Vacation Rentals by Owner

Pura Vida at Casa Sandra!

Guest: Nicole R. (NYC)
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/26/12

We had an incredible stay at Casa Sandra! The house is gorgeous. It has all the amenities you could ask for (gorgeous verandas, really comfortable bedrooms, and amazing bathrooms!). It was so comfortable and in such a beautiful setting that we found ourselves staying in, cooking and enjoying the sunsets quite a bit. The house is warm and inviting and in a wonderful location (walking distance from many restaurants and bars) and a quick cab ride to others and the beach. You can also take the bus to most spots and the bus stops just down the road from Casa Sandra. We couldn’t have asked for a better house to stay in for a wonderful week in Manuel Antonio. The staff was A+ as well. Thomas graciously arranged for our transportation from the San Jose airport after offering many different options, pricing, etc. Kathrin was extremely well versed in all that the area has to offer. We booked our sunset sail (incredible!) and our tour of Manuel Antonio Park with Henry through Kathrin (another must do!) and she also gave us a great itinerary of beaches to visit outside of Manuel Antonio because we were feeling adventurous and in the mood to set out and see a different area one day. Our trip consisted of beach, beach and more beach with a few excursions thrown in throughout the week. We always loved coming home to Casa Sandra after a long day in the sun and before heading out to what became some of our favorite restaurants in the area (Victoria’s, Barba Roja and Kapi Kapi).

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Casa Sandra -- Highly Recommended

Guest: Scott (Oakton,Virginia,USA)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/29/11

This is a beautiful house, beautifully furnished, with a well-equipped kitchen. It was just as advertised on the web site. We were met in nearby Quepos by Thomas, the property manager, who escorted us to the house in Manuel Antonio, pointing out places to shop and eat along the way. Upon our arrival at the villa, there was a large bouquet of fresh-cut flowers from the gardens, a basket of fresh fruit and a personal welcoming note -- a nice touch. The house was very clean, the beds and linens were high quality, with plenty of towels, including beach towels for our use at the beach. Thomas was very helpful in setting up some tours for us. The Manuel Antonio Nat'l Park tour was very interesting. A guide is STRONGLY recommended as you will see little wildlife without the keen eyes, local knowledge, and telescope of the guide. The canopy zip-line tour was also very good and fun. There is a pretty good grocery store, a local bus stop and many restaurants (all price ranges) within easy walking distance of the villa. One we particularly liked was a tapas restaurant called Salsipuedes a little way down the road toward Quepos. Sunsets from the balcony overlooking the Pacific were spectacular. Another good place to enjoy the sunset was at the bar/restaurant at the Best Western in Quepos where they serve good two for one drinks from 5:00 to 7:00. The owner was very responsive to some suggestions we made after our vist for some (very minor) improvements. We highly recommend staying at Casa Sandra.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Pura Vida!

Guest: Sunil (New Jersey, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/23/10

My wife and i just spent a week at Casa Sandra in Manuel Antonio. The villa was great, tastefully decorated, and included every amenity that we needed. The location was perfect - the grocery store, restaurants, and bars were within walking distance or just a quick, inexpensive bus ride away. The views from all three balconies were great. We loved to cool off in the plunge pool in the afternoon and then watch the sunset from our balcony. The staff was friendly and always ready to help with booking tours, restaurant suggestions, etc. Also, the mid-week laundry service was much appreciated. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and Casa Sandra definitely felt like a home away from home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Home away from Home

Guest: iopcheryl (Isle of Palms, SC)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 05/03/10

My husband and I and our three daughters (7,10,12) stayed at Casa Sandra during Easter Week and it was everything we hoped for. The house was very beautiful, well maintained, great decor and overall layout, beautiful views, spacious (perfect for a family of 5). It was very quiet, comfortable, safe (loved having the alarm system), and VERY convenient to grocery (just a short walk) and the bus stop and taxi pickup. We used the bus stop only a few times as it took 20-30 min. to come. Taxis were usually waiting at the top of the hill by the church. It was nice to open the house during the day for the great breezes and the AC was a must for us at night during sleeping. My favorite was having a daily housekeeper who also did laundry for us. The hot water was off and on as it is everywhere in Costa Rica but we didn't mind. We also took advantage of Thomas pre-stocking our fridge and thank goodness because we arrived late from a long drive from Arenal and had food for breakfast the next morning. Highly recommend Casa Sandra!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to stay in Manuel Antonio!

Guest: Teri & Bill (West Des Moines, IA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

After traveling the country for a week, we settled into Casa Sandra for 5 days of the relaxing part of our vacation. The house was in a convient location in Manuel Antonio (close to just about everything) and very comfortable. The views were magnificent and we enjoyed watching the monkeys, sloths and birds pass through. The monkeys even drank from the pool while we were relaxing next to it! The kitchen was well equipped and we cooked some great food purchased from the market in Quepos. The bedrooms were comfortable and spacious. The house was VERY clean. Thomas did a wonderful job suggesting and scheduling tours and directing us around. You must go to the beach - the water was perfect, the waves fun, and it was not crowded. We rent villas 95% of the time when vacationing and highly recommend Casa Sandra. We hope to be back again sooner rather than later!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Brandon24 (West virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 03/12/10

A wonderful house very unique. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay our son loved the pool. Great accomodations very comfortable. Great access to town. We look forward to staying there again hopefully next year. We highly recommend it.

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Guest: Barb
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/24/10

We had a wonderful time at your home, and everything went smoothly. The house was so comfortable, and we especially enjoyed the sunsets from the terrace with wine and cheese. Thomas was an excellent manager , was very responsive to all our questions, and helped set up "adventures" for us. We fell in love with Costa Rica . Thank you!

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A Home that Anticipates Your Needs

Guest: Kilon, Santa Ana, Costa Rica
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 01/24/10

We thoroughly enjoyed your home and appreciated the floral arrangements. The views were outstanding and the kids loved the plunge pool! We were visited by monkeys, birds and lizards. The layout of the house lends itself to privacy for two families. With the attention to details and quality finishings/decor, you could tell this was a "home" and not a rental. It was nice to stay at a place that anticipates your needs. My wife mentioned that you said Barba Roja had revamped their menu. We ended up eating there twice! We hope to stay at your home again in the future.

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Great location, better house!

Guest: Kilon (Santa Ana, Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 12/08/09

We thoroughly enjoyed your home and appreciated the floral arrangements. The views were outstanding and the kids loved the plunge pool! We were visited by monkeys, birds and lizards. The layout of the house lends itself to privacy for two families. With the attention to details and quality finishings/decor, you could tell this was a "home" and not a rental. It was nice to stay at a place that anticipates your needs. My wife mentioned that you said Barba Roja had revamped their menu. We ended up eating there twice! We hope to stay at your home again in the future. Thanks again.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great vacation, great house !!!!

Guest: Eileen99 (Wellington, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

My friend and I stayed at Casa Sandra Sept 5-12 , 2009. We loved everything about our stay. The house is lovely, full kitchen living area opens onton one of three patio areas. The view from top level is stunning with hammock and small pool area. The maid service was great , plenty of hot water , nice linens we really enjoyed our stay in a great location between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Lots of info at house about things to do ect... We will be back!!!

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

Guest: Sheila McNeill (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 06/17/09 Review Submitted: 06/17/09

My husband and I stayed in Casa Sandra during December. The home was immaculate and convenient to restaurants, transportation, the beach, etc. The linens, household appliances and cookware provided were substantial, and the home had breathtaking views. The frequent sighting of monkees and tropical birds made the ambiance of this gorgeous home even more pleasurable. We would highly recommend a stay in this very comfortable home in beautiful Manuel Antonio! !Pura Vida!

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Perfect Getaway

Guest: Steve & Bobbie (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 11/16/07 Review Submitted: 10/04/09

Both of our stays at Casa Sandra were great experiences. The house is beautiful, clean, comfortable and supplied with everything we needed. Only a short drive to the Park, beach and many good restaurants. There was always a refreshing breeze at Casa Sandra, and we loved the view, particularly the sunsets, and watching the colorful birds. We found it very tropical, relaxing and the perfect getaway. That's why we went back a second time!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Best Trip We've EVER had!!!

Guest: Rica Girl (Champaign, IL, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/15/07 Review Submitted: 10/22/09

My husband and I stayed at Casa Sandra in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for two weeks in the fall. The beaches were amazing, the park was amazing and most importantly the HOUSE was amazing!!! It was centrally located which made it super easy to get around. I love the tile floor on the main floor and super comfortable furniture made me feel like I was at home. I know they say a picture is worth one thousand words...and they are...but you should know that no picture could ever capture the beauty of the view off of the second story balcony. Most of the nights after being on the beach we would stop at the corner grocery store and come back to the beautiful house to enjoy the balcony and watch the amazing sunsets. We would often crack a bottle of wine and just stare in awe at the beauty. The balcony has a pool connected to the master bedroom which is super refreshing. Then I loved to warm up just steps away in the jet tub in the master bath. The house was really clean, there was maid service, the owners were really helpful and their management company responded whenever we had a question. The restaurants in the area are great and within walking distance which is super fun. You can even catch a game of local futbol (or our soccer) down the way if you want to see the Costa Rican natives.

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

Guest: Cheryl and Scott
Date of Stay: 12/20/06 Review Submitted: 12/19/06

IN ONE WORD, MAGICAL!Costa Rica, it's people, flora, fauna, governmental policies, and values of "peaceful co-existence" were imprerssive.  Casa Sandra was the icing on the cake. Imagine.....this quality of life for everyone.  Overall, this was a peak experience.

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Guest: Jon ( son)
Date of Stay: 07/18/06 Review Submitted: 07/17/06

AMAZING HOUSE. As we were driving down from San Jose I didn't know what to expect, but when I got there I was amazed!  At last a place I don't have to share with my brother.  Hot showers and a refreshing pool was nice after a couple of days surfing.  It's a beautiful country and I'm glad I stayed in such an amazing house! I just wish I could have stayed longer than a week!                                                                           

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Guest: Janet, Austin, and Rachel
Date of Stay: 07/18/06 Review Submitted: 07/17/06

WE NEVER TIRED OF THE VIEWS. We are sorry to be leaving as the week has gone to fast.  The accommodations  were excellent and very comfortable for the four of us.  We never got tired of the beautiful views.  We plan to be back to this beautiful country.  We loved our days in the park with the monkeys, iguanas, and sloths....great hikes and spectacular beaches.  Both the canopy tour and the horseback riding were great.  We appreciated Alex's recommendations for each.  A wonderful experience for our first trip to Costa Rica!

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Guest: Milllie and Norma
Date of Stay: 05/28/06 Review Submitted: 05/27/06

THIS IS THE LIFE! This is the living.  First time in Costa Rica, will not be the last.  I am a monkey lover so to see all the monkeys right in front of the patio was heaven for me.  Spending the days on the beach was great, easily accessible and inexpensive.  We experienced the Canopy tour and the horseback ridigng tour.  Both were great!  While staying here we rented a car for 2 days and ventured out and explored 10 other beaches.  That was great.  Alex was wonderful in making sure our days went smoothly and setting things up for us.  Maid did an excellent job of cleaning the house and has a beautiful personality.  Made a few local friends which we will visit on our return.  The house was very comfortable.  Enjoyed  watching  the soccer (Futball).  Costa Rica will definitely be a usual spot for us to visit and perhaps retire someday.  We love this place.  Thank you.

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Guest: Nicki,Clare and Kevin
Date of Stay: 03/10/06 Review Submitted: 03/09/06

GARDEN OF EDEN. It has been so much fun to come back here from a hot day at the beach and immerse ourselves in the plunge pool.  What a wonderful idea!!!  And by the way, just how does that  water stay so cool?  We have really enjoyed our stay her at "Casa Sandra"  Unfortunately, we must return to the land of ice and snow tomorrow, just as we have settled into the rhythm of things here.  This house is beautifully designed, with yes "iconic" columns and clever placement of windows and doors to maximize the views.  All the modern amenities at our convenience.  We feel very spoiled here!  Costa Rica is like a Garden of Eden, rich with colors, sounds and wildlife.  We saw so many beautiful birds and monkeys right here by the balcony.  Perfect for the lazy "eco-tourist."  We loved Manuel Antonio Park with its beautiful beaches. On a cold winter day I can close my eyes and imagine floating in warm turquoise waves.  A-h-h-h.  Thanks to your staff.

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Guest: Carol, Rachel and John
Date of Stay: 02/11/06 Review Submitted: 02/10/06

A GREAT TWO WEEKS. A great two weeks!  Lovely villa, plenty of room and maid service was excellent.  Costa Rica, the people and flora/fauna all to be enjoyed.  Bus service was good (only 130 colon) and taxis also.

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Guest: Bob and Jo-Anne
Date of Stay: 02/24/05 Review Submitted: 02/23/05

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE BEAUTY. An absolutely splendid month.  The house was fabulous and there are no words to describe the beauty of Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio in particular.  Thank you for your hospitality.  The vacation villas staff was great.

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Guest: Gerry and Christa
Date of Stay: 03/23/04 Review Submitted: 03/22/04

HAWAII REPLACEMENT. Our week in Costa Rica has gone way to quickly!!  We came primarily for the adventure Costa Rica offers.  Yet, thanks to this beautiful home we also enjoyed many hours of relaxation and great sunset views.  We enjoyed our guided tour of the park, the sunset cruise, our ATV adventure and best of all the canopy tour.  We've visited Hawaii several times and now have a new tropical destination.  We've discovered more reasons to come to Costa Rica rather than the over-crowded islands of Hawaii.  Thanks to your staff for keeping the house looking nice and for helping  us with all of our planning.  We look forward to returning to Costa Rica and this beautiful home.

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Guest: A.J. and Michael
Date of Stay: 03/02/04 Review Submitted: 03/01/04

EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED. My partner and I came down to relax and do some serious fishing.  We accomplished this and much more.  The home was very comfortable and exceeded our expectations.  One of the highlights of our trip is that we hired a chef to prepare gourmet meals for three evenings.  After fishing all day!!!  When we arrived all was excellent!  From fresh tuna to lobster and shrimp.  We dined on terrific fare.  The chef speaks English to a high degree and is a wealth of knowledge.  Thank you for the excellent accommodations in Manuel Antonio.  We most certainly will return with our friends and family.

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Guest: Steve and Monica
Date of Stay: 02/21/04 Review Submitted: 02/20/04

WONDERFUL MEMORIES.I just want to thank you for allowing us to share in "Casa Sandra."  My husband and I took this opportunity to leave the kids with Grandma and Grandpa and we headed for Manuel Antonio-sight unseen except for the Internet.  We thoroughly  enjoyed our stay and the very comfortable accommodations.  We took in many sunsets from the wonderful balconies, and loved the splash pool for a nice cool dip.  Now we must go back to work in Minnesota (Brrrrrr!) these wonderful memories will definitely hold us over until the spring thaw and signs of life resume in our neck of the woods.  Thanks again for letting us enjoy your wonderful place.

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