To begin, let me say that i was a VRBO owner in Costa Rica for over 10 years in the Uvita area. I have travelled the entire country for in excess of 30 trips in the last 15 years. This was my 6th trip to the Mal Pais area. I am qualified to leave this review.
First, as to arrival we had a very "chat oriented" reception with pictures and maps, etc. but ZERO checkin help. Literally the keys were in the front door. Upon arrival, we realized that the kitchen was VERY poorly appointed and there was in fact no hot water to the kitchen sink. When i advised (via chat) the manager i was told "oh, that is VERY common in Costa Rica not to have hot water in a kitchen sink". Uh huh.
So as to pros and cons. The pros; easy access up from the center of Santa Teresa; nice pool and great ocean view. TV and internet excellent and AC throughout house if that is important to you. Guarded and gated access to the subdivision.
As to cons; the owner has the houses stacked on each other. We literally could easvesdrop on our nextdoor neighbor. Lots of dogs barking, not the "pura vida" i am used to. Entrance was not attractive and the house sterile. Like i said; pros and cons. I would not stay there, nor would i recommend it. But that is just me.