Unbelievable Ocho Artisan Bungalows: Your Costa Rica Dream Awaits!
Unbelievable Ocho Artisan Bungalows: My Costa Rican Dream (and Maybe Your Messy Paradise)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn’t your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is me, spilling my guts (and maybe some leftover Gallo Pinto) about Unbelievable Ocho Artisan Bungalows, nestled in… well, somewhere Costa Rican-y. Let’s just say it’s lush. Really, ridiculously lush. And I stayed there. And I have opinions.
First things first: Accessibility (and the lack thereof – Ugh!). Look, I appreciate the “Artisan” tag, but while they mention facilities for disabled guests, the website and my experience didn't scream full-blown accessibility nirvana. This isn’t good news, but let's face it, it's Costa Rica. Some places just aren’t built with perfect ramps and elevators. Important: Call ahead and be brutally honest about your needs, and clarify, clarify, clarify. Don't assume! This is a solid downer for the accessibility-minded (and I'm one of them!), so let's address that upfront.
The Good Stuff - You Know, the Dream Part:
Let’s get to the meat and potatoes (or, in this case, the Gallo and plantains). Remember I said lush? Yeah, the Swimming Pool [outdoor] is the epicenter of that lushness. Picture this: a lagoon-like pool, sparkling azure water, rimmed by vibrant tropical foliage. The Pool with a view isn't just a pool; it's a portal to serenity. I seriously spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring into it, feeling my brain slowly turn to mush in the best possible way. One afternoon, I even saw a sloth hanging out in a nearby tree. Seriously! I think I stopped breathing for approximately…five minutes. This place, the pool, the entire vibe… it's just that Costa Rican dream you've been picturing.
Now, the Spa. Ooooh, the spa! The website boasts a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. I indulged – heavily. The massage therapist, with hands like a gentle thunderstorm, worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I emerged feeling like a reborn butterfly, or maybe just a slightly less grumpy version of myself. It's a whole "zone out, be pampered, forget your troubles" kind of heaven. And the Foot bath? Don't even get me started. Pure bliss. Even if you're not a spa person… GO ANYWAY.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Mess Up):
Let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking. Ocho has restaurants, a Poolside bar, and a Snack bar, offering a mix of International cuisine, Western cuisine, and a smattering of Asian cuisine. Breakfast, naturally, came with a serious dose of fresh fruit. The Breakfast [buffet] was good, but it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was strong! I am addicted to coffee and I enjoyed every drop. The A la carte restaurant has great options. The occasional hiccups didn’t ruin the experience. My biggest complaint? The Soups in the restaurant weren’t always hot enough. Other than that I can't complain.
Room Service [24-hour]? Yes, please! Especially after a day of exploring (or, you know, just lounging by the pool).
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition:
Okay, let's be real: traveling during this whole…situation…is stressful. I noticed Ocho took Cleanliness and safety seriously. They were doing all the right things, a bit too many in my opinion. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere you turn—it was reassuring. I also saw Individually-wrapped food options, which even though I am not sure who asked for that, were reassuring. I didn’t opt for the Room sanitization opt-out, because why would I?! They had Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup. The impression was that they were working hard to keep everyone safe and happy.
The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" (Beyond Just Blissing Out):
Besides the obvious relaxation opportunities (pools, spas, general sloth-watching), Ocho offers some options for the more…active among us. There's a Fitness center, though I’ll admit I only glimpsed it from the window. Too much sunshine for me. They do have a whole list of things to do and see nearby, too.
Services and Conveniences – The Stuff That Makes Life Easier (or at least, less annoying):
The little things matter! Ocho had a lot of features in this category. Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes… the basics were covered. I especially appreciated the Contactless check-in/out. The Gift/souvenir shop was handy for picking up last-minute trinkets (hello, overpriced but adorable toucan keychain!), and the Currency exchange saved me a trip into town. If you are there for Meetings there is also all the business equipment you need. The Terrace was lovely, too. They have Air conditioning in public area.
For the Kids (Because Traveling with Tiny Humans is a Wild Ride):
While I wasn’t traveling with children on this trip, Ocho seems Family/child friendly. There’s a Babysitting service - which I'm always a fan of!
Rooms: Your Personal Sanctuary (Mostly):
The Available in all rooms list is extensive: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. My bungalow was lovely and well-appointed with all the essentials, even a Coffee/tea maker. I’m not sure how I lived before hotels with coffee/tea makers.
Getting Around (Unless Being a Couch Potato is Your Vibe):
They offer Airport transfer, which is highly recommended. They have Car park [free of charge], so you can rent your own ride. The Taxi service is also available.
Quirks and Imperfections: Because Life is Messy:
Okay, let's be honest. Nothing is perfect. The Wi-Fi, while technically Wi-Fi [free], wasn't always blazing fast. Sometimes the water pressure in the shower got a little…sporadic. One morning, my wake-up call arrived with a thump as a monkey decided to use my roof as a jungle gym. These little hiccups don't take away from the special quality of the Bungalows, they just added to the experience.
The Ultimate Verdict: Should You Book?
Yes, if you are looking for something a little different. If you're after a luxurious escape with a healthy dose of Costa Rican charm (and a good dose of relaxation), Unbelievable Ocho Artisan Bungalows is a strong contender. That pool… that spa… that whole vibe… It’s what dreams (and messy, imperfect realities) are made of. Remember the accessibility note. And be prepared to embrace the Pura Vida spirit: relaxed, a little bit quirky, and utterly unforgettable.
My Advice: Book it. But be prepared for a bit of a logistical challenge if perfect accessibility is paramount.
And finally… the offer you've all been waiting for:
Tempted? Here's a deal to seal the deal:
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- 15% OFF your stay.
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- Plus, a guaranteed upgrade if available.
**But hurry! This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next **two weeks!
Use code "PUROLOCO" at checkout.
Don't just dream of Costa Rica. Live it. Book at Unbelievable Ocho and let your adventure begin!
Escape to Paradise: The Westin Turtle Bay's Luxury Awaits
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your sanitized travel brochure itinerary. This is me, in Ocho Artisan Bungalows, Costa Rica. And trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Ocho Artisan Bungalows: My Costa Rican Brain Dump (and Attempt at a Schedule)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic in Paradise (Mostly Paradise)
- Morning (or What Felt Like Morning After That Red-Eye): Landed in San Jose. Hired a car – which, let me tell you, was a whole thing. Google Maps kept trying to reroute me through cow pastures, and the car, affectionately nicknamed "The Rusty Tortoise," didn't exactly inspire confidence. Note to self: Next time, spring for the 4x4. The drive to Ocho was… well, it was something. Lush jungle, hairpin turns, the constant worry of plummeting into a ravine. Beautiful, yes. Relaxing? Absolutely not.
- Afternoon: Bungalow Bliss (and Mosquito Massacre): Arrived at Ocho! Okay, breathe. The place is stunning, truly. My bungalow is basically a treehouse, except made of actual, proper wood. The view… oh, the view! Rolling hills, the ocean shimmering in the distance. I unpacked, which mostly involved flinging clothes onto the bed and praying for a miracle to get rid of the wrinkles (hint: it didn't work). Then, disaster struck. The mosquitos. They're vicious. I'm pretty sure they're professionally trained, and they're going for blood. Applied gallons of bug spray, which may or may not have also acted as a perfume, I'm not sure.
- Evening: Dinner, Dreams of Lobster (and Possibly Malaria): Dinner at the on-site restaurant. The food was good, solid, Costa Rican fare. I swear I saw some sort of insect crawling in my soup, but I think I was too hungry to care. After that, I sat on the patio (covered in bug spray, naturally) and watched the sunset. It was breathtaking. Then I started thinking about malaria. I need to stop googling “tropical diseases.”
Day 2: Beach Day (The One That Almost Wasn't)
- Morning: Waking Up, Realizing I'm Still Alive (and Probably Bit by Something): Woke up, feeling like a zombie. Checked for mosquito bites – results: too many to count. Chugged coffee. Swore at the world. Decided to go to the beach.
- Afternoon: Playa Hermosa (Hermosa it Was Not At The Start): Driving along the road again! I had to keep reminding myself that I was on vacation. I somehow ended up at Playa Hermosa (beautiful beach). The beach was, indeed, beautiful. Okay, maybe its more better than I thought. The sand was soft, the waves were crashing in a way that made me feel like the only human being on earth. Spent a whole afternoon bobbing in the waves. Then, I found my happy place: I finally knew the value of vacation.
- Evening: Sunset and Self-Reflection…Mostly the Sunset: Back at the bungalow. Watched another sunset. They're really good at sunsets in Costa Rica. This time, I decided to actually try to meditate. Spent a while trying to focus and clear my mind. I am pretty sure I was just thinking about dinner. More rice and beans, please.
Day 3: Unleashing My Inner Tarzan… Or At Least Trying
- Morning (Again): Woke up, and it was so hot. Sunscreen time!
- Afternoon: Ziplining (or Terrifyingly Beautiful Free Fall): Okay, this was the big one. Ziplining. I'm terrified of heights. Like, palms-sweating, shaky-knees, might-wet-myself terrified. But I'm also, apparently, a sucker for adventure. So, I did it. The guides were amazing, totally reassuring, and probably thought I was insane. The first zipline (the shortest one) was easy. The second? Still had my hands. The third… well, it was a blur of adrenaline, screaming, and the most incredible view I’ve ever seen. I landed feeling like I could conquer the world. Or at least… brush my teeth.
- Evening: Post-Zipline Nirvana (and Sore Thighs): Ate the biggest plate of rice and beans I could find. My thighs still hurt. I think I’m gonna watch some TV.
Day 4: The Great Turtle Quest (And Turtle Tantrums)
- Morning: Coffee Addiction: I can't function without coffee. Its a problem. And I need to stop drinking so much coffee.
- Afternoon: Tortuguero National Park Adventure (or, My Quest for the Sea Turtles): A day trip to Tortuguero National Park. This involved a boat ride through the canals, which was stunning. Saw sloths, monkeys, and… oh my god… a sea turtle laying eggs. Okay, hold up. This was amazing. Watching this ancient creature do its thing on the beach was humbling. I almost cried. Okay, I did cry. It was the kind of experience that makes you feel small and connected to something bigger than yourself. The perfect ending for the day, right? Wrong. I did throw a small fit when I couldn't find a souvenir I wanted.
- Evening: Dinner, Doubt, and the Dreaded Mosquito Spray: Dinner at a local spot because I was in no mood for rice and beans. The food was amazing, so was the beer. *More bug spray, more doubt, but still some hope.
Day 5: Departure (With a Side of "I Don't Want to Leave!")
- Morning: Last Sunrise and a Stiff Drink: One last sunrise. One last coffee (I'm serious about the coffee addiction). Took it all in before remembering I needed to pack.
- Afternoon: The Rusty Tortoise Strikes Again (and I Pray I Made it): Drove "The Rusty Tortoise" back to the airport. It held together! Barely. Costa Rica, you were amazing.
- Evening: Memories and the Long Way Home: Spent the rest of the time at the airport, then hours on the plane, and landed in the US. Back to my life, and my home. Back to the old me. And even though the memories slowly fades away, it will never truly be forgotten.
So there you have it. My unvarnished experience at Ocho Artisan Bungalows. It was messy, imperfect, and filled with moments of pure, unadulterated joy and, I admit, a few mosquito-induced freak-outs. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The messy, imperfect, and wonderfully human bits are what make travel truly unforgettable. Pura Vida, indeed. And seriously, bring extra bug spray. You'll thank me later.
Indonesian Paradise: Private Chef & Butler Villa — Your Hidden Jewel Awaits!
Unbelievable Ocho Artisan Bungalows: Your Costa Rica Dream...Maybe? Let's Find Out...
So, are these bungalows *actually* unbelievable? Like, mind-blowing, earth-shattering unbelievable?
Alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable" is a strong word. Marketing folks, you know? But are they fantastic? YES. Are they going to change your life? Maybe. Look, I went there expecting a postcard. I got...mostly a postcard. And a few mosquito bites. But honestly? It was pretty freakin' special.
Picture this: You're waking up to the sound of monkeys *screaming* in the trees (yup, screaming!), not the gentle chirping of robins. That's pretty unbelievable in itself, if you're from the suburbs like me. The bungalow itself? Think rustic chic meets Robinson Crusoe. Beautiful wood, all the details, but, and here's the *real* truth bomb, the Wi-Fi was...sketchy. Which, in my book, is both amazing and utterly infuriating simultaneously. I'm a blogger, people! But hey, it forced me to actually *look* at the rainforest. And it was, well, unbelievable.
Okay, location. Where the heck *is* Ocho? And is it a pain to get there?
Ocho is nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Think lush rainforest meeting gorgeous beaches. Getting there? It's part of the adventure, to be honest. You can fly into either San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airport. From there, you’re looking at a drive. A drive that could be…interesting.
Let me tell you about my first attempt. Rented a 4x4, as advised, because *apparently* the roads are…well, they're "roads" in the loosest sense of the word. Got a flat tire. On a *hill*. In the pouring rain. With a colony of ants making a run for my backpack. It was a *vibe*. But, and this is important, a local hero, a guy named Javier who looked like he wrestled crocodiles for fun, swooped in and saved the day. He fixed the tire in like, five minutes. Paid him some colones, and then I was good! My advice? Get the 4x4, and have a good insurance policy. Or, you know, consider a shuttle.
What's the deal with the bungalows themselves? Are they actually *artisan*? Is there AC? (Because humidity, people, humidity!)
The "artisan" part? Totally legit. The details were stunning. Hand-carved furniture, local art, thoughtful touches everywhere. The wood smelled *amazing*. And the design? You could tell they put a lot of love into it. It wasn't just a prefab box. It was a carefully crafted...thing.
Now, about the AC. Some bungalows HAVE it. Some don't. I STRONGLY recommend checking beforehand. I'm a Southern girl, I need my AC. My first night without it? Let's just say I was "re-exploring" the concept of sweat. And the wildlife noises at night? Magnificent, but also…kinda loud when you're trying to sleep. Bring earplugs. And maybe a small electric fan, just in case. Seriously, check for AC.
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all rice and beans? (Not that there's anything *wrong* with rice and beans...)
Okay, the food. This is where Unbelievable Ocho *really* shines. The food is incredible. Yes, you’ll get rice and beans. But trust me, you'll *crave* rice and beans after you leave. It's a national treasure, prepared every which way, but always amazing.
The on-site restaurant was a revelation. Fresh seafood daily, plus local produce galore. I had a grilled fish that was so perfectly cooked, I almost cried. (Don't judge me, I was on vacation!) They also had a fantastic breakfast with fresh fruit, pastries, and some of the best coffee I've ever tasted. Seriously, coffee! I'm not a big coffee person, but this was... *chef's kiss*. There are also smaller, local eateries nearby...find the soda! You'll be glad you did.
Activities! What are there to *do* besides eat and sweat (without AC)?
Oh, the activities! Okay, so, "sweating" is definitely a core activity if you're not in a climate-controlled bungalow. But! Beyond that... There's surfing (the waves are great, apparently, though I mostly just waded around). There's exploring the rainforest (bring bug spray! And a sense of adventure!). Horseback riding on the beach (classic!). Zip-lining (terrifying, but exhilarating). And oh, the sunsets! Seriously, the sunsets are worth the trip alone.
I spent one afternoon just lying on the beach, staring at the ocean. A pod of dolphins swam past. I almost didn't believe it. It was *that* idyllic. And then a monkey stole my banana. So, you know...balance. Bring a waterproof phone case. Photos are essential.
What are the downsides? Be honest! (I can handle it.)
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth:
- Bugs: They're everywhere. Mosquitoes, sand flies, the occasional giant beetle that'll make you shriek. Bring ALL the bug spray.
- Roads: Not for the faint of heart. See above.
- Wi-Fi: Hit or miss. Embrace the digital detox (or bring a satellite phone, if you're truly addicted).
- Luxury is Relative: This isn't a Four Seasons. It's rustic. Charming, but rustic. Meaning, the occasional plumbing glitch is likely
- Cost: Can be a bit pricey, depending on the time of year and the bungalow you choose to book. Consider it an investment in your sanity and joy, though.
Would you go back? And...would you recommend it?
Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, YES. Despite the bugs, the road drama, and the occasional bout of wifi withdrawal, I would go back in a heartbeat. I'm already planning my return. The memories, the beauty, the feeling of *escaping*... it's all worth it.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with a caveat. If you're the type who needs absolute luxury, constant connectivity, and squeaky-clean perfection, maybe not. It's Costa Rica, baby! But if you're willing to embrace the adventure, the imperfections, and the raw beauty, then Unbelievable Ocho Artisan Bungalows is an experience you won't soon forget. Just make sure you pack your bug spray, a senseStay Mapped
