Vacation Rentals by Owner

Month in Paradise

Guest: patti (Dillsburg PA, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/13/12

Dear Lizzie, Michael, Pauly and Peggy, WE MISS YOU, sorry for the delay. Our vacation was 1 of a kind, we are certain that we will never be able to come close to the marvelous time we had at your home. The house was amazing...open, airy with views to die for, seeing the toucans, parrots and various birds every am/pm from our back porch, were an absolute delight...our 12 miles hike day...circling up around Joe's and down to the beach, then the waterfall and back home to just beat a welcoming rain, proved to be exciting with the scarlette macaws, slothes, white face and howler monkeys...Our fishing trip w/ the local tico William was the trip of a lifetime, only 5 hrs out and we caught, 1 bull dorado, 1 female dorado, 1 mackeral and 1 black tuna...not to mention the ray Dan hooked into that was about the size of the boat, thank God he snapped the line....lol...hiking the rivers and driving the beach, kayaking the gulf, (sorry about the panic...we gave you)...lol.....paddle boarding...and the horseshoe tourny in Zancudo...thanks for finding Dan's shoe Lizzie! Our weekly trek to Pavones to the vegetarian cafe to have some of Derio's choc brownies and fresh smoothies with REAL Fruit not in a carton...We enjoyed our trips to the border town...and Golfito...the sites on the way are well worth the bumpy rds you have to endure to get there....Our 3 day trip to Carate across the Gulf (while Lizzie had her root canal...poor thing)..Staying at the Lookout Inn and seeing a Tapar on the Beach up close and personal, a Coate, zillion macaws and every species of monkey in costa rica... the beaches at Carate were quite sandy and the waves amazing for body and boogy boarding...we recommend that you take a boat there if you are not fond of the bumpy roads because the last 10 miles to carate were the worst rds in the world...almost turned back twice, but so glad we didn't! One of our favorite nights was the meal at your house, w/ dan and Michael Jackson playing the guitars and enjoying Lizzie's amazing cooking, lovely memories...xo...thank you Michael for the daily briefing on who we were and what day it was, w/o that we would still be lost, lol thank you for opening up your home, hearts and dogs to us, we enjoyed every second of our stay, the fresh oranges, banana, pinapple, avacados, lemons on your property! We will be BACK to see the whales! We love you, peace love and eternal sunshine, DAN and Patti (not a place for the high maintenance type, adventurous type only) xo

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Perfect Pura Vida

Guest: Moab first timer (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 02/08/12

In our first trip to Costa Rica we were lucky enough to stay at Paraiso Miguel. The house, the property, the beaches, and most of all the hospitality of our hosts Beth and Michael made it the trip of a lifetime. It would be close to impossible to overstate how Beth and Michael helped make our trip so incredibly wonderful. From the lists of what we needed and needed to know to helping us make our car rental arrangements before we arrived to the bonfire on the beach on our last night, they were the perfect hosts. Trip highlights: watching the bowl games at the local ex-pat bar fifty steps from one of the most perfect beaches on planet Earth. Mountain biking down to the beach near the local fishing “village” for a day of paddleboarding and sea kayaking. Michael leading us on a short hike to a 70-foot waterfall hidden in the jungle. The amazing meals prepared for us by our hosts. Rum drinks straight from coconuts that Michael had just cut from the tree were marvelous. The home sits atop a huge hill with achingly beautiful views of the Gulf. It is tastefully decorated and very comfortable. Television (not that you’ll watch it), stereo, kitchen, all the comforts of home in a house carved out of the jungle. On the property are monkeys, a sloth, parrots everywhere. Hammocks are strategically placed to take advantage of breezes and views. For people looking for the real Costa Rica, the comforts of home without the crowds, this may be the perfect spot. It’s not a catch phrase coined by some marketing firm. For locals it’s a knowing greeting “Pura Vida.”

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Five Star Honeymoon

Guest: J&K (Fernandina Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 12/20/11

Where do i begin??? We just returned from our 10 day honeymoon, and Paraiso de Miguel was definitely a highlight! We stayed here for the first three nights of our trip. Michael suggested a private dinner prepared by his wife Beth as a surprise for our first night in Pavones. The dinner was great! Blended rum drinks served in coconuts, followed by grilled snapper w/ pasta, and finished off with brownie sundays! Actually it was finished off by an impromptu fireworks display that Mike even kept secret from me! Suggestion: Do not be on the bottom tier of Mike's property when he is shooting fireworks, for some reason they go down instead of up! It was so funny! All joking aside, Mike is a great host! The best part was that Mike recognized that we didnt just wanna hang at the property, we wanted to get out there and have an experience! Mike suggested the local horseshoe tournament, and even accompanied us down there at our request! This turned into a great time! Mike gives you the local knowlege that you need so that you can settle in and start experiencing the area right away! The property is everything that ad says it is and more! The real value of this place is the anticipation of guest needs by Michael and Beth. I work for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. and this is a service value that we stress! From the surprise dinner, to the to the need to know information, to Michael taking time out of his day to show us a good time, you cannot go wrong with Paraiso de Miguel!!! Thank Again, Justin and Kimberly Carroll

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Josh & Justine

Guest: Josh (North Topsail Beach, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

This was our first time to Costa Rica. We've traveled all over and this was one of the best trips we've done yet. The pictures that are put up don't give it justice. The place sits on a hill overlooking the jungle and the bay. The ocean is only 5 minutes down the hill for fishing, kayaking, and surfing. The house sits in some of the most beautiful area I've ever seen in the world. Michael and Beth, thank you for sharing your house with us. You were wonderful hosts, far more than I ever expected.

Owner response:You guys were awesome guests. Hope you make it back again next year. Stay safe Josh! Semper Fidelis

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

NF/Virginia

Guest: NF (Virginia Beach, VA)
Date of Stay: 02/19/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

I've been meaning to write this since our trip last Feb/2011. We've been to CR many times, and found this property hard to beat! So peaceful and beautiful, with all the amenities we Americans are so used to! Wonderful friendly hosts, as well as meeting other friendly travelers/expats made our stay very fun, relaxing and carefree. Would most definitely go back!

Owner response:Thanks for the great review. We had a great time with you and Lester and are looking forward to our next SUP outting together. PS. Please tell Lester that I am taking good care of his rubber boots!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best Family Vacation Ever!

Guest: RKR (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 08/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

After a month of searching for just the right place for my small family to vacation, we decided on Paraiso de Miguel. It was the best choice we made! The views from your private porch are a spectacular sight capturing the Pacific Ocean and all the Gulfo Dulce. The sunsets were rich in color and never missed. The house had all the amenities one could ask for and the host Michael was very insightful about the area and made sure anything we needed was taken care of. We saw Toucans, White faced monkeys, a Sloth, and an astounding assortment of birds often on the property! Jungle life surrounds this perch, but has the beach close by as well making one truly feel La Pura Vida! I give this property a 5 star rating, and plan on returning as often as possible to enjoy such a beautiful place with waves, views, jungle, and great people! RYNO-Realize Your Natural Obsession

Owner response:Ryan. thanks for the great review. You, Karen and Ryder were great guests and can't wait for you guys to return. Miss you all. Bella, Peggy and the rest of the Cuervito locals send their best. Pura Vida

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise

Guest: Andy & Jenny (St. Augustine Fl, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/08/10

Our Family could not have been happier staying here ,and are looking forward to returning next summer. This home exceeded all of our expectations, it was clean, bigger than appeared in photos, and had all the amenities we needed being a family of 5. Not mention the breath taking views! But best of all the owner Mike is an amazing host, he was very helpful and has a lot of knowledge. This home is the perfect place to stay with or without children. We have been visiting Costa for the last 8 yrs at least 2 times a yr and have not found a rental home that has exceeded our expectations as this home has. We strongly recommend if you are visiting the area that you stay here.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome Vacation!

Guest: Jordp12 (Cocoa, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

We stayed here for 4 nights with another couple and had an amazing time! Michael was an amazing host and made us feel very much at home. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to travel to Pavones. This is the nicest place you will find around there and you have all the amenities needed to have a great vacation. My only advice is to make sure you bring plenty of cash as most places do not accept credit cards. If you are looking to have a relaxing vacation in a tropical paradise this is the place for you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: JR Earnest (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/10/10 Review Submitted: 02/10/10

Love this place! We stayed here the last two weeks of January and it was amazing! Mike is a great guy and helped us set up some horseback riding and surf lessons and was just all around helpful. Waking up to that view every morning is why I went to Costa Rica in the first place. If I'm ever back in Costa Rica I would love to stay here again and I'll actually remember to get myself some transportation next time, it's a nice walk to the beach but kinda far. I miss the dogs!

Recommended for:

Guest: Cindy & Ian (Haleiwa, HI)
Date of Stay: 01/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/07/10

We have returned to this rental many times & are always touched with sadness when it is time to leave. It is a beautiful home- a must see. Thank you Michael & Beth!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/12/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/09

It was everything I expected and more. The hosts were incredible and the home, area and people were fantastic. This was my 1st, but not my last visit to this gem.

Recommended for:

Guest: Laura Burgos (-)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

My husband and I visited this vacation rental on our honeymoon and it was the best choice we have ever made. This is a pristine property and was extremely well kept with every amenity one could wish for. It is minutes away from gorgeous beaches and has magnificent views of the lush jungles and beautiful wildlife in all directions which one can easily experience while lounging at the house. Michael and Beth were extremely helpful in every aspect and this was truly the best vacation we have ever taken! We are counting the days until we can go back and stay at this beautiful place!

Recommended for:

Guest: Ron Weaver (Neptune Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

Paraiso de Miguel is truly paradise. The view from the back porch of Golfo Dulce is as spectacular as any I've ever seen. Throw in Toucans, Parrots, Sloths and monkeys…you get the picture. The accommodations are equally impressive. Miguel has provided all the amenities to make you feel like your at home. Except you are in one of the most beautiful, lush, tropical and unspoiled spots on the planet. After a long day surfing one of the longest left point breaks in the world, a wave that breaks with machine like perfection, there's nothing better than sipping a few Rum and Cokes, enjoying the breeze and grilling up some fresh local fish. If you surfed too long to catch the fish yourself, there's a small fishing village just down the road that always has great fish at ridiculously low prices. There's always plenty to do in the area, but, if you just feel like chilling out, hanging out in one of the hammocks to enjoy the views is always a good idea. I've been a guest at Paraiso de Miguel twice now and plan on making it an annual stop. One day I might even take the family with me. It's definitely the Pure Life. Pura Vida!

Recommended for:

find your Puda Vida here

Guest: k (seattle)
Date of Stay: 08/18/08 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

If you are looking for a beautiful home away from home, in a quite tropical paradise with a view, this is the place you are looking for! After hours and hours of searching, my husband came upon this home and it seemed a bit too good to be true. After talking with Michael, the owner, we decided that this is where we wanted to spend our 5 week vacation. We talked with Michael several times though email, and he was honest and professional in answering all of our questions and concerns. Upon arrival, we found that the home far exceed our expectations. The pictures don't do the picturesque view or the craftsmanship of the home justice. As stated in the description, the home is equipped with any modern appliance one could need. The spacious floor plan was ideal for our beach and surfing lifestyle and perfect for our toddler son to roam around. The home sits on a gorgeous, well manicured property, which can be enjoyed from the view of a hamock. Sitting on the back porch you can't help but to feel humbled by nature's beauty. The home is a 10 minute drive from playa Pilon (car or quad is recommended, especially for families or surfers), and about 20 minutes from Pavones. This is the perfect distance away from the town to provide privacy and true relaxation. In our search, we had naturally had some degree of hesitance in dealing with property owners in a different country via email and online accounts. Michael is an outstanding individual who is trustworthy and fair. He was extremely helpful in helping us get settled in, providing lots of tips and recommendations ranging from where to go for a grocery run to the best surf spots. He has done a phenomenon job in creating a slice a paradise and is beyond hospitable. If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the world, this is the perfect place to cuddle up with a romance book and work on your tan, or to catch waves that myths are made of and experience what Puda Vida is all about. Enjoy! .

Owner response:Wow! Thanks for the great review Karen. I'm so glad that you, Ryan and Ryder enjoyed your stay at Paraiso de Miguel. I loved having you guys as guests and hope that make it down again soon for an extended stay. Pura Vida and good luck in school PS. The dogs were really bummed when you guys left. They miss the meal scraps.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.