Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful property in beautiful setting

Guest: mumblypeg (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 04/11/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful settings, and villas that we have stayed in. Wrap around porch on both levels, A/C (sorry, gotta have it), beautiful kitchen & living room, upstairs bedroom with stunning view, and outdoor shower. Pool steps away, ocean steps away, restaurant on either side, and 20 or so more within an 8 minute stroll on the beach. Close to everything, yet just far enough from the crowds in town for total peace and tranquility. Nancy, in the states, and Donna on site, always made sure that everything was perfect! Could not have asked for a more wonderful location, or gracious people to deal with. Thanks so much for making our getaway truley special! You can count on us coming back again & again.....Barry & Suzanne

Owner response:Hola Barry and Suzanne, I am so happy that your vacation was such a success….and thanks for taking the time to share your appreciation and enthusiasm. It is very difficult to properly describe Blue Lagoon to potential guests, and even the photos don't do it justice. But I know that when the front gates open and you see the gardens and the ocean there will be a smile on your faces. And that's before you even see the house and meet Donna and Gil, and the wonderful Costa Rican people , and before you dine al fresco on the patio of Blue Lagoon or in any of the fine restaurants in Tamarindo! We look forward to your next visit. Pura Vida, Nancy (on behalf of all the staff)

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

Ahhhhmaaaaazing

Guest: Wendy and Dan (Hudson, Wisconsin, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

We are late in our review -- because frankly, we don't want anyone to know about this spot for fear it won't be available when we want to return. Selfish, we know. My husband and I booked this spot purely from the VRBO site and trip advisor reviews. This was also our first trip to Costa Rica. Our annual trips have been mostly to Ixtapa, Mexico and St Thomas, USVI. We typically stay in small luxury boutique hotels or condominums through VRBO. My point? We know what we like and have pretty high standards. Blue Lagoon was both exactly as pictured and better than we could have imagined. The photos accurately depict the accommodations but don't do justice to the "pura vida" vibe. We just kept saying "ahhhmaaazing" the whole week we were there. From the beautiful grounds and ocean-front location, to the outdoor shower, to the daily overhead Howler Monkey parade...on, and on....ooohhhh I wish I was back there right now! Our daily agenda: Wake up and put on bathing suits. Make coffee, walk beach, return to home for breakfast on the veranda. Set out beach chairs (by pool, in yard or on beach), read and relax, dip in pool. Toss on a t-shirt, walk in to town for lunch, maybe shopping. Return to home, do a little boogie boarding, relax a little more. Shower in terrific open shower, and dress for dinner. Have cocktails on veranda while watching the sunset. Walk the beach in to town for dinner. Return home, sleep - repeat! I know, it sounds boring to some....but if your regular life is CRAZY busy and you want to relax in solitude, this is your place. Donna and Gil are so great -- there when you need them, invisible when you don't. The ONLY drawback is that we wanted to return in 2013 with our teenage boys and there is no room here. But we'll be back in 2014.

Owner response:Thanks so much for your kind words. You have captured the essence of Blue Lagoon, which is not just a lovely villa surrounded by lush gardens, but a staff of wonderful people, ocean and sunset vistas that will remain with you long after you've left….and you didn't forget to mention the Howler monkeys! Thanks for sharing your wonderful description of your "pura vida" vacation. Sorry the house can't accommodate children, but we look forward to when you and Dan return again. Cheers, Nancy (on behalf of all the staff)

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Loved it!

Guest: HBL (Potomac, MD)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/12

This was our first trip to Costa Rica. We wanted a place to relax with options for activities if so moved. The house and property were absolutely lovely. The photos are right on. The other reviews are right on about Donna, Gil, and the staff and how helpful they are. The place is spotless, nicely furnished with great outdoor spaces and seating. We were prepared to rent a car but found no need. The walk into town is really 8 mn and there are lots of dining options. The beach in front of the house is lovely...a long walk out when the tide is in, and very smooth surfing. We ended up spending most of the time just relaxing. Great wifi too! We are looking forward to coming back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Romantic Getaway

Guest: TravelGirl (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/09/11 Review Submitted: 11/03/11

My husband and I stayed at Blue Lagoon for our honeymoon in Oct this year. The pictures cannot do it justice! Once the gate opens, you are looking at paradise. The landscape is beautiful, and the house is absolutely perfect. We enjoyed sitting on the porch (upstairs and downstairs) just watching the ocean and all the amazing animals all around us. Everything in Tamarindo is within walking distance, store, restaurants, shopping, etc. The house is right on the beach, which makes your stay even more romantic. We absolutely loved our stay and plan on coming back as soon as possible!

Owner response:Thanks so much for your kind words…..we love happy honeymooners. The Blue Lagoon "crew' looks forward to your next visit …... Pura Vida!

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

Blue Lagoon

Guest: Hunting10 (Coppell, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/26/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

09/26 -10/01/11 Best casita in Costa Rica hands down! Prior to arriving, Donna was very helpful with assisting us in planning our activities. Because they know the area extremely well, they were able to give us names of the best guides for the activities. Upon arrival, we first saw that the pictures did not do justice to the breathtaking beauty of the house or the view. Located in the best spot of Tamarindo, everything is within walking distance. Yet there is a feeling of seclusion. The first day we arranged for a couples massage on the porch of the house. It was the best massage we have ever had! For our activities, we first chose 1 day of sport fishing. At first, because of the weather, we were afraid fishing would not be as good as we hoped. We quickly learned that you can’t judge fishing offshore by the weather inland. Capullo was the best choice by far, for sports fishing. The Captain constantly worked to put us on fish. The mates constantly worked at making us feel first class. That day we caught 2 Dorado (the biggest 55 lbs), 9 sailfish and hooked but lost 1 marlin. We raised 9 more sailfish, and lost 9 more unidentified fish, that did not take the bait completely. The next day we visited Rincon de la Vieja, guided by Jose, and he too made us feel first class. Beginning with the chauffeured ride, Jose treated us like family. He stopped whenever we asked so that we could take a couple of pictures. That day we did horseback riding, rode the water slide, as well as canopy tour. Overall, because of Jose, we know we experienced Cost Rica at its finest. Another day we again chose Capullo for fishing, but moved closer inland on their other boat the Rainbow Runner. Pursuing Roster fish, knowing they’re harder to catch in September, we were able to raise a few. Although we didn’t land any, our guide worked at us landing something else of our choosing that was available. We caught 4 grouper and we know how hard our guide worked to get us these. Take your catch to El Diria resort/restaurant to have it prepared!! Overall, our experience at Blue Lagoon exceeded our expectations. Donna and Gil were very welcoming and great hostesses. Being honeymooners, we were given our space, but at the perfect moments, Donna would call and ask us how our stay was going. Treated like family, Blue Lagoon is the best place all around. p.s. Gil’s Place (restaurant) has the best breakfast burritos EVER!! Carly & James Texas

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

Amazing! We found our perfect spot in Tamarindo.

Guest: CME (Malibu,CA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11 Review Submitted: 08/29/11

This was the perfect place for me and my husband to celebrate our anniversary and escape the day to day stress of our busy lives. The location within Tamarindo was ideal…just outside the busy section, yet close enough to walk to everything. Captain Suizo is just next door, and the new Tamarindo Beach Club which offers excellent food, is just a minutes walk away. Donna, Luis, and Sonia do an outstanding job without being intrusive. We normally spend our days exploring, but the Blue Lagoon was so romantic, we spent our time jogging the beach, lounging in the splash pool, surfing and boogie boarding in front of the house, reading in the hammock, and enjoying the gorgeous grounds. The only negative were the mosquitoes! Shannon gives an excellent massage and will come to the house. Just an fyi, the master bedroom is a completely separate space above the living room and kitchen which requires you to go outside, up a flight of stairs, and you must open the door with a separate key. It’s a little different, but it's worth it! We enjoyed the large bedroom with the wrap around deck, and it was fun taking an outdoor shower during a thunderstorm. We wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Tamarindo.

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

An amazing week at Blue Lagoon!!

Guest: sfudgey (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

My Husband and I spent a week at Blue Lagoon to celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary, which was the perfect place for us! The house is fabulous, the views of the ocean all day are beautiful! This end of Tamarindo Beach is nice and quiet with perfect waves for body boarding and for beginner surfers. The caretakers, Donna and Gil are more than helpful and available with advising you to restaurants and beaches. This is an exceptional place for a romantic getaway!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Can't wait to get back!!

Guest: jodi (Spokane, Washington)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at this special property. It is exactly as pictured! We were charmed by the details, decor, luxury linens, pristine pool and grounds! The location is truly perfect. The beach is steps away and at high tide it is even closer! The short walk on the beach to the town center is a treat and with Capitan Suizo just next door a delicious meal or a cool beverage is just seconds away. With no car we found it very easy to get a taxi if desired but enjoyed walking most of the places we chose to go. We took the road into town one day and stopped at the Kahiki for a yummy breakfast. "Gill's" fish tostada was one of the most amazing things I have tasted and they even delivered!!! Donna (the property manager) was a helpful resource and felt like a friend. She filled the fridge and cupboards with items we requested and checked back during our stay to provide anything else we might like. Sonia came everyday to do the housekeeping and was such a sunny personality it was amazing how little we noticed her efficient presence. The pool and grounds were manicured by Luis. It was a treat to have the private pool and we used it often! We loved Tamarindo and staying at the Blue Lagoon was perfect!

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

Perfect Honeymoon in Paradise!

Guest: Carah (Gulf Shores, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 05/02/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

My husband and I stayed at Blue Lagoon for 10 days for our honeymoon...this was our first trip to Costa Rica as well. Not only did we fall in love with each other all over again, but we fell in love with Costa Rica! The photos on this website represented the property well, but do not do enough justice, as Blue Lagoon is truely a tropical paradise! The house was perfect, clean and immaculate! Donna and Gil were more than accomodating! Answering all of our many questions (pre and post arrival), and assisting us with making any arrangements! The house was perfect! We spent one day at Rincon de la Vieja and had a blast with Negro as our guide!! We spent another day at Playa Avallena where we ate at Lola's and enjoyed the beautiful beach there. Donna helped arrange for Chris and Rick (the Caterer's) to come to the house and cook a wonderful 5 course dinner for us one night. We enjoyed couples massage on the beach next door at Hotel Captain Suizo. We surfed with Rodney, who also lives nearby and was another wonderful resource!! We love you too Rodney! Among many restaraunts where we ate, we of course ate at Gil's more than once...everyone should eat at Gil's! Everything is within walking distance which was great! We cannot think of anything we'd change about our stay except to have been able to stay longer....we didnt want to leave. Once you visit Costa Rica and stay at Blue Lagoon, you will see exactly why we didnt want to leave. Costa Rica spoke to our souls while we were there...we would love to be able to call it home. Beautiful, romantic, adventure, tropics, wildlife, outdoors....true paradise. We will definately return. Thank you for helping make our first trip to Costa Rica and our Honeymoon a magical one!!

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

Simply beautiful - the perfect honeymoon house!

Guest: Christiane (Mississauga, ON Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

My husband and I stayed at Blue Lagoon for our honeymoon right after getting married in Tamarindo, and it was truly beyond perfect! The property itself is massive and beautifully landscaped, and is situated on the best part of the beach. The house is exquisite, 5 star all the way, with every amenity and detail attended to, inside and out. The house was pristine, and all our expectations were surpassed. Gil and Donna are wonderful hosts, very helpful and friendly. The outdoor shower was a nice tropical feature, and the bedroom was comfortable and spacious. I would highly recommend staying at the Blue Lagoon, it was pure romantic luxury and we will definitely be back!

Owner response:We are so glad that your honeymoon at Blue Lagoon was perfect. So many of our guests come to Tamarindo for their honeymoon or for a special anniversary or celebration; the villa seems to be perfect for just such occasions. It was a pleasure to host you and thanks so much sharing your good feelings with us. We await with pleasure your return!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Home Away From Home

Guest: BeachBums (Texas)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/11/11

LOVE IT! My husband and I travel all over the world and we could not wait to get back to Blue Lagoon. We went for 1 week our first year and went back for 2 weeks this year. What a fantastic way to recharge! The pictures on the website do not do it justice. It is one of the most relaxing trips we have ever been on. The porch is perfect for reading and for watching the waves. The bed and linens are very comfortable-we slept in every day! The outdoor shower is a special touch, which we loved. We took advantage of the kitchen and grill and prepared almost every meal ourselves. However, the food in town that we did eat was very good. Be sure to go to Gil’s for breakfast, La Baula for some great Italian style thin pizza, and Longboard’s for BBQ. We loved Season’s as a higher end dinner. We did most of our shopping at the Auto Mercardo. They have most everything you will need. Things that are imported from the U.S. are a bit more expensive but, if you buy their local names you will save a little money and fit in like a local. ? Everything with the home's contacts was very smooth. They are very responsive and helpful. We worked with Nancy and Paul here in the states and then with Gil and Donna in Costa Rica. Gil and Donna are fabulous hosts. It was so nice to see them again this year! They are in the main house, which is at the very front of the large property, but really keep to themselves. However, they are available to help out with anything or to answer any questions. The sweet housekeeper comes everyday but one or she can come less if you prefer. Having her is a nice perk that not all rental homes have. There is also a wonderful grounds-keeper who is a master at making the grounds look like a tropical oasis. Don't be surprised to see monkeys in the trees, lots of iguanas and beautiful birds right there on the property. I would highly recommend using the car service that the Blue Lagoon recommends from the airport to the home or rent a car. You really don't need a car but it is quite a hike to the AutoMercardo. The second year we rented a car since we were there for two weeks. We rented from Dollar. They were the best price and if you get the CDW insurance from your credit card you can save a ton! You will still have to get the other insurance that is mandatory. Ask for Eduardo at Dollar. He was very helpful and definitely values his customers. I hope you go! You won't be sorry. And tell Donna and Gil hello from their friends in TX!

Owner response:It is so rewarding to have repeat guests, and we thank our friends from Texas for taking the time to let us all know how much they enjoyed their visit this year. We are a team; Nancy and Paul handling reservations and emails in the States, Donna and Gil welcoming and taking care of you when you arrive and Sonia and Luis making sure the house is spic and spam and the gardens are well maintained and lush. We hope you will be the next ones to come and relax and have a memorable vacation in Costa Rica. There is no better place than Blue Lagoon, where you will find privacy and tranquility in a very special house.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Pura Vida

Guest: Gregg (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

If you ever want to understand what the words Pura Vida mean - stay at the Blue Lagoon. The location is perfect - just far enough from town for privacy, but short enough to walk. The beach is right there - nice for walks, at night, swimming or surfing. The place is amazing - as so many have said, the pictures don't even do it justice. I think we spent over 50% of our trip either laying in the hammock or sitting on the porch looking out at the water. Lastly, the town is and caretakers of the place are great - Gill owns the best Mexican place in Tamarindo and will deliver to you!

Owner response:It is so nice to hear Gregg's words; Blue Lagoon was built with "Pura Vida" in mind and we wanted it to be the perfect laid back vacation for people who want a tranquil place for R&R. And then when you are willing to get up out of the hammock, you can enjoy the great beach or the short walk into town with all the restaurants and activities that Tamarindo offers. Thanks Gregg for your review!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Blue Lagoon

Guest: Harry (Washington, DC USA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

Frankly, the pictures don't do the property justice. When we arrived it was clear that this was a case of our expectations being far surpassed. The house is beautiful and perfectly located, far enough from the center of town to be private, close enough for an easy walk. The upstairs is nice and comfortable, large bathroom and outdoor shower. The upstairs also has its own deck. The downstairs is one large open living area with a modern kitchen.The property has a nice small lawn which is quite unique in the area and the porch is perfect overlooking the beach. There really isn't a property like this in Tamarindo, particularly at this size. I travel quite a lot and have pretty high expectations. Blue Lagoon delivered.

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

Perfect House, Great Location!

Guest: TT (Denver, CO / USA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

Fabulous house, wonderfully maintained property on nice beach, private but not too secluded. Very comfortable. Easy beach walk to town. Great experience! I can't imagine anyone staying here ever having any regrets. Helpful management right next door if needed. Thanks!

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

Pura Vida!

Guest: Two from Texas (Waco, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/09/10

My husband and I just returned from a spectacular 6 night stay at Blue Lagoon. The week could not have been better! The house is perfect - pristine upkeep, great location (steps from the beach and town), great hosts (Donna & Gil), and daily housekeeping/groundskeeping service included. We made full use of the well appointed kitchen too. With a hotel next door and resurants in town within walking distance, there was nothing lacking! You cannot beat the price for this romantic getaway and we will definitely return!

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

Romantic Hideaway on a Jungle Beach

Guest: Melissa of Otter Rock (Otter Rock, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/18/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

This is our second time to Blue Lagoon, and will no doubt not be our last. The location is perfect, on the beach, a short walk to town. The upstairs bedroom allows you to wake up in the the treetops, with the local Howler Monkey troup passing by in the morning and evening, and tropical birds at eye level to sit and watch on the porch outside the room... the outdoor shower is wonderful too! There is an endless array of activities (sunset sails, fishing, canopy tours, butterfly & monkey farms, a pottery village, horsebackriding at CasAqua stables to the Costa Rican Cantinas on the old road to Tamarindo, and more) that can be arraigned by the wonderful managers, Donna & Gil Sanchez, who live on the property, but you hidden by beautiful palm trees and flowers, cared for by the helpful and friendly gardener and caretaker, Luis. Daily maid service makes it relaxing and your own private swimming pool makes it hard to return to the real world at the end of your stay. I highly recommend this wonderful little hideaway, the lush grounds and beautiful architechture let you know you are far from your home, but not from the comforts you look for in a vacation home. After many price comparrisans, it truly remains a great choice for your trip to Tamarindo! Pura Vida!

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