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A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!

7 reviews
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Our home looks over the National Park Jungle, and features the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
Surrounded by Rainforest, cloud forest, plants and nature this is a place of spiritual beauty.
Sunrise...welcoming you to The Home of the White Hawk.
1 of 36Our home looks over the National Park Jungle, and features the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
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Overview
1 bedroom
2 bathrooms
2 guests
2 nights minimum
Holiday Rental House
A roofed terrace wraps this contemporary home with views of Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano, jungles & tropical gardens. 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 2 baths, kitchen, living & dining room. US plumbing. On demand Hot water everywhere. Perfect for Honeymooners! In Costa Rica it is traditional to name your home. We thought about it a lot, and over our first few months building here noticed a pair of beautiful huge birds that flew thru the valley along side of the house almost every morning. They appeared to live deep in the mountain valley on the right side of the house as you look at the Volcano. As they fly, they let out a piercing cry that is unmistakable. We realized we were building our home near their “home” . It seemed appropriate to name our home “The Home of the White Hawks” We even had ...A roofed terrace wraps this contemporary home with views of Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano, jungles & tropical gardens. 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 2 baths, kitchen, living & dining room. US plumbing. On demand Hot water everywhere. Perfect for Honeymooners! In Costa Rica it is traditional to name your home. We thought about it a lot, and over our first few months building here noticed a pair of beautiful huge birds that flew thru the valley along side of the house almost every morning. They appeared to live deep in the mountain valley on the right side of the house as you look at the Volcano. As they fly, they let out a piercing cry that is unmistakable. We realized we were building our home near their “home” . It seemed appropriate to name our home “The Home of the White Hawks” We even had our exterior door carved with one of my photographs of this magnificent bird. SO…. Welcome to your home away from home… LA CASA DEL HALCON BLANCO (The Home of the White Hawk) We hope you enjoy our home, the area, the people you meet and the places you go while visiting this part of Costa Rica. BEFORE YOU READ FURTHER, PLEASE NOTE WE ONLY ACCOMMODATE TWO PEOPLE IN OUR HOME. COME ON IN…. As you come in the house, you enter your home for the duration of your stay. Your dining room, kitchen and living room are here, along with an amazing view of the Jungle, Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, right from the house. Walking to the living area, you see a floor to ceiling glass wall that looks at Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. A double glass door leads to your wrap-around terrace, an amazing place to spend as much of your day and evening as you wish. We like the small table around the corner for breakfast or coffee, the window bar for a snack and usually have dinner at the dining room table. But experiment and discover your favorite places. Remember to pause and listen to the rushing river just inside of the jungle…it is a wonderful sound that helps you relax during the day and puts you to sleep at night. The kitchen is fully equipped to do anything from a simple snack to a gourmet meal. Great utensils, plus a microwave, 5 burner gas stove, blender, mixer, toaster, pots and pans...pretty much everything. There is a second full bath downstairs as well. Your bedroom is upstairs with another private terrace, amazing views, a comfortable queen size bed, and an en-suite bath with one of the most amazing rain showers you will ever take. Outside, you will have full access to the owners private tropical garden that covers about two acres. It has banana trees, and many flowering trees and shrubs. Here you will also have access to many trails right on the adjacent property and a trail to a private waterfall...about a 30 minute walk. You will be able to do most anything this part of Costa Rica is famous for within a 30 to 40 minute drive. Zip Line...the best anywhere. Hanging Bridges...Amazing. Butterfly Conservancy...one of the only ones in the world that actually raises all of its butterflies. Hot Springs...perhaps the best in Costa Rica, and all within easy driving distance from here. Horse-back Riding...right up the hill. Art Galleries....one right here others in La Fortuna. Hiking trails....close by, from very difficult to easy. Your choice. Good Food...it's here. Kayaking on a lake...right here. Climb to a lake filled extinct volcano...right here. Tube a white water river...Right here. Remember, you can walk to our private waterfall right from the house and be one of a very limited number of people in the world who have visited that particular one. The rivers that split into a 'V' here are the rivers you hear from the house. And from the terrace you will see the Turkey Vultures and hawks fly so close you can see the reflections off their eyes, and Toucans often sit in a tree right off the patio. Between 9 and 10 most mornings, the White Hawks screech and fly from their home high in the rain forest and often sit and hunt nearby. Spider Monkeys and Howler Monkeys are heard most days and often seen in the trees that fringe the terrace Jungle and the Jungle behind the house. There is so much to do you could spend a week and only dent the surface. We are in an area where only a few speak English, but somehow everyone gets by. We will tell you about great Lunch and dinner places, you will eat breakfast at the house, cooked for you in your kitchen (and best eaten outside on the terrace, in our opinion). In El Castillo about 10 minutes away, you will find a small grocery store, several restaurants, a church, a snake zoo, a butterfly conservancy, an art gallery and views as you drive up the mountain you can only imagine. A few other things to note. We serve a complete breakfast every morning, cooked to your order right in your own kitchen at a time you select between 7 and 9 AM. Most beef and chicken in Costa Rica are grass fed, and the fruits and veggies are generally Organic, at least where we are located. We have on demand hot water in every faucet in the house. Our toilets are American Style...you can flush the toilet paper, unlike most places in Costa Rica. Our water comes from a Jungle spring about 2 miles up the mountain. You are close to Lake Arenal and a wonderful back road leads you around part of the lake for about 7 miles, before you come to a river crossing you can drive across in your 4WD vehicle...DO NOT TRY THIS DURING THE RAINY SEASON. We are managed by a neighbor, Kelly, who has a restaurant (La Ventanita) just down the hill in El Castillo. He is available on WhatsApp or a short drive/walk to town. More
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House Rules
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Kid Friendly: No
This is our home which we are letting you use. We expect you to care for it as it were a treasure, which it is for us. No more than 2 people are allowed here, and we hope you love it and cherish your time here as much as we do,
Bathrooms
1 Attached (ensuite), 1 Full bath
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About the Owner
John/Susan H
Languages spoken:English
Response Time:Within a few hours
Listed Since:August 2015
Interaction with guests: 
We are in Costa Rica about 6 months every year. We love it here. When we are not around, we have a friend who will check you in and be available to help with any questions at challenges you may have. In addition we have a young couple and their children who live on site in an apartment who help clean and cook breakfast for our guests as well. And we are always available by phone, email or messenger.
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Write a reviewReviews (7)
Reviewed 30 January 2020
Breathtaking views, not so private.

As an architect, this house is what I dream about designing. It has the local character and craftsmanship we were looking for while still offering the amenities we are used to. The views cannot be expressed in words, or even in pictures. I would recommend...More

Date of stay: January 2020
2  Thank trstanley
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 24 February 2020

We are so glad you found the special design of our home wonderful. We designed it to have incredible views from every room and from both terraces. Great comments, especially from an architect. All the wood inside is locally harvested. The entire home was built...More

Reviewed 16 October 2019
Wow! Incredible Experience!!!

My wife and I have been lucky enough to have travelled all over the world staying at many luxury resorts and awesome vacation rentals. The White Hawk property afforded us one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. As often happens, the pictures...More

Date of stay: October 2019
Thank rmittelh1
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 5 November 2019

Thank you for your many kind words. We feel the same. Every morning when we wake and go to the terrace to begin our day we consider ourselves two of the luckiest people in the world as we watch morning mist rise from the jungle...More

Reviewed 27 November 2017
Unforgettable views in a very romantic setting!

What an amazing property! The views are so much better in person, and the amenities are absolutely as described. The potholes in the road coming into the property are almost as unforgettable, but it's all part of the rustic charm. John does an amazing job...More

Date of stay: November 2017
Thank Vacation726132
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 3 December 2017

Thanks for your kind words. The drive to the house is one you just have to accept as a fact of life and take it slow and easy. And it is unforgettable. But you did venture into a fairly remote part of a third world...More

Reviewed 30 July 2017
Beautiful home, beautiful area

This was one of three homes that we rented around Costa Rica for our honeymoon, and this was our favorite. It is an absolutely beautiful home with AMAZING views (you wake up to views of the volcano!), and the property has private hiking trails, one...More

Date of stay: July 2017
Thank damiennmarshall
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 20 November 2017

So glad you had a great time. Thanks for the kind words about our home. It is always special to rent it to those who seem to love it as much as we do. Thanks for staying with us...come back soon...Susan and John

Reviewed 10 July 2017
Amazing view

For me I really enjoyed the location and house. The house is comfortable and you can tell it is cared for. Once you get to the top of the hill you really feel close to the volcano. I enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching...More

Date of stay: June 2017
Thank jeremy z
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 30 July 2017

Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed your stay with us and took the time to relax and watch the tropical world drift by. Many have felt it is a spiritual place and glad to hear you enjoy it here as much as we...More

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Reviewed 3 March 2017
Gorgeous quiet get away

A long and winding drive up the mountain, past other quaint B&Bs, a restaurant and endless views ends at this beautiful home. Furnished with a mix of unique Costa Rican and American furniture and artwork. Modern amenities in the kitchen, spacious waterfall showers, internet access,...More

Date of stay: February 2017
Thank Rebecca H
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 5 March 2017

Thanks for your kind words...glad you had a great time and enjoyed our home and the surrounding area...

Reviewed 8 June 2016
Artful modern house with captivating views

I knew this was the place for us when I saw the views of Mt. Arenal and the surrounding jungle on the rental page. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, spacious terraces, original artwork, modern kitchen . . . perfectly comfortable and delightful.

Date of stay: May 2016
Thank MaggieTheCat51
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeLoyd, VR Owner at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!, responded to this reviewResponded 9 June 2016

Thanks for your kind words about our home...glad you found it to be as special of a place as we do.

Amenities
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Kid Friendly: No
Air Conditioning
Balcony
Grill
Blender
Books
Ceiling Fans
Deck
Freezer
Refrigerator
Garage
Hairdryer
Housekeeping Included
Internet Access
Kettle
Linens Provided
Local Guides/Maps
Microwave
Mountain Views
Outdoor Dining Area
Parking
Private Garden
Cable/satellite TV
Soap/Shampoo Provided
Cooker
Telephone
Terrace
Toaster
Towels Provided
TV
Water Views
Wi-Fi
Fishing Nearby
Horse Riding Nearby
Water Park Nearby
Watersports Nearby
Hiking Trips
Rural/Countryside Retreats
Short Term Rentals (4 Days Or Fewer)
See more amenities
Availability
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Map
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About the neighbourhood
We are in 'real' Costa Rica. are about 2 km off the main road to El Castillo, a rural gravel road of some 15 Km from the main highway. El Castillo has several great local authentic restaurants, a church, a community center, a small store for the basics, a snake and reptile zoo, three area rivers, several hostels, several sodas, and lots of friendly people. truly rural Costa Rica. I know we can provide a fantastic adventure using our home as a base. And best of all, you will not have to drive over 45 minutes from here for any of them. We can provide beautiful Hot Springs, a hike to the top of an extinct volcano filled with emerald water where you can swim and even rent a canoe, a horseback ride into the jungle and then a hike to a beautiful secluded waterfall, perhaps the best zip...
Getting around
You will need a car. This is the epicenter of activities for the Arenal Volcano area. We send you a list of guest suggested places to visit and things to do as well as a list of places to eat nearby. Also detailed directions of how to find us from either airport. We will help you with car rental before you arrive.
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Cancellation Policy
  • 100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
  • 50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
  • 25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
  • No refund available if you cancel thereafter

Enter your trip dates to see an exact cancellation policy.

*Booking fee is excluded from refund amount

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Frequently Asked Questions about A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO!
A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO! is able to accommodate up to 2 guests. See all property details.
A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO! has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.
A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO! has one bedroom available. See all property details.
Stays at A PRIVATE, ROMANTIC RETREAT FOR TWO! must last at least 2 nights. See all property details.