Hotel Casa Chameleon – Mal Pais Costa Rica

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Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "thank me later"
man, where to start with these guys. Whatever you want, they will find it for you. my wife and I had an excellent honeymoon stay with casa chameleon. to sum this place up without going on and on, basically you can have it any way you want it, if you want privacy, you got it, if you want attention, you got it, the views and rooms speak for themselves on the website, we can't wait to go back. if you do stay there, tell Anthony and bobby hello for us, oh yeah, tell Jorge to stop feeding the monkeys.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Luxury Jungle Oasis!"
My husband and stayed in Villa Palma at Casa Chameleon in August. We arrived late and it was already dark upon check in. Bobbie and Anthony were there to greet us and show us to our room. It looked lovely lit up in the dark, but we didn't really have our bearings as we had just arrived from 14 hours of traveling. We fell asleep rather quickly but awoke rather early in the morning after a wonderful rest in a fabulously comfy bed. The view from the bed was beautiful and just outside were the most adorable little monkeys. We ordered breakfast from our nifty walkie-talkie and a sumptuous gourmet breakfast arrived soon thereafter. We sat on our wonderfully private balcony and watched the monkeys and an array of colorful, exotic birds. This was only the beginning of a dream vacation. The personal chef they use is magnificent and all of the employees at Casa Chameleon were kind and attentive. The maid even organized my mess for me. I just wanted to take her home. It is correct to describe Casa Chameleon as a "boutique retreat" as there is no better description. It's no wonder Casa Chameleon was just chosen by Tattler as one of the "Boutique Hotels of the World"!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "A Casa to call Home...."
My Girlfriend and I went to the Casa Chameleon in Mal Pais hoping for something simple and rough.... damn we got none of that.... A fantastic couple run this 'resort' and cater the entire stay to your every need.... we went for sunset horse back rides...and a full day quad experience to Hermosa beach where we ate fresh snapper on the beach.... it was an amazing trip and we are definitely going back SOON!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Unique, 5-star"
We have stayed in many "boutique" hotels as we prefer them over larger resorts. Casa Chameleon should be the template for all other boutique resorts. The simple beauty defines luxury without feeling contrived or snobby.
The personal chef created some of the loveliest dishes we have ever seen and tasted. We were delightfully surprised that the resort and villas were much lovelier in person than in any of the photos. Usually, places seldom live up to their web photos or reviews. It was indeed the opposite at Casa Chameleon. We were also happy to find the rooms to be magnificently clean and fresh. As well, we were treated like royalty (we currently are not). This was obviously due to the care and kindness of our hosts. Definitely a unique 5 -star resort.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Perfect Getaway!"
We stayed at Casa Chameleon at the end of our trip and I wish we had spent the entire 10 days there. I never thought of renting a house in an area I'm unfamiliar with. What a great idea to build private mini-houses and have hotel services and resort amenities. I've never stayed at any place like it. It was just beautiful. The owners were very friendly and helped to make sure we found fun things to do. I don't know how anyone would find some of the activities and private beaches without someone's guidance. Mal Pais is beautiful and it felt like we were away from the tourist crowds of other places. Casa Chameleon was a place to really get away from it all.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Magical"
Casa Chameleon was a rare find. Gorgeous room with a view and impeccable service. I posted my experience under another forum but it didn't show up...therefore, I will just pass along this recommendation as I was lucky to find this fabulous place. A private chef, masseuse, and room all for less than we spent on just a room at Florblanca. A heavenly vacation!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Five Stars"
Having stayed at Casa Chameleon, my husband and I feel like members of an exclusive club. This is due mostly to the hosts, Bobbie & Anthony, and their complete personalization of the experience during our stay.

Bobbie and Anthony were there to greet us as we pulled into the driveway of Casa Chameleon. Their "old friend" personalities immediately made us feel special to be a part of their beautiful creation. As we walked to our Villa Palma, they showed us the pool, with chaise lounges graciously adorned with fresh thick rolled up towels and 2 hammocks under a palapa. To the right was an outdoor seating area and built-in BBQ where you or a private chef arranged in advance can cook for you. There is an "honor bar" refrigerator where you can take water, juice, soda and beer and write your name on a rain-soaked pad of paper. The "we'll just settle it in the end" attitude epitomizes why we fell in love with Costa Rica.

We arrived at our Villa and were absolutely agape. The floor to ceiling wood and glass doors were folded open to reveal a patio that opened onto a luscious green valley which rose above the sea. We had previously stayed at Ladera in St. Lucia, a famous resort that features rooms with only 3 walls and our villa at Casa Chameleon felt the same. We could close the doors if we wanted to, but why? Then we walked into the bathroom and there stood the largest rock shower with an enormous shower head and an open window to gaze out of. Very few insects came into the room. We ran the ceiling fan at night and only used the a/c one day when it was extremely hot.

What impressed us most: The Villa's construction was superb and upgraded with thick beautiful wood logs as balcony rails, dark wood beams throughout the room, and a gorgeous wood floor. The patio was an extension of the room and was comfortably furnished with rocking chairs and a small dining table with chairs.

The personal touches: Fresh flowers and little flower buds used around the soap in the bathroom. Fresh milk in the refrigerator for the morning coffee, of which an entire bag was included in our room along with sugar.

Bobbie and/or Anthony on their balcony to welcome us home after our days' journeys and being sincerely interested in hearing what we did that day.

Monkeys, birds, lizards (Hi Lizzie) and the flowers!

Do I sound like I'm gushing? I probably shouldn't because Casa Chameleon will now get too busy for us to ever get a reservation there again! I'm kidding, and am glad to report that they are building a third villa which even under construction looked amazing.

Thanks Bobbie and Anthony...we look forward to visiting again very soon!

Richard & Lynn


Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "a wonderful place"
We found Casa Chameleon through TripAdvisor and couldn't have been happier. It's taken a while to write the review (sorry, Bobbi and Anthony!), but we had the most magical time. We went on our honeymoon and spent 5 nights here. It was private, gorgeous and as others have said, Bobbi and Anthony are amazing. They were great company when we wanted to chat with others and totally left us with the run of the place when we wanted privacy. Loved that we could reach them all the time via walkie-talkie talkie. Breakfast on our terrace was amazing. We hired their private chef to cook us diners, which were also delicious. Everything was perfect. A great place to stay. Many thanks from your friends in Toronto. Debra and Matt xo

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "We had a Terrific Honeymoon !!"
Costa Rica is Beautiful! This was our first time in central America and we both loved it! Casa Chameleon was the best hotel ever! We are both in our 20's and didn't want to be bored. We had great things to do every day here were so many people our age in this town. We rented ATV's and went nuts driving all over the place. It was so much fun! We surfed and did the canopy tour (scary but fun) and basically went to all kinds of cool beaches and all over the jungle. There were monkeys howling really loudly everywhere. They were really small for the loud sound they make. Mal Pais was the best place for our honeymoon!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Great place to chill out!"
I can't say enough about how great and different this place is. We stayed here for the last six days of a fourteen day trip to Costa Rica. Bobbie and Anthony (the owners) greeted us immediately upon arrival and were perfect hosts. They have found the perfect balance between "available" and "omnipresent". They are there when you want them and invisible when you don't.

We stayed at the Four Seasons just prior to our arrival at Casa Chameleon and I would much rather have spent my entire time at the Chameleon.

Bottom-line, if you are looking for a place to relax and get away from it all, you can't go wrong here.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "just plain sweet...."
We were there in august 2005 and it was a really quiet, remote resort. Anthony and bobby were great hosts, in fact, we felt like they were our friends. It was that type of genuine treatment.

Anyhow, the rooms are super clean and new and the town is amazing. we enjoyed the local feeling of Mal Pais, where it's not touristy. We felt like a local...buying fruit from a car full of fruits, to hanging out with the locals.

It's worth a stop.

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Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Book it Now!"
If you are going to Mal Pais and don't have children along - this is the best vacation I've ever had in my life. My husband and I were celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary without the kids, and this was the perfect place to do it! Bobbie and Anthony are the most perfect hosts - and TAKE ADVANTAGE of having a personal chief! We had the wonderful Nathaniel for the week and after my husband went fishing (that Anthony arranged); we had FRESH sushi prepared by the chef (yellow finned tuna). They will arrange anything you want and have many connections in town. Forget the bad roads, (call them an adventure), take in the beauty of nature, the impeccable rooms and service, and remember that you will receive service based on how you treat people. Although Bobbie and Anthony speak English, try to learn a little Spanish to practice in this beautiful country. And go to Playa Hermosa - the most beautiful beach I've ever seen! Have fun and book it now!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "A Stay You'll cherish..."
Heaven on Earth! My husband and I just got back from a weeklong stay at Casa Chameleon and we wish it could have been longer! First off- the people: Bobbie and Anthony are excellent hosts and a wealth of information about the area. Everyone on the family-like staff was so wonderful and added immeasurably to our experience. Each of the three villas is luxurious and beautiful (splurge for the Deluxe Villa with its own private pool if it's available!) and the grounds are lovely. We had a delicious breakfast each morning and hired the chef for two outstanding dinners. If you are looking to have the experience of staying at the gorgeous vacation estate of your exceptional friends (with all of the mutual respect that entails), then this is the place for you! No screaming kids, no demeaning finger-snapping divas... just charming down to earth folks who relish peace, tranquility and a dip in the pool after a day out exploring this corner of paradise. Ahhh... we'll be back soon.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Spot on!"
My husband just completed our first visit to Costa Rica. It really is a lovely country. So diverse. For a tiny little country we did find it takes a long time to get around. The beauty makes up for the poor roads and slow pace in general. We visited Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Mal Pais. Both of us agree that Mal Pais was our favorite. The little hotel Casa Chameleon was a gem. The owners do help to find all of the hidden places. We certainly would not have enjoyed our time there as much without this guidance. None of it was in our guidebooks! Very nice to find that this place was all that we had hoped it would be. A real getaway and a wonderful find! Thank you to everyone at Casa Chameleon!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Best in the Pais!!!!"
We stayed here for 5 of our 12 days in Costa Rica. If was by FAR the best part of our trip. *Read my Wife loved it the most as well*

There are boutique hotels that are posh and super lux. But the personal attention you get is nothing personal at all. Here we were treated like guests and friends. Everything we could have ever wanted to do was pre arranged and completely setup for us.

-Horseback riding on the beach for sunset followed by a poolside private chef cooked dinner
-ATV *quads* were pre rented for us *very fun way to get around if you are only there for a few days* -and a day on the water fishing in a private little fishing boat *and I caught a few decent sized tuna as well* the main reason we went to Costa Rica was to experience the country and explore its natural beauty although some other parts of our time there were spent deeper in the jungle and more isolated with nature. Casa Chameleon was the perfect ending to our trip giving us the perfect combination of Style and Comfort, BUT still retaining the charm we initially went to Costa Rica to experience.

If you are looking for the best option in the area *based on price and comfort/luxury* you really can't beat the experience my wife and I had at this hotel.

Bobbi and Anthony are the perfect hosts!!!
And we travel a lot!!!!

It’s hard to understand the true meaning of Pura Vida until you meet the perfect hosts, and at Casa Chameleon we did just that.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Surreal"
We were fortunate enough to stay in the new villa at CC just after exhausting holiday travel. The entire experience was surreal. Lying in the most incredibly comfy bed, we were just mesmerized looking across the swimming pool onto the ocean. We really had a difficult time getting out of that bed! Thank god the pool was about 3 steps away. We felt like we were in our own little heaven in there and to be honest, didn't leave much during our short stay. The grounds and design of this small resort are incredibly well designed and one can't help but relax there. It was a unique experience. I would describe it as an exclusive luxury B&B that morphs into a 5 star hotel upon request. We had this experience when we booked their chef and masseuses for the day. Not cheap but rock star all the way! Don't get me wrong, we still had the Costa Rican experiences of monkeys, nature and jungle but without even leaving our room. We ventured out more in Mal Pais at our next hotel since it was just a basic room and a little depressing coming from perfect. I wish we had booked more time at the Chameleon but we did enjoy the Mal Pais area and its wonderful people. Pura Vida for real!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Dream Vacation and we're engaged!"
I had read an article about Casa Chameleon before booking but WOW, it was even better than I imagined. It really was true how private and spacious the rooms are. The views are incredible from the bed and even from the bathroom. The owners were so nice and really pointed us in the right direction for activities, beaches, dining, and secret spots. They even helped my boyfriend arrange an amazing proposal...which I had no idea he was going to do! I'm actually glad I didn't know everything before going so I won't ruin any surprises but here are a few tips:
1. definitely take the flight to Tambor. Driving from San Jose was long, but going back the flight was only 30 minutes.
2. Definitely rent a car. We almost didn't and that would have been a HUGE mistake. It really is THAT spread out. In the car, it doesn't take long but you just can't get around easily without one there.
3. Definitely take cash. Almost everyone only takes cash in Mal Pais. No credit cards. This means restaurants, tours, everything.
4. Pack light. Especially for the plane. There is a 25 pound weight limit per person. We actually got away with a bit more but we did over pack. It's hot and you really don't need much more than a bathing suit and casual clothes. The hotel provides great natural soap, shampoo, a hair dryer, and beach towels. Really everything we could have needed. The grocery stores there have bug spray, sun block, and anything else like that. These are the only things I wasn't exactly sure about before going. Hope this helps future guests and I hope the owners of Casa Chameleon read this and will make room for us again next year!!!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "More than a hotel"
My wife and I just spent our 5 year wedding anniversary at Casa Chameleon.

We didn't quite know what to expect, but it is difficult to describe. From the outside, it is beautiful, but it is so much more than it appears. Every day was a magical and special experience.

What my wife and I brought back home with us was a new appreciation for life and nature. We had everything we could have wanted on our vacation, but realized how little we really need to be happy. Escaping the clutter of normal everyday life into a place where we were able to enjoy each other without distraction...We found our hearts again and I don't think we'll ever be the same. Thank you Bobbie and Anthony for your creation and inspiration!
R&D Lichen

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Great hotel"
This place is fabulous. I really can't think of a bad thing to say about it. The room was gorgeous and super relaxing and the owners are awesome. I usually can't stand the whole B&B experience of having owners around all the time, but these guys seem to only be there when you want them and are just the most helpful. They planned activities for us, gave us great suggestions and even organized getting us fish to cook on the outdoor barbeque - then they practically cooked the meal for us. Really a great place and can't be beat for relaxing and getting away from everything.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Magical!"
Casa Chameleon was indeed all that I have read and more. Staying there was the highlight of our 14 days in Costa Rica. Waking in the mornings to the view of the waves and the nature was magical. The owners were terrific and very helpful. They have created a very special place that suits the environment while being wonderfully luxurious. It is apparent much love and thought were given to this place and by the amount of birds and animals around, nature seems to agree. We hope to return every year to this Paradise!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Perfect honeymoon hideaway"
My wife and I are both in our 30's and have traveled extensively. We both enjoy tropical destinations and have been to Hawaii, Jamaica, Fiji, Bali, Cambodia and Mexico to name a few destinations we've enjoyed.

We just returned from our honeymoon at Casa Chameleon in Mal Pais, Costa
Rica and can't wait to go back!

We couldn't have picked a better place! Finally, someone created a place that doesn't try to be all things to all people. Casa Chameleon is for couples only, so no kids running around. Nothing against kids, but when you are in need for romance and relaxation there is nothing worse than having someone else’s kids running around like maniacs. This happened on our last vacation, so I wanted to be sure we picked an ADULTS ONLY resort for our honeymoon.

Resorts usually have restaurants and droves of people around at all times. Casa Chameleon offers a private chef (which I highly recommend) if you want, but has NOTHING open to the public. This to me was INCREDIBLE, because it was like having a resort to ourselves. So peaceful and private! I'll never be able to do a "resort" again.

We've both never stayed anywhere like it. They designed and built everything themselves. The layout and landscaping are incredible! You can see why they have celebrities stay there. Besides the great design, they know how to attend to your needs without invading your privacy. This is something people either get or don't. These people get it!
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a private spot for a romantic vacation complete with stunning views and elegant simplicity at a great price Casa Chameleon is it.

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Best hotel in Costa Rica!"
My husband and I stayed here January 2006. Casa Chameleon is absolutely magical! Very private with stunning views, comfortable bed and furniture. Really cool shower - you feel like your taking a shower in the jungle! The owners are amazing, they have thought of everything. They were very attentive and helpful, but left us alone to relax. We pretty much had our run of the property. They would leave fresh towels out at the pool for us every day. They also made us a delicious breakfast. Don't second guess about staying here, we'll definitely be back. Thanks Anthony & Bobbi!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "Can't wait to go back"
We had a wonderful time at Casa Chameleon! Bobbie and Anthony were fabulous and if we lived there, we would want to be friends with them! The view was spectacular and the room was everything I dreamed it would be. Our only regret was that we could not stay there for longer. Definitely have them arrange for their chef, Billy, come and prepare dinner for you. It was amazing and very romantic!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "a piece of heaven along the coast"
We cannot say enough compliments about the property or the owners, Bobbie and Anthony. Everything that you read and hear is true and this is definitely one of the best properties in the area.

This vacation was a perfect blend of pampering and adventure!! The camera cannot fully capture the beauty of the property and the unique non-human visitors. We highly recommend renting an ATV (aka "Quad") and ask Anthony about the shortcut to Montezuma, it is an adventure all in itself. They are awesome hosts and can arrange just about any tour or opportunity that might interest you. We highly recommend the "Canopy del Pacifico."

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "There is no equal"
Look. There is NO better place to stay in Central America then the Casa Chameleon. Okay? Trust us. We’ve stayed everywhere else.... we've stayed at every single hotel, motel and bed and breakfast. This is the best place in all of Costa Rica... and on earth... hands down...

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the Casa Chameleon on our honeymoon and it honestly could not have been better.

One of the things that we appreciated the most is its location. The journey to get there makes arriving feel absolutely incredible.
I don’t know who we were expecting to meet when the gates opened... but these people are experts at making you feel comfortable. Every detail you see was specifically created from the minds of the owners/ designers who are insanely creative and extremely hospitable which is an ultimate and unique combination.

The outdoor kitchen is a perk. You are going to flip when you see the view from your shower! The wildlife is like a 24 hour zoo. They treat you like family. There are cabanas by the pool with perfectly shaded hammocks ATV's available at anytime. Anything you want at the touch of a walkie-talkie. Amazing landscape. Unbelievable views. It’s the Perfect place to explore, get lost, hunt hidden beaches or just relax

The Casa Chameleon has no equal. Just thinking about it gives me the chills... you will not regret it. Stay as long as possible!!

Hotel Casa Chameleon - Mal Pais: "My Costa Rica Adventure"
Just a quick note to anyone interested or considering a stay at Hotel Casa Chameleon in Mal Pais Costa Rica -- don't hesitate!

The owners of the Hotel, known as Bobbie and Anthony were amazing hosts and created the most relaxing hideaway in the mountains of Mal Pais. They and their staff helped cater to our every need from reservations at the local "hot spots" to a grassroots surfing lesson and tree-top canopy tour.

Flying back on the plane to Canada I couldn't stop myself from thinking of the wildlife I saw from the Congo Howler Monkey, the White face Monkey, the Parrots in the tree next to the pool, the regular Pisote visit and of course the toad/frog poop (its huge!)

With just a short stint to the beach and to the centre of town we were able to rent quad-atv's to further explore and give us the sense of ultimate freedom.

Also, the Cabinas are beautiful and have the most killer views you have ever seen. Loved the experience so much that we bought property in the area to build and model after the Hotel!

Truly the most amazing and expensive (because of the land purchase) adventure experience we have had!

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