A Pura Vida trip!

Guest: Nuki (Seattle, Washington)
Date of Stay: 04/15/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

Four in our family stayed ten days at Villa Sol and had a marvelous time. The home provided all we required for our family vacation: private pool, lounges, outdoor dining table, air conditioning, lovely decor, cooking equipment, TV, etc. We did not rent a car and found that within the complex a hefty up or downhill hike could be traded for a shuttle ride. Being on the end of a row of homes gave an extra measure of privacy and separation from the public music. It was close enough to walk to the front desk, mini mart, or exercise room and a half mile walk to a grocery store. We mostly cooked our meals or took a taxi to nearby restaurants. La Finisterra was a favorite. We were disappointed with the meal at the Heliconia in Villa Sol. The only minor personal wish in the home was a softer mattress. A provided visitor's packet of information was very helpful prior to our arrival. We booked adventure tours with Avispas Adventures. The owner acted like a personal consierge/all around visitor support person helping us pick tours to suit our personal interests and providing the taxis for us to venture out to Coco or the restaurants. We also enjoyed a snorkeling trip with a local who recruits his customers from Hermosa Beach for two hours trips inside the bay. We had some issues with the ATMs being out of money but had a back-up option of travelers' checks which we cashed at a bank. Wish the hotel had an ATM. Most stores and restaurants took credit cards, however. I would recommend this home away for a comfortable, enjoyable stay. We heard some rather disgruntled hotel guests voicing their complaints while we visited the hotel and one must be ready for close neighbors and loud music in that venue. In this Villa we were separate enough from the other guests, but could readily join them at the pools or dance lessons etc. if we wished. We truly had all the rest we required and all the adventure we desired. We were treated to visits by Howler monkeys and iguanas in the area along with spectacular sunsets. Truly a Pura Vida wonderful vacation!

Owner response:Thanks Sharon, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time. Thanks for your nice comments; it makes me homesick to be back there again! Best wishes, Chris

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Our trip was perfect!

Guest: Tom (Holt, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 12/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/12

We had a group of five who stayed at this villa; it was very nice and accommodating for all of us. This Villa was really clean and had all the amenities you would need for your stay. Chris helped with getting into contact with a lady named Amy who was from the states and she was more than helpful on making sure we did the things we wanted to do. We did white water rafting, a day trip to Nicaragua, surfing in tamarindo, deep sea fishing, zip line through the jungle and hot springs. I’m am pretty well traveled and haven’t had this great of an experience my whole life even at 5 star all-inclusive resorts. The resort allowed us to purchase and all inclusive day the few days we just kicked back and relaxed at the swim up bar. That came with breakfast, lunch, and dinner also all the beverages we wanted as well, the food was great and the staff was as well. We were all impressed and want to go back for next New Years and stay at the same villa I would highly recommend this Villa to anyone! Thanks again Chris for helping us have a great experience in Costa Rica we are looking forward to going back next year and staying in your Villa!

Owner response:Thanks for your great comments Tom, Amy with Avispas Adventures said you seemed to be having a wonderful time which is always what I like to hear. I'd love to have you as return guests next year; just let me know. I'm heading there myself on Saturday and can't wait to experience the "Pura Vida" life again! Chris

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children.

Travel To Villas Sol

Guest: Tom (Holt, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 12/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/12

Everything was perfect!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.

A Wonderful Sibling Reunion

Guest: Barb (Grand Rapids, MI , USA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/11 Review Submitted: 12/05/11

The villa offered the perfect setting for group activities for the 8 of us (4 stayed at the villa and 4 elsewhere). We especially enjoyed using the well-supplied kitchen to prepare some meals and loved being able to eat outside around the table on the patio. We also loved sitting in the pool and talking. The men were able to keep up with their favorite football teams via cable t.v. The "carts" gave us door to beach service. We appreciated walking on the beach and swimming in the relatively protected cove.We also thoroughly enjoyed several nearby restaurants: Ginger, Finesterra, and the low-key Aqua Sport. We appreciated the proximity to the beach town Coco where the modern, well stocked grocery store AutoMercado is located and where there are many souvenir shops. We would also recommend 2 tours that we took, one was a private tour with the 8 of us organized by Amy/ Avispa Tours (floating down a river, seeing monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, all manner of birds etc.), the other was a cruise on the bay organized by Charley's (office right next to the entrance to the beach.). It was called an 8 in 1 and offered everything from snorkeling to fishing, to a barbecue on the beach etc. We would highly recommend the villa. It was the perfect setting for a wonderful time.

Owner response:Thanks Barbara, I so appreciate your positive comments. I'm glad your stay was everything you were hoping for (and more!). I enjoy the same area restaurants that you do and reading your review makes me anxious to return for a visit myself. thanks for renting. Chris

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Costa Rican Vacation 5/25-6/4

Guest: trish (kentucky)
Date of Stay: 05/25/11 Review Submitted: 08/06/11

We spent 10 glorias days in Costa Rica - 5/25/11 through 6/4/11. Chris was a wonderful resource for us when we planned our trip. The villa is spacious, comfortable, and attractive. A perfect retreat for an active family of five - a daughter (22) and twin boys (19). We were walking distance to the beach and the resort offered an all inclusive option which was a great option when we were not out and about on our Costa Rican adventures. Chris put us in touch with Amy at Avispas and I can't say enough about our experience. We did the zip line tour, river tour, whitewater rafting, and a private beach touring adventure that included snorkeling and surfing. Amy and her staff were courteous,flexible, and accomodating. We felt like we were her only clients. We are not people who like big tours and we love to experience the people and culture when we travel. Our Costa Rican experience was all that and more. We truely experienced the culture through the eyes of the locals. Amy selected fabulous resturants on our tours and her staff was top notch. Our "main man" was the kind and accomodating Carlos. The whole family became attached to him and it was with great sadness that we said our parting good-byes at the airport. We loved JC's enthusiasm on our zip line tour. With great excitement he pointed our the nearly extinct Zirabu and made sure our zip line experience was safe and fun. If you are looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience than I would recommend staying at Chris's villa and working with Amy at Avispas. Chris and Amy are an incredible team and your vacation will be "Pura Vida". Thanks your for your hospitality - Trish and Family

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Home Away From Home

Guest: Barb (Salado,Texas)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/23/11

My husband and I stayed at "Pura Vida" in February....It was wonderful.. spotless,peaceful,quiet,relaxing and felt like home...The place had all the things and more that you would need in a house....Beach was 5 min walkking and the pool was cleaned everyday...Had a lot of activities to do near. Roads were good..Had good supermarkets close....Great place for a family to enjoy,...Thank You Chris....The information you sent before the trip helped get us ready.... Armando and Barbara Salado, Texas

Owner response:Hi Barbara, Thanks so much for your kind comments. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time. Costa Rica is a true paradise! Pura Vida, Chris

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great villa for a relaxing vacation

Guest: Lona (Santa Fe, NM)
Date of Stay: 01/17/11 Review Submitted: 03/07/11

We stayed for a week in January 2011. Everything was great. The villa is very nice and clean and comfortable. The grounds of the property are beautiful. You can take a little bus around the property or walk to the pools and beach. The property is hilly so I recommend sneakers for walking. Hotel Sueno in Playa Hermosa has good food.

Owner response:Hi Katrina, I'm so glad you and your family had such a great time. Thanks for booking! All the best, Chris

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with young children.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/01/09

We spent nine days at the villa and were very pleased with the accommodations. The villa is beautifully decorated throughout and there was plenty of room for our party of six adults. The living room/kitchen area is especially nice and open, and the kitchen is well equipped for preparing both meals and margaritas! It was wonderful to relax by the pool, especially after an excursion or day at the beach. Regarding the resort, the staff is kind and helpful and the grounds are well kept. We spent time at both of the pools and participated in a few resort activities. It was nice to have the option of purchasing the meal plan for one day or even one meal at a time, and as a result, we ate a few meals at the La Bahia restaurant, the view from which is spectacular. The owner and property manager of the villa were very pleasant, easy with which to work, and responsive to our needs. We recommend this villa wholeheartedly!

Recommended for:

Great Stay

Guest: Mattyb (Manalapan, New Jersey, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/24/08 Review Submitted: 01/13/09

Had a fantastic stay. Villa was even better than expected. Pictures do not do it justice. Villa was clean upon arrival and lacked nothing.Kitchen was well stocked with everything you need to cook and prepare.Outdoor BBQ was added plus. Plunge pool was a great start to the day while breakfasting on the patio and great end to the day after sightseeing, day at the beach or pools. Great restaurants nearby like Ginger and Hotel El Velero - an easy walk. Tours with Avispa were fantastic. Would not hesitate to go back ASAP. Sunsets at hotel pool not to be missed. Can be as active or sedate as you want to be.

Owner response:Thanks Matty, I'm glad your stay was so enjoyable. Your family was a pleasure to work with. Chris

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Villas Sol, Playa Hermosa

Guest: Loving Costa Rica (Burlington, Ontario, CANADA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/19/08

This month we enjoyed our second vacation in Costa Rica. This holiday exceeded all of our expectations. The villa was clean and well maintained, and the customer service was exceptional. We enjoyed the community pools, the beach, the restaurants, and a variety of tours around this beautiful country. I would definately recommend this property to friends and family for it's excellent location and all the available ammenities.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.