No, it's not a scam! Costa Rica's glorious holiday rentals are both cheap and stunning - and we've picked out the best... Now, infinity pool or sea view - or both?
Where? San Francisco, Provincia de Guanacaste
How much? From £83 per night (or £20.75 per person)
The details: A 5km stroll from the nearest village, this beachside house (pictured above) is perfect for families. It sleeps up to four people (with two bathrooms), and is surrounded by a well-kept garden, with a guard and a maid on site. Book now
Where? Santa Teresa, Provincia de Puntarenas
How much? From £83 per night (or £13 per person)
The details: A two-bedroom penthouse apartment (pictured above) that sleeps up to 6 people, on the south coast of Costa Rica. The beach is within walking distance, and there's A/C, WiFi and a balcony for dining and private sunbathing too. Book now
Where? San Juanillo, Provincia de Guanacaste
How much? From £78 per night (or £19.50 per person)
The details: This pink-painted house in the west of Costa Rica boasts two bedrooms (sleeps 4 people), two bathrooms and a palm-fringed pool and spacious living area. Swing from a hammock in the tropical garden, or head to the nearby idyllic beach... Book now
Where? Puerto Coyote, Provincia de Guanacaste
How much? From £52 per night (or £17 per person)
The details: A cute wooden bolthole surrounded by forest, with a lovely terrace for wildlife watching and sunbathing. It sleeps three people (one bedroom, one bathroom), in a very private – and totally unspoilt – leafy setting. Book now
Where? Cahuita, Provincia de Limón
How much? From £52 per night (or £13 per person)
The details: This gorgeous spot is just 150 metres from the beach – a beautiful, palm-fringed stretch of coastline... There are two bedrooms (sleeping four), and a peaceful garden with hammocks. It's rustic, but who needs A/C when you've got a sea breeze? Book now
Where? Puerto Viejo, Provincia de Limón
How much? From £33 per night (or £8.50 per person)
The details: Tucked away in a lush garden (home to howler monkeys and hummingbirds), this wooden house is a 10-minute bike ride from the beach and nearest village – and handily, you'll find rental bikes as part of the property. This simple abode fits seamlessly with its rural surrounds: there's an open-plan living area, simple kitchen, and two double bedrooms with vast windows (sleeps 4). Book now
Where? Manzanillo, Provincia de Limón
How much? £49 per night (or £12.25 per person)
The details: This duo of wooden huts occupies a peaceful spot, between hiking trails and right next to the beach, with a pretty garden to boot. The nearest civilisation is a small fishing village, so you won't be over-run by tourists. Rent one hut, or contact the owner to negotiate the price of hiring both properties. Book now
Where? Manuel Antonio, Provincia de Puntarenas
How much? From £62 per night (or £31 per person)
The details: This studio apartment is perfect for a romantic getaway: you'll be within a modern, comfortable development, with an infinity pool that overlooks the coast. The property sleeps just two, and has sleek décor as well as full laundry and cooking amenities. The beach and town are a walk away, although you'll be hard-pressed to tear yourself away from that view... Book now
Where? Puerto Coyote, Provincia de Guanacaste
How much? From £90 per night (or £22.50 per person)
The details: High up in the hills of Puerto Coyote, in west Costa Rica, sits this secluded one-bedroom house. It sleeps four people, with a spacious living area and terrace. The star of the show is the infinity pool, set in a rich tropical garden, with views that extend down to the coast and nearby Playa Coyote. Book now
