Best Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Quick Breakdown

When it comes to international travel, Costa Rica remains a hotspot for vacationers from around the globe. With such a thriving tourism industry, the nation is home to countless rental options for travelers. An unfortunate side effect is the total information overload that comes about when trying to choose from thousands of Costa Rica vacation rentals.

To help out, we’ve compiled our top 5 vacation rentals in Costa Rica, a snapshot of a handful of beautiful properties that we consider some of the best value the nation has to offer. We hope you’re able to use this list to help with your vacation planning.

(If you’re looking to host an event for a larger group, check out our blog on Costa Rica retreat venues instead.)

Our Criteria

We’ve sorted what we believe to be the top 5 Costa Rica vacation rental options based on the following set of criteria:

• Beauty of the environment. The landscape of Costa Rica is bursting with natural beauty. A Costa Rica vacation rental home isn't complete without stunning views from right on the property.
• Nearby attractions. While some of the vacation rentals on this list can be an attraction all on their own, many travelers will appreciate accommodations that put them within a reachable distance of nearby tourist towns and other attractions.
• Available amenities. Just because you want to escape into Costa Rica's natural landscape doesn't mean you want to be roughing it. We've prioritized Costa Rica vacation rentals with modern amenities to help you stay in comfort.
• Flexibility. While we can't tailor our list to every kind of vacationer, we put a focus on finding rentals with flexible capacity options, so they can be a better fit for more families.
• Eco-friendliness. In conjunction with Costa Rica's national focus on environmental consciousness, you can find many eco-friendly travel destinations in Costa Rica, allowing for a more eco-minded vacation.
• Unique features of the property. Last but not least, we wanted to factor in the features that make each casa and villa rental in Costa Rica stand out. From rainforest to oceanside, each property offers something different, and we want to highlight the most unique aspects of each.

Though we have ordered these rental options based on our criteria, we want to acknowledge that every group’s needs are different, and your personal #1 might differ from ours. Our hope is that you will be able to find a perfect match in this list, which is why we’ve prioritized rental options that offer variety, but even if you’re still unsure, we want to save you a bit of time and research.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top 5 Costa Rica vacation rentals.

#1: Vajra Jahra

Tucked away in the beautiful landscape of Costa Rica’s Diamante Valley, Vajra Jahra Retreat Center is a rainforest getaway you won’t soon forget. The property features 12 cozy villas which offer modern comforts while blending into the gorgeous natural scenery (including two private rivers right on site), allowing you to comfortably sleep up to 18 guests in a serene rainforest setting.

Other offerings towards the center of the property include an infinity pool, an observation deck, and an al fresco dining area where, upon request, you can enjoy locally sourced meals made by a private chef.

While staying at Vajra Jahra, you’ll be within driving distance of Dominical, one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica, not to mention the opportunities to tour the Diamante Valley and get a glimpse of the wildlife in the Costa Rica rainforest. At your request, we can help you coordinate onsite activities like wellness ceremonies, massages, salsa dancing, or cooking classes.

To top it all off, you can see the towering majesty of the Diamante Waterfall from any of Vajra Jahra’s villas, allowing you to see the waterfall from when you wake up to when you turn in for the night. Adventurous hikers can even organize a Diamante Waterfall hike to go see the falls up close and personal!

#2: Villas Jawara

The 7 unique villas offered by Villas Jawara also provide a great view, but of a different kind. Instead of waterfalls, guests can look out their window and see the grand Arenal Volcano, a truly breathtaking centerpiece to any vacation.

Each villa offers modern amenities, including a private hot tub or jacuzzi and a campfire area. With options sleeping anywhere from 4 to 10 people, it’s a great option for couples or small-to-medium-sized families. Stays at any of the villas also include a one-day hot spring pass, a unique feature that makes this option stand out.

#3: Casa Bambu

Can’t decide whether you want to stay by the rainforest or the beach? Casa Bambu might be the choice for you. Situated on Pan Dulce beach, each of the 4 rental houses is reasonably close to both rainforest and sea—the best of both worlds.

Each of Casa Bambu’s rental houses, constructed from bamboo, sleeps up to 6 people, except for Casa Linda, which sleeps 7. The property also boasts onsite staff who are available 24/7 to assist you.

Casa Bambu’s website also promises free wifi, phone service, and other modern comforts, plus both an indoor and outdoor shower, helping you to stay comfortable during your Costa Rica adventure.

#4: Casa Sea Breeze

The key word for Casa Sea Breeze is energy conservation. Offering 2 luxurious houses in a convenient location in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, Casa Sea Breeze’s original vacation rental has the unique quality of generating most of its energy through eco-friendly means.

Casa Sea Breeze is situated just outside of Dominical, promising convenient access to town, but the 100-acre property sits squarely in natural beauty, with a preserved landscape providing privacy (outside of local animals who you might be able to spot while enjoying the property). Guests can make the most of outdoor patio space, a swimming pool, and high-end architecture during their stay.

The original Casa Sea Breeze sleeps up to 14, while the larger Casa Sea Breeze II can host up to 20, thanks in part to its three-bedroom guest house. Each house offers a slightly different experience, so travelers considering a stay should investigate the website closely to find the option that fits their needs.

#5: Casa Frisons

Overlooking Costa Rica’s Playa Flamingo, these cliffside vacation rentals are an impressive sight, and promise a luxurious stay by the ocean. The larger Casa Frisons sleeps up to 14 people, making it a standout option for larger groups wanting to stay by the beach. Smaller groups can also opt for Villa Fugata, a smaller house built for 4.

During your stay at either house, you can enjoy beachside views from the infinity pool, practice your asanas on the yoga deck, or get out and enjoy the beach. Guests can rely on onsite staff, including regular housekeeping and 24/7 security, to help support their vacation.

The houses include modern amenities like a fully equipped kitchen and Wi-Fi service. If needed, you can also request additional services like massages, a private chef, and even babysitting. All in all, Casa Frisons and Villa Fugata both offer a one-of-a-kind stay by one of Costa Rica’s beaches.