**Welcome to Casita Serena**
Your oasis awaits in the heart of Costa Rica's lush jungle near the ocean. We’re excited to be part of your journey to relaxation, exploration, and adventure.
**Your Hosts:**
Angela Hryniuk
Steve Seaton
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About Pura Jungla
Pura Jungla is a 97-hectare (250-acre) property with a rich ecosystem. Half of the property is designated as a Conservation Area/Nature Reserve, helping nature flourish with a diverse population of wildlife. Neighbouring properties have joined in this initiative, creating a 1,000-hectare (2,500-acre) reserve for regenerating forests and a dense, thriving ecosystem.
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About this space
Alongside of Villa Serena where we live, is our guest house, Casita Serena, and a refreshing pool that we share. Kick back and relax in this calm, new, stylish space within the peaceful, meditative atmosphere of the jungle, inviting guests to enjoy stillness and calm.
Once you step inside the casita, the woes of the world melt away and you are embraced by some of the world's most beautiful land, an Eco Village, in Costa Rica.
The space
Welcome to our brand new 2 bedroom Casita which we carefully built for those who enjoy not only a comfortable place to rest physically, but desire a safe haven for their mind and soul as well.
BEDROOM & KITCHEN
With an open concept, spacious living room/dining room/kitchen one person can enjoy cooking while others are reading and relaxing in the living room, bedroom or writing nook.
We've designed the two bedrooms with a sliding door between them, so if you're a couple and don't need the second bedroom, you can open up the room and enjoy more space.
If you've got children and want to be close, you can leave the sliding door open.
EQUIPPED WITH
There are two air conditioning units and a ceiling fan, hot water, FIBRE OPTIC INTERNET and a TV with Roku access to general news channels, Netflix and other streaming platforms (if you have your own account).
Plenty of pillows, luxurious sheets and towels and a full equipped kitchen with oven and 4 burner gas stove, full size fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, blender, all pots, pans, dishes, tupper ware and utensils to cook and store full meals, making longer stays more enjoyable.
We've even supplied a few essential spices, and starter flour, sugar, tea and coffee.
if you want to enhance your stay, a private cook can be arranged at an extra cost.
WORKSPACE
In the writing nook a desk is positioned in front of a large picture window for those staying for longer periods, working on projects or are part of the international nomad workforce and lifestyle.
OUTDOOR SPACE
Just outside your door is a patio sitting area to enjoy as the evening cools down and the shadows from the light on the house begin to dance. Then enjoy the vibrant colours of sunset through jungle trees.
PARKING
Our parking pad is currently under construction. Please take the second drive on the property and drive straight up to the casita. We apologize in advance for the construction debris.
SHARED POOL
We share a pool that you are welcome to use, though the path to the pool is still a work in progress.
We request no swimming before 6 am and after 10pm and please use only the plastic dish ware and pool towels provided.
Essentials for a Comfortable Stay
- Water & Power: Use these resources consciously to help preserve the environment.
- Toilets: Please dispose of paper in the bin provided.
- Linen & Pool Towels: Provided for your convenience.
- Internet & TV: Available for a comfortable stay.
YOUR HOSTS
Steve and I are your hosts who live on the property. Steve, a native Australian, is a retired criminologist and music promoter, and I am a Canadian-Australian writer, international spiritual advisor, teacher and trauma expert.
We're happy to interact with you, to share information about our favourite restaurants and beaches in the area. And if you're wanting total privacy, both of us being writers, totally respect the beauty of silence and solitude.
We hope you enjoy our completely stand alone brand new equipped casita, with private entrance and carefully chosen art and decor. An artist's retreat dream.
THE AREA
While it is quiet here in the Jungla, you are only minutes away from convenience stores, fantastic restaurants at every price point and the pounding surf of one of Costa Rica's best surfing beaches, Playa Negra.
Thank you for your accommodation and patience in this growing phase of our Casita, and larger Villa Project.
As with all of Costa Rica, water pressure and plumbing can be an issue. So we request you not throw anything, including toilet paper down the toilet.
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PURA JUNGLA & THE LARGER AREA
Casita Serena is part of the almost 2 acre Villa Serena property, located on Pura Jungla, a 97-hectare (250-acre) eco-community, mostly covered by jungle with valleys, mountains, and a seasonal interior lake.
Approximately half of Pura Jungla is designated as a Conservation Area, offering a habitat for diverse wildlife within a thriving ecosystem.
We are in the province of Guanacaste, about 90 minutes from Liberia airport, 5 hours drive from San Jose, and situated equal distance, about 35 minutes, between the towns of Tamarindo and Santa Cruz.
We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay and we look forward to meeting you and hearing of your travels!
Guest access
Casita Serena is the guest house within 1.25 acres of Villa Serena with a number of out buildings: the main house, bodega (work shed), pool house and writing studio on the other side of the property (currently being finished).
Guests are welcome to walk on the peaceful and expansive land, though we ask you not to disturb the workers.
There are many roads to meander and walk on for miles within the Jungla. There's even a crocodile that suns itself on the tiny island, in the seasonal lake. You'll see and hear howler monkeys, numerous types of birds, colourful butterflies, and red-winged grasshoppers as large as your hand.
**Points of Interest**
Nearby Beaches
- Playa Negra: Ideal for sundowner drinks and fabulous surf.
- Playa Junquillal: A serene beach town, home to the famous Turtle Hatchery.
- Playa Avellanas: World-class surfing with waves up to 5 meters (16 feet) high. Enjoy local restaurants for a bite nearby.
- Playa Callejones & Playa Grande:** Perfect for surfing and spotting wildlife. Playa Grande, part of Marino Las Baulas National Park, is a prime turtle nesting site (October–February).
Reminder: Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in crowded lots.
Nearby Towns
- Paraiso, Santa Cruz, Tamarindo, Nicoya, and Liberia: All offer unique glimpses into local culture, beaches, and dining.
-Sámara/Nosara Perfect for snorkeling with a coral reef and family-friendly beaches.
- Monteverde: Known for its unique cloud forest, ziplining, and rare wildlife like the quetzal.
Nearby Restaurants
- Enjoy delicious options like Corazon Surf Cafe breakfast, coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches. Cafe Playa Negra (Peruvian), Jalapeno's Taco Grill, Hotel Playa Negra Restaurant, Mycelium, La Ventana, Villa Daveena, and Kontiki for great pizza.
Practical Tips
- Local Airports: Liberia and San Jose (international), Tamarindo (local).
- Supermarkets, Banks, Gas Stations, Rental Cars: Available nearby. Rental cars can be pricey, so plan accordingly.
- Mosquito Protection: We recommend bringing insect repellent.
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Activities & Adventures
- Zip Lining, Guided Walks, RV Hire, Surfing Lessons
- Yoga & AA Meetings
- Turtle Sanctuary (Junquillal): Learn about turtle conservation, and if you're lucky, participate in a baby turtle release. Contact Daniel & Valerie for real-time updates.
- Ostional Wildlife Refuge: Highly recommended for nesting turtle viewings, especially from June to December.
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House Rules for Espíritu Sereno
1. Check-In/Out
- Check-in: 2 pm
- Check-out: 11 a.m.
If you need flexibility, let us know in advance.
2. Parking
- Please park in designated areas only.
3. Quiet Hours
- Help keep the peace from 10 to 6 am.
4. Smoke-Free Home
- Smoking is only allowed in the designated outdoor area.
5. Visitor Policy
- Only listed guests may stay overnight. Daytime visitors are welcome, limited visitors in the pool area.
6. Pets
- Our policy is pet friendly, with an additional pet damage deposit.
7. Pool Safety
- Supervise children at all times and use plasticware only around the pool area.
8. Trash & Recycling
- Help us separate recyclables and compost and use the provided bin for all other rubbish.
9. Damages
- Report any damages to us immediately so we can address them.
10. Clean-Up
- Please wash any used dishes but leave major cleaning to us.
Emergency Contacts
- For assistance, reach us at 506-6367 2489
- **Medical Emergency:** [Phone Number]
- **Fire Department:** [Phone Number]
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We’re thrilled to have you at Casita Serena and wish you a relaxing, unforgettable stay.
Thank you for staying with us!
Other things to note
Towel and linen change is provided for stays over a week.
For longer term stays, a weekly cleaner for light housekeeping is provided.
A private cook can be arranged at an extra cost.
We're happy to share accommodations and places we've found around the country, that are reasonably priced.
Thank you again for your patience and accommodating the continued growth of Casita Serena. We're going through some teething and growing over here.
