Casa Bella Tortuga is a private oasis just 75 meters from the coast. Away from the traffic and hustle of tourist towns, this modern, spacious home is the perfect retreat for the entire family or a group of friends featuring tropical gardens, a private pool and secluded grounds. Unwind by the pool or seek out a multitude of local adventures. It's a short walk to both Playa Blanca, quiet and secluded, and Playa Junquillal, a long walkable beach that features magical VerdiAzul turtle rescue.
The space
Casa Bella Tortuga (formerly Casa Woodbox on AirBnB) is a striking 3-story home featuring unique architectural details: dramatic cathedral ceilings and a 3-story spiral staircase, open spaces, several outdoor sitting areas, a large yoga platform, a natural saltwater pool, private secure parking, 2 outdoor showers and 5 spacious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The ground-level bedroom is easily accessible for those with ambulatory challenges or seniors. And unlike many rentals in this area, Casa Bella Tortuga is a short easy walk to two wonderful beaches; there's no need to jump in a car to get to the beach unless you absolutely want to. Ask about our flex room if you need an extra bedroom!
Our pool was recently converted to a more natural and environmentally friendly saltwater pool. Saltwater pools have considerably less chlorine and heavy chemical scent, and are gentler on your eyes, body, bathing suit, clothing and the environment. Any questions about the saltwater pool please don't hesitate to ask.
The recently renovated kitchen includes a large focal-point island and chef-quality appliances. The indoor dining room table has seating for 12-14 people and there is a Guanacaste wood slab outdoor dining table near the pool.
The third floor features two large bedrooms, one with a King bed and a single. The other with a Queen bed and a single. Both bedrooms on the third floor have their own ensuite bathrooms and showers.
The second floor primary bedroom has a king bed and a large 3-piece ensuite bathroom, while the other second floor bedroom features two queen beds and an adjacent dedicated 3-piece bathroom.
The ground floor bedroom has a queen bed and a 3-piece ensuite with accessibility grab bars and stool for anyone with some mobility challenges. The ground-floor flex room features a gorgeous Balinese-styled outdoor bathroom with shower and sink. This room is typically configured as a second living room with couch and trundle day bed. Or if your group needs a sixth bedroom, the room can be configure with a king bed or two twin beds or a twin bed and couch depending on the group's needs. There is also a trundle day bed in this room so as many as 4 single beds can be set up in this room. There is a modest additional cost to set the flex room up as a bedroom.
The house can accommodate up to 14 people however the house is priced for 5 bedrooms, and 10 people. There is an additional charge per night for any guests above 10. The the flex room can be set up as a bedroom upon request.
The property is an 80-90-minute drive from the Liberia airport (depending on traffic). It is fully fenced, and secured with outdoor perimeter Reolink security cameras and Eufy sensors and alarm system.
There is a small work desk with a printer (upon request) on the ground floor, and excellent fibre optic internet (~200Mbps) and wifi if you are looking to telecommute, zoom with family or fiends, or watch a movie. All bedrooms except one has a desk.
Outdoors, we have recently planted hundred of small plants that attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds to further enhance our lush tropical gardens. There is a private salt water pool, a 4x6 metre yoga platform, a slackline and hammock, a BBQ and several outdoor lounge areas including an oceanside second floor balcony where you can glimpse the ocean through the trees and listen to the soft crashing of the waves just 75 metres away. This house is in a tropical rural setting so you can expect nature all around you.
There's parking inside the gate for at least 3 cars, more if you park the cars down the driveway.
We have beach gear including surf and boogie boards, snorkelling gear, sun shades, a kids beach tent and toys, coolers and beach towels for guests to use.
The house is a wonderful space for multi-generational families (2 ground-floor bedrooms, 2 bedrooms on each floor, 2 high chairs and 2 pack 'n' plays, child safety gate, boardgames, cards, lego and pool toys). It's also great for multiple couples or multiple families as each bedroom is private and has its own bathroom.
And kids young and old will absolutely love the local wildlife all around you...howler monkeys, lizards, geckos, crabs, insects, birds etc, and especially the baby turtle release at Verdi Azul turtle hatchery.
Guest access
Guests access the property using a unique code for the keypad locks at both the gate and the house. A new security system monitors the outside of the property to provide safety and security during your stay.
Other things to note
My sister and I changed the name of our Costa Rican home from Casa Woodbox to Casa Bella Tortuga to reflect our love for sea turtles and to especially honour the work of local conservationists and volunteers at Verdi Azul.
Verdi Azul is a conservation and education organization dedicated to preserving and improving the environment through investigation, environmental education, and leadership integration by promoting environmental awareness, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, responsible disposal of solid waste and of course the protection of sea turtles .
Verdi Azul operates a turtle hatchery at Playa Junquillal where they patrol the local beaches at night for the 4 types of sea turtles that hatch here (Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Black and the mighty Leatherback) and keep the eggs safe in their hatchery at Playa Junquillal. Once the babies hatch about 50-80 days later depending on the species, they invite the local community and visitors to witness the release of the babies into the ocean. This happens between 5-6pm and when it does we'll be sure to let you know so you can experience this magical return to the sea. Depending on the season, this can happen several times a week.
Verdi Azul has had an amazing success rate bringing the survivability of turtle eggs on the area's beaches from less than 40% to above 90%. This grassroots local organization relies on donations to sustain their important education and conservation work, so if you are able and inclined, please offer a donation. There are also volunteer opportunities at VerdiAzul dot org if you or your family is interested.
And when you visit the hatchery, be sure to say hi to Verdi Azul's tireless leaders and our friends Valerie and Dani, and let them know you came from Casa Bella Tortuga!
Please be advised that Casa Bella Tortuga is in a tropical rural setting in Costa Rica and things like geckoes, land crabs and a variety of insects are ubiquitous.
PS. The 14.2% Airbnb fee and the 13% Costa Rican VAT (tax) is included in the nightly price of the villa. Cost incudes up to 10 guests. Additional guests up to 14 is permitted for an additional $100 per person per night.
