Auriel is a Great Property

Guest: Bulldoger (Washington)
Date of Stay: 04/04/09 Review Submitted: 04/02/10

We rented this villa for a family week in Costa Rica, and it far exceeded our expectations! It is large, with bedrooms that are of good size and far enough from each other to have privacy. The living area and kitchen area are huge. The kitchen is extremely well equipped and easy to work in. The photos are accurate. There is a rather rough road coming into the property, but that's expected in this area. The property was clean and well-maintained, and we had great cooperation with the property managers. The grocery store nearby has almost everything we needed, and even had some things not found in other grocery stores around (like peanut butter!). Family members did various activities, including zip lining and hiking. Bernal did a great job of entertaining us on our treks. We hired a cook two evenings and the meals were fantastic and relaxing since she also did the clean-up. We enjoyed the restaurant at the bottom of the road called Ginger our first evening here. But then on another evening we drove down the road a bit to Villa del Sueno, which was a wonderful restaurant, a bit above average standards. This was not a casual beach eatery, although those are good here too. We certainly will recommend the property to our friends. We found this to be a fun and relaxing vacation for all of us.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children.

Guest: Dacia Fernandez (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09 Review Submitted: 12/04/09

Stayed at both homes the weekend of July 4th, and fell in love with the country as well as the homes. Aurelia and Catalina are two very beautiful homes. Charlie was a wonderful caretaker, and had many funny stories. Bernal was a wonderful guide. Our group plans on returning at least once a year, and hopefully these homes will still be available. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy your homes.

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Guest: Jasmine Wightman (Round Rock, TX)
Date of Stay: 11/27/09 Review Submitted: 11/27/09

My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon in August 2009. It was absolutely perfect! The house is beautiful inside and out and has every thing you might need on a long stay. Watching the sunset from the master bedroom balcony is heaven. There's plenty of things to do and places to eat in the area but it's also wonderful just sit out and lounge in the pool area. We spent roughly 10 days here not including a couple side trips. We also took some day trips with Bernal (which I also highly recommend). And Charlie, the security guard/ caretaker, was really friendly and we felt safe the entire time. We definitely will be coming back to Villa Aurelia someday and will be bringing friends! P.S. Watching the Howler Monkeys from the pool area was my favorite part of the whole trip!

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Guest: Cug (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/13/09

The most amazing trip I've ever taken. Four of us stayed at Villa Aurelia for a week and every day was something new and amazing. The beaches, the tours, the food, the sunsets, the house; everything went beyond our expectations and all the while Charlie gave us peace of mind. The Villa had everything a home should and more, and local businesses provide the needs of any vacation. I can't imagine there's a better tour guide than Bernal out there. He answered every question we had about Costa Rica, and took care of our every want and need we asked of him at a very reasonable rate. Bernal really goes beyond and gives a first class service. If Costa Rica is the destination, Villa Aurelia is the place to stay.

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Guest: TaylorCucs (Pennsy)
Date of Stay: 09/29/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

I was lucky enough to stay at Villa Aurelia the first week in September with three friends. Even though it was supposed to be the "rainy season" by then, the weather was perfect. The house was amazing, clean and had all the comforts of home. Charlie, the guard, was great and always checked to see who was coming up the driveway. We never felt unsafe. The view from the pool deck was beautiful...especially at sunset. Bernal, our guide, went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and made sure we enjoyed our time in Costa Rica. Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your home for our vacation. It made out trip that much more memorable and special. We hope to back some day. THANKS AGAIN!

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Guest: Craig & Suzanne Garrison (Yakima, Washington)
Date of Stay: 05/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/04/09

We OFFICIALLY have vacation home envy!! Villa Aurelia is beyond wonderful!!! What a gorgeous, comfortable, and conveniently located home. You can walk to the beach in 6 minutes, walk to one of the best restaurants (Ginger) in 2 minutes, or to the local grocery store in 5 minutes!! It was quiet (sans the Howler Monkeys), private, comfortable for all three couples, and provided every ammenity we wished for in a home. We loved your property manager and our personal "Tico Tours" guide, Bernal Mata...his tours appear to be more customized than the other companies as we felt we got "extras" in each tour. Your caretakers Charlie and Sue made sure that we were taken care of every day...and Sue even cooked a FABULOUS dinner for us! Would recommend having her cook for ANY group! We just can't believe that we LEFT there! Can't wait to go back...Thank you SO MUCH!

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Guest: Skip & Marilyn Wimer (Temecula, California)
Date of Stay: 05/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/04/09

We recently spent 10 wonderful days at the Villa Aurelia with 2 other couples. All 3 couples had plenty of room for privacy and yet it was intimate enough to enjoy a group setting. We were very pleased with the condition of the home and it's surroundings. We took advantage of the tours offered by Bernal and we were very pleased with the pricing offered, and the well organized manner with which he handled his tours. He was very accomodating and worked around our groups wishes and schedule. Charlie the care taker was very pleasent to work with and his wife Sue is an excellent cook. We would highly recommend having her cook at least one meal to get the true local flavor. We are already planning our next trip and staying at this wonderful home will be a given.

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Guest: deeharleygal (Yakima WA)
Date of Stay: 05/02/09 Review Submitted: 05/02/09

Our stay at Villa Aurelia was truly wonderful. The home is very beautiful and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. David was great with getting back to us with every question we had before leaving. The property manager/tour guide Bernal was absolutely fabulous and of course the caretakers Charlie and Sue were great. If you like have Sue cook you a traditional Costa Rican dinner, she is a great cook and the price was nominal. Can't wait to go back and we will definitely stay at Villa Aurelia again.

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Guest: 0live Bryan (Perth Amboy, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 04/21/09 Review Submitted: 04/21/09

Beautiful house with very good amenities and a lovely pool and patio with view of Playa Hermosa, within walking distance of huge beach and some really good restaurants. Enjoyed several side trips to see the wildlife of Costa Rica, and were impressed by how nice and helpful were the citizens. Needless to say we had a wonderful and relaxing time.

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Guest: Robkeat (Madison CT, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/23/09 Review Submitted: 02/23/09

Villa Aurelia is absolutely stunning in its location, views and furnishings. The deck and pool are beautiful and comfortable with views of the ocean that are to die for. The beach is a quick walk away as are wonderful restaurants -- breakfast, lunch and dinner is available in a wide range of styles including the "typical" or local flair. The beach is expansive and makes for a great morning and evening (the sun sets, no, explodes, on the water in the evening) walking regimes and make sure to have a camera at all times. The people are friendly and very well educated (college is free!) and go out of their way to help travelers out. The villa has every modern convenience and a taste of elegance and luxury that makes a vacation especially memorable. Finally, there are a number of locals in the owner's employ who can take care of literally any problem, get you to some amazing sights and help out with your Spanish. My wife and I will be back to Villa Aurelia (or Casa Catalina!) very, very soon.

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