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Caribbean beachfront home with private cabana

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On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels
On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels
3 bedrooms, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Miscellaneous
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Manzanillo, Limón Province
  • Grand Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Punta Uva Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Playa Chiquita
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Cahuita

On the beach.You'll find Grand Beach and Punta Uva Beach within 3 miles (5 km) of this vacation home. Playa Chiquita and Playa Cocles are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Vacation homes in CahuitaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Grand Beach - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Jaguar Centro de Rescate - 7 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Playa Cocles - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Punta Uva Beach - 9 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Playa Chiquita - 12 min drive - 5.4 km

Restaurants

  • ‪La Nena - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Salsa Brava - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪De Gustibus Bakery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Amimodo - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Cool and Calm - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Caribbean beachfront home with private cabana

Happy House is one of the very few homes in Cost Rica that is truly beachfront. You won't need to cross a street or follow a trail. Just a short walk down the garden path will take you to the private gate opening directly to a prestine Caribbean beach. There you will find a secluded cabana on the undisturbed Playa Grande. The property is nestled in the jungle between a nature preserve and the warm waters of the Caribbean sea. Happy House is the perfect place to experience abundant wildlife, lush vegetation and very secluded beaches. This is where the jungle meets the sea.

The home was built in the local traditional open air style. The large patio living area overlooks the garden, has a direct view of the beach and is bathed in the sights and sounds of the jungle and sea. The 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms will accommodate up to 6 people comfortably. The property is a private, single family residence. No one else will be on the property during your stay.

Property manager

Steve Millican

Languages

English

Similar properties

Exterior

Ocean view luxury property with pool in the jungle at 300 m from the beach.

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, 62 reviews
Ocean view luxury property with pool in the jungle at 300 m from the beach.

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Composting
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,500 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 1:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Note from host: pets must be leashed due to other pets on property

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Caribbean beachfront home with private cabana Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

George G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Superb!
This property is well worth a 10 rating. The setting is beautiful, situated in a lush tropical forest just footsteps from a very private beach. The house is spacious, comfortable and well-provisioned. We stayed for a week and especially enjoyed the open-air living space where we could relax surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature - wildlife, surf, rain, etc. The host is very easy to reach and super accommodating. We loved everything about the Happy House and look forward to a return stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location!
Fantastic beach location. The house had everything we needed. Host was quick to answer questions and address needs.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Lorna G., Ottawa

Happy House
Hardly a luxurious beach house. -Stove saw better days 30 years ago - it rocked and was unclean - Water was off 2.5 days -Wifi quit on second day and never came back on -Bathroom sink leaked - a plumber came and fixed it, but it still leaked -All faucets were corroded - spiders - expected - other than hummingbirds and howler monkeys, no birds or wildlife - no laundry facilities - no radio or tv - kitchen (and I use the term loosely) serving bowls too big, not enough pots, fry pans questionable, utensils sadly lacking. Beach chairs needed two men and a boy to carry them to the beach We left early as I couldn't take it anymore. I would not recommend. The yard was nice and the neighbours were pleasant,
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
We spent 5 days in october 24 as a family in the happy house. The location in the dschungel close to the beach is just perfekt. The beach is very quiet and sandy. About the best we saw on the carribean side. The house itself is very nice especially the big terrace facing the nice garden where we saw lot of monkeys. Steve was a very helpfuf host. We would love to come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maurice B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Happy beach house
Lovely, charming beach house with private garden straight to the sea. The big and open veranda invites to rest and cook something. Rain showers don’t matter. The house is equipped with all we needed, bed rooms are styled nicely and vents keep you cool. We’ll remember all the jungle sounds, arguing monkeys, birds, butterflies …
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful getaway, surrounded by tropical flora and great beach access.
Host was very prompt in answering questions. Incredible deck, yard and forest immersion. Loved the very private beach and short drive to restaurants to explore.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful house in the beach in the jungle.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couldn’t ask for more
Honestly you couldn’t ask for much more at Happy House. The location was great, we felt safe, and everything was as advertised. We saw monkeys, lizards and parrots from the property. We did not see the resident sloth but did see some sloth tracks on the garden path after spending a day lounging on the beach. We were glad to have little rechargeable fans as we didn’t get much of a breeze in the living area but the bedrooms were comfortable with the ceiling fans. The area was great - we tried a few food recommendations the host left and were not disappointed. The beach in Puerto Viejo was also amazing. We had an amazing time and will definitely reach out again if we make it back. Steve was a great and very responsive host as well!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Incredible
Staying at Happy House was an absolutely fabulous experience. Our goal was to stay on the property virtually the entire time to simply enjoy the jungle, animals & beach & our goal was certainly met. The days were filled with a perfect mix of sunny warmth & occasional welcome, soothing rain. Most nights included gentle rain falling in the jungle, which really provided pleasant background noise with the sounds of the animals. Mornings were peaceful with howler monkeys adding to the ambience. We saw the sloth up close and personal, spider and howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, butterflies, etc. The drive from San Jose to the house really wasn't that bad, not much more difficult than driving in the mountains and backroads of the U.S. Beautiful new roads quickly and unexpectedly turned into the equivalent of U.S. back roads, though, so you do need to pay attention. We would not recommend making the drive back to SJO the same day as a returning flight, as there are many variables that would likely make that very stressful: took us 4.5 hrs there & 6 hrs back. The bugs were amazingly no problem at all & the Glamping Campground next door was shockingly quiet & respectful. I would not recommend bringing young children, as loud children would adversely affect many in the area. There were very few people on the beach & it was beautiful. The riptides and currents are for real and absolutely need to be respected the entire time. We loved it! Thank You, Steve!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

ELIZABETH N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Welcome to the Jungle !!!
The house sits in a nicely groomed jungle garden. Just through the back gate is the beach. We enjoyed our stay. The host is VERY responsive. I broke the key off in the door the night we came in and he responded immediately. Fun place to stay.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robyn V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just wow!
The location of this place could not be better! It was like living outside but with all the amenities.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie J., Washington DC

Liked: Cleanliness
Open air wonderfulness, wildlife, beach and fun!
Had a fantastic stay at this beach bungalow. Loved coming home and still being outdoors, hearing the waves and the howler monkeys! Place was clean and the manager/owner was so incredibly responsive to my novice jungle questions. Restaurant next door and friendly neighbors, and still the most wonderful quiet peaceful walks on the beach every day. Even without air conditioning, I left my fan off so i could hear the howler monkey and wildlife at night. Great experience and I would stay here again for sure!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy G.

Liked: Cleanliness
True Costa Rica Experience
We had a fantastic time at Happy House. It was just as described and exactly what myself and my husband were looking for. We loved the open air style of the deck and kitchen as well as the close proximity to the beach. It was really all we were looking for. I would recommend having some sort of transportation at your disposal. We rented a motorbike and it was perfect for traveling back and forth to Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. I would absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone looking for a real Costa Rica experience. Pura Vida!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Silvia M., Montgomery village

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place
First and foremost we wanted to thank Mr. Steve for the hospitality. His place was what we expected, cozy, warm and very welcoming. Everything we needed was right there and when we needed something Mr. Steve was right there to land a helping hand. The path to the beach was so welcoming with plants all over and all the way to your own almost private beach. I could go on and on about this place but I think you need to make your own decision. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janette M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Happy Happy Beach House
We had a wonderful time at the Happy House! Marco andFabi were absolutely wonderful! They are so kind and helpful, always willing to answer questions and made us feel at home. We felt like family by the end of our stay! And Happy (their dog) and Julio (their kitty) were adorable, polite and friendly!! The proximity of the house is so close to the beach we were able to watch the gorgeous sunrise and sunset and walk to fun body surfing and snorkeling areas. We even took surfing lessons from Hershel ( highly recommend him!!) just up the beach. All in all a fantastic, adorable beach house and the most wonderful property caretakers we could ever ask for!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paula W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun in the Sun
We were looking forward to something off the beaten path and this rental did not disappoint. We had a very nice experience at the home located just a few hundred yards from the beach. It is conveniently located near several eating places and within walking distance to Manzanillo via the beach. Steve went all out for us to tell us about the house and area. We hope to return and believe that the house was exactly as described!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Happy House
We liked that this property was directly on the beach and located in between Manzanillo and Punta Uva. The on-site caretakers were very helpful and friendly.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jo D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise!
We had a great time at Happy House! It was clean and decorated in a fun, eclectic, beach/rainforest style. The beds were comfortable. The owners were quick to respond to questions. The caretakers, Marco and Fabi, live on site and are friendly and helpful. They have a few rescue dogs and cats on the property. They are all friendly and well- behaved. Occasionally a couple of the dogs would follow us to the beach and hang out with us for an afternoon. They enjoy digging up crabs and are fun to watch. There was no air conditioning, but there are ceiling fans in every room and our stay was quite comfortable. It cools down at night. I’d recommend taking a light raincoat as it did occasionally rain for a short time. And even though it’s in the jungle, there were very few mosquitoes. The fruit in Costa Rica is so much sweeter and juicier than what I get in the US. I guess because it hasn’t been shipped while it’s still green. Try it and see! Happy House is surrounded by jungle and a couple times we were woken up by Howler monkeys nearby. That was an experience! The beach is just a short walk away along a gravel path. We’d occasionally see other people walking down the beach, but for the most part, we had the beach to ourselves. Walk down the beach towards Manzanillo and you’ll discover a shipwreck. There is a supermarket not far away, in Ocles, where you can get groceries, beach supplies, beer and wine. Gandoca-Manzanillo National Refuge is only a few kilometers away and we really enjoyed the hiking trails. Take your swimsuits, if you like, there are several beaches along the trails where you can jump in. Take your camera! Definitely visit the Jaguar Rescue Center and Sanctuary in Punta Ocles. It’s not far. They offer tours in English, Spanish, German and French. Fascinating stories about the animals there. Visit Puerta Viejo and wander in and out of the shops, have a meal and/or a cocktail overlooking the beach. Most everywhere will accept US dollars, but change will be given in colones. There is also a laundromat where you can drop off clothes to be washed and pick up the next day. And an ATM. My favorite restaurant was El Refugio Grill. It’s just down the road. They were so nice. Offerings include several vegetarian options and everything was so fresh! Also, it’s a perfect place for a romantic dinner. This trip to Happy House was a wonderful adventure and an experience we’ll never forget.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Beach House
This place is absolutely perfect. We loved it! This beach house embodies "pura vida" outdoor jungle living just steps from a gorgeous beach. What follows is a long review, but I hope it answers some questions you may have and helps you decide if this is the right place for you. It is not high- end luxury. It is a cute Carribean beach house. We really enjoyed it, it was perfect for us, and I recommend it whole-heartedly! Best thing first--beach. Access is through a short but beautiful garden trail (part of the property), through a gate, and there you are! I haven't counted, but maybe 10 steps from the gate to the to the hammocks, 10 more to a bench seat and bar-table where we would ditch our shoes, and then to the beach (steps vary depending on the tide). The beach is beautiful, with very few people most days, even during high season (we were here mid-Jan through mid-March). There are warnings of rip currents at nearly all of the beaches near here, but we felt safe playing in the waves up to our waists. The water was warm and lovely, and I love that the jungle comes right up to the beach. We watched monkeys from the beach a few times. Steve is the owner and available via email or phone call. Marco and Fabiola live on the property and maintain it. Between the 3 of them we were taken care of. Marco and Fabiola were so sweet and so helpful. They answered all of our questions, loaned us things here and there, and when we had serious wifi issues that prevented my husband from working and daughter from schooling (both virtually) Steve and Marco both jumped on doing all they could to remedy the issue. We really appreciated that they understood the importance (to us) of finding a solution as quickly as possible. As of this writing, only the upstairs of the house was available to rent. Stairs to it are on the side of the house. At the top you enter a nice roofed deck/living- dining room and small kitchen with fridge, stove, and sink with hot water. Fans move the air and help keep bugs away. From this deck/living room we enjoyed meals with a view of the ocean as well as watched monkeys, a sloth, toucans and butterflies. The surrounding garden is beautiful and we so enjoyed the open-air concept. The kitchen is small, but the bar counter provides space to prepare food. Most needed supplies were provided, what I needed but didn't find, Fabi helped me with. Because the space is small and we were here with children, we did ask Fabi to cook...
Stayed 55 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Simon A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Welcome to paradise!
Welcome to paradise! We were the first guests and the host Steve has done a terrific job- the photographs are very modest. This place is spacious, simple and perfect. At the end of a dirt road, set back from the beach in the lush jungle, with nature all around. There’s a bathroom for each bedroom, and sound does not carry between bedrooms- very private, convenient and comfortable. The kitchen has everything you need, and the deck is the perfect viewing platform from which you will see a multitude of hummingbirds, butterflies, toucans, monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife. Surprisingly, there were almost no mosquitos. You can see the neighbours on the right side, however the closest building is a beautiful white dome where one of the owners does sound healing. There are some lovely touches and beautiful art. Steve helped us find our way there and welcomed us and there was fruit, wine and coffee waiting for us! The beds were comfy, the showers were good, there was soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer. There were bath towels and lovely big beach towels. The caretakers of the property, Fabiola and Marco, are the nicest people you will ever meet, and were there to help us with anything (absolutely anything) we needed. Fabiola is a wonderful artist and also does manicures and pedicures! I cannot express how much we (and our daughter) loved having them, and their adorable dogs and cats, around. The beach is very private, with your own gazebo with hammocks and a little breakfast bar. It is kept immaculate. The beach itself is vast and beautiful, there is some shallow water and sometimes big waves! It is the perfect beach for walks- Manzanillo is about 15 mins in one direction (great to walk to and get some breakfast), and in the other direction it is wild and untouched all the way to the point of Punta Uva, about 20 minutes away. These are the places to go if you want calmer waters for swimming and snorkelling. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular. The location is quite isolated and we rented a car to get around. I would recommend this, although it is also possible to get tuk-tuks if you have their numbers (we suggested it for the guest guide). Riding a bike everywhere would take considerable time and energy. I could go on (but there's a word limit). We absolutely LOVED this place and will come back for sure.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peter F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Das perfekte Strandhaus
Das Happy House liegt nur wenige Schritte weg vom menschenleeren Strand, zu dem ein kleiner privater Fußpfad hinführt. Es ist umgeben von einem wunderschönen üppigem Wald, durch den die Affen klettern und dich morgens mit ihrem Brüllen aufwecken. Von der großen gemütlichen Terrasse mit Außenküche kannst du die Vögel und Schmetterlinge beobachten, oder dich einfach nur in einen Schaukelstuhl legen und das Leben genießen. Pura Vida vom Feinsten! Eine absolute Empfehlung!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024