Entire home

Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.

Photo gallery for Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.

Property grounds
Exterior
Indoor pool
Children's area
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 20437 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Gym
    Gym

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.

Come stay at the rental home that offers the services of a fine hotel. The entire home, pool house, grounds, trails and amenities are EXCLUSIVELY for the use of your group for the duration of your stay. On site chef services, complete transport arrangements, great breakfast included in the rental rate, all tours can be arranged for you so that you spend your vacation having fun instead of trying to plan your next activity. Let us help you tailor your vacation to exactly what you want. We have been in the Lake Arenal area for 20+ years and can advise you and your special group on the tours that you will really enjoy and steer you clear of the tourist traps. Let us help you make the most of your vacation by offering our years of local experience and contacts. Take full advantage of having 'a friend in the area', right here at 'The Sunset'


Adventure at every turn.: Lake Arenal is the premier adventure spot in Costa Rica for windsurfing, canopy tours, lake fishing, boat tours, jungle hiking trails, quad rentals, kite surfing, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming in an extinct volcanic crater, spelunking and more. Enjoy the many adventures available or simply relax in our indoor glass pool/jacuzzi area with pool table and ping pong and enjoy the tranquility and majesty of your surroundings.

Tourism with a purpose.: In an effort to help the Costa Rican National Park system finance education, outreach and protection. Red Sunset of Guanacaste will devote a full 50% of each commission gained through our sales of adventure tours sold toward this goal. With the added benefit of specialized access to individuals in the tour system that make it all work. Tribal leaders, guides, and park directors.

What you can expect at 'The Sunset': Six beautifully appointed bedrooms featuring Costa Rican art, hand carved beds and doors with bathrooms en suite The entire property is a showcase of Costa Rican art, decorative tile, stone and craft work. Two of the bedrooms feature decorative fireplaces. The downstairs master suite bathroom features a hot tub built for two. Large library/ living room area with wrap-around couch, television, Direct TV, DVD, stereo. Large dining/presentation hall with a variety of available seating arrangements. Our unique indoor pool house features a divers pool, 4.5 feet on the shallow end, 10 ft deep on the deep end. 18x35 feet with attached jacuzzi heated on request. Featuring billiards, ping pong, weights, lounging areas, inversion table, massage table. We live in the rainforest and nobody wants to swim in the rain, with our indoor pool house your group has access to all these amenities rain or shine, many groups hang out till the wee hours of the morning enjoying this incredible space, that is only offered by The Sunset!
All located in the "real rainforest" we aren't in a gated community or off the side of the road. We are easily accessed but just far enough removed that your stay will be in the "real Costa Rica", a 500 hundred acre preserve is to the east of us and several thousand acres of protected rainforest encompassing Tenorio National park is to our North and West. A spot of perfect peace and privacy with access to all the great activities and adventures this country has to offer.

Property manager

Patrick Hughes

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Spa tub
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Electric kettle
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Paper towels

Dining

  • Free breakfast available

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 6 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room
  • Library

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Table tennis
  • Arcade/game room
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Music library
  • Games
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

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 accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: You may smoke outside of course.

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Safe
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness center
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Cave exploring nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Gated community
  • Unit size: 4700 sq ft (437 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 1:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Simply Best Incredible Views pool delicious Food Friend Area

About the neighborhood

Map
Nuevo Arenal/Tilaran

What's nearby

  • Lake Arenal - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Tenorio Volcano National Park - 15 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 41 min drive - 34.6 km
  • Arenal Volcano - 46 min drive - 39.3 km
  • Rio Celeste Waterfall - 58 min drive - 47.8 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 105 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Café & Macadamia - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪El Corral - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Moya's Place - ‬6 min drive
  • Gutierrez Family Pizzería
  • ‪Soda La Macha - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool.

Is Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area.?

Check-out is at 1:00 PM.

Where is Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. located?

This family-friendly Arenal villa is located on a lake, 0.6 mi (1 km) from Lake Arenal, and within 9 mi (15 km) of FlyZone Wakeboard School and Tenorio Volcano National Park. Venado Caves and Catarata Morpho Azul are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Simply the best, incredible views,pool,delicious food and a friend in the area. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 248 out of 253 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 253 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 253 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 253 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 253 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shaina W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home and Wonderful experience
Our stay at this home was amazing. Patrick, the host, made it so easy. He scheduled a car to pick all 15 of us up from the airport and had a delicious Costa Rican dinner ready. All the food that was made for us was delicious! He gave us suggestions for excursions and booked anything that needed reservations. The house is beautiful with so many unique details. The views of the lake are breathtaking. The house was very clean. The pool and hot tub were great to go in after a long day of traveling. Looking back at the trip we would have spent longer here than the resort we went to afterwards.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gillian G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Luxury in the rainforest
Patrick was the ultimate host, nothing was too much for him! The house was comfortable and the breakfasts varied and delightful. AC was nice but the mountain breezes cooled things off nicely too. Pool and hot tub were amazing! You will nott be sorry if you book here!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
The house and grounds were exactly as described. We all enjoyed the house, the area, views from the patio and especially the breakfasts! Sitting on the patio in the mornings with a cup of coffee while enjoying the view and peaceful quiet was sublime.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Taryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Getaway
The property and Host were exceptional! Patrick was accommodating and his team were so wonderful and enjoyable to be around. I would highly suggest utilizing the driver, Miguel (he is so nice and fun to talk to), definitely take advantage of the included breakfast (ask for the pico), and take advantage of the chef's dinner - all outstanding. We traveled with a group of 10 and the house was more than enough room to accommodate each person. The hot tub was nice to have at the end of an adventurous day, and the back patio was where we played bird bingo every morning! Having Patrick set up our excursions took so much stress out of planning because all we had to do was show up and have fun. Plus, reconciling the tab was a breeze at the end. If you're looking to relax, not think, decompress, and have good food, stay here!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris H., Kansas City

Liked: Cleanliness
Rainforest stay
Great place to stay in the rainforest. Nice house with pool and lots of sleeping space. The breakfasts provided daily are fantastic. Patrick is a great host and concierge. Beautiful views of Lake Arenal. I would definitely recommend a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Drive to the Fortuna for many of the activities is about an hour. Small town with nice restaurants is about 15 min drive.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Don't Miss Staying at this Amazing Hidden Gem!
Our family of 16, ages 7-81, stayed at this wonderful VRBO for 5 nights! It is an absolutely amazing property from the spaciousness, the beautiful details of the tilework and incredible custom woodwork, the views and the wonderful indoor pool which we all enjoyed in the evenings. When sitting in the foyer looking up the beautiful stairway, we felt like we were in a lovely boutique hotel and expecting to see other people come down the stairs! It is amazing!! The pictures cannot show how beautiful it is. But the most wonderful part is Patrick the owner and his wife Elisa. He lives on the spacious property and the first night they prepared a delicious dinner for us to celebrate a 9 year old birthday complete with an amazing cake! She and another lady also made a delicious full breakfast every morning. Just show up in the dining room at the time you decide and be ready for a wonderful experience. A perfect way to start each day! Having never been to Costa Rica and planning this for 16 people I was very concerned what, when and where to do things! I didn't need to be worried! The first night Patrick discussed all the options. We decided what we wanted to do with his advice and he booked them all for us! We just showed our reservation # at each place. He even made dinner reservations for us when we asked suggestions. He is the best VRBO host I have ever experienced. If you are staying in the Arenal area, check out the Red Sunset! You also will be amazed I am sure!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Patrick and staff did a wonderful job!
Patrick was an awesome host with many suggestions of activities besides what we had already booked ourselves. The house and pool house were great and fit our family of 12 perfectly. He never let us down. All of his recommendations were right on. We highly recommend you won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shana T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation
We had a wonderful time at this property. Pictures do not do it justice. The breakfast was huge and included a bread (waffles, bagels, or pancakes) eggs, fresh fruits and a smoothie. It was different each day and just as good each day. Patrick booked all our outings and custom tailored it for our family. I hope to return one day! Don't hesitate to book here!!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jesse G., Denver, CO

Liked: Cleanliness
Family of 4
Stay was good, breakfast was delicious every morning. Home is better suited for a large gathering - was not as geared towards a small, young family which is fine. Certainly intended to be rented with extended family / friends in order to take advantage of all the property has to offer. With our small group it felt a little "Shining"-esque, especially since the Lake Arenal roads were closed during our stay due to landslides. Patrick was a great resource and was able to give us fantastic advice where to go, especially given the road closures we had which are common in the area. When coming or going to/from the airport, be sure to make the 5 minute detour and explore Llanos de Cortez waterfalls. Was certainly a highlight of the area. Roads were a bit Costa Rica normal, so be prepared for some off-roading. Just keep pressing the skinny pedal on the right and you'll get there just fine. Coming from Colorado we felt at home on-trail. Place was great, had fun. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra G. R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun stay for the entire family!
This house and property were HUGE, with great views of the volcano and surrounding area, and had room for everyone in my large group! It was fun and quirky and just right. The breakfast was spectacular each morning. Patrick was the perfect host and helped us with terrific advice on activities and even made reservations for us. This house is definitely a "do-again!"
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia (Trish) H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything you could dream of in a place to vacation
The Red Sunset is by far the best place we have ever stayed. There wasn’t anything that you could need or want missing, and the artwork in the house is an artist dream world. We saw Toucans and Guans every day. The view is stunning, the pool and everything with it fun, and the entire house is extremely comfortable. We loved every minute we spent there. Oh yes, can’t forget the very best breakfast in the country!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Spencer C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Scenic and fun stay near Lake Arenal
The house is in a beautiful location. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub and breakfast was really nice. Patrick recommended some great activities that were perfect for our family and helped set up all the bookings. I would highly recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome experience!!
This house is amazing!! We were a group of 14 and had more than enough space. The view from the house is absolutely beautiful, we saw toucans, parrots and hummingbirds from the balcony. Patrick, the host, took care of literally everything for us. Transportation, excursions, recommendations, reservations….all taken care of. They made a delicious breakfast every morning and we had them make dinner for us two of the nights and it was fantastic. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruth-Ellen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just as advertised!
Five senior women set off on an all-girls adventure and it did not disappoint. Patrick and the "sunset team" were terrific, from the fabulous daily breakfasts to the top notch excursions that were recommended. The only negative thing I would mention is that the house could be challenging for those with disabilities, as you had to step up or down to get from room to room and there was no railing on the stairway up to the second floor. Having said that, we had no issues because we were very careful. All in all, this was a GREAT place to stay for us and I highly recommend it.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeni K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful host!
House was absolutely fantastic! Patrick helped make our day plans, and even made the reservations so we could just show up! We used his driver which was a blessing- all 6 adults admitted no one would have wanted to drive those roads. Breakfast that was included was always delicious, and enough to keep you going until dinner. We had a dinner at gingerbread that was amazing, and Patrick cooked for us one night as well. Make sure to do both!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing house with great view and delicious breakfast!
We were a party of 6 adults. This was my 4th time in CR. This is the nicest house that we've stayed at. We used this house as our base for visiting Tenorio NP, Monteverde, and Arenal. It's a bit of a drive to some of the places...but that's half the fun! We were joking that our destination was only 12 miles away but took 1 1/2 hrs to get there! Views of Arenal Lake and the volcano can be seen from the patio. There wasn't a lot of birds or wildlife in the area while we were there but the views made up for it. Breakfast was included in the price. It is delicious! We had 4 different meals every day we were there. I can't pick a favorite because they were all good. Topped off with fresh fruit and smoothies! We also had them prepare a meal on our first evening there. We choose the Italian meal. There was enough leftover for the next night! There is a large indoor pool with a hot tub. The hot tub felt amazing after some of the hikes we took. The pool temp was a bit cold (68ish) for me but others in my party enjoyed it. The property is close to a small town with several restaurants and small market. It's easy to find with the WAZE app. We only had 6 adults in our group. Could easily sleep more. Plenty of room in the house to spread out. Pool house is separate and very big. This is a great property to stay at!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic place to stay
We had a wonderful stay. The house was gorgeous and the setting was picturesque. The online pictures don’t do it justice. I was a little concerned that the travel to Arenal and La Fortuna might be a little far and difficult but it wasn’t at all. Patrick made everything so easy. He booked all of our excursions and made fantastic recommendations. His family lives in a house on the property and it was very reassuring having him only minutes away. He came over every morning and checked on us and helped to plan our day. His wife, Alisa, was also very helpful and hospitable. She and a helper came over every morning and fixed the most amazing breakfasts. The pool was huge and they had foosball, pingpong, a pool table and a workout area. There wasn’t a single thing we didn’t love. If you like bird watching it was heaven. We saw toucans, parrots and dozens of other species. It was an incredible value for the money. I highly recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cory R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family trip to Costa Rica
Wow what a great vacation in Costa Rica! It was always a dream of mine to take my parents to Costa Rica. They are turning 72 in the next couple of months. We had a wonderful vacation and the Red Sunset of Guanacaste was the perfect place. Patrick lined up all of our excursions and took care of everything for us. The driver was waiting for us at the airport when we arrived and everything went smoothly from there. We rented a catamaran on day 2 on lake Arenal and had a great time. We travelled to La Fortuna a couple days, Rio Celeste one day, and then a waterfall close to Liberia one day. It was a great vacation filled with lots of activities! The breakfast every morning was so good and kept us going until supper most nights. Miguel who is Patrick's driver was wonderful when he drove us and when his other drivers drove us they were wonderful as well. A couple of tips: The Gingerbread house is an absolute must, best meal I've ever had. We did family style with the 7 of us and it was outstanding!! Bring cash for Miguel and you save 13% for cash. I did run short on cash. The catamaran is cash and so is horse back riding. The horse back riding is so nice at the neighbors place and the owner who is also a very proud Grandpa is adorable.The pool and hot tub are a great addition to the house. We enjoyed them at night. Remember no matter where you stay in Costa Rica you are going to have to drive to see many things. Just take it all in and remember you are on vacation!! I will return!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tamis R., Alberta, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceptional Cloud Forest Experience with Outstanding Hospitality
Our family recently had the pleasure of staying at Red Sunset in Guanacaste through VRBO, and the experience met all expectations. Patrick, the proprietor, played a pivotal role in ensuring our trip was nothing short of extraordinary. From the outset, Patrick showcased an impressive level of knowledge about the area, guiding us through various excursions and seamlessly arranging bookings. His assistance was indispensable during the 8-day airline challenges, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. One standout feature was the professional bilingual transport service Patrick organized, which not only proved friendly and accommodating but also added an interactive element to our journey. Opting for the Dinner meal service was a brilliant choice. Patrick not only catered to diverse dietary requirements but also allowed us to influence the upcoming day's menu. The culinary experience consistently amazed, with portions surpassing our needs. Situated in the cloud forest, Red Sunset offers a central location for exploring the wonders of Costa Rica. The facility itself, perfect for our group of 10 adults, provided privacy, comfort, and easy access to wildlife and recreation. Our stay at Red Sunset was a fantastic cloud forest experience, made exceptional by Patrick's hospitality. I highly recommend this VRBO property for those seeking
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Family Christmas!
Breakfast was delicious. Patrick visited twice a day and took good care of all our needs and excursions. Loved the pool house. A trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

AC P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Amazing Property
The host Patrick and his son Hunter are the epitome of perfect hosts. The property has so much ornate and fine detailing it's a living masterpiece. I brought my family of 16 and we had private rooms with bathrooms and beds to spare. I recommend you let Patrick make dinner as it was exquisite and perfectly delivered. The breakfast they serve is over the top with meats and eggs and breads and smoothies and fresh fruit. No expense was spared to make our stay memorable. We will certainly book here again on our next trip. It was a pleasure to stay here and we are sad to leave. Simply amazing....
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

THERESA O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise in the clouds
Beautiful large home, very private. Great place to come back to after an active day. You can relax in pool, hot tub and play pool or ping pong, and amazing breakfasts! I highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

APRIL B.

Liked: Cleanliness
AWESOME PLACE SURROUNDED BY THE RAIN FOREST AND EXCELLENT VIEWS OF THE VOLCANO AND LAKE ARENAL
Patrick and crew went above and beyond to accommodate us with their unmatched sense of customer service and their obvious people skills. Breakfast was great every morning, the place is clean, private and very interesting and large. If you’re looking for a laid back place to relax and enjoy nature, this is it.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie O., Prescott

Liked: Cleanliness
BEST VRBO STAY EVER
We could not have asked for a more lovely stay at Patricks place. These guys truly know how to take care of your every need. Delicious home cook breakfast every morning, and Patrick even made us dinner a couple of nights. I can honestly say he made some of the best meals we had while in Costa Rica. He also set up excursions and transportation for us. Patrick and his crew are incredible. This was a stay we will never forget. Thank you for everything!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couldn't have asked for a better place!
I am so glad we decided on staying here. It was a culmination of things that made our stay perfect! 1st was Patrick and his wife Alisa were perfect hosts. The meals they prepared were tasty and filling, we didn't have to plan anything(Patrick did it all for us), the house was soooo comfortable. It felt like home and the views!!!! Oh my goodness, the veiws were amazing. I would sit out on the balcony and have my coffee with their friendly dogs while looking out at the volcano and watching pelicans land in the trees in front of me. Simply soul refreshing!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023