Interview with Jorge Retana Co-Owner of Casa Ramon

What is unique about your villa's location?

Casa Ramon is situated within the treetops of a secluded tropical rainforest teaming with exotic wildlife that play host to the mountain of "Cabeza Del Mono" (Monkey's Head) and the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views of Cano Island Reserve and unspoiled natural beaches that are within plain view just below the villa. Our guests enjoy their seclusion and privacy with the convenience of a nearby private cove beach and or a hotel bar/restaurant just within walking distance from Casa Ramon.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

Casa Ramon is just 9 km south of the famous surf town Dominical and Dominical Beach. Casa Ramon is located in the heart of the South Pacific Region of Costa Rica boasts four very large and diverse Natural Reserves protecting an immense number of plants and animals as well as presenting the opportunity for you to discover some of the most exotic and bio-diverse areas on the planet.



Puertocito's secluded small cove beach is just below Casa Ramon, about 3-5 minutes by foot, depending on the person. We call it our 'Little Paradise' or 'Pequena Paradiso'.

The nearest beach by car is Puertocito Beach, and it's less than 2 minutes away. The gorgeous palm lined Hermosa Beach is just beyond that, a mere 5 minutes drive. It takes a couple hours to walk the beach, it is that long! Ballena Marine National Park is just 5 minutes by car and also visible from Casa Ramon, as is Cano Island Reserve and the Three Sister Islands.

Ballena Marine National Reserve includes several fabulous beaches and Las Tres Hermanitas Islands only 12 km south taking about a 15 minute drive from Casa Ramon. Ballena means 'whale' in Spanish and the park exhibits a very mystical land formation of a 'whale's tail' that is visible at low tide. The park is also a reproduction site for humpback whales during Costa Rica’s winter months from Sept – Nov. At low tide you will spot an unusual green iguana that feeds on marine algae. The cliffs around the park's coastline are nesting grounds for frigate birds and the sea earwig.

If you prefer to drive yourself it's an easy road to the Ballena Reserve. Casa Ramon can prepare you a special picnic lunch for your pleasure.

Baru Biological Reserve has an amazing bio-diversity and is only 15 Km north of Casa Ramon. Here guides head you through one of the most interesting rainforests of the world.

Cano Island Reserve has the most incredible diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica with 65 feet visibility. Its white sand beaches and crystalline water are only 15 Km from the Osa Peninsula and directly in view from Casa Ramon. Here you can swim with dolphins, sea turtles, glimpse at manta rays, and bask in vibrant colors amongst a plethora of tropical fish. This boat tour is spectacular!

Corcovado National Park is the habitat for monkeys, jaguar, puma, tapir and many endangered species. A bird lover's paradise this park has over 400 bird varieties including the Scarlet Macaw. About 2 ½ hours from Casa Ramon by car and boat, with a three hour hike into the jungle it is a full day trip of a lifetime.

Kayaking to Ventanas Caves: Your start your tour from Playa Pinuelas in the Ballena Marine National Reserve where your Kayak tour will be fully guided. You will pass by the famous sea arches, blow holes, and several wave-carved caves that are sometimes reachable for a visit depending on the tides and the surf conditions. The trip is about 1 to 2 hours paddling each way.

Savegre River Rafting Tour: This is the exhilarating, adrenaline rush tour that you have heard about! It is about a 1 hour drive north from Casa Ramon.

Mountain Biking: spectacular scenery in the hills above Casa Ramon with several routes to choose from at varying levels of difficulty.

Waterfalls by horseback: The impressive Nauyacu waterfall can be reached by horseback high in the mountains east of Casa Ramon. A refreshing swim in cool mountain water awaits you on this half day tour.

Horseback on Dominical beach: Dominical beach is a lovely place to ride up the beach and enjoy watching the surfers and the sunset and is just a few minutes from Casa Ramon.

Surfing: the waves are some of the best in Costa Rica at Dominical beach and there is the opportunity to surf or take a lesson if you want to try.



What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

Our on-site administrator is more than a Concierge. At Casa Ramon, he recognizes that each guest is unique and knows that it is important to anticipate their wants and needs. Casa Ramon is more than a vacation destination. At Casa Ramon our passion is to help our guests build lasting memories of Costa Rica where Casa Ramon serves as a keyhole and platform to the ultimate celebration of tropical coastal living where nature, Costa Rican fine art, 'Tico' flavors blend to echo PURA VIDA. We specialize in pairing our guest with many adventures, aiding in lining up their transportation needs such as car rentals or taxi services, our Concierge staff are more than a warm greeting with wine and a cheese tray, a delicious basket of tropical fruits and fresh homemade juices compliments of Casa Ramon upon our guests' arrival. We see to it that the last details that go into securing a regional cook, any massage service at our onsite spa 'The Kiss Spa', outdoor adventures and tours, restaurant reservations are hassle free so that our guests can be about the serious business of simply relaxing and enjoying their vacation, family and friends to the fullest.

What makes your villa memorable and unforgettable?

Our guests all agree that Casa Ramon with its one of a kind eco-green tropical Costa Rican Architecture that blends itself into the surroundings, using both rustic and modern finishes, coral stones, volcanic and river stones, tropical hardwood and recycled glass, where bamboo is king, tropical plants, fountains, fish pond, pool and a collection of fine Costa Rica art work that harmonize to echo with the surroundings of the South Pacific. Casa Ramon serves as the perfect platform to host for wedding celebrations, corporate sponsored retreats and family reunions.



What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

The following testimony from a satisfied guest says it best, 'Casa Ramon is a hidden paradise in the middle of the Costa Rican Jungle. My husband and I stayed there recently with our two children and loved the ocean views and quietness. You can find many places to go and hide in seclusions while listening to the jungle sounds. The on-site-staff are wonderful caretakers and will go the extra mile to meet your needs. We have rented private villas across the world and Casa Ramon is right up there on the top of our list. We highly recommend Dominical Surf & Adventure for all your tours, Norma & Henry were great! They can set up any adventure you want and they are only 5 minutes from the villa. We were so happy at Casa Ramon it was difficult leaving. If you are looking for a private getaway but still want adventure Casa Ramon is the perfect place!

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your villa?

There are a number of options on methods of transportation including local flights from San Jose to Quepos (Quepos is about 30 minutes by taxi/car rental from Casa Ramon). For larger groups we recommend a comfortable well equipped bus that can transport all with their luggage and this is about 3 hours from San Jose by way of the scenic coastal highway along the Pacific Coast to Casa Ramon.



What is the atmosphere of your villa?

What types of guests does it attract? Casa Ramon is a spacious fusion of both rustic and modern Costa Rica Tropical Architecture. It is a heart-warming repose that serves as the optimum platform to experience the lush oasis found at the tree tops of Costa Rica's green rainforest that hosts some of the country's most bio-diverse plants, flowers, birds and other animals. Enjoy your first cup of coffee with a number of visitors, howler monkeys, toucans, sloths to name a few. World traveled guests share one common feeling of oneness with nature at Casa Ramon. Casa Ramon is uncomplicated and works in absolute harmony to lift and heal the soul.

Do you provide any welcoming or parting amenities to guests?

Yes, we greet our guests with fresh tropical flower arrangements throughout the villa. We receive them with a refreshing tray of scented face towels. They are invited to share in a freshly blended ice cold tropical fruit beverage, fresh fruit basket, and a wine and cheese tray greeting. They are then toured throughout the villa and made familiar with how things work including assisting them with locating their bags to each of their suites.



Is there a signature dish that is offered at your villa?

If a guest requests our regional cook service where meals are prepared right at the villa we recommend two signature dishes in particular. Our famous starter is fresh ceviche to start the meal and tres leches to punctuate the local 'Tico' flavors that are like no other Costa Rica Cuisine with all fresh ingredients.

Can you recommend other destinations/villas nearby (within 300 miles) that your guests should consider combining into a trip?

We recommend Grano De Oro to our guests who stay over in the Capitol of San Jose in Costa Rica. This boutique hotel came into being and got its bones from historical homes that were just waiting for the vision to elevate them to the artful architecture that is more than an amazing edifice of beauty. Gran De Oro for its services, its cuisine, its gardens indeed embodies a three dimensional embrace for those who stay.

Villa Profile and more photos: Casa Ramon