Cubali Town is a historic neighborhood, named for a well-loved fisherman, who's son is still the local harbor master. We first visited this property in 2004, but it wasn't until 2016 that we actually purchased it and set upon a dream of creating something special; and in keeping with the lore of Playa Chiquita, celebrate women who've inspired us.
A quiet lane, barely wide enough for a car, leads you to this hidden gem–Chiquita Escondida. A uniquely designed villa that features five buildings, a cluster of spaces for retreats, family reunions, or several couples traveling together–a large open rancho, three casitas housing four master-bedroom/bath suites, and a large play room which allows overflow sleeping. The property accommodates up to 12 persons and is rented as a single unit. We host just one group at a time to assure your maximum enjoyment of all features.
Walking paths weave through tropical gardens and outdoor seating areas, past a swimming pool, over a seasonal creek, and down the footpath to the beach. Five separate structures each display color, textures and materials specific to the theme, maximizing the varied features of the property--beach, gardens and jungle. Clustered, the units stand-alone, to ensure maximum privacy for friends traveling together, retreat groups or just your multi-generational family. Each bedroom is equipped with one king sized bed or two XL twin beds. All bedrooms have screened windows with security frames, ceiling fans, device charging ports, quality linens, coffee and tea service, and locally made bath products.
Beachfront, Elsea, a two-story unit swimming in the colors of the Caribbean. The downstairs room features a generous porch facing the sea, spacious indoor seating area, ping pong, a kitchenette and a compact bathroom. Seating areas provide overflow sleeping for up to four.
Upstairs, a grand master-bedroom suite opens to a private porch offering beach and ocean views, the bathroom features a large vanity with double sinks, a large walk-in shower inspired by the deep blue sea, a private toilet stall and two closets. The ocean breezes keep you cool all day, and the waves lull you to sleep.
Viola, a single story unit is nestled in the garden, growing camouflaged with her vining plants, extensive green.and a one-of-kind atrium bathroom. The bedroom features wall to wall windows, screened and secure with artistic security frames, flowing curtains assure privacy. A small kitchenette allows you to brew your first cup of coffee to enjoy on your deck before you ever leave the cabina. Bathe in a clawfoot tub in a private indoor garden with salt air breezes or indulge in the double headed shower with views of the garden.
Berta A and Shirley B are back-to-back Cabinas sharing a common wall and dense jungle views. Each features a private deck perched over the creek, with views of the pool and jungle paths. Wake up to a view of massive twin trees which host orchids, bromeliads, tillandsias and an occasional sloth. Each has a full private bath with walk-in showers providing another view of the treetop gardens--Shirley B is handicapped accessible.
Lastly, Dona, the rancho, combines the owner’s passion for Craftsman style construction with the easy breezy Caribbean way of life celebrating the vibrance of the tropics. A large kitchen equipped with quality appliances, a generous center island, and a built in BBQ with fridge and wet bar, sure to welcome many hands helping or cheering on the cooks. Wall-less on three sides, bright light, airy breezes and beautiful scenery at every turn. An open floor plan connects the kitchen to the indoor seating and dining areas with wrap-around covered decks, blurring the lines between outside and inside.
An uncovered deck leads from the rancho to the pool featuring a beach entry, wet deck and deep plunge area. A half bath is conveniently located, and an outdoor shower rinses away the salt and sand before you enjoy the pool. The overall design boasts a luscious tropical oasis you may never want to leave... but do, the beach is just down the walking trail.
Start your day with a howler monkey wake-up and be on the beach in time to catch the sunrise, with a north-facing shore, we enjoy the uniqueness of sunrise and sunsets over the coastal points to the east and west. A trip to the beach is just footsteps, literally like 15 footfalls and you’re in the Caribbean Sea snorkeling one of the best reefs on the coast. Meet your guide for a beach horseback ride, or wind out the day with a bonfire on the beach. During the right season, luminescence in the water, fireflies in the beach bush and lightening off shore create the trifecta of of sparkly magic.
Activities are available, but not overdone, it's a laid back vibe in the Caribe Sur. The Jaguar Rescue Center is a 7 minute walk, markets are 5 or 10 by bike depending which way you turn when you get to the paved road. The public bus runs regularly and for a buck you can get to Puerto Viejo or Manzanillo in about 15 minutes. Or if you plan to drive, please limit the number of vehicles on the property to no more than 3, we want to prioritize beauty and green space over parking lots.
