Family Community

Los Almendros is an intimate and charming 44-home family beachfront community situated at Playa Ocotal (a “playa” is an calm inlet) on the Pacific Ocean in Northwest Costa Rica.

The brainchild of talented and farsighted builder/developer Guillermo Groisman, and his charming wife Britt, Los Almendros de Ocotal was the first ever “concession” development (in Guanacaste Province) ever encouraged and approved by the local municipality and ecological-minded national officials. That was back in the 1980’s.

Today the tranquil community offers positive proof that things can be “right” when it comes to building in the delicate 150-meter “concession” zone that starts just 50 meters from the mean high tide line. Virtually right on the beach!

All construction completed, Los Almendros is the ideal demographic blend of a handful of permanent owners/residents and “absentee” owners who head for this oasis as often as is possible. When not personally enjoying the many virtues of their home away from home, twenty-one of these homeowners make their homes available to vacationers

This rental group calls itself “Dalmacia”.

In addition to an attractive website www.losalmendrosrentals.com the group also has a fulltime, personable, bi-lingual rental representative (just ask for Paque – pronounced Packy) at her office in Los Almendros. Ready to answer your every question and satisfy most every need. From transportation to tours. Fishing trips to zipping through the treetops of a local “canopy.”

The rental inventory consists of three-bedroom (and up) non-attached “villas” and two- bedroom/two- bath “condominiums”. Oops, almost forgot, the studio apartment.

Low-rise Luxury
Please don’t get the impression that this is one of those obtrusive high-rise condo communities. Far from it. All villas are “grounded”; the beachfront condos are just two floors tall and the tallest structure is but four-stories high.

By the way, this community is done in such good taste that the developer even built his own home at Los Almendros.

All rental homes are fully equipped. It is simply a question of how many in your party. Every imaginable kitchen convenience is available. As are cable television, telephone and air conditioning. The condos sleep four and the villas more.

Not that you are going to spend that much time “inside.”

The 5:30 am and 5:30 pm sunrises and sunsets from your private patio or porch are spectacular.

Previous guests tell us they spent a great deal of time on that patio.

One of the first questions you will likely ask a local is “what the heck is that howling/grunting sound I hear”? That’s a large group of “Howler Monkeys” that swing and prance the treetops of Playa Ocotal.

Or “what is that almost too precocious blue bird that seems to want to move in with us”? That’s a “magpie jay” and he loves a patio handout of bread, popcorn or chips. No, the abundant iguanas aren’t going to bite you. Yes, those are Almond trees (thus Los Almendros) and no I don’t know all of the names of the thousands of different colorful flowers all over the place.


Enough of the questions. I know someone who has most all of the answers. Los Almendros has an English speaking resident guide who (for just $15 per person) will take you on a nature walk and tell you all about the birds and the bees. And the flowers and the trees. He’s a semi-retired veterinarian. “Semi” because he simply can’t resist curing a sore paw or claw.

THE BEACH

The beach is right there!

Because Playa Ocotal is an inlet the ocean waves are not only refreshing but also rather docile. Yes, you and the youngsters can both play in them.

But this award-winning beach is also noted for still another distinguishing characteristic. The sand is black!

Costa Rica is noted for its past (and present) volcanic activity. Some time in that distant past, volcanic rock got crushed and ground and evolved into this sandy beach.

Like to snorkel? Bring your gear (or rent it) to the beach and explore the aquatic wonderland just off those rocks. Spectacular! Or sit on/in those rocks and enjoy the spa-like effect of the sun-warmed ocean waters.

Feel like refreshments? Wander on over to Father Rooster Restaurant (and bar) on the beach and enjoy. your favorite libations. Have a snack or a complete meal.

No need for a taxi, you are just a couple hundred yards from “home.”

This beach may also become your demarcation point for fishing or diving trip. Or simply a shoreline sightseeing trip by boat.

THE POOLS

If you aren’t on your patio or at the beach, you are most likely at one of the several swimming pools. Or our Costa Rican “community centers”, if you will. After your siesta (you may need one if you properly saluted the sunset and then watched the sunrise) a refreshing dip in the pool is in order.

Be sure to bring your cooler of refreshments. It is highly likely that you and a few other local residents and guests will find something else to celebrate and salute.