Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Our summer treehouse in Costa Rica

When we found a small little cabin from Airbnb in Costa Rica in a gorgeous setting bordered by lush forests and a property filled with banana, papaya, and mango trees, we were intrigued. Of course, any Costa Rica Resort can provide green layouts and (maybe better) amenities. But for this trip, we choose Airbnb. We read about the host and his life and family, saw that he offered fresh goat milk and chicken eggs, nightly campfires, and was located in a secluded area, we were sold.

Philip and Mary Belle offer three listings on airbnb in Costa Rica, and all located with the above amenities. We immediately settled on the Summer Treehouse airbnb in Costa Rica. It is still, to this date, the most incredible experience of any place in the world we’ve ever enjoyed. It is perfect!

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Our summer treehouse airbnb in Costa Rica

The Best Airbnb in Costa Rica: Living in the Trees

My father served an LDS mission in Costa Rica back in 1960, and I’d grown up hearing about Costa Rica my whole life. I’d always wanted to go. We tried to plan a trip where my Mom and Dad could accompany us, but after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer he never felt comfortable leaving the country. I wanted to go before he passed so I could experience it with him, even if it wasn’t in person.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
My Dad in 1960 in Cartagena, Costa Rica

Our trip to Costa Rica started with a plan to watch the sea turtles hatch. I was enamored by the idea of watching the sea turtles arrive back to the beach where they were birthed, lay their eggs, and then watch one by one as each baby turtle gained their footing and embarked on their life journey. Circle of Life, amiright?

We planned to stay at Tortuga Lodge in an open air room overlooking the river, but then we found out they don’t allow children under 7 on the tour. So it was with many tears that we nixed that whole plan.

Even though our plans were thwarted, we still wanted to find another way to experience this beautiful country. In a way, what we ended up doing was better because it gave us more to see and do than be confined to a relatively small, and secluded area. We still plan on going to Tortuga Lodge someday, but it will have to wait until the entire family can participate.

In a way, I’m glad our plans fell through. Otherwise we’d never have had this incredible experience in Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Costa Rican airbnb Amenities

Ranking: #cleandiaper

Costa Rica airbnb
Summer Treehouse
Alajuela, Costa Rica
Reserve Room

After renting our car just outside the San Jose airport, we made our way to Alajuela – a 40 minute drive west of San Jose. Once we reached the outskirts of the city, we were engrossed in the beauty of the scenery. We visited in the early part of February, which is the dry season in Costa Rica.

Much of the countryside was brown, but we still found it beautiful. There was plenty of growth, greenery and life despite the season. We took our time, not even knowing we were, simply enjoying the experience. We turned to each other immediately and decided we wanted to live here permanently.

Our hosts, Philip and Mary Belle provided excellent instructions for arrival and were there upon arrival to greet us at the gated community. They are incredible hosts full of kindness, immense gratitude for life and a zest for increasing friendship. The property is on the edge of a 100 acre forest, with the treehouse bordering the canyon.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Costa Rican Airbnb Grounds

This 3 acre airbnb in Costa Rica offers three different properties, all designed and built by Philip. The grounds are home to goats, chickens, dogs, fruit trees, vegetation, with amenities such as a swimming pool, hammock, table tennis, campfire, phenomenal views and the list goes on.

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Hello Mister Chicken Friend

We were provided with fresh goat milk, and fresh eggs during each morning of our stay. We were also informed that Philip and Mary Belle sell the goat milk to a woman in town who then makes fresh yogurt and sells it at the co-op. We made sure to pick some up!

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Fresh Goat Milk in the morning

We enjoyed a campfire one night with Philip, Mary Belle, and the other guests staying on the property with marshmallows courtesy of our hosts. The pool was also available at our leisure, which our children loved.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Wahoo!

The treehouse itself is a prototype for a new campsite type community. Instead of being in an actual tree, the treehouse is propped up by a radio tower type pole through the center, yet perfectly balanced. Being raised above ground offered great views, and an interesting setting. On windy nights the home would sway gently, and the breeze would flow through the tent. There is running water including a bathroom, shower and kitchen sink and there is a full kitchen, including a stove, fridge and kitchen table.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Most unique place we’ve ever stayed

To enter the home there is a small ladder and a trapdoor. The main floor houses the kitchen, bathroom, and three beds/couches.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42

The upper level is a large loft up a tall ladder with three additional beds that our twins slept and played in, with some areas of floor made of thick netting. The windows are composed of mesh, with curtains that can be closed for privacy.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Looking out the window of our Costa Rican airbnb

For Kids: This is an incredibly neat and unique way to experience Costa Rica for both us, and the kids. Our children, who love animals, would wake with the sun and go down to watch Philip milk the goats, and play with them and the dogs and the chickens. They begged Philip to climb the trees and pluck them fresh bananas. Our children felt comfortable here and enjoyed every minute.

We could not have wished for better hosts, and in fact, have kept in touch with Philip and Mary Belle. We loved learning about Philip and Mary Belle’s lives and hearing their wisdom and stories. Philip has recently finished building a boat with his grandson, created a biogas production unit to run appliances on the property, engineered an aquaponics lab for fresh and clean water, and engineered and built everything on the grounds including the three homes, the swimming pool and a storage tunnel running through a small hill on the property.

Costa Rican Airbnb, Costa Rica, Traveling with kids, Family Travel, Diapersonaplane, Diapers On A Plane
Just let me go swimming!

This home wasn’t particularly close to anything, but we enjoyed the location immensely. It encased the Costa Rica mantra of Pura Vida in totality. The host at our airbnb in Costa Rica says the best way to experience Costa Rica is by taking a day to relax for every day that you explore. We did not follow this advice. We had 4 days to jam pack everything we wanted to do and we didn’t want to waste this opportunity. Check out the rest of our adventures hiking a volcano, exploring the rainforest, and playing on the beach.

Nap-Time Version: A fantastic airbnb in Costa Rica composing a real life experience in this country. With unique accommodations, animals and views to escape the mundane.

 

Looking to go on a trip soon? Use our airbnb Referral Code to save $40 on your first trip! Thinking about Hosting on airbnb? Check out our 3 part series about what it’s like to rent your home on airbnb.

The Best Airbnb in Costa Rica
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