A cool blend of mid-century modern and traditional Japanese, set on a tropical Costa Rican beachfront, this breezy house is far from the crowds yet close to everything. 

We love the sense of space in this villa. Set on a beachfront in Costa Rica, it brings together a fabulous mid-century vibe and a Japanese aesthetic, and somehow manages to have a cool jungle feel to it too.

Rooms open into each other, with Japanese-style screens and filmy curtains. Screen doors lead to spacious outdoor patios, and within seconds onto the beach.

The architecture is extreme open-plan, with an exposed timber frame that feels almost like a circus tent. Furnishings are chilled out and beachy, giving the house an elegant yet utterly unpretenious vibe.

The property is located on a semi-private cove near the old town of Malpais. Easy beach access and an abundance of modern conveniences (like wifi on the beach!) provide the best of both worlds. It’s near the town, but far enough away to get away from the crowds. 

The villa accommodates up to six people in two beach-facing bedrooms. It has one and a half bathrooms (one with a double shower opening to an outside jungle courtyard).  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The house has a washing machine, clothes dryer, telephone, and outdoor grill. Linens are provided. It is affiliated with a restaurant across the street which can provide catered meals.

AROUND

Malpais has a laid-back, unpopulated, small village feel, unlike the adjacent beaches of Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen, which are two of the top surfing destinations in Costa Rica. Old jungle grows right down to the beach in places, and volcanic deposits form curious shapes along the coast. The local marine life is protected. Rent a boat or take a fishing tour around the Nicoya Peninsula, and you may catch sight of dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles or whales. Malpais is adjacent to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, where you can take canopy tours or horse tours. And within the park is the beautiful Playa Cuevas beach, one of the area’s best snorkelling spots.

LOCATION 

Malpais, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Nearest airport: Tambor (45km). 

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