Villas Santa Maria - Private Bay Lake Arenal
Location: Peninsula Santa Maria, Nuevo Arenal, cr
Star Rating: 9.7 Stars
Property Type: Bed and breakfasts
About this Property
Mountain Views and Lakefront Luxury
Experience breathtaking mountain views and lakefront luxury at Villas Santa Maria. Enjoy the convenience of free WiFi and parking while soaking in the beauty of Lake Arenal from your balcony. Dive into the refreshing swimming pool and unwind in the serene garden.
Modern Amenities and Comfort
Indulge in modern amenities at our villas - from air conditioning and flat-screen TVs to well-equipped kitchenettes. Relax in the comfort of your room with a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Each unit is beautifully furnished with a patio offering garden views.
Explore Nearby Attractions
Conveniently located near La Fortuna Waterfall, Venado Caves, and Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, our bed and breakfast is the perfect home base for your adventures. Fly in through Fortuna Airport just 56 km away and start making memories at Villas Santa Maria.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Terrace
- Non-smoking throughout
- Infinity pool
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Pool sun loungers
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Pool waterfall
- Exercise/lap pool
- Japanese garden
- Covered parking
- Swimming nearby
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe King Room
Meals can be prepared in the kitchenette, which comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Coffee machine
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Toilet paper
- Board games/puzzles
- Books, DVDs, or music for children
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Deluxe King Room
The fully equipped kitchenette features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Coffee machine
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Toilet paper
- Board games/puzzles
- Books, DVDs, or music for children
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Deluxe Queen Room
In the kitchenette, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The spacious double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Coffee machine
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Toilet paper
- Board games/puzzles
- Books, DVDs, or music for children
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Standard Queen Room
The double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Dining area
- Wardrobe or closet
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Board games/puzzles
- Books, DVDs, or music for children
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Guest Reviews
- Uwe (10/5): - Absolut keine Abstriche in den Bewertungskategorien
- Lori (10/5): -
- NATHALIE (10/5): GREAT PLACE WITH ACCESS TO THE LAKE - Very nice place, with a lot of comfort. Direct access to the lake and you may borrow canoes to go fishing. Huge breakfast. The owners, Carole and Paul, are so welcoming and are very eager to help you with everything.
- Valverde (10/5): - Un pedazo de paraíso en la tierra este lugar es mágico con la atención de Carol y Paul termina en una experiencia completa y muy satisfactoria. Ellos nos hicieron sentir como en casa de verdad una excelente experiencia.
- Wolfe (9/5): Amazing host, great breakfast, spectacular view. -
- Carlos (10/5): - La amabilidad de la pareja dueña de la villa fue excelente.
- Charlotte (10/5): Joya tranquila a la orilla del lago: excepcional - Amplia habitación, muy limpia y muy bonita con terraza personal, vista preciosa. El desayuno fue excepcional y excelente: recomiendo mucho este alojamiento. Todo me gustó: TODO
- Gabriele (10/5): - wir sind total begeistert von dieser Lodge. Die Lage am See ist sehr schön, man kann vom privaten Seegrundstück aus Kanu fahren oder im Spa mit 30 Grad warmen Wasser relaxen. Die Gastgeber sind sehr freundlich und für die Gäste da. Besonders zu erwähnen ist das leckere Frühstück, jeden Tag neu kreiert, mit selbst gebackenen Bananenbrot, Omlett mit frischen Dill und vieles mehr, Zaungäste beim Frühstücken sind die bunten Vögel aus der Umgebung. Gerne wieder…
- Will (9/5): -
- Jennifer (10/5): Nice stay - The food trucks right outside the building. The parking garage with security guards 24/7. Made us feel safe and for any belongings in our vehicle. The woman who checked us in was extremely helpful. Nothing
- GMS (10/5): Ruhig, sauber, Kanu fahren und geniessen - Die Unterkunft liegt auf einer Anhöhe mit Blick auf den Arenal See, an dessen Ufer die Kajaks bereit lagen. Der See war angenehm warm, und das kajaken machte richtig Spass. Der kleine Pool, ca 140cm tief, lud mit Poolnudeln zum Abhängen und Vögel beobachten ein. Nachts flogen Glühwürmchen. Wir haben die Ruhe sehr genossen. Würden sofort wieder buchen.
- Sullivan (10/5): - Paul was an absolutely amazing host. Will definitely return for his amazing breakfast and super comfortable accommodations. Thank you Paul. PS, you are a fantastic cook. I think your banana bread and french toast was perfect. Cheers Amigo
James
- maria (9/5): -
- Sam (10/5): Highly recommended! - If I could give it eleven stars, I would. Perched on a misty cliff above iconic Lake Arenal, the property offers everything one could hope for amidst the Costa Rican rainforest. My wife especially enjoyed the the birdwatching. We both loved the onsite breakfast which is included in your stay. My wife loved the fruit salad and coffee whereas I was particularly impressed with the egg sandwich. We will definitely be back!
- Barry (10/5): - The breakfasts were great. Paul and Carol were attentive hosts. It was nice being next to the lake with kayaks and fishing poles available, but the weather did not cooperate. We liked the remote location with the town of New Arenal and its restaurants being relatively close by. Location was far from some activities, but I think that that is probably the case, regardless of where you stay.
- Tom (9/5): Great - Hosts were great Leaving
- Alison (9/5): -
- Sabine (10/5): Ein Juwel am ARENAL See - Absolutes Juwel: moderne Zimmer, top Bad, mega Frühstück auf Terrasse, Tucane leisten Dir Gesellschaft. Die Besitzer sind überaus freundlich und bemüht, geben tolle Restauranttips. Lage am See ist bezaubernd. —-
- Adrian (10/5): -
- Thomas (10/5): Carol and Paul are absolutely wonderful hosts. - Every day the breakfast was different and always very good. Carol is a great cook. The only thing that we would suggest is a mat in the shower. We are in our 80's and the beautiful marble tile floor of the shower could get a little slippery once we used a body wash soap.
- Kathleen (9/5): Great place to experience our first 2 nights in Coata rica - Comfortable bed /pillows/ clean/new/ great hosts and breakfasts! Pool on site and kayaks to use at the lake right there. Restaurants within driving distance (3-6km) Not really walkable to a dinner restaurant but small price to pay since you probably have a rental car to get there anyways and can get ride share
- matt (10/5): Absolutely Amazing - It was so beautiful and serene. Exceptionally clean with a well stocked kitchenette. Kayaks are really nice to use on the beautiful lake. The best breakfast we had in Costa Rica. Absolutely nothing. I wish we knew how wonderful it was and how close to Lafortuna because we would have stayed much longer and just drove to Lafortuna and skipped the overpriced tourist trap hotels of LaFortuna.
- Jonathan (10/5): -
- Sergio (10/5): excelente estadia, super recomendable! - el entorno y las vistas son increibles. la amabilidad de sus dueños nada
- Sandra (8/5): Nice spot for a 1-night stay. Too bad about the weather. - Lovely location on the lake down a country lane. Nice walk around small town and to local lake view restaurant for dinner. Friendly hosts. Simple but more than adequate breakfast. The whole area is a lush jungle rain forest so rain may be inevitable. Winds also meant no chance to kayak on lake which is what we came for.
- Diogo (10/5): -
- René (8/5): -
- holt (10/5): Excellent stay all round , highly recommended. - Excellent hosts! Location fabulous and breakfast superb! Big variety of birds feeding by the terrace on the fruit the host puts out. Good variety of restaurants near by. Our kids made very welcome too. The weather!!!!! Hahahaha
- Jane (10/5): -
- Annie (10/5): Wonderful place, wonderful hosts ❤️ - A beautifully located comfortable accommodation with the most welcoming hosts, Paul and Carole, who work really hard to make your stay an excellent experience. The room has everything you need to enable you to make a simple meal, the view is amazing and the heated plunge pool a must for star gazing.... the best accommodation of the trip. Oh, and check out Carole's home made salsa...delicious! N/A
- Philipp (10/5): Sehr gute Gastgeber und modern eingerichtete Zimmer - Wir wurden durch die Eigentümer Carol und Paul herzlich empfangen. Die Unterkunft liegt am Ende einer Strasse so dass man keinen Durchgangsverkehr hat. Sie ist schön gelegen mit direktem Zugang zum See. Wir haben natürlich die Gelegenheit genutzt und sind mit den zur Verfügung bestellten Kanus unterwegs gewesen. Das Frühstück wurde frisch zubereitet und war sehr lecker.
Wir würden diese Anlage jedem weiter empfehlen.
- LUIS (10/5): -
- John (10/5): Everything was great! - I had an excellent stay! Was able to use the kayaks and fishing rods on the lake. Breakfast every morning was so good, very cool watching the birds while you eat. The restaurant just across the bay has amazing views. Close proximity to hiking and activities in La Fortuna. Also relatively easy drives to Rio Celeste, Lake Cote, and Avatar tree. Nuevo Arenal has a nice laid back feel just far enough away from all the activities and tours in La Fortuna.
- Murguz (10/5): - Beautiful location with the most wonderful hosts I’ve met. Can’t recommend it enough!
- GERARD (9/5): Excellent séjour - Tres bon accueil à l'établissement. Belle vue sur le lac. Très bon petit déjeuner sur la terrasse en compagnie des oiseaux route d'accès un peu difficile
- Arturas (10/5): - Paul and Carole were warm, welcoming, and very easy to communicate with. The place is peaceful and relaxing, close to the lake, and just a short drive from the town.
- Jorge (10/5): - Paul et Carole sont très sympathiques et attentionnés. La situation est idéale proche de l'eau et avec beaucoup de tranquillité. La ville est à 5 minutes en voiture pour les courses ou les restaurants..
- Sylvianne (10/5): Nice stay at Villas Santa Maria - My boyfriend and I were there for 2 nights and the first morning we were going fishing so we were waking up too early for breakfast. It was very nice because Paul brought us the breakfast at the room so we would have it before going fishing! Paul and Carole are very friendly and the view at the villa is beautiful! The villas are located at only 5 minutes of the boat ramp. We had everything we needed and we were comfortable. Everything was perfect!
- Silvia (10/5): Relax al lado lago Arenal, preciosa estancia rodeados de naturaleza - La ubicación del Hotel y la limpieza de las habitaciones, el desayuno con las vistas al lago Arenal. La amabilidad de Paul y Carole que te sirven en el desayuno ellos mismos y la ayuda para gestionar las excursiones.
Las habitaciones tienen muchos detalles y están puestas con gusto Está apartado de la fortuna, si no tienes coche propio, se puede hacer incómoda la llegada a las excursiones pero encontramos facilidad con una empresa para llegar a los sitios de las excursiones y no tuvimos problema pero hay que tener en cuenta que está algo alejado. Aunque la vista del lago Arenal compensa la estancia allí. Muy tranquilo
- Liuba (10/5): - Paul y Caro son excelentes anfitriones.
Es un lugar tranquilo y excelentemente equipado. Disfrutamos mucho el desayuno, el Kayak y ver las aves que merodean cerca.
- Sven (9/5): -
- Rita (10/5): A peaceful and unforgettable stay surrounded by nature, with amazing hosts and stunning views. - A perfect place to relax and enjoy the true pura vida of Costa Rica. The view is stunning, and all you can hear is the sound of nature, especially the birds singing. The bed is extremely comfortable, and the space is cozy and very well maintained. Breakfast was delicious, varied, and different every day – a lovely surprise! There are several good restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations nearby, which is very convenient. Carole and Paul were outstanding hosts, always friendly, welcoming, and ready to help with anything we needed. It was an amazing stay in every way!
- Hugo (9/5): Comfortable and relaxed. With view of Arenal lake - Vèry friendly, good location, very clean room Bed sheets of polyester instead of cotton.
- Chris (10/5): Exceptional -
- David (10/5): Increíble with breath taking views - I absolutely enjoyed the property, there was not one thing I did not like…the scenery, the tranquility and the fishing. Carole, was exceptional in her communication. The room was immaculate, the bed and shower was incredibly. Can’t say enough good things about this property. NOTHING..
- Mike (9/5): Superb -
- Tim (9/5): Superb -
- Gerard (10/5): Exceptional - This was by far the best accommodations I had in Costa Rica. Breakfast each morning was wonderful
- Mana (10/5): Perfect!! - Carole & Paul are the nicest hosts. The room is beautiful, everything is new and super clean. They make fresh breakfast every morning and it’s fenomenal, super fresh, large portions and we got every morning a different breakfast (we stayed 2 nights). The view is breathtaking over the lake. They have free kayaks to use aswel. Highly recommend!
- Jomiya (10/5): A Hidden Paradise in Arenal – Unforgettable Stay! - A Hidden Paradise in Arenal – Unforgettable Stay!
Villas Santa Maria is an absolute treasure! From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed into a little slice of paradise. The property is stunning, surrounded by lush greenery, breathtaking mountain views, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it the perfect getaway.
The villas are beautifully designed—spacious, spotless, and thoughtfully equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. The attention to detail in both the accommodations and the hospitality truly sets this place apart.
One of the highlights of our stay was the incredible breakfast prepared by Paul and Carol. Every morning, we were treated to a delicious homemade feast with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From perfectly cooked eggs and crispy bacon to fresh tropical fruit, homemade banana bread and the best locally sourced coffee, each meal was a delightful way to start the day. Their warm and welcoming nature made the experience even more special, making us feel right at home.
The location is ideal—just a short drive to Arenal’s main attractions yet tucked away in a tranquil setting that allows you to truly relax and reconnect with nature. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, Villas Santa Maria is the perfect choice.
- Victor (10/5): Perfect stay with exceptional hosts - The place is new and beautifully decorated. Our room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and featured a large, comfortable bed. The shower had plenty of hot water, and the views from both our room and the breakfast balcony were breathtaking, filled with colorful birds you won’t see in the parks.
Breakfast was excellent—fresh, delicious, and a perfect start to the day. The atmosphere throughout the property was peaceful, pastoral, and incredibly relaxing. Carole and Paul were exceptional hosts, always attentive to our needs. Paul recommended a fantastic place to visit, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
When we encountered a flat tire upon departure, Paul went out of his way to meet us at the gas station to ensure we were taken care of, offering his help without hesitation.
We highly recommend this place! Nothing.
- Rice (10/5): We met some lovely travellers, enjoyed amazing breakfasts and soaked up the wildlife - The property was very new and so in excellent condition. Very quiet. Beautiful views. Nothing - wish we could have stayed longer
- Marvin (10/5): Exceptional -
- Ben (10/5): Exceptional -
- Taylor (10/5): Perfect - The property was beautiful,comfortable and clean. The breakfast in the morning was fantastic and the hosts were lovely. Nothing
- Rosemary (9/5): A beautiful , clean and well equipped property with fantastic views - The property was new. Pristinely clean and very well equipped. The location was lovely with view of the lake. The private bay had no beach and was down quite a lot of steps but was worth the walk. Sadly we were too late to take out the kayak that was available. The breakfast was lovely. Very local traditional. The hosts were lovely and very friendly. They put out fruit to attract the birds for us to watch while having breakfast. Getting there involved a long road up a gravelly path which we had to drive twice. There were a few shops and restaurants in town which we had to drive to to get some food. This meant doing the drive again.
The swimming pool was small but would have been fine for a dip but sadly it was closed
- Luna (8/5): Perfect place to relax enjoy the scenery in great company! - The calm, relaxing location, views, hosts and the excellent breakfast was so amazing! Rooms are complete, clean and comfortable! Shower is amazing! There is a full kitchenette! Very comfortable all around! Paul and Carole are wonderful hosts! Enjoy the array of beautifully birds feasting while you have your morning coffee! Would have wished rooms could accommodate the family of 4 in one room,
- Victoria (10/5): Beautiful location, excellent facilities and great people. - EVERYTHING!! Clean, beautiful, everything was top quality, food was healthy, delicious and made fresh each morning, Paul and Carole are wonderfully interesting people and a pleasure to chat with. Everything was perfect, there was nothing to dislike.
- Chris (9/5): Lovely quiet location on Lago Arenal - Clean and comfortable modern accommodation hosted by friendly Paul and Carole. Beautifully located a couple of kilometres outside Nuevo Arenal beside the lake. Good breakfast watching the local birds feeding on fruit provided by hosts.. Would recommend
- Iris (10/5): Exceptional - Very nice place with a private beach/ access to Lake Arenal. New build. The best matrix we had till now.
The breakfast was excellent and during it we saw so many birds that we even didn't see in the Parkes we visit in Costa Rica.
we stay 2 nights, the roads were close due to weather conditions so we couldn't go traveling according to our previous plan.
Poal gave us his kayak for self Kayaking in the lake , it was a very good activity.
Very worming hospitality.
I'm definitely recommend you to book and stay there.
Thank you
- Mary (9/5): After a long day of travel, we were delighted with this special place. - The room was lovely, the bed very comfortable and the breakfast was generous and delicious. Our room had a slight smell to it, but everything else was wonderful and therefore we overlooked the smell.
- Van (10/5): Highly recommend - Carole and Paul are excellent hosts with an amazing property! We had some difficulties traveling but they stayed up late to greet us and had special accommodations for us too. The breakfasts were fabulous! We lost power one morning but Carole and Paul still had hot coffee, hot water for tea, and a warm breakfast for all the guests. The rooms are as beautiful as the photos and are very comfortable. The bed was comfortable too.I especially loved watching all the birds and meeting other guests at breakfast. I highly recommend staying here! We will certainly stay again next time we are in Nuevo Arenal!
- Keelan (10/5): Exceptional - No problems everything good except the weather which you cannot predict Everything good
- Rolando (10/5): Wonderfull stay in nuevo arenal! - Everything!
The lake view, the birds that come when you have the best breakfast in the balcony. All was clean! The host were friendly and polite! As i said all was good just hope they can add more plants to the green area i know they just start i have no doubt they will be better!
- Daniel (10/5): Great accommodation in the ultimate location . - This place is amazing . I originally booked due to the location , right on the banks of lake Arenal . It was ideal for me with good fishing and Kayaks to use just at the bottom of the garden .
The accommodation was perfect , one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in , nice warm , powerful shower and all the facilities you need . The apartment was spotlessly clean and the breakfast was delicious.
The owners were really nice , genuine, friendly people . They were happy to go out of their way to make sure you had a good time and a great stay .
Highly recommend, one of the best places I have ever stayed . Nothing bad to say !
- Hilary (10/5): Beautiful lakefront property, well appointed rooms and delicious breakfast! Highly recommend! - Beautiful lakefront location with brand new rooms that are stylishly decorated. Very comfortable king sized bed, fridge, coffee maker and everything you need. Amazing breakfast on the upstairs patio! All good!
- Pamela (10/5): So good that we want to stay longer! - It is a WOW, enough out of town to be perfectly quiet at night. The room was way above average and was to international standards. We give this place the highest marks for the attention to detail , newness, excellent design and thoughtful furnishings. The host was so welcoming and awesome. Highly recommended! Nothing to dislike, first rate!
Photos