THINGS TO DO
Casa Ohana overlooks the Playa Negra beach and Pacific Ocean. The world-famous surfing spot known as Playa Negra is an easy 5-minute walk from Casa Ohana’s beach path. Playa Negra beach is also a wonderful place for walking, jogging, yoga, building sand castles, playing soccer, soaking in the mermaid pools at low tide, and even snorkeling when the ocean is clear and calm. You may be treated to sightings of turtles, eels, rays, tropical fish, octopus, and an occasional humpback whale.
This stunning home provides a base to enjoy many wonderful experiences of Costa Rica exemplified by the "'Pura Vida' mindset that values simplicity, happiness, gratitude, and connection. It is a way of living that encourages individuals to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and find joy in life’s everyday experiences. It is a philosophy that celebrates the beauty of the natural world, the importance of community and relationships, and the power of positivity and optimism. In Costa Rica, “puravida” is more than just a phrase – it is a way of life that embodies the essence of what it means to live fully and authentically." (The Costa Rican News)
Playa Negra
Playa Negra, the main surf break, is directly in front of Hotel Playa Negra, a few hundred feet from Ohana. People from all over the world come to surf this reef break. Playa Negra is best for experienced surfers,
Sandy Beach
Just south of the main surf break is great for beginning to intermediate surfers, swimming, and boogie boarding. Local surf instructors offer lessons for those eager to ride their first wave.
The less-than-a-mile walk south along the beach takes you from Playa Negra to a few decent surfing spots, sculpted beaches lined by mangrove and palm trees, and eventually a small fishing village.
Playa Avellenas
A 10-minute drive north of Playa Negra is Playa Avellanas which has several great surf breaks for longboarders and shortboarders alike, as well as swimming and boogie boarding. A variety of surf breaks allow for all levels of surfing with names like Puruja, Lola’s (in front of the highly popular beach bar Lola’s) , Palo Seco, River Mouth and Little Hawaii.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo, a 30-minute drive from Casa Ohana, is one of Costa Rica's premier surf destinations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you'll find waves suited to your skill level. Local surf schools offer lessons for those eager to ride their first wave. It’s also chockablock with stores and restaurants.
Playa Grande
A bit further north than Tamarindo, Playa Grande offers a great wave in front of the national park Marino Las Baulas. The Long Beach offers dozens of easy surf breaks to test your skills. The drive from Casa Ohana is about 45 minutes. A fun way to get to Playa Grande is by boat across the river from Tamarindo.Playa
Junquillal
A 15-minute drive south of Playa Negra takes you to Playa Junquillal where it’s perfectly possible to find yourself wandering the beach alone for most of the day in Junquillal. Known for its intense waves, Junquillal is a real gem for the passionate surfer, but it is also a nesting beach for leatherback turtles. the real magic of Playa Junquillal is how it makes you feel like you are completely alone in paradise.
Marbella
A 45-minute drive south of Ohana brings you to the small town of Marbella. Here you will find a great beach break for intermediate to advance surfers. Look for signs to Playa Frijolar. Grab some great food and drinks at the Tiki Bar overlooking the beach,
Surfing
Swimming
Boogie boarding
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Stand-up paddling
Fishing
Golf
Pickleball
Tennis
Biking
Sailing
Sunset cruise
Kayaking
Hiking
Waterfall and rafting
Ziplining
Horseback riding
Playa Negra boasts a diverse culinary scene with a variety of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Villa Deevena
This brilliant restaurant offers a varied menu of original dishes, prepared by renowned French Chef Patrick Jamon, The menu features fresh seafood, seriously good meats, mushrooms from local hills, and other ingredients chosen to satisfy palettes and refresh guests after a day spent on the beach, by the pool, under the sun, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Hotel Playa Negra
The beachside surf hotel at Playa Negra, Hotel Playa Negra features a full-time restaurant under an iconic palapa. the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features fresh-caught fish dishes, great meat meals, a variety of sides dishes, and wonderful desserts.
Cafe La Ventana
Jen serves up food made from natural ingredients, locally sourced, delicious and good for you. Her cafe is a peaceful spot beloved by locals and surrounded by Johnny Manyana's art. Jen also has a fabulous catering menu and she will deliver your meal right to the front door of Casa Ohana.
Cafe Playa Negra
Specializing in authentic Peruvian cuisine. The Cafe’s menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Peru. Indoor and outdoor tables.
Corazon Surf Cafe Barista Coffee
Breakfast & Lunch - serving cold-pressed juices, fresh fruit smoothies, superfood bowls, delicious avocado toasts, grilled paninis, and more. All food is fresh and locally sourced.
Zaguate
Barbecue, great hamburgers, draft beer, classic cocktails, good vibes; try out Zaguate’s Sunday Smokehouse for outrageously good barbecued chicken and the most amazing lemon meringue pie on the planet.
A wonderfully exotic restaurant, with tasty Mediterranean, European, Asian, and Thai meals. The chef is from the Czech Republic and the great fusion menu features creativity and inventiveness including ceviche in coconut milk, katzu, shiitake dumplings, curry with dill sauce and much more.
Kontiki
Run by the same Peruvian family for the last two decades, their natural spirit exudes from this restaurant. A wood-burning beehive oven is the centerpiece of this rustic restaurant, known mostly for its out-of-this-world pizzas, Italian salads, and great cocktails (try the jalapeño Margarita) and sangria that will bring you back for more.
Jalapeños
A small but enticing breakfast and lunch restaurant with varieties of fish, meat, or vegetables tacos, amazing breakfast burritos, delicious smoothies, and a real chill atmosphere.
Cafe La Ventana: Cafe, juice bar & catering:
Jen serves up food made from natural ingredients, locally sourced, delicious and good for you. Her cafe is a peaceful place surrounded by Johnny Manyana's art. Jen also has a fabulous catering menu and she will deliver your meal right to the front door of Casa Ohana.
Kibbutz
Casual eating just outside Rancho Playa Negra
La Vida Buena
Pizza and more
Bar y Restaurante Latino
Great local food, family owned and operated!!
Lola’s: Fabulous food and drinks in a unique & tropical setting overlooking Playa Avellanas
Fuego Blu: Great pizza and wine list
Il Rustico: Fabulous Pizza and Pasta
Soulshine: Discover the best brunch around! Home-made dishes served with the freshest ingredients, freshly-baked bread, and most of all, love.
La Esquina de Avellanas: Choose from 4 restaurants, along with a great bar, and dine surrounded by nature under the magical Matapalo tree. Friday night artisan market and live music is a must.
Surf Hub: Italian Gelato & Coffee Shop
Food Shopping Info
Mini-Super Las Tecas – 5 minute drive from Casa Ohana in Los Pargos
+506 2653 4172
Open Daily 9 am - 7:30 pm
A surprising selection of produce, dairy, staples, beer and wine.
Surya Natural Foods – 10 minute drive from Casa Ohana in Avellanas
+506 8730 8950
Open Daily 12 pm – 8 pm and
until 9pm during La Esquina’s Friday Night Market (But double-check Facebook for most up-to-date hours)
Organic Fruits and veggies
Drinks & Snacks
Health & Personal Care Products
Supermarket Junquillal in Tierra Pacifica Commerical Center - 15 minute drive from Casa Ohana in Junquillal
+506 7267 8895
Well-stocked with fresh veggies, bread, dairy, eggs, staples, some meats, beer and wine.
Auto Mercado in Tamarindo/ Garden Plaza Centro Comercial – 30 minute drive from Casa Ohana in Tamarindo
+506 2653-2414
Open 7 am – 9 pm
A large supermarket where you will find just about anything you may need. They have a selection of international brands, local produce, pastries, seafood, deli, paper goods, laundry soaps, shampoo, and more.
Inquire for Info on Home Delivery of Fish, Produce and Bakery Items
If you are looking for some great yoga classes while staying at Casa Ohana, you’re in luck.
Yoga Upstairs at Lola's in Playa Avellanas
Located a 15-minute drive from Casa Ohana upstairs at Lola's overlooking the beach, classes are taught by lifelong Yoga devotee,musician, and all around spiritual gangster Catherine Jane Paulson.
Playa Negra Yoga is located in the heart of the surf village of Los Pargos 5 minutes from Casa Ohana. Led by the wonderful Hali Love, PNY offers an air-conditioned studio and all the props you need for your yoga and Multi Barre classes. Check out their website for Teacher Trainings and Yoga Retreats.
A 5-minute walk down the beach from Casa Ohana, classes are held at the Hotel Playa Negra’s yoga shala, right next to the hotel pool and overlookng the Playa Negra beach and surf. After class, you can enjoy a smoothie or coconut water in the shade of the restaurant’s palapa, go for a beach walk, surf or swim in the sea to cool off.
What Clients Say
Casa Ohana was everything we expected.
"The facilities were first class. Views of the beach were spectacular. Mary of Beach Grass Properties was very helpful with the house and recommendations for transportation, dining, chefs and fishing. Everyone we dealt with was great, Could not have been better. All in our party enjoyed the comfort and hospitality given to us by the locals and professionals."
Perfection!
"Our stay at Casa Ohana exceeded our expectations in every way. On arrival we were greeted by the property manager - who was so generous and helpful while planning our trip- recommending excellent local activities and meal options. The property was spotless and had everything we needed for the week. Fantastic views, plenty of space, access to the pool and beach. We recommend this house without hesitation."
Fabulous Family Getaway
"We had a wonderful stay at Casa Ohana. The house, grounds, pool and beach access were breathtaking and exceeded our expectations in every way. There was something for everyone. The surrounding restaurants were within walking distance and served amazing food. Everything about our stay was wonderful."
Paradise!!!
"I can’t say enough good things about this house and location. The house is beautifully decorated and spacious; even better than the photos. It is so well stocked with anything you could possibly want or need…kitchen has EVERYTHING!!! There are games galore, 8 yoga mats (we did several “classes” on the patio by the pool which was amazing). The bathroom off the kitchen has bug spray, after sun lotion, bandaids, etc. Pool has two outside showers. We loved the location. Playa Negra is beautiful and feels secluded and remote, yet a 5 minute stroll down the beach takes you to Playa Negra hotel/restaurant where you can grab a drink or ceviche appetizer. There are some mini markets close to the house, but the main shopping for produce and meats happens 30 minutes away in Tamarindo. There’s an amazing open air produce stand before you get to Tamarindo where you can stock up on beans, rice, tortillas, and all fruits and veggies. Mary was very responsive and helpful with any of our questions or needs. Lola’s in Avellanas for lunch is a must! You can rent beach chairs for $10 and enjoy all day. Drinks and food there aren’t cheap, but worth the splurge for a day. Our kids did surf lessons with the surf school there twice and loved it. This house has the most amazing views and sunsets of anywhere we’ve ever stayed. Waking up to that view every morning and hearing the waves all day and night was so relaxing and refreshing. We were very sad to leave and hope to return someday!"
Exceeded our expectations! Beautiful home with spectacular views of the ocean.
"There were 10 us, four children and six adults. The home is spacious with more than enough room. It was a great place to just relax with a good book, or take in all the activities that Costa Rica has to offer. Surfing, swimming, buggy boarding, zip lining, it's all available. We would love to return someday."
Casa Ohana is a dream!
"If I could have a dream house, this would be it. Light, bright, airy. Plenty of room for our family of 10 to have space yet be all together, as well. Extremely well stocked in kitchen as well as games, towels, etc. Beds were comfortable and sofas were great for napping. Note: only the bedrooms have a/c and it was very buggy but you are in the tropics! Playa Negra is a great place to spend a week at the beach in Costa Rica. Mary is a hands on property manager and ready to help with any of your needs. We hope to return again, truly a beautiful place."
The Best Vacation
"This is our second time to this beautiful home. My family loves it. We will be returning again. Mary, our host, is awesome! Very helpful and knowledgeable. Location is spectacular and restaurants are fantastic."
Christmas 2022
"Our family of four decided on a Christmas getaway to Costa Rica for the first time. We were so fortunate to find Casa Ohana and Mary. First - Mary is the best host! She planned our ground transportation, rental car delivery to house as well as other activities and even a masseuse who came to the home and was so nice and great. She put us in touch with Jennifer at La Ventana who catered a couple of delicious meals delivered right at dinner to the house. Casa Ohana is purely spectacular. From the sunrise to sunset, it never disappointed. Space was more than twice our group would ever need. Kitchen well stocked with all appliances, pots as well as many sauces and spices for everything. Loved the pool! Ping pong was a blast and of course the beach. Would see wildlife right in back yard and a pod (???) of monkeys woke us up one night running atop the roof. Very cool.The house is secluded but still close by to some restaurants (Piko Brazil is awesome) and small stores. Our driver from airport suggested to stop at larger market closer to Liberia which was surprising but so helpful. Can see how Casa Ohana gets 5 stars! Thanks for a great vacation."
WOW! JUST WOW!
"Casa Ohana did not disappoint! The property was amazing and the views were spectacular! Truly allowed the seven of us to live pura vida for a few days! Mary, the property manager, was unbelievable! From coordinating transportation, helping with fishing charters, suggesting Chef Garrett with Pura Vida Catering, and Guti Tours for horseback riding on the beach, she made the vacation truly unforgettable! We cannot wait to go back!"
Casa Perfection!!!
"We had the vacation of a lifetime with our dear friends and enjoyed all the concierge services that Mary provided and had the most amazing food. Our group surfed everyday all day. Casa Ohana is set up so perfectly with the most amazing views and is extremely well-stocked. We cannot wait to return next year!"