Villa Ave del Paraíso

The location worked really well, with restaurants and bars nearby and the beach about a 10 minute walk away. My hosts, Kyna and Elmer, were so welcoming and shared lots of local knowledge about Playa Avellanas and the Pura Vida life. Each morning, Anna cooked breakfast for everyone, and having a meal together with the other guests felt like such a nice welcome. I'm now hooked on eggs with Lizano sauce. My room was cozy and private, with a bed and pillows that made me feel right at home. The bathroom was a great place to shower and unwind after a day exploring, and the pool and loungers were just right. I can't wait to come back.

I spent two weeks here, and the family running the villa made the stay special. They were warm and caring, always ready to help with questions about activities or places to visit. The beach is only a two minute walk away, and the place has a lovely pool, hammocks, and outdoor seating. My room was comfortable too. Breakfast was a delicious, healthy Costa Rican meal prepared for guests every morning. If you're staying in Playa Avellanas, this is a great place to be.

Breakfast was the highlight for me, sitting down with the other guests to share a meal. I also loved hearing the native birds in the morning. The rooms let in some sound, though turning on the air conditioner drowned out the first dump truck of the day. The gated property felt safe, and I felt the area was very safe too, with lots to do. Tamarindo is about 30 minutes away, close enough to visit but far enough to avoid the town's hustle and bustle. Outside the property, the main things that made me nervous were potholes, dust from the gravel roads, and the occasional car sneaking up while I crossed the road. I'd book again in a heartbeat. Mountain bikers can check out BikeCraft, about 15 minutes away, where there are also pickleball courts.

The beach is less than a two minute walk away, and it's quiet enough that you can often have the shoreline to yourself. It felt peaceful and local, with no crowds or vendors, just waves and surfers in the distance. The sunset is beautiful, and being there had a calming effect that made me slow down and breathe. There's a local restaurant about a minute away with authentic home-cooked meals at a very affordable price. The setting feels remote and tranquil while still being close to what you need. The listing didn't capture how good it feels to be there, and the stay exceeded my expectations. The rocky roads mean you'll want a solid 4x4, though that's common across much of Costa Rica and shouldn't be a downside. I'll be back.