About Our Property
Our Story
Est. 2022
In 1999, three brothers came to Costa Rica with the idea of creating a wildlife refuge and to fulfill a childhood dream that never came true in Cuba. The plan was to buy a large piece of property and plant as many indigenous plants as possible to attract and create a refuge for the animals in Costa Rica all while fulfilling their dream of owning a tree house. Construction officially began in 2002.
6,000 Fruit Trees
The Castillo brothers planted 6,000 native fruit trees to acccommodate the animals in the area, including the Cecropia tree--a tree that sloths love to eat from. Over the next 15 years, the property became home to a multitude of animals including sloths, armadillos, howler monkeys, kinkajous, parrots, toucans, laughing falcons, and hummingbirds--just to name a few! Many snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads also find a safe place to live on the property. For guests of the hotel, a wide trail was established leading from the hotel all the way to Rio Vieja. Along the way there are several rest areas, a waterfall with three small pools, a restroom, and a picnic area.
An Adventure Awaiting
In 2006, two friends from Sacramento retired in their 40’s, sold their homes, packed 6 suitcases and the dog, and moved to Costa Rica. After living on the central pacific coast for 7 months, they decided life was a little too slow. After a few cervezas, they came up with a plan to buy a rundown hotel, fix it up, and flip it in two years time. The very next week Tree Houses was on the market due to an illness in the family. Kelly and Raeann will never forget their first time driving through the gates and up the driveway. Immediately they knew this was a special place and purchased Tree Houses the very next day.
A New Beginning
With a lot of hard work, sweat, and help from the wonderful Costa Ricans in Santa Clara, Kelly and Raeann had the place up and running in a couple of weeks. Their mission was to create a peaceful, happy place for their guests and employees. Tree Houses Hotel will be around for a long time due to the wonderful guests, the dedicated employees, and the town of Santa Clara.
Kelly and Raeann want every guest to get ‘the full experience’ of the wonderful country of Costa Rica that is so rich in culture and nature.
Meet Our Staff
MEET OUR DOGS
Meet the Street Dogs
Philanthropic Efforts
Without the ability to have their dogs spayed or neutered, many Costa Ricans are unable to take care of the multiple litters of new pups. Unfortunately, this leaves many pups without homes to fend for themselves in the jungle.
We started 'Street Dogs' for the sole purpose of caring for the homeless dogs and to find good homes for these sweet pups.
When you visit, you'll get to meet a few that we have taken in and have become as much a part of the Tree Houses Hotel family as anyone else. They know the area so well and will even hike with you to guide you along the path!
Raeann, the part-owner, has sought to rescue as many abandoned pups as she can while making them a rich part of our guests' experience. Our guests love the dogs that have become a part of our family. Coquita here was rescued as a puppy and now guides our guests on hikes. The 'extra' guide knows all the trails on the property perfectly and adds a lot of fun along the way.
"(The) property dogs which guided us 1.2 miles thru the rain forest trail to the river and waterfalls -for real the dog did it and stayed with us the whole time and walked us back *Amazing Blown Away."-Jerome C.
You can help too.
Not only does the purchase of 'Street Dogs' merchandise help find homes for our furry friends (sold at the hotel), but you too can rescue a dog to take home with you!
Ask us more about becoming a puppy parent when you book your trip!
