky place down the road that I'm sure Tully is referring to.
Close enough, but a VERY dark walk back home (an adventure in itself). And we had a nice lunch at the fancy resort the other direction on the road (the name of which I'm also blanking on without my notes). There was also another small resort in the other direction that had a restaurant - but that too would be a dark walk home I think.

Cris004

For me, it's La Leona Eco Lodge...nice place, very cool with kids.
I give you the links here:
Costa Rica Eco Lodge: http://www.laleonaecolodge.com/

Enjoy!

volcanogirl

That sounds fantastic, glover. Are Bambu and Linda owned by the same people?

cpcd

Thanks everyone for your help. I think we might rent a house in the Dominical area instead, not quite so isolated. My 2 grandchildren 11 and 13 are beginning surfers. Can anyone tell me how rough the ocean is in that area. i believe there is a surf school on one of the beaches. We would be there in Feb.

volcanogirl

Did you see Shelter from the Storm? That's a pretty popular place that might work for you.

glover

Vgirl - yes, Bambu and Linda are owned by the same people - sited perpendicular to one another. Owners also have 2 others nearby in Matapalo. All are described on their website -google Casa Bambu.

volcanogirl

Thanks, glover!