Entire home

Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F.

Holiday home in Bahía Ballena with private pool and kitchen

Photo gallery for Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F.

Outdoor pool, a heated pool - Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. (Uvita, Costa Rica)
Outdoor dining - Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. (Uvita, Costa Rica)
4 bedrooms, in-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets - Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. (Uvita, Costa Rica)
Beach towels - Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. (Uvita, Costa Rica)
Smart TV, DVD player, books, stereo - Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. (Uvita, Costa Rica)
Perched above Uvita, Costa Rica, Refugio Madreselva offers a serene retreat amidst 25 acres of forest and 2 creeks. Enjoy a delightful breakfast made from local ingredients served by Carolina, the housekeeper. Take advantage of high-speed WiFi in your spacious home away from home with an open floor plan that captures ocean breezes and big views.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F.

Refugio Madreselva's views of the Pacific coast will take your breath away. Enjoy the iconic view of the Marino Ballena Whale's Tail and beaches from the infinity pool, palapa, terrazes, social areas and the 2 master bedrooms. We are located in rain forested mountains, yet only 15 minutes from the beaches which make our location so special. Madreselva is ideal for the nature lover, birdwatcher, photographer, and anyone looking for peace and relaxation.

If you read our reviews, what makes us different from other rentals is that we have dedicated staff to pamper you. As part of your rental fee, Monday to Friday, Carolina and her husband Rumenigg will serve you a delightful breakfast made from local ingredients. She will also do light housekeeping - making beds, cleaning bathrooms and doing one load of laundry per day for your group.

Also included in our price is concierge service to help you plan and organize your trip. If you wish, Carolina will help you arrange transportation, vehicle rentals, tour reservations, on-site massage and yoga classes. Finally, Carolina and Rumenigg can prepare lunch and dinner for an additional fee. This is great deals as serving and clean-up is included for less than typical restaurant prices, and without having to leave the comfort of Madreselva. As you can see from our reviews, their cooking is highly praised by our guests.

The house was designed to be at one with nature, yet offer all the conveniences and charm our guests desire. The open-floor plan takes advantage of the ocean breezes, big views and incredible sunrise over the mountains. At night, leave your windows open - the climate is perfect for sleeping at 66-70 degrees year-round, as we are 1776 feet above sea level. We offer light cotton blankets in case you get cold easily. The HOUSE HAS NO STAIRS and is WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY.

The gourmet kitchen is spacious with high-end appliances, and granite counter tops. There is a small TV room with a flat-screen. The 4 bedrooms have high quality, comfortable mattresses to leave you refreshed and ready for days of adventures. Enjoy the views from our terraces and gently heated pool.

Each morning you will awake to the call of howler monkeys as you are surrounded by the wonders of nature. Sit by the pool and watch the clouds roll by, waves crash onto the Whale’s Tail, and birds fly everywhere. The thatch roofed palapa (called 'rancho' in Costa Rica) hangs over the valley offering seamless views, and is a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or a sunset cookout on the BBQ grill. The outdoor spaces are complete with hammocks and comfortable furniture perfect for napping or reading that book you have been dying to finish. In the evening the delightful fragrance of the Ylang-Ylang waft through the breezeways, and the stars on a clear night will remind you of life before city-light pollution.

You can also take advantage of our hiking trails for bird watching and photographing our diverse wildlife. A short walk in our forested trail will take you to a small waterfall, where you can sit to enjoy the sound of running water and nature. With little effort you are likely to see morpho butterflies, strawberry frogs, and on occasion howler and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, as well as the occasional sloth, anteater and agouti.

Madreselva is the perfect base from which to launch several exciting excursions. You can choose among a dozen beaches, surfing, whale and dolphin watching, horse riding, birdwatching, water rafting, kayaking, zip lining, fishing, and day or night-guided nature tours. Near us you can hike to 3 magnificent waterfalls through primary forest, as well as swim and play in the local river.

Uvita is only minutes by car and offers a wide array of services including many restaurants, super markets, banks, a health clinic, dentist, pharmacy, veterinarian, and much more. If you are a golfer, the San Buenas 18 holes golf course is only 25 minutes away.

Madreselva is a 'green home' - we are proud that we rely on solar energy for power and hot water. The home was built to the highest ecological standards and best practices in tropical architecture. The roof is made from recycled plastic, the pool tiles are recycled glass, and the wood throughout the house comes from local wood, certified as being sustainably harvested. Even the dining room table was crafted from a hardwood tree that fell on the property decades ago.

We hope you will choose Madreselva for your next vacation, family get-together, small wedding, or yoga/meditation retreat. The balmy breezes, private setting, and lush jungle surroundings will leave you relaxed, refreshed and looking forward to your next visit to our beautiful country.

IMPORTANT: Our private gravel road (1 mile), while in excellent condition, is steep and thus you will need a 4x4 car to access our property. Also, our pool is not fenced, and all the rooms open to the breezeways, thus it is not suitable for toddlers or very young children.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible parking space
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • In-room accessibility
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No-smoking strictly enforced as per contract

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Phone
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the city centre
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Heated pool
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching 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

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 5,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

To access the home you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle (4x4). The beautiful view means a steep road. It is worth it! No exceptions
A signed rental contract (see template) is required before check-in.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Pool not fenced. Children under 7 need permission

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Pre-approval is required for parties and visitors.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No-smoking strictly enforced as per contract

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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Pre-approval is required for parties and visitors.
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
Property Registration Number 3102-668-629

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Eco home At One With Nature
Eco-home At One With Nature - Total Privacy Ballena

About the area

Located in Bahía Ballena, this holiday home is in the city centre and in the mountains. Marino Ballena National Park and Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Parque Reptilandia are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Uvita, Costa Rica, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 15 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Secret Lau Pool - 15 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Uvita Beach - 15 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Playa Colonia - 15 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 20 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

  • Quepos (XQP) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Beyan Restaurant & Coffee - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Bakery - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Café Vivo - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. located?

Located in the heart of Bahía Ballena, this holiday home is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Santa Lucia Falls and within 6 miles (10 km) of Playa Hermosa and Catarata uvita. Secret Lau Pool and Uvita Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Stunning Ocean View-Rainforest Villa. Concierge, Breakfast/Housekeeping M-F. Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 101 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 101 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 101 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 101 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 101 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay

Our stay at Madreselva was magical. Carolina took care of us like we were family. The house had plenty of room for our group of 9. We were concerned about there not being air conditioning since we are from TX but it wasn’t needed at all. The driveway was long and twisty but 100% worth it for the views.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

thomas c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Property

our stay at Madre Selva was absolutely wonderful. the house was spacious, clean, and surrounded by wilderness. Every morning started with an orchestra of birds and beautiful sunrises. Highly recommend taking advantage of Carolina’s expertise, cooking, and planning. We had a fabulous time and will be coming back!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

We stayed here 8 years ago and decided to come back again. Not much has changed. It is a great house with a great location.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Madre Selva heaven

Just a fantastic spot and we can’t say enough about the house, the views, and Carolina’s hospitality.The first time up the road was an experience and 4x4 is absolutely required - but it gets better with practice!Amazing home and vacation.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise at Madreselva

We had an amazing stay at Madreselva, definitely one of the best vacation experiences we’ve ever had. The home itself is beautiful, clean and the mountainside setting is spectacular, with incredible views over Uvita and the Whale’s Tail. To top it all off, Carolina was amazing, providing delicious breakfasts every morning, helping us arrange the best tours and sites to visit. She really made our stay truly memorable, as did all of the hardworking staff. We will definitely return again!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bob H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a place!

This was the ideal place for our family from grandparents to grandkids. And having Carolina, the housekeeper who made breakfasts, tidied up and did laundry was a real plus. She was a great source of information and did concierge duty to the many tours and arrangements that needed to be made.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week!

What a fantastic vacation we had at Madreselva! A very special thank you to Carolina and her husband for amazing service, food, hospitality and concierge. We highly recommend staying here. Unforgettable experience!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meredith C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Madreselva

We enjoyed our week at Madreselva! Carolina made everything so smooth from helping arrange our excursions, providing exceptional meals and warm hospitality. The grounds are beautiful and we were able to see many different animals, birds, butterflies and frogs. I'd highly recommend this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerome D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rainforest Delight

Our family of 6 stayed at Madre Salva for 6 days during April vacation. To say that the experience was magnificent is an understatement. It is unreal. The house itself is thoughtfully designed and an ideal fit for our family. The communication and attentive service from Carolina and Rume were excellent. It was remote enough to feel "off the grid" but surrounded by activities and everything that you could need. We did plenty of walking, waterfall hiking, white-water rafting, and relaxing. Thank you so very much for this memorable experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Foley Kazura family

Wonderful stay! Beautiful setting overlooking Pacific Ocean. Loved the birds, insects, and monkeys in the vicinity. Local caretaker and her husband who maintained the property were extraordinarily helpful and friendly. Would definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randolph B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mother of the Jungle

5 nights with 12, 10, 8 yo girls grandma and grandpa. Surfing, horses, and adventures within minutes Awesome place with unreal views Good internet and phone connectivity Need 4 wheel drive. No really
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob W., Rocklin, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

My friends and I had such an amazing time here. I can't recommend it enough. The house manager Carolina was such a wonderful person with such an attention for detail. She makes wonderful food and will always make sure you're taken care of. The property itself is in a very tranquil setting in nature. You can see plenty of wildlife. The house is designed with nature in mind and it's beautiful. You will not be disappointed staying here.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in the jungle

Wish we could have stayed longer! The house is beautiful and the views are breathtaking! Carolina and her husband were so accommodating and made us feel so welcomed. The food was absolutely delicious and she even managed to keep my picky kid eaters pleased! It was such a blessing to have clean laundry done when we left the house to head home. You will not be disappointed with this house! Book it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

We traveled to Costa Rica and stayed at Refugio Madreselva the last week in December. We were 2 families traveling together with kids ranging from 7-13. Everyone (adults and kids) both LOVED staying here. Carolina was so great with communicating prior to the stay and assisted w/ booking care rentals, airport transportation and excursions. She made us feel welcome and her and her husband prepared delicious breakfasts and dinners for us. The kids and adults loved just spending time at the house watching all the birds, admiring all the vegetation and most of all taking in the view of Whale Tail Beach. This is definitely on our list for a repeat trip. 5/5 recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Very Special Place

My girlfriend and I recently spent a week at "Refugio Madreselva". All expectations were exceeded. It's an easy 3.5 hour drive from SJO. You really do need a 4x4 to get up the driveway, go slow and steady, not bad at all. The pool and subsequent views of the valley below were the highlight. House and property were well manicured / landscaped. Carolina greeted us with breakfast each morning - she and her husband (groundskeeper) are amazing. I mentioned to Carolina that it was my GF's birthday during the trip. The next day she stopped by with the best tres leches cake I have ever tasted. So thoughtful.I would highly recommend a 20 min drive to Ojachal for a few dinners - great food. We will be back - this is a special place!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emilie C., Smyrna

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Pura Vida Paradise

We had a family/friend group of 10, 6 adults and 4 teens. This house was absolutely perfect. The views, the gardens, the outdoor spaces, and the extra large, well stocked kitchen made our stay wonderful. Of course, the icing on the cake was Carolina and her husband, and the amazing meals they cooked when we wanted a break. Carolina's organization in advance of our trip was so helpful, she communicated with local tourguides and made sure we had a perfect itinerary, even when we needed to make changes and adjustments. Can not say enough good things. We loved waterfalls, scuba, snorkeling, fishing, zip lines, and everything about Costa Rica. Grocery stores are convenient, and well stocked. Definitely do not ignore the guidance about a good 4 wheel drive vehicle. The first time up the hill was a little scary but it got much easier after that. Pura Vida!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Skyler E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An INCREDIBLE property/one of a kind views!

We were so excited to stay at this house. The pictures made it seem like the most incredible property and even as great as those pictures were, the actual views and property far exceeded our expectation. There are views from every spot in the house. The kids spent the entire time in the pool. Having 2 master suites was perfect for us and our friends to each have our own private space. The journey to the house made the trip even more epic. It felt like an adventure each time we drove up to the house. If you have the chance to have Carolina and her husband cook for you, definitely take it. The food was amazing. WE had the chicken and rice with homemade brownies and it was the best meal we had while visiting Costa Rica. My kids haven't stopped talking about it. Carolina was great to work with and very accommodating. If you're in the Uvita area, I can't recommend this place enough. We hope to plan a return trip soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darrell F., Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing vacation home

If you enjoy nature book this place , The house is stunning waking up every morning to the sounds of birds also sleeping at night with just the screens open so you can listen to all the wildlife at night . The house is landscaped so it attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and lots of other bird species . The view is unreal you can literally sit in the pool and birdwatch. The porch off to the side is also an excellent place to just sit and watch the jungle . The nature trails right on the property are a big bonus as well. I saved the best for last , Carolina and Rumenigg the property managers were a huge help with booking tours and organizing excursions,recommending restaurants etc. I had a flat tire which Rumenigg repaired for me and got me back up and running . The waterfall tour is really exceptional and just up the road .The only tour I did not have a good time was the one I booked by myself without Carolinas help. Her meals were amazing and she is just a pleasure to be around . Mucho Gracias Amigos Darrell and Nicholle
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature and hospitality

Communication with Carolina, (the property host) was excellent before and during our stay. She helped to coordinate our staggered arrival to the property, arrange some of our adventures. We had some quirky issues with the property gates and security alarms when we arrived, but Carolina was attentive to getting everything straightened out with just a phone call. The house was situated in the middle of the forest, with the view of the ocean and surrounded by the sounds of nature. It was cloudy for much of our visit so some of the nights were interrupted by the sounds of the generator located outside of our beautiful bedroom window. But the memories of the howler monkeys, toucans and other tropical birds prevailed. We appreciated the delicious breakfasts prepared by Carolina as well as the dinner the night before our departure. Our bilingual children and grandchild enjoyed conversations with Carolina and Rume in Spanish, and were pleased with Carolina's clear English for the others. The beautiful infinity pool was the desired spot for the grandkids, and perfect for our 5 year old to perfect his newly acquired swimming strokes. The hammocks were in constant use for relaxing. The bedroom on the back of the house with the queen bed and one twin bed was “less than ideal” as there was no cross ventilation and didn’t have an en-suite bathroom. The grounds were beautifully maintained and we enjoyed everything the house had to offer. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

My family and I stayed at Madreselva for 8 nights in July and had a wonderful time! The views were absolutely amazing and constantly changing as the weather changed. I probably have 8 versions of the same picture from the pool area...each stunning. The house was exactly as the pictures showed and perfect for our group of 8 ("kids" from 17-23 and three parents). The house was set up perfect for our needs with shared space for hanging at the pool, eating and playing games after dinner.....but also enough separation to allow the kids an escape to their rooms when needed. Carolina was so helpful from the time we first booked the trip, to planning our adventures, and helping us with everything in-between. We were supposed to land in Costa Rica at 1:20 p.m. and she had a driver waiting to pick us up and bring us to the house. However, after flight delays and rerouting, we didn't arrive until after 9:00 p.m. She was in constant communication with us to make sure we were ok and that our driver was ready whenever we were. When we finally made it to the house around 1:00 a.m. Carolina and her husband were waiting for us with the 4-wheel drive vehicles to bring us up the mountain! Was so appreciative for their patience and help after such a long and stressful day. Would recommend the house to anyone and hope to return some day!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracie Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best vacation ever!!

Refugio Madreselva is what you envision when thinking of a Costa Rican vacation. This house is amazing. The view is breathtaking. The surrounding wildlife made this location truly one of a kind. However, what made it all come together was the property manager Carolina and of course her kind and sincere husband (not nephew ;) Rume. After a week with them, we felt like we were saying goodbye to family. Carolina was amazing with scheduling our excursions, transportation to and from the airport, and setting up our rental cars. By the way, when they say you need a 4x4 to access the property, you do need a 4x4. Traveling the road to the house was very much part of our adventures. The rental vehicles Carolina got us were perfect and we had no problems accessing the property, even when it was raining hard. Carolina's cooking is out of this world. Having breakfast prepared for us was so convenient and all of us could not wait to taste the next meal. Carolina and Rume made us some pretty amazing dinners with desserts. The layout of the house is awesome. There are 3 separate buildings of the house. This provided the group with privacy and a central meeting place. The infinity pool was so refreshing to dip in after a long hot day. This property gave us everything to make our first trip to Costa Rica memorable for years to come. Thank you to Carolina, Rume, and Tico for taking such good care of us! Sincerely, the Colorado and Oregon gangs
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brady D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special memories were made & dreams came true - Perfect stay for family of 8

This was one of our favorite trips yet - beautiful location, kind people, welcoming & stunning home. After researching hundreds of homes & having an age spread of 3.5 to 70+, we needed to find a place that would be accommodating for the entire family. We settled on Madreselva after reading so many positive reviews & speaking with people who highly recommended the Uvita area. The owner provided useful information about the home & the area. Carolina (house manager) was VERY helpful with the planning/booking of transportation & activities. We added on 2 dinners during our stay - the Arroz Con Pollo was SO good! The provided breakfast was a bonus, too. The home was always clean & straightened & they even provided fresh beach towels each day. Carolina made sure we could reach her anytime. Large kitchen is very well stocked. Bedrooms & bedding were quite comfortable (2 main bedrooms offer breathtaking views). Temps on the mountain were VERY comfortable! Our twin nieces spent most of their time in the pool. You do need TRUE 4-wheel drive - driveway is long & steep, but no scary drop-offs & you get used to it quickly. There are bugs - but nothing like I was expecting! A healthy coverage of sunscreen & Repel kept us bite free the entire trip. We are grateful to Claudia for making Madreselva available for others to utilize & appreciate. We made many special memories, & several dreams came true. Thank you to Carolina & her husband - we truly look forward to seeing you again soon!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This property, house and staff was absolutely wonderful!!

We stayed as 2 families with kids 15, 11 and 6 for 3 nights. The gorgeous pictures do not do this place justice. Beautiful property and views! We spent much of our time in the pool, hammocks and exploring the trail. Carolina was a wonderful host and made us delicious breakfasts in the mornings as well as a couple of wonderful dinners. She was so helpful and engaging. We can’t wait to return to Madreselva and the exciting drive up the mountain!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Johanna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

The best house ever! The property and views are so beautiful, the pictures don’t even do it justice. We woke up every morning with the incredible sunrise and with the sounds of howler monkeys and other animals on the property. Carolina was also amazing! The drive up to the house is steep but with a 4x4 and experienced driver it was fine, and so worth it for the views and privacy. There is so much to do in the area as well. We would love to come back!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Spring break visit

What a week at Madre Selva! Carolina and Rumenigg treated us like family and were such wonderful hosts. Breakfast each day was delicious and the house is clean and comfortable. The ride up and down the mountain is definitely treacherous, but we got the hang of it after a few runs. This location is fairly remote and requires a long drive from San Jose, but the views are worth it. The views are even better in person than the pictures online! Overall our stay exceeded my expectations- thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023