Off the Beaten Path at Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano

[Shannon Farley]

The Arenal Volcano tops most travelers’ lists of places to visit in Costa Rica. And with good reason. The area is appropriately called Costa Rica’s “adventure capital” since you can do just about every adventure activity here, from zip lining to waterfall rappelling, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, nature hikes, bird watching and swimming in waterfalls.

Then there is the Arenal Volcano itself, strikingly grand as its hulking cone-shape rises above the rainforest, producing countless steamy hot springs to luxuriate in amid lush jungle.

Being popular means you have a lot of fans; and in the middle of high tourist season, the area around the Arenal Volcano and its base towns of La Fortuna and Nuevo Arenal definitely get full. So, when you can find a way to explore and enjoy Arenal off-the-beaten-path, it’s a hidden gem to be treasured.

On the north side of the Arenal Volcano, a rugged ridge of mountains carves its way southeast. With a small valley, low hills and the Arenal River in between, the ridge affords spectacular views of just how immense and perfectly-shaped the volcano is. Here, in this other world of dairy farms, horse pastures and country communities, you will find the Villa Hermosa private guesthouse.

This marvelous Costa Rica vacation rental is only seven kilometers from the main road running from downtown La Fortuna to the Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal Lake, yet is completely away from the tourist crush. If you’re looking to experience the real countryside of Costa Rica, this is your chance. The local village, Monterrey and its meandering community has a population of about 450. It’s a place where people still ride horses as transportation, and you will get a friendly smile and greeting from anyone you encounter.

Villa Hermosa is your home away from home

Villa Hermosa has a main guesthouse and a small villa, along with a lovely pool, nestled in an acre of lush, manicured tropical gardens, bordered by pastures. It sleeps seven, and better than a hotel, you can enjoy it all as if you were in your own home. The owners, Wendy Holt and Gary Kritzinger, live next door on the property and are there if you want them, although you have as much privacy as you want.

The main guesthouse features a large open-air living area with comfortable armchairs and a sofa, rocking chairs, a long dining table for six, two bar-style tall tables with six stools, and more stools tucked up to the kitchen counter. The open-air kitchen is fully stocked with all dishes and cookware, a full refrigerator, and a BBQ and stove. A large interior bedroom holds a king-size bed beautifully fashioned from thick, curving tree branches and outfitted with comfy pillows, silky soft sheets and a duvet cover. A queen size bed anchors a corner by a large armoire. There is air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, and lots of well-positioned windows for fresh breezes. The master bathroom is very spacious, with a big shower, and is stocked with fluffy white towels and a hair dryer.

Everything is very well-appointed and tastefully decorated by Wendy, who has traveled all over the world and tried to think of every detail she liked from every place she ever stayed at. You really have all you need for a comfortable stay. There are flashlights, an iPod docking station for music, two folding luggage stands, umbrellas, board games, books, and even floating pool toys. There is free Wi-Fi, an ice bucket and chilled beer glasses in the freezer, and even coffee, tea, milk and sugar for you.

A short path from the guesthouse leads to a large pool with a cascading waterfall and an ample sun deck with loungers, tables and chairs, where you can relax, read a book or bird watch. Tucked back in the garden by the frog pond, the small newly-built Villa Toucan can sleep three with a queen bed and a single bed. Artsy nature murals by local artist, Rodrigo Lizano Vega, bring the rainforest to life on the walls. And a cozy, well-appointed bathroom features a stone-tile rain shower.

Gravel pathways meander through beautiful tropical plants and trees that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, blue-gray tanagers, crested guans, toucans, and even a resident armadillo. By the parking area, a games room offers a full-size billiards table, dart board, small bar, and a bathroom. There is a horseshoe throwing area on the grass to the side of the guesthouse.

The owners have been living in the area for seven years, and can personally recommend tours, the best hot springs, and things to do in the Arenal area. Consider them your personal concierge, and they really do their best to make your trip as wonderful as possible. Gary Kritzinger is the owner and private guide of Bushmaster Adventures, which offers wildlife and nature tours in Costa Rica.  Many guests go on night hikes with Gary at a private property close by.

Getting there: Villa Hermosa is located near the little town of Monterrey (also called Santo Domingo), between The Springs Resort & Spa and Leaves & Lizards Retreat in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica. The Villa Hermosa website has a fantastic map and driving directions to get there. The mostly unpaved road is quite adventurous and bumpy, and it is strongly recommended to have a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance.

Want your own business in paradise?

Villa Hermosa, including the owner’s house, guesthouse and cabin, and the vacation rental business are all for sale. The owners are looking to downsize so they can spend more time traveling. If you are interested in living in Costa Rica and having your own business in paradise, contact Wendy Holt at Villa Hermosa for more information.