John and Eric have truly created a most unique space to peacefully co-exist with the creatures which inhabit the jungle of Puerto Viejo. Their picturesque property lies approximately a three to five minute bike ride from the town of Puerto Viejo (a 10 - 15 minute walk), and a mere few minutes to the warm, sandy beach of Playa Negra.
We LOVED calling this place our home, our sanctuary for a week. The openness of the dome was mesmerizing! We were blessed to wake each morning with the sounds of the jungle as it welcomed a new dawn. The crickets, frogs, and birds all singing their melodious songs was fantastic. Each afternoon, after a day spent in the sun and surf of the town, or hiking the jungles of Gadoca-Manzanillo National Park, found us taking respite and revitalizing our souls in the beautiful reflection pool in front of the house. The fact that it's not heated was PERFECT, as it was refreshingly cool and much needed after a day spent in the humid climate. At dusk we spent our time on the platform above the dome, welcoming the nocturnal creatures of the jungle (lightening bugs, bats, sloths, etc.) as we sipped a cerveza and reminisced about the day's adventures.
John and Eric were absolutely INCREDIBLE hosts, too! No detail was overlooked, from the giant bowl of fresh fruit (which must have been hand-picked the morning of our arrival, it was SO sweet and perfect!) and snacks to the coffee, milk, and sugar and the chilled bottle of wine. They had everything in place so we could simply set our bags down and breath in the smells and sounds of the jungle while we relaxed. They were always available (just a "hello" away, as they live on the property - but the magnificently landscaped gardens hid their home), and were terrific in helping to clarify with a local tour company when they hadn't arrived to pick us up.
We were SO utterly impressed with Casa Corazon del Mar and John and Eric. We can't wait to tell everyone we know about this unique space amongst the jungle, and we can't wait to go back!
This is one of the greatest locations and buildings i have ever been in! living in the dome house for 4 nights was amazing. It was perfectly secluded and private. It was as if we were in our own private animal sanctuary, we saw sloths, frogs, and beautiful butterflies in their natural habitats. The house is in the perfect location secluded enough for privacy but walking distance from the beach and town. John and Eric are the perfect hosts, they made us feel like family and had great recommendations for restaurants and shopping. Would recommend staying here to anyone who is visiting Puerto Viejo, we will for sure be staying here again!
This is the second time I have booked and stayed at this beautiful rental. I came back because of the unique experience this rental offers. Nestled in the jungle, you are surrounded by nature in all of its glory. Fully equipped, you can prepare meals, as I did, in the dome, or call a taxi and head into town to sample great dining in any one of Puerto Viejo's many restaurants and "sodas". The dome is clean, air and feels just like home- as opposed to feeling like a hotel room.
The owners, John and Eric, went above and beyond again, making sure my stay was perfect- with restaurant recommendations, activity suggestions etc. The dome is a place to get away, listen to nature and relax. You lack for nothing here. The plunge pool is refreshing after a stint at the beach, which is a few minutes away by foot. Second time visitor, and certainly there will be a third and fourth.
It really is heaven on earth.
This property is located in the outskirts of Puerto Viejo but is close enough to go anywhere you need and yet secluded to relax and have privacy. The house is well designed and has a unique architecture that I found refreshingly distinct. This comes from a real estate professional who is used to seeing property everyday.
Staying at Casa Corozon del Mar was an experience I will never forget. For six days, I felt like I was living within a piece of art. This unique and exotic building is alive with light and water elements that reflect its beautiful jungle setting. The owners have tended to every detail; right down to those awesome cold beers and bag of Doritos waiting for us tired travellers upon arrival. Throughout our stay, I kept experiencing a sense of happy surprise as each thoughtful detail revealed itself.
Honestly, this is a world class destination. The hosts are welcoming and discreet: if you need them, they are there, if you don't, you won't even realize they are just a little way down the jungle path. A shout out from the plunge pool, and they come running to help with whatever questions you might have.
The plunge pool - clean and so refreshing! The look-out platform - hang out and enjoy the jungle from a birds eye perspective! The rain shower bathroom, a piece of heaven in itself! The beach only two minutes away! Puerto Viejo and all the seafood you can eat!
Fireflys and butterflies, fresh melons and pineapples and bananas, deep rich coffee and dark homemade chocolate; beaches that stretch as far as you see with no one on them; soft tropical breezes, monkeys and sloths and toucans and parrots.
This is not to be missed, put it on your top ten list of places to see!
I saw this cute little adobe hut, and thought to myself what a cool place to vacation, so I booked it. Little did I know,this beautifully appointed, charming and comfy adobe hut would become one of my favourite places to vacation. The minute I stepped off the bus in Playa Negra, the owners, Eric and John were there to greet me, with warm hugs and huge smiles. As we approached the hut- I was awestruck by it's beauty- a little gorgeous home in the middle of a rain forest/jungle. Everything inside was perfect (except for maybe there being no blanket... but I am always cold, and heck... I don't blame them for not having a blanket in the jungle), the place pristine, the bathroom huge and inviting (2 shower heads.... and amazing water pressure). I quickly stowed my cash and passport in the safe and got ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The hut is so well placed, minutes from the beach, a short trek (15 mins Max) to Puerto Viejo, and far enough from everything that all you hear are the sounds of the jungle. I loved every second I spent there, and am already saving my pennies to return this year. Kudos to Eric and John for offering travelers this gem. They are encyclopedias of what to do in and around Puerto Viejo, will happily call you a cab to take you wherever you want to go, and if you ask nicely, will find you sloths in the trees. This was the perfect getaway- because it was the perfect place to be.
Spent a week here in November.
Location: Playa Negra (black beach)
Easy 10 to 15 min walk into Puerto Viejo.
House: 1 bedroom, which is secure with safe included. Kitchen has a small fridge, stove. Fully functional, stocked with dishes, glasses, pans etc. Bathroom has both a rain shower head as well as a hand held nozzle.
Grounds: nice path from the drive to the dome. Dome was fit into the jungle, not the other way around. It's all very natural.
Frogs, geckos, sloths, lizards, spiders, toucans.
Owners: Eric and John are always available for help or questions. They have built a private path that doesn't go directly past the dome when they come and go from their house. They have some very well behaved dogs which don't have access to the dome. Being a dog owner myself, I appreciated knowing they were there. They know the difference between people staying at the dome, and people who shouldn't be on the property.
Review: Wow! I knew I was going to enjoy it before I got there. Pictures really don't do this place justice. I never felt like I wasn't safe. I specifically say this because I travel alone. I had my privacy when I wanted it. John or Eric would stop and make sure everything was good or if I needed anything. John works on keeping the pool clean. Leaves and seeds are enevitable in the jungle. They gave me a couple numbers for the Tuk Tuk and a reliable taxi driver so if I was at dinner I could have them called. Helpful hint, if you take a taxi tell them Casa Amma. That's the street it's on.