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Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!!

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Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 7195.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
El Castillo, Alajuela
  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Arenal Volcano
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Tabacon Hot Springs
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!!

*New Ownership!

This comfortable, spacious yet private retreat accommodates up to 7 people. All the bedrooms are equipped with Air Conditioning and black out Drapes. The Master bedroom is equipped with 1 queen size bed and an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom have a bunk bed, full size in the bottom and twin size at the top, and the third bedroom have 1 queen size bed.

Adjacent to each bedroom upstairs there is a surrounding deck which is accessible through large glass doors and floor to ceiling windows. It truly gives one the feeling of being in a treehouse. You comfortably wake to lush views of the mountains, trees and birds.
As you step outside onto the deck, you will instantly be greeted with lovely views of Arenal Volcano. While enjoying your early morning coffee, you will experience the wildlife from a front seat viewing area. Howler monkeys will chatter as green parrots and toucans fly by overhead. The local neighborhood Macaw will spend quality time entertaining you in the fruit trees directly in front of you!
The new Spring feed Swimming Pool is the perfect complement to begin the morning with a swim or to cool down and enjoy after a day of exploring the area.
After a long day enjoying a great hike or any other rainforest activity, the early evening does not disappoint you with our spectacular sunsets with reflective views of the volcano. All is breathtaking from this viewpoint as hummingbirds and fireflies dance right in front of you!

The cozy kitchen is well equipped for cooking and enjoying a meal in our open living room area for those home entertainment nights. Our hilltop cottage provides all the comforts of home and one does not need to go far to enjoy everything our community has to offer.

- THINGS TO DO: There are lots of tours to keep you entertained for days, Volcano hikes, Zip Lines, Hanging Bridges, ATV tours, Kayak and Paddle-board tours, Rainforest and Waterfall hikes, Horseback riding, Hot Springs, Wildlife watching tours and more. All of these are less than half an hour away from the house.
Our concierge is always available at our new and modern Welcome Center to help you book tours, find the best restaurants, book a massage and get the most out of your time in the area.

-Location: El Castillo is approx. 3 hours (150km) from both international airports, either in the capital of San Jose, or on the northern pacific coast in Liberia. La Fortuna, which is a small city that offers amenities such as grocery, banking, post office, restaurants, hot springs, excursions and much more. is only 30 minutes away.

Property manager

Explore El Castillo
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Peñas Blancas

Located in El Millon, a neighbourhood in Peñas Blancas, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. While the natural beauty of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Baldi Hot Springs. Butterfly Conservatory and Arenal Eco Zoo are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
El Castillo, Alajuela

What's nearby

  • Costa Rica Sky Adventures - 9 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Arenal Volcano - 16 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Tabacon Hot Springs - 19 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - 21 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park - 27 min drive - 15.7 km

Getting around

  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Río Lounge - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Agua Ardiente Pool Bar - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Fusión Arenal Mirador. - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Palma - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Hojarasca Restaurant - ‬33 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Firefly Retreat. A Hilltop Retreat with Swimming Pool & Great Rainforest Views!! located?

Located in El Millon, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Butterfly Conservatory and Lake Arenal. Arenal Eco Zoo and Costa Rica Sky Adventures are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

John O.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adequate

It was nice. Great remote location about 20 minutes from ladortuna
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cammie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

This property is in a great location. Quick and easy drive to La Fortuna. Several restaurants very close by. Great property management which was very attentive to our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maison D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place

You absolutely have to see the Region. You definitely need a car to get around. Will definitely go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location and Beautiful Place

We had a great stay here for 5 nights. Beautiful location with nice views. The local restaurants are some of the best we had on our trips so no need to go to La Fortuna and spend more for less. I highly recommend this place and would come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chandice C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place!!!

We absolutely loved our stay at this home. The location was perfect- it is far, yet close enough, to the hustle and bustle of La Fortuna. The neighborhood was quiet and homey. Plenty of restaurants and markets within walking distance, so many days we didn’t even leave! We absolutely loved the pool. It was so refreshing and we spent HOURS in it a day. We loved just walking around the neighborhood petting dogs, cats, feeding horses, catching fireflies and talking to locals. We were so sad to leave but made so many great memories here! And would stay here over and over!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Margo M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely peaceful village

You will love this little village of El Millon, especially if you want to avoid the busyness of La Fortuna (45 min away). The house is exactly as described; do expect firm beds and a lovely pool. Also minor power outages and spotty wifi; bring a candle as only 1 flashlight works. Happily the road has received significant improvements over the years, and there are a number of restaurants close by.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience, nice house!

We had a group of 6 here and it worked perfectly. Nice pool and views of the surrounding area. Some good food spots close by too. Would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charles L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Arenal stay

Overall good communication and good space for our trip. Drive a high clearance car for this accomodations though
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Louis-Philippe L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gracias

Great spot, isolated and well equipped! We enjoyed the pool and the view!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jay C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House

Great 3 bed room house for our family. House was just as shown in the pictures. Pool was cool. I would recommend staying at this house, going to the "Alien" restaurant two doors down and doing the horse back riding at Lilander's right up the road.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Firefly Retreat

Even more beautiful than the photos! A birder’s paradise. Refreshing spring fed pool. Had one minor issue during our stay and property manager Augustin saw to it immediately - maintenance was onsite within 5-10 minutes. House is on a steep hill, but there sre restaurants and activities within a short walk. Butterfly Conservatory is a must-do. I would 💯 stay in El Castillo/El Million again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Morgan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for us

The house was perfect for us. Located near the small town of El Castillo, it was just up the hill from several restaurants, the El Castillo Visitors Center, and a couple small general stores. It was just down the hill from Lilander's Horse Tours, which was great. It was about 20-minute drive into La Fortuna. The house manager met us at the Visitor's Center and showed us how to get the the property. As long as you don't need to be in walking distance of La Fortuna, I highly recommend this house.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Claire J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat.

After doing a ton of research trying to find a house that checked all of our necessary boxes, I chose the Firefly house. House was perfect. After long days of exploring and activities it was so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of La Fortuna we’d jump in the pool and just sit outside and listen to the birds. We heard the monkeys a few mornings and that was exciting. We saw a macaw and lots of toucans. There are several little restaurants along the way up to the house and a market for your basic necessities. Kitchen had plenty of pots and pans for the days we cooked at the house. We had a couple local dogs and cat that would come visit every evening looking for a few pets, they we very sweet. We were very satisfied with our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Sherry W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Hilltop retreat in El Castillo, Lake Arenal

We felt that the property could have been cleaner. The floor did not seem clean. The main floor also had a musty / mildew smell that we did not appreciate. Other than that the property itself is beautiful and the location is quite stunning.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anjani

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vitaly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

loved it. will stay again

great location all requests were immediately addressed augustine is an amazing property manager just like it looks online perfect place to disconnect from the world
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

About the host

Hosted by Explore El Castillo

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests