Hacienda Cabo Velas
About the Hacienda
Cabo Velas, Hacienda en el Mar is on a secluded peninsula on the dry, breezy coastline of the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, just north of the town of Tamarindo. It is a unique combination of a working ranch and a seaside retreat; its 1700 acres are on peninsula ringed by five different beaches which together span two miles. In a country most often thought of for its rich opportunities for soft adventure (there is an extraordinary number of national parks in this stable democratic country), Cabo Velas provides a degree of sophisticated comfort that is rare.
Like most of Sanctuare properties, Cabo Velas is rented in its entirety to one family or party at a time, providing the utmost in privacy for that special family gathering or reunion of old friends.
Location
Cabo Velas is 45 minutes drive from the Liberia (international) airport which is reached by flights from Atlanta, Miami and Houston. In addition, the airport in Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, is reached by frequent non-stop flights from several U.S. cities; from there it is a 30-minute air hop to either Cabo Velas’ own air strip (a charter can be arranged) or Tamarindo (frequent commercial flights) or a 4-5 hour drive by rented car or private limousine. Because of its proximity to Cabo Velas, Liberia is the recommended destination for the ranch’s guests.
Cabo Velas is perfect for holiday at almost any time of the year. Temperatures are a dry and breezy 75-85 degrees. Dry season is from December through May. Green Season runs from June through November, with September and October seeing more rain than usual.
Accommodations
There are four charming thatched-roof ranchos at Cabo Velas, plus six new luxury tents. All of these world-class accommodations are less than 100 yards from one of the property’s best beaches.
Each of Cabo Velas’ ranchos has a spacious master bedroom with sitting area, a large covered terrace facing the ocean, and a large dressing room and bath -- with both indoor and outdoor showers. As for the new tents, they are every bit as luxurious and spacious as the finest safari tents in Africa; they have wide, covered decks that wrap around three sides, and unusually spacious bathrooms – also with indoor and outdoor showers. Those interested in a sense of soft adventure (without forfeiting an “ounce” of luxury) will love these luxury tents.
With four masters in the ranchos, four bedrooms upstairs in the ranchos, and the six luxury tents, the capacity of Cabo Velas is 28 guests.
Activities
Cabo Velas offers an exciting array of activities, from relaxing on any one of five glorious beaches, to world-class deep-sea fishing, to horseback riding on miles of the ranch’s own trails, to tennis on the lighted courts, to just relaxing around the freshwater swimming pool.
Cabo Velas is surrounded by some of the most pristine forests teaming with wild life and affording all-year-round nature and botanic tours hosted by a graduate school naturalist and activity guide. There are unique bird-watching opportunities with an abundance of land, sea and migratory birds residing in the forests, lagoons and pastures. Depending on the season, one can visit Leatherback turtle nesting sites in the adjoining national park. Within driving distance, one can find white-water rafting, bathing in hot water springs, trekking in national parks, visiting local villages, or canopying on cables above the roof of the jungle.
Golf is available at three championship courses within 30 minutes. The course at Conchal was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Pinilla was designed by Mike Young, and The Four Seasons course was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Dining
Dining at Cabo Velas is in the Main Rancho facing the ocean. The ranch’s cooks prepare dishes using fresh local vegetables, fruits and herbs, as well as freshly caught fish and locally-farmed beef. Some guest favorites are Plaintains with Guacamole, Mahi Mahi a la Plancha with Tropical Fruit Salsa, Roasted Mango with Passion Fruit, Fried Yucca with Chili Salsa – all served family-style in the Costa Rican fashion. Dinners and barbecues can also be done on a terrace at the beach, and picnics can be packed for lunches on the beach or for excursions to nearby attractions.
Rates
Rates for parties of up to 28 guests are available upon request. Meals and all beverages are included in the rates, as are activities on the property and transfers between Liberia International Airport and the ranch. A car and driver is available for local tours or activities within an hour, but many guests prefer to rent cars for maximum flexibility.
For more information about Hacienda Cabo Velas or to inquire about a reservation, call Sanctuare at (800) 225-4255 from the U.S. and Canada; from elsewhere, call (802) 457-5280. Or e-mail us at info@sanctuare.com.
