The White House of Costa Rica

 There are some places in the world that you hope that no one else will ever discover so it will always remain your little secret. Having just returned from a 2 week stay at The White House of Costa Rica with my girlfriend, I can easily say that this is one of those places…..

Located just a few minutes drive from the central crossroads that divides Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, the residence is close to enough to any amenities that you may need but just far enough that you feel that the jungle and beach that surround you are entirely yours alone. We found ourselves to be the only people on the 5-mile stretch of beach surrounding the property many times during our stay.

The pics provided on the owners’ website and on this site definitely can give you the idea of the state-of-the-art accomodations you will be staying in. But what the pictures can’t portray is how brilliantly the home complements the nature around it rather than intruding on it. Will you take a shower in the outdoor bathroom with the sun and howler monkeys beckoning from above? Will you sit in bliss at night on your porch listening to the sounds of the jungle or look at your pics of the day on your hd screen while enjoying tapas made with local fresh produce picked up from the market that day and made on your gas stove? Maybe you’ll go to bed early to surf on the perfect waves for all levels a 5 min walk from the house? 

Of course, a special place isnt just made by the amenities or construction of the property, but equally by the people who tend to its care. While in Toronto, Janine, the property’s concierge, took care of our every question to prepare for our trip with professionalism and warmth. Next was Mario, the on-site manager, who was so kind to our every request during our visit, no matter how small. For example, he personally drove us to the markets and provisioners he deemed best and intoduced us to some of the local specialties on our very first day there. Where else in the world does a manager do that for you?

Then there was the housekeeper, with her constant smile, who kept the place spotless every single day.

And who could forget the groundskeeper, who offered without request to change our flat tire so that we could go surf instead?

However, you really come to know why the White House of Costa Rica is special if you happen to meet Richard, one of the 2 owners, who was staying at the property during our stay. Richard loves this area of Costa Rica, and it shows in everything he does. Whether its inviting you in for fresh sashimi from the fish caught by him and his son Henry that morning, or bringing you to his favorite secret littel restaurant by the sea in a town nearby for perfect cocktails, or inviting you to his house for a poker night to meet some of the local surf legends, Richard is sheer class. 

All I can say is, if you get the chance to visit The White House of Costa Rica, do so, because if you don’t, I surely will.

—-Aleks Stosic, Toronto, Canada