Title: Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience ## Photo gallery for Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience ![Beach nearby, beach towels - Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience (Playa Carrillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75620000/75618500/75618461/b48d93bf.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![2 bedrooms, desk, travel crib, free WiFi - Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience (Playa Carrillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75620000/75618500/75618461/1b225ccf.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Outdoor pool - Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience (Playa Carrillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75620000/75618500/75618461/d50dc794_edited_ef1c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience (Playa Carrillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75620000/75618500/75618461/w906h683x60y0-b048bbc4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior detail - Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience (Playa Carrillo)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75620000/75618500/75618461/w905h683x60y0-962cc267.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies At Casa Hakuna Matata, you're immersed in a tropical rainforest paradise just 150 meters from Playa Carrillo beach. Enjoy ocean breezes and views, an open space design with comfortable living areas, a unique pool courtyard surrounded by nature and monkeys overhead. ## Reviews 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 83100 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Ocean view - Kitchen - Washer - Air conditioning ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience This paradise villa is more than a home; it's an experience. Nestled in the tropical rain forest 150 meters from the perennial Top 10 beach of Playa Carrillo, the feel and experience of Casa Hakuna Matata is unlike any other. 24/7 ocean breezes and views, this privately gated home is as comfortable as it is encapsulating, with unmatched ambiance and connection to the ocean and nature around us. The ocean-centric, open space focus and comfortable, peaceful design of the home together combine to provide the foundation for among the most enjoyable vacation settings that can be experienced. The home is uniquely designed to provide ideal gathering and bedroom experiences. \~ The living, dining, kitchen and breakfast-nook areas are often the center of daily activity. Upon opening the double hand-made wooden doors facing east and the entire wall of full glass doors facing west over the pool and ocean, and you will feel enmeshed in the beautify land feel of the rain forest around us. \~ The 2 family bedroom suites each have full courtyard and ocean views. Each is capable of hosting a family of 4 (8 total), has their own en-suite bathrooms, and generously oversized walk-in closets. The master bedroom is complete with a private balcony overlooking the pool, courtyard and ocean, the first floor suite has walk out access to the pool and courtyard areas. \~ The pool courtyard is so very unique. Surrounded by rainforest around us and the ocean slightly below, with occasional families of monkeys in the trees adjacent to us, it is especially inviting from sunup to well past sundown, so much so that it would be possible to have the vacation of your dreams without ever leaving the Casa Hakuna Matata private compound. Add to these the ease of access via a small, quiet street, the excellent restaurant resources of Playa Carrillo, the shopping and additional dining universe of Playa Samara a 10 minute drive away, and the newly constructed private 3rd floor, full ocean view office with 200 MB high speed internet, and Casa Hakuna Matata becomes an unparalleled vacation and/or remote working environment experience. Peace, privacy, connecting to nature combine, to one's self, or to or with those we love - the opportunities for each of these - and lifetime memories - are available at Casa Hakuna Matata. ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach nearby - Beach towels ### Pool/Spa - Outdoor pool - Private pool ### Internet - Available in the villa: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Electric kettle - Ice maker - Kitchen island - Microwave - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Stovetop - Toaster ### Dining - Breakfast available for a fee - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 3.5 bathrooms - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table ### Entertainment - Music library ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Barbecue grill - Fenced yard - Garden - Outdoor furniture ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Work spaces - Desk - Desk chair ### Comfort - Air conditioning ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking. - Wheelchair accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Location highlights - In a village - Near the bay - Near the ocean - On the waterfront ### Things to do - Birdwatching nearby - Ecotours nearby - Fishing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Horseback riding nearby - Kayaking nearby - Motor boating nearby - Sailing nearby - Scuba diving nearby - Snorkeling nearby - Surfing/bodyboarding nearby - Swimming nearby - Whale watching nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) ### General - Garden - Unit size: 3,100 square feet ## Similar properties ![Poolside bar](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1200000/1190100/1190047/81aa6d99.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Bahia del Sol Beach Front Boutique Hotel Tempate - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Pet friendly 8.8 Excellent 1,000 reviews CA $324 CA $366 total includes taxes & fees Mar 12 - Mar 13 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-12&endDate=2026-03-13&selected=1190047&PinnedHotelID=1190047&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![On the beach, white sand, free beach shuttle, beach cabanas](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2200000/2190900/2190860/e7509442.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### JW Marriott Guanacaste Beach Resort Tamarindo - Pool - Hot tub - Spa - All-inclusive 9.0 Wonderful 737 reviews CA $833 CA $993 total includes taxes & fees Mar 12 - Mar 13 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-12&endDate=2026-03-13&selected=2190860&PinnedHotelID=2190860&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; 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Due to minimum $800 repair cost of septic system damage in CR, security deposit will be assessed to guests who flush ANY non-human waste into toilets. Our home is designed to assist Costa Rica in minimizing energy use during the day, with Air Conditioning used in the evenings/nights. ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Note from host: Safety rules apply for children due to pool ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## 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 Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ## About the area Located in Puerto Carrillo, this villa is on the waterfront. Samara Beach and Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Jungle Butterfly Farm and Safari Surf School. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking. [Visit our Puerto Carrillo travel guide](https://www.expedia.ca/Puerto-Carrillo.dx2996) [View more Villas in Puerto Carrillo](https://www.expedia.ca/Puerto-Carrillo-Villas.d2996-aaVillas.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C9.86213%2C-85.48119&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=WAsQ3HulnPrL5TF7MSd74mE0RgI=) Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste Province ### What's nearby - ![Couple walking towards sea, rear view](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071367/fb979a97-6292-4dbe-b718-973024580e4f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Carrillo Beach 9 min walk \- 0.8 km - ![A view of the beach in samara, costa rica ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071369/995722ac-1f6f-44c7-bca5-9e452a8bc0cc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Samara Beach 9 min drive \- 4.3 km - ![Sea Horses #Adventure](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2585/ddc185dc-48fa-4ce0-9a16-5c0e9bcce788.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Guiones Beach 44 min drive \- 28.5 km - ![Menschenleere Strand, Playa Pelada, Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633900392117/719cac76-e67d-448a-95a5-19ada0662ea4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Playa Pelada 51 min drive \- 33.0 km - Playa Barco Quebrado 32 min drive \- 17.6 km ### Getting around - Nosara (NOB) 81 min drive ### Restaurants - Las Olas Beach Club 14 min drive - Sheriff Rustic 13 min drive - 2 Gringos Artisan Brewing 12 min drive - Gusto Beach Club - Samara 13 min drive - Bar y Restaurante del Hotel Bahía 11 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience have a pool? ### Is Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience pet-friendly? ### How much is parking? ### What time is check-in at Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience? ### What time is check-out at Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience? ### Where is Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Stunning Oceanside Hidden Gem, an Unmatched Vacation Experience Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. [More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 6 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.8 Cleanliness ### 10 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gary M. Jul 24, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Costa Rican Paradise Our family enjoyed our stay at Erik’s home. The home was immaculate. The. Views from the backyard were amazing. Erik and his staff were accommodating and available when we had questions. Our kids loved the tunnel in the pool. We loved our stay. Thank you so much. ##### Gary M. Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Cabrina L. Oct 23, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Paradise! Our stay at Casa Hakuna Matata was so memorable. The hosts made everything so easy. The accommodations were extremely comfortable and the pool and ocean views were unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The people and restaurants were wonderful, and the local access to grocery stores provided everything we needed. We were able to horseback ride, deep sea fish and surf. It was such a great vacation. Our family be returning again as soon as we can ##### Cabrina L. Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### William A. Dec 19, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Exceeded All Expectations Hi Eric. Thank you for giving us the opportunity of enjoying your home. It exceeded all of our expectations! The sound of the surf, nights in the pool gazing at the stars, the comfort and beauty of your home, Carrillo beach (the best kept secret in Costa Rica), barbequing fish and hotdogs at the beach and finally your exceptional team who took such good care of us! Thank you! We will return. Five plus star rating. Bill and Julia ##### William A. Stayed 30 nights in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### james b. Dec 30, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great stay- highly recommended We were two families of adults ranging in ages 18-60\. Hakuna Matata was an outstanding place for us to stay. It had something for everyone in our group-- great pool that was the center of many of our afternoon activities after morning excursions swimming/morning walks along Playa Carrillo, surfing at nearby Playa Camarones with 3-5 foot waves, trips into Samara for food/farmer's market, and for me (a budding ornithologist) to sit nearby in the early am and identify and film amazing birds such as the motmot, Acari, green parrot, and monkeys. I have been fortunate to stay in many vacation homes and this is my top 2 for house pools. The house itself was great. Kitchen was well equipped and we cooked breakfast and dinners most of the time as two of our party really enjoy cooking (we got great ingredients at fair prices from the Saturday farmer's market which starts at 7am--- not 8am). each main room had its own AC which was needed as it is hot in this part of Costa Rica. Wifi was quite good and used by some in our party as remote work was necessary. There were boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas which made heading out to the beach comfortable and enjoyable. We had an issue with a door knob and Fred showed up quickly and remedied the issue. Highly recommend Hakuna Matata--- great location, great amenities, at the end of a quiet street in Playa Carrillo area, walkable to the beach but it is a trek down a hill and up a hill. Great for beach goers, splendid sunset seekers.... ##### james b. Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### William A. Mar 28, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Exceptional property, great host, outstanding maid service. The home is very unique, special and very well appointed. The pool, ocean views, gardens, jungle and overall experience are truly 5 star! Every aspect of our stay was more than we could have asked for. Carrillo beach is one of the top 5 beaches in Costa Rica. Thank you Erik, Flor, Fred, Efrim and team!! ##### William A. Stayed 45 nights in Feb 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller Dec 19, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Unforgettable view The PM Fred and owner Erik were both great. The pool, views and wildlife in the yard are all unforgettable. Beautiful jungle pathway just up the road down to the port where you can snorkel (depending on the tide) and collect shells with the kids. Casa Hakuna Matada is a magical place and we would like to come back again. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022