Something we'd like to share ~~ my Owners Response to a recent guest's 5 Star Guest Review of Sept, 2022 !... Dear Courtney, Your detailed 10 Star Guest Review is a VERY SPECIAL one for us at Villa Encantada. Your review is our 200TH 10 Star Guest Review. This is an Incredible Milestone to pass and I am humbled and fortunate to have been able to receive worldwide travelers over the last 24 years at Villa Encantada. This is a Milestone that VERY FEW vacation rental properties enjoy. Myself, along our staff, take great pleasure in making Villa Encantada the best it can be. Having hosted tens of thousands of guests over a Quarter of a Century has been the privilege of a lifetime. WE are thankful for the opportunity of helping our guests forge lasting memories of the best vacation of their lives. >>>> Copy and paste this link to your browser to view our Vrbo Exclusive and Private Par 3 Golf Course video for guests only at Villa Encantada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vijYUxnpDC4 Muchisimas Gracias, Glenn TAKE NOTE: *** Holiday Weeks, ie, Christmas/New Years, Easter Week and/or Thanksgiving Week as during those weeks, like most vacation rentals in Costa Rica, we have a 7 night minimum stay requirement.***
We are the original vacation villa rental property on Lake Arenal. At Villa Encantada we offer a complete vacation experience, a DESTINATION, not just a place to sleep, with PAVED ROAD all the way to the villa. When you stay at Villa Encantada you get the EXCLUSIVE USE of entire lakefront villa and 40 acre Private Nature Preserve Estate with Lake Arenal access only a 5 min walk from the villa... COMPLETE PRIVACY and you can REST ASSURED that our property is professionally Cleaned and Sanitized prior to your arrival.
You'll find miles of Manicured Hiking Trails thru the Rain Forest on our property. ~~ A Brand New 100 ft WATERSLIDE that is Awesome Fun for all ages. Our Spring Fed Swimming Pool (no chemicals), Drained / Cleaned and Sanitized prior to your arrival with crystal clear spring water, so clean you can drink it. Kayaks to use on our huge Pond at the villa or paddle on Lake Arenal...Fishing for Bass on our Huge stocked Pond or Fly Fishing on our streams Fishing rods/reels included (bring your Fly Rod)... And WATERFALLS, lots of Waterfalls, an experience in Nature that you'll not find anywhere but at the Villa Encantada Estate. AND NOW... Our Brand New PRIVATE Nine Hole Par 3 GOLF Practice Area for your short golf game w/ 75-195 yd holes, walking w/ 5 Bermuda Grass Greens professionally cut w/ Greens Mower, (Fairways are of Bermuda Grass as well) , Sand Traps and R/L and Kids Golf Clubs for your use ~~ no additional charge (bring golf balls)! AT VILLA ENCANTADA ALL OF OUR AMENITES ARE INCLUDED WITH YOUR STAY.. No additional charge to Golf, Swimming Pool w/ Waterslide, use our Hiking Trails, and/or Kayaks fo in our ponds and lake or streams to fish... all on our property!!
Our goal is to provide a memorable and hassle free experience for your group/family and to help you get the most out of your time with us and in the area. We've learned so much about what we can do to help you have the best vacation of your life, to 'hit the ground running', provide useful info on the area, including assistance in arranging your Tour Itinerary and/or Ground Transportation. Take Advantage of our 30 years of EXPERIENCE here at Lake and Volcano Arenal area.
Most importantly, see our (290+) 10 Star Guest Reviews from those who have visited Villa Encantada and happily share their experiences to get an idea of what really awaits you at Villa Encantada. Once you arrive, you'll be thinking.... " This must be Heaven ~~ It just doesn't get any better than this'. Our reward is your smiling faces and the knowledge that we've made a difference, and that you'll have have lifelong memories of your stay at Villa Encantada.
Casual Elegance ~ Our Tri--level 3,200 sq. ft. architectural masterpiece designed villa with 4,000+ sq t of Decks/Verandas and Porches is fully furnished with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 fireplaces and comfortably sleeps 2-15 persons. On many occasions we’ve hosted groups of 16 persons. In the event you have a larger group, we have contacts with other nearby villa rentals.
You’ll find imported Italian tile & exotic hardwoods throughout the villa, an interior design of local art, indigenous masks, Hand Carved Doors, Antiques and floor to ceiling glass windows that will make you feel at one with the mature manicured gardens/nature trails and lake and rainforest views that surround you. You have Air Conditioning in the lower level bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen w/ new appliances, Wet Bar, Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, DVD, Stereo system, Barbecue Grill, Washer & Dryer... and MUCH more! Experience our newly remodeled bathrooms. Luxurious Towels and High Quality Linens are provided with optional maid service at a nominal extra charge. Chef Services, Child Care and Professional Massage service are available upon request.
Villa Encantada is situated on an INCREDIBLE 40-acre lushly landscaped Private Nature Preserve Estate on the shores of Lake Arenal, yet conveniently located to the village of Nuevo Arenal with its restaurants, shopping and tourist amenities. We’re close to the Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, and just minutes away from the multitude of adventure activities in the area. We refer you only to the most reliable and efficient tour operators in the area. Take advantage of easy day excursions to La Fortuna, Monteverde, Cano Negro, National Parks, Cloud Forests and many Beaches. We can tailor make a spectacular vacation itinerary for your group/family, with on and off site activities.
Finally, what really sets us apart from other properties is that here at Villa Encantada you’ll enjoy Nature at its Exquisite Best.. with acres of mature gardens and miles of extensive manicured hiking trails through virgin rain forests, Waterfalls and Fishing Streams. Our own Private Golf Practice Area, Natural Spring Fed Ponds for swimming and waterfalls to relax by… lots of Waterfalls, FLY FISHING streams on our property, stocked FISHING PONDS w/ BIG fish. Huge ponds that you can use our (8) Kayaks on, or take them down to the lake and paddle in secluded lake coves to see wildlife with Flora/Fauna too numerous to mention here. We are the ONLY villa rental property that has LAKE ARENAL ACCESS, just an easy 5 minute walk to the lakeshore to explore the Gem of Costa Rica: Lake Arenal.
At Villa Encantada we do have a 3 night minimum stay requirement (although most of our guests stay a week, as there is Sooooo Much to do right here on site at Villa Encantada). Exceptions can be made for groups of 8 or more persons OR in cases when we have 2 nights only between other reservations. Honeymoon couples or groups of 14+ persons will find Villa Encantada an unforgettable experience in a tropical paradise setting.
Rental rates are based on the number of guests in your group. Our Base Rate of $500 per night plus tax/fees is for up to 4 persons, additional guests are charged $75 per person per night, plus tax.. HOLIDAY RENTALS ~~ Christmas/New Years, Easter & (USA) Thanksgiving Week: for a 7 night minimum stay requirement with a Base Rate of $600 per night plus tax/fees for up to 4 persons, additional guests are charged $75 per person per night, plus tax.
Thanks for your interest in Villa Encantada and we hope that we’ll be a part of your special travel experience to Costa Rica. We’re here to be of service in any way that we can. Copy and paste this link in your browser to take you to our Vrbo video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3EvxDjqD60 Your Host, Glenn McBride
Keywords: Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lakefront Vacation Villa, Costa Rica Golf, Costa Rica Nature, Nature Eco/Preserve, Waterfalls, Hiking Trails
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Kids 2 yrs or under Free. Proof of age may be req.
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Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
ONLY w/ acceptance of Host. Additional Fee's apply
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking outside only!
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 100% refund w/ 60 + days to arrival . 0% refund w/ less than 60 days prior to arrival.
Reservation Rates based on number of group/family members in party. ALL group members MUST BE DECLARED! Rule is Strictly Enforced!
Respect all amenities we offer, incl Kayak's, Household Items, Golf Clubs, Pool/Slide, Laundry Equipment, etc. Any damages will be assessed!
Important information
You need to know
Property # 7007226
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: ONLY w/ acceptance of Host. Additional Fee's apply
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Arenal
Located in Arenal, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. El Pilon Station and Centro Comercial Monteverde are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider FlyZone Wakeboard School, or check out an event or a game at Tronadora Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain climbing.
Arenal Volcano National Park - 36 min drive - 37.6 km
Tabacon Hot Springs - 41 min drive - 43.5 km
Los Lagos Hot Springs - 50 min drive - 51.9 km
Baldi Hot Springs - 52 min drive - 52.9 km
Getting around
La Fortuna (FON-Arenal) - 101 min drive
Restaurants
Café & Macadamia - 10 min drive
Tom's Pan German Bakery - 4 min drive
La Tortuga - 11 min drive
Casa Italia - 5 min drive
Moya's Place - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++ have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++ on 7 Aug 2026 start from AU$691, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Lakefront Eco-Preserve w/ Pool/Slide, Waterfalls, Kayaks, Golf Course, Trails ++ located?
This family-friendly Arenal holiday home is located on the waterfront, steps from Lake Arenal and within 9 mi (15 km) of FlyZone Wakeboard School and Tenorio Volcano National Park. Cavernas de Venado and Venado Caves are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
House was amazing. Great amenities for the kids. The water slide was awesome and the hiking trails and sights around the house were perfect. Glenn was an excellent host and did everything he could to make the stay memorable.
Exceeded all of our expectations! Glenn was the most helpful host! We will be back!
Toni e.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Karen and Randy H.
20 Apr 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
We would have liked to see some wildlife as this was promoted on the website. Our family of 12 really needed a functioning washer and dryer for our clothes so that made things difficult. Having said that, the entire family loved the waterslide and pool and used it daily. We also went fishing and kayaking in the pond and caught a few little fish. Transportation was very expensive so we would recommend renting a car. The host, Glenn, was very kind, communicative and tried to accommodate our group as best as possible. The grounds and view are incredible!
Karen and Randy H.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Apr 2026
Dear Karen, Thanks very much for your visit and guest review. I'm glad you mentioned the Washing Machine issue ~~ the Dryer is/was in perfect working order. You contacted me mid-morning to let me know the washer wasn't working. By 1:00 pm I had a repairman at the villa and it was fixed by 3:30 same day!! The problem was that (with a group of 12 guests) the washing machine was overloaded. Even with a capacity of 21 kilos.. someone managed to overload it. This is called operator error and I just paid for the repair and was happy to get it repaired within a few hours.
We do have alot of animals that frequent our property... and to see wild animals it's always best to get an early start in the morning. If you want a guaranteed sightings, consider a zoo!
Anyway, I am glad that you enjoyed the rest of the amenities that we offer our guests !
Happy Trails,
Glenn
We had a wonderful time! Glenn could not have been a better host. He gave us advice on great restaurants and activities. And the property is even more beautiful than the pictures! It was the perfect place for our party of 8!
If you're looking for the single best VRBO near La Fortuna- you've found it. Amazing property. Incredible host. Everything is over the top, impressive, incredible, - choose your own superlative. The drive to La Fortuna (we made it every day) is adventurous (if you like driving in Costa Rica, you'll love it). It takes about an hour and 5 minutes but if you're used to commuting it's beautiful and fun. Saw more wildlife driving back and forth to LaFortuna than many see on their "excursions". Love every moment of it. Glen is one of the original O.G. Costa Rica hosts and we highly, highly recommend him and this property!
Absolutely gorgeous grounds. The kids had a blast on the water slide. We all had fun on the golf course. Close to groceries too.
janean m.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jan 2026
Thank you for your visit Janean. It was a pleasure hosting your lovely family for 7 nights over the Christmas Holiday. Come on back anytime ! Cheers, Glenn
Every aspect of this property is beyond excellent. It’s a magical slice of heaven, and the love Glenn and his family have put into creating and caring for it are evident in every corner. You really could just stay on site for your entire trip and fill your days…but there are also so many wonderful things to see and do in the Arenal area. It *is* a schlep to get to most of them…but that is not unique to this particular VRBO…the infrastructure in Costa Rica just means you have to add in time and effort to navigate the roads..but don’t let that deter you from visiting! Our kids kept calling this home “the mansion”, and spent their days catching toads, kayaking the pond, shooting down the waterslide, trying their hand at golf, blissfully running around with and cuddling Luna (the caregivers dog, who is a JOY to be around), marveling at the wild peacocks who showed up on the patio one morning, listening for different bird calls (download and use the Merlin ID app!), hiking to the waterfall, and lounging on their backs on the “meditation island” staring at the clouds. Glenn was SO helpful in so many ways before, during, and after our trip…even letting us know that our 10 year old left his beloved blanket behind and offering to ship it home to us in LA. Couldn’t recommend this spot more, and hope we can come back again.
This place is a dream! Glenn is the most helpful and engaged host, and the property is incredible. We wish we would have stayed for a month!
Susan B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jan 2026
Thank you Susan for your kind review. For 25 years, We've been working hard to make Villa Encantada all it can be, and more... to offer a memorable and "I'll be back " sentiment ~~ and we look forward to seeing you and your lovely family again.. and staying for a whole month ! Cheers, Glenn
This place was amazing!! The pond for fishing, the golf course, the hiking trails, the lake, the waterfalls, the restaurants, it was just beautiful!! Of course my son found everything venomous he could find!! But our snake wrangler Kevin was on it for a pit viper. Would go again, Glenn is on it, everyone knows him. Except for the Karen neighbor, wich was a great experience, we loved it!!!
Villa Encatada is heaven on earth!! The home is a true work of art. The grounds are perfection. Honestly, the listing is wonderful, but this is a case where real life is even better than the description!!! Glenn is the best host and so hospitable and welcoming and helpful! The home has everything you need for living. The amenities are unparalleled…and feature views, a 9 hole golf course, swimming pool and slide, waterfalls on the property. A path to the lake where you can fish if you’d like. Our family of 4..myself, my husband, and our 2 boys ages 20 and 23 enjoyed playing and exploring the property. We loved hanging out together and had plenty of room to spread out and relax too. Some of my best memories are of sitting on the porch with coffee in the morning listening to the sounds of the birds and monkeys! It was the perfect home base for exploring and adventuring around La Fortuna and the surrounding area. We will definitely return and have left a piece of our hearts at Villa Encantada!!
We enjoyed our brief stay at Villa Encantada tremendously. The host was very hands on and helpful with directions for arrival. The property is just beautiful. The family loved the water slide and we had so much fun walking the trails and finding frogs. The beds were comfortable, the house was well supplied with anything you might need. We didn’t use the golf course but it is clearly well maintained. It was a reasonable distance to La Fortuna for day trips. We would absolutely recommend a stay here and would certainly return if the opportunity arises
Stephanie W.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jan 2026
Thank you Stephanie for your 10 Star Guest Review. Yes, 3 nights is a nice start to really get a feel of the villa and area, and the truth is that we have a very high percentage of guests that return... for a week or more. There is so much to do on site that you don't have to be looking for off site activities to keep to entertained...our guests do venture off for a few excursions, but in the long run save money by enjoying all that is offered on site! We look forward to your return visit. Thanks for choosing Villa Encantada as your Costa Rican destination . All the Best, Glenn
Had a wonderful time. Glenn takes a lot of pride in his property and it is a great place to be. My kids honestly didn't want to leave the property to do other tourist things. Also got to see one of the new sand traps on the golf course. Great stay!
John R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2025
Thank you for your 10 Star Guest Review, and for appreciating all of the details and never ending hard work that we do for the comfort and enjoyment of our guests. Yes, the addition of 2 New Sand Traps on our golf course has been on the drawing board for some years.. and NOW they are both ready for play, making our 9 hole (5 Greens) trac a real challenge. Bring golf balls! We have L/R and Kids clubs (included) for your use. Cheers, Glenn
The property was absolutely beautiful. The host was amazing. It was a great experience for all family members. I definitely recommend this place!
Rita R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2025
Thanks Very Much for sharing your Great Pics and positive comments about your stay with us at Villa Encantada. You are always welcome at our villa and hope we'll see you again. Hasta Proximo! . Glenn
Amazing property! The grounds are great. Lots to do. The flora and fauna made it doubly awesome. Plenty of room inside. Everything you need. We’d go back!!!
Linda S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2025
We very much appreciate that you chose Villa Encantada as your Costa Rican destination and that you enjoyed your stay with us... and Thank You for your 10 Star Guest Review. We look forward to hosting your family again and know that " Mi casa es su casa". All the best to you and your family. Thanks, Glenn
Could not have asked for a better place/host for our very time in Costa Rica! Glen was hands on making sure our stay was everything and more! We would highly recommended Villa Encantada!
Absolutely breathtaking property! Glenn and team take such pride in keeping this property beautiful. The family was literally speechless while walking the grounds and the pool was by far the highlight for our kids, they were in the pool by 6am on fay one! Great stay and so thankful we found this place.
Trudi H.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2025
Thanks so much for your Glowing 10 Star Guest Review. I'm glad we had the opportunity of hosting your lovely family and that it was all you had hoped for . Come on back anytime. Thanks, Glenn
About the host
Hosted by Glenn McBride
Property Host: Glenn McBride. Yep.. that's a tiny Red Poison Dart Frog on my hand. They are an endangered species, and even after 30 years of living in this area of Lake Arenal, I am still amazed and thankful for the beauty and nature that surround me. Every day is an adventure and to be able to share this slice of Paradise with our guests is more than anyone could hope for and I am very thankful for this opportunity. My 1st visit to Costa Rica and Nuevo Arenal was back in 1976... a long time ago. I've seen many changes since then and the Lake Arenal/Volcano Arenal region is now one of the most popular and visited areas in of all of Costa Rica . Villa Encantada is a Costa Rican entity and I provide management and concierge services. It's been a rewarding evolution and now my principal efforts go into making sure that our guests have the best vacation of their lives. By being here in the area full time, I am able to welcome guests to the villa and help them get the most out of their time at the villa and the area. You'll find 11 Virtual Tours of the villa interior and 40 Acre Nature Preserve/ Botanical Garden Estate in our photo section. On this VRBO site you'll find the maximum photos allowed (30) and (170+) 5 Star Guest Reviews. In other words, you know what to expect when you spend time with us ~~ no unwelcome surprises. Our goal is to make your special vacation to Costa Rica and Villa Encantada memorable and hassle free. Thanks for allowing us to be of service to you, your family and/or group. Copy and paste this link in your browser to take you to our Vrbo video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3EvxDjqD60 Your Host, Glenn
Why they chose this property
Our 40 acre Nature Preserve Estate at Villa Encantada is the only property with Lake Arenal access and Pristine Primary Rainforest with our own Aquifer Springs and too many waterfalls to count. Exquisite Nature surrounds you and you really will think 'I've died and gone to Heaven'. We can't improve Nature, but after 25 years, we've learned how to tweak it to make it to make it more accessible to our guests of all ages by building miles of manicured hiking trails and waterfalls that you can sit under and actually get an incredible massage that will be a very sweet memory that you'll always have to cherish. The manicured gardens and Golf (practice area) Course are still a work in progress and now I look for plants that are unusual and hard to find to share with our guests. Our swimming pool and 100 ft Waterslide have been a great success with Rave Reviews and have been met with enthusiastic smiles all around. Next... on my Bucket List ... build a Butterfly Garden area and Orchid Garden, and install a micro-hydroelectric plant. For me... it's so rewarding, and I love sharing this life's work with wonderful guests from around the world. Muchas Gracias!
What makes this property unique
Villa Encantada and Lake Arenal are centrally located in the Guanacaste province, just 90 minutes from the Liberia Airport and 3.5 hrs from the San Jose Airport. There are a multitude of activities within 1-3 hours from the villa, EASY self guided day excursions to the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Hot Springs, Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve, National Parks, White Water Rafting, Canopy Tours, Volcano Tours and many beaches--, Corobici River and waterfalls guided float trip, Palo Verde National Park and the Rio Tempisque lowland area, Santa Rosa & Guanacaste National Parks, Rincon de la Vieja National Park (volcano and cloud forest with many hot springs and waterfalls), Barra Honda National Park features caverns of limestone descending to 240 meters, Beaches, and more Beaches - the pacific coastline is only 2 to 3 hours away, Our favorites include Coco Beach, Playa Panama, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Flamingo and Tamarindo Beaches
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests