Entire home

Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views

Photo gallery for Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views

Property grounds
2nd floor bedroom and deck, queen bed on wheels to sleep under the stars!
View from property
Terrace/patio
Reviews
9.4 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Ocean viewOcean viewOcean view
  • Business servicesBusiness servicesBusiness services

Explore the area

Map
Cobano, Puntarenas
  • Popular LocationMontezuma Falls3 min drive
  • Popular LocationMontezuma Beach5 min drive
  • Popular LocationPiedra Colorada9 min drive
  • AirportTambor (TMU)40 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Villa Bedroom 1 (Upstairs)

1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Villa Bedroom 2 (Downstairs)

2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Villa Bathroom 1 (upstairs)

Toilet · Shower only

Villa Bathroom 2 (downstairs)

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views

ALL RENTAL INCOME goes directly to support this beautiful 28-Acre Wildlife Sanctuary which entails the safety and preservation of all plants and trees, birds and animals living freely on this lovely estate. This hilltop home is 1 kilometer (less than 1 mile) from Montezuma Beaches on a 28-Acre Wildlife Sanctuary bordering the Montezuma River, and less than a 5-minute drive from the center of Montezuma, where one can easily find an abundance of excellent restaurants, grocery- and gift-shopping and night life, not to mention the miles and miles of gorgeous beaches and trails. For those without a car, a 10 minute walk down the driveway gets you to the bus-stop that runs every 2 hours between Montezuma and Cobano.

This fully-furnished home has two huge bedrooms with two bathrooms. Magnificent, 360-degree views of coastline, open sea, mountains and jungle/forest. The construction features large, open-air living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom with custom-made wicker furniture. There's a very large front porch with hammocks, Chaise Lounge, Rocking Chairs, Table & chairs, with flowering plants all around.

Both bedrooms are octagon-shaped; the upstairs bedroom has a balcony with a 180-degree, walk-around corridor, walk-in closet and private, open-air bathroom with magnificent views, stone floor and built-in garden. This bedroom has one queen-size and one double bed. Some guests choose to put their mattress onto the balcony to sleep under the stars. The downstairs bedroom, has the same magnificent views of the coastline, ocean and mountains. It has a King-size bed with 6 huge drawers underneath, for clothing and/or other storage, & extra mattresses are available for more guests. This bedroom has an overhead fan, and other floor fans if needed. There is an extra-large desk for computer, etc. There are additional mattresses available that can be used for more guests or as a comfortable meditation couch.

There is a fully-equipped kitchen with 6-burner stove & oven, full-sized fridge with frost-free, large freezer, with ice-cube maker. In back of the house is a washing machine with an extra-large double sink alongside, and a hot water tank that serves the entire house. There's even an outdoor shower, decorated with a wrought-iron palm tree, where one can shower off all the sand and salt-water when returning from the beach. Many people shower here several times throughout the day (ideal for cooling off in the heat!) This home and property is truly a nature-lover's paradise!

The land is managed as a 'Wildlife Sanctuary'--so all kinds of birds and animals come and live here in safety away from dogs, cats and hunters. The only sounds up here are those of the birds, all three species of monkeys, and the ocean and river. The animals we live with are: mapache (raccoon), pizotes (coatimundi), sloths, monkeys, porcupine, ant eaters, aracaris (relatives of toucans), guatusos y tepezcuintles, all kinds of birds, and an abundance of butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Just outside the entrance, there is a path down to the famous Montezuma River (approximately 50 meters below). Be sure to bring good rubber-soled, hiking sandals, and a walking stick, allowing you to hike down the path with ease and to walk in the river and hop from rock to rock, (flip-flops just won't do for this). This gorgeous river has abundant waterfalls (from small to huge), varying-size swimming holes, howler, spider and white-face monkeys and all kinds of species of birds and animals. One can easily meander down the River to the famous, huge Montezuma waterfalls where all the tourists go (by hiking up from the road down below in town). However, because we're approximately 1 kilometer up the River from where all the tourists congregate, our guests have the river all to themselves up here just below the Villa, and often will spend the entire day with their picnic lunch and a good book.

Property manager

Kati Winnegrad

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor space
Ocean view
Business services

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Each person (adult and children) per nite above 2 people will be charged $20 per night. Children under 2 years old are not charged.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Montezuma

Located in Cóbano, this villa is in the mountains and on a river. While the natural beauty of Santa Teresa Beach and Romelia Wildlife Refuge can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Los Delfines Golf & Country Club. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.
Map
Cobano, Puntarenas

What's nearby

  • Montezuma Gardens - 18 min walk
  • Montezuma Catholic Church - 3 min drive
  • Montezuma Falls - 3 min drive
  • Montezuma Beach - 5 min drive
  • Piedra Colorada - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Tambor (TMU) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Bakery - 24 min drive
  • Indigena Cafe - 18 min drive
  • Soda El Balcón del Mar - 2 min drive
  • Me Huele A Café - 7 min drive
  • El Castañito - 16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views located?

Situated on the riverfront, this villa is within 1 mile (2 km) of Montezuma Gardens, Montezuma Beach and Montezuma Catholic Church. Montezuma School and Montezuma Falls are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 28 reviews" "

6.0/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Check-in

7.0/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

6.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing experience
If you want to truly connect with nature, this property is a must! From the river in the back to the morning sunrises out of the front. Only a few minutes from Montezuma and all of the activities. The Host was extremely helpful in going above and beyond in making our stay a great one. Would give more than 5 stars if possible.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

2/10 Terrible

Theresa L.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Not what was advertised
From the moment we entered to villa we knew we were lend astray. The furniture was old and falling apart. The beds were horrible. The bedding smelled moldy. My son legs were bitten every night. The worst was the owner's nosing in on our time. At first we thought ok, but her midnight showers in our bathroom and her inviting guest to view the place sent me over the edge. I hold VRBO responsible for not screening the property. Pictures posted were over 10 years old.
Stayed 19 nights in Dec 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rebe Z.

A HEALING PLACE EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT AT LEAST ONC
I spent a three-day weekend with some friends at this 27-1/2 Acre, Wildlife-Sanctuary Villa and had the time of my life! Eventhough I am not a foreign tourist (I’m a Costa Ricanliving all my life here, I have rented many vacation homes in Costa Rica, and this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. For example, I woke up at 5:30 a.m.on Saturday, and as I wassitting on the porch drinking my morning coffee, looking at the amazing view of the Sea, suddenly, a family of monkeys started coming to the mango trees. At the same time some little guatusas and pizotes were running across the grass in the garden, where there were hundreds of beautiful butterflies and all kind of little birds... later on I saw two little baby deer and foxes. I felt so blessed to be among these magnificent creatures! I said to myself, “This truly IS a “Sanctuary” not just for the animals, plants and birds but for ALL living creatures, such as myself! This wonderful Villa has so many comfortable spots to sit, read a book or just meditate. I said to myself, “Who needs a swimming pool, with chlorinated water, when you have a fresh-water riverwith natural swimming pools and all kinds of waterfalls just 50 meters down the path!”The town of Montezuma is less than a 5-minute drive (20 minute walk), down the hill, as are the miles of gorgeous beaches there. This rental property has everything that one needsin order to have a marvelous vacation; just make sure you try to stay at least 5 nights in order to fully relax into this magical paradise. I guarantee you will let go of all stresses and strains. I wish that I could have stayed longer, but I had to return to my home to go to work. This is truly a little piece of heaven and I felt honored to spend my weekend there. I thank you Kati for deciding to dedicate your land as a Wildlife Sanctuary and for donating ALL THE INCOME to supporting it as a not-for-profit entity!!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Erin O.

MAGICAL
this house is amazing! nestled deep down a beaten road , which can be a little difficult to find at first, but easy and worth it when you do. its up on a hill over looking the ocean with all open windows and breeze. they have one enclosed room but we didnt even go in there really. we had a problem with bugs the first night just because we didnt know there was 2 different kind of lights for night time to not attract the bugs. it got a little hot in the morning but we had a fan which was nice. the upstairs shower was my favorite thing! also was super sad to not see any monkeys.. but they were definitely heard. the caretakers loft is kinda right off to the side of the house which was fine, he was super friendly, we just felt kinda bad playing any music late or being loud. its super close to town but we never wanted to even go there , the house was hard to leave. and katy was super helpful and accommodating and quick to answer any questions. my boyfriend and i cant wait to come back and show our friends this magical place! thanks katy !
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B.

Paradise
We just returned from 4 days and nights in paradise! This home is truly a sanctuary. It's a five minute drive from Montezuma town and beaches but feels like a million miles away. The owner, Kati, and Johnny and Perla, caretakers next door, were very helpful. We changed the number of guests coming several times and everyone was accommodating. Kati advised us to rent a car with Mareks from Carcosta Rent A Car. We were very pleased with the service and the price. I will recommend Montezuma Sanctuary to friends that are comfortable in nature. Although the home is luxurious and everything you could need is provided, it is wide open. One bedroom has screens on the windows but there are barely walls anywhere else. It feels like the easiest and most elegant camping trip ever. There are mosquitos nets over the beds but I would definitely recommend bringing insect repellent. We saw and heard a lot of wildlife. We ate out some (delicious meals at Cocoral and Organicas) but mostly cooked in the well-equiped kitchen. Evenings are beautiful and relaxing. There are 4 hammocks and, at least in June always a breeze. There is a small TV, so we didn't miss any soccer games. The property is great for exploring. There are many fruit trees and a fun hike to a river and water fall.

About the host

Hosted by Kati Winnegrad

Host profile image
I came to Costa Rica in January of 1988 for a 3-week vacation, and after 2 weeks, I read in my Tourist Guide Book that the MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES of Costa Rica were in Montezuma, a tiny fishing village almost at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. In those days, only four people owned cars there, and it was a real "pilgrimage" to get there, because back then, there was no Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, just a foot-passenger launch. At that time, the only way one could go by car to Montezuma was to take a Ferry from Puntarenas to Playa Naranjo and drive all the way from there to Paquera. It was a time when "Really Bad Roads Brought Really Good People!" I went on the foot Launch and in Paquera there was an old yellow School Bus to Cobano and in Cobano only ONE TAXI drove people to Montezuma. Once I arrived there, I was amazed at the beauty all around me (the Biological Corridor runs through there). I felt I had "COME HOME", even though I couldn't speak a word of Spanish at the time. When my third, and final week of vacation ended, I literally couldn't leave, and I ended up staying for SEVEN MONTHS!!! I then returned to the United States in order to "finish up my life" there in order to return to Montezuma to make it my permanent home.

Why they chose this property

I had looked for a property to buy for well over a year, focusing mostly on beach-front lands. However, the very first time I walked on this property, I knew that this was "the one". At that time, these 28-Acres were being used for raising cattle, meaning that the majority of it had been cut down, almost devoid of trees, so that the grasses would grow as pasture to feed the cattle. . What I loved the most about the property were the amazing views of the Coastline, Open Ocean, Mountains and Forest, but most of all, the fact that two sides of it bordered the beautiful Montezuma River. I was in awe of the beauty of this land, saying, "No one can 'OWN' this magnificence of nature!" Therefore, I decided that I was merely the "Guardian" of this land and "dedicated" it to be forever a true "Sanctuary" for the abundant Wildlife that existed there LONG BEFORE I came on the scene, and I planted hundreds of trees.
When I returned in 1998 to build my home, I was shocked that Montezuma had been "discovered", and was now one of the preferred tourist attractions of Costa Rica. I was so grateful that I hadn't purchased land on the beaches in town, and felt so blessed that I had purchased a "Jungle Paradise", just 5 minutes from town and the beaches. One of the blessings is that those of us who came so long ago were all predominantly environmentalists, so the miles and miles of beaches walking from town towards Tango Mar and Tambor are "PROTECTED LANDS".

What makes this property unique

Montezuma Sanctuary is the perfect spot for people who want to connect with nature. Sitting on a breezy hill inside a 28 acre (11 hectare) private wildlife sanctuary, our views are 360 degrees of forest, mountains and the gorgeous coastline. The famous Montezuma River runs along the side and back of the property, just 50 meters down two different paths. This gorgeous river has abundant waterfalls (small to huge), varying-size swimming holes, howler, white-face and spider monkeys and all species of birds and animals.I invite you to share in this unspoiled jungle paradise, just steps away from the picturesque town of Montezuma and its beautiful beaches.
Warmest Regards,
Kati
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas