The two bedrooms are small but very cute (it is a cottage size
house). They are painted in colorful jungle tones. One bedroom has two twin
beds (my husband and I push them together when we are there) and a
closet, the other bedroom has two bunk beds and an armoire. We did put
in posture pedic mattresses (many beds in Costa
Rica use only hard foam), so they are pretty comfortable.
The kitchen is cute and colorful. It has a small table with
four chairs, a radio/ cd player, a refrigerator and two-burner cook top. It also has a microwave,
blender and counter top style electric oven. It is stocked with silverware,
dishes, cups, utensils, pots and bowls. The futon on the front porch becomes a
double bed, and we have slept there several times in the fresh air, surrounded
by tropical plants. All of the rooms, and the
back terrace have ceiling fans, making the temperature quite comfortable (evenings
can sometimes bring in a cool breeze that even make you pull up your blanket).
Last year, we extended the back yard and put in a lovely flower
garden. It is frequently visited by hummingbirds and butterflys.
We also added a good sized outdoor (covered) living area with a large dining
table (seats six..to eight ) a couple of wood rocking
chairs and an outdoor sink. There is no sink in the bathroom (which is pretty
typical of a “Tico” house)..although the shower is nice and large. We have toothbrush holders and a shaving mirror
out at the outdoor sink overlooking the flower gardens.
There is a semi-automatic clothes washer and a
clothesline. We do have the house cleaned before your arrival. We ask that
the house is left broom swept with dishes washed and put away. Our caretaker
will come in to do a thorough cleaning when you leave and wash the linens. We
do provide bedding and bath towels, but we ask that you bring your own beach
towels. If you would like the house cleaned while you are staying, you can ask
to have the caretaker come in for a separate charge (about $4.00 per hour). We
will provide all of that contact info for you.
Within very short walking distance are two mini-groceries with
fresh produce, paper products, dish soap, meats and other items (soap,
shampoo, deodorant, etc.). There are also several local fishermen who sell
fresh fish within walking distance. We do not consider the house a beach
house (as is reflected in the rental price), but you can see the ocean somewhat
from the kitchen window and back yard. It is a short walk to the ocean and to
snorkeling (bring snorkeling gear). The beach in Cabuya is a bit rocky, so we generally either go in with
water shoes, or walk a bit further, to the snorkeling Island, and jump in where
it is deep. The water is warm and very nice. Just down the road is a wonderful
white sand beach ( las manchas or playa sedro). It is
very bike-able, if you have a car; it is a five-minute drive. A small bus also
goes back and forth between Cabuya and Montezuma many
times during the day. We often hop on that bus (it goes right by the house) and
ride to that beach, then catch it back home. There are bike rentals available
in Montezuma. In Cabuya, there
are a few good little restaurants. The Coyote Café (the internet café that you
pick the keys up at) has wonderful food and home made pizza. It also provides
free internet and wireless. At the corner (central Cabuya),
is a cute little restaurant (Delfines) where you can
get a very nice, hardy and simple dinner. The price is similar at the little
restaurant located at the larger of the two groceries (Soda Rancho), and the
food is also good. We often stroll up there for a quick breakfast or dinner.
The Cabuya Panaderia and
Restaurant (Bakery and restaurant) provides great meals (including very good
sushi) and excellent baked goods. At the top of the hill (above the Coyote
Café) is a restaurant and sports bar with an amazing view of the ocean the
Island. A little bar (Salon Higueron) is located at
the crossroads and is a friendly little place owned by Jergen (from
Germany) that sometimes has live music. There are a couple of Ice cream shops
(one provides homemade ice cream) and a little shop for fishing supplies. Cabuya now has a used book shop/library and newsstand. You
can also visit the Rainsong Wildlife reserve and see
their rescued animals. They also conduct horseback riding tours. You can rent
ATV’s and ocean kayaks at the Howler Monkey Hotel in Cabuya and there are several fishermen that are happy to take you out fishing for the
day for a range of prices. Cabo Blanco National park
is one of Cabuya’s claims to fame. You can spend the
day hiking there (a hike that ends at a beautiful secluded white sand beach)
and enjoying a variety of wildlife.
If you are looking for a more lively nightlife, Montezuma is only
a few miles down the road. A small, but busy little Oceanside town, Montezuma
has many restaurants and cafes. You can find anything from local fare to sushi,
pizza, seafood and Thai food. Street vendors make the street look lively and
colorful with their jewelry, pottery, hammocks and more. The long stretch of
beautiful sand beaches in Montezuma are lovely. The town attracts many visitors
from Europe, the USA and more. We love to spend an evening in Montezuma, then return to quiet and tranquil Cabuya for a good nights sleep. We did find Montezuma a bit noisy for sleeping (the
bars remain open rather late).
If you enjoy surfing, generally the best place to go is Mal Pais/Santa Theresa, which is about four/six miles away. It
is one of the favorite surfing destinations in Costa Rica. The beaches there
are also lovely. It is not a central town like Montezuma, as all of its
amenities are spread out along a road that runs down the beach. There are many
great restaurants, shops, surf rentals, bank, pharmacy, etc. We recently hiked
the road from Cabuya to Mal Pais.
It was an amazing hike and took a little less than two hours. The road is a fun
drive over a safari like mountain road. A bus is available, but it goes the
long way (through Montezuma). Surfers do surf in Cabuya (at Playa Sedro) and claim that at high tide, it can be world class conditions (a couple of miles down the road), but conditions can
vary.
We love Cabuya and the cottage, and hope
that you will too!
Kathy and Jeff Coleman
