Far Surpassed our Expectations!

Guest: GMcLean (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

I travelled to Casa Dulce with my girlfriend and 2 other couples over the xmas/ny break. After running in to some issues at the border (we flew in to Liberia and drove to Nica) the owner, Tyson went out of his way to drive down and help us get through by offering fish to the border patrol to help "smooth things over". Let this be a lesson - you must have AT LEAST 6 MONTHS left on your passport if you want to travel to Nicaragua. So after almost seeing our entire vacation crumble before our eyes, Tyson saved the day.... and once we arrived at Casa Dulce, it was all worth it. As fantastic as the photos in this add are, they don't do the place any justice. I'm not sure any photos could. It's a place that truly needs to be seen with your own eyes. After spending the past 3 xmas breaks in Costa Rica I can safely say that I'll never go back after experiencing Casa Dulce and San Juan Del Sur. The scenery was breath-taking, the food and people were fantastic and everything is so much cheaper then Costa! Having our own private beach and surf break was fantastic. Gonzalo, our local home boy and fisherman extraordinaire, made us fresh ceviche everyday and showed us what's up on the surf breaks. We went on day trips to town regularly and visited many other beaches but truthfully, it was really hard to beat what we had right outside of our front door. All-in-all, it was the trip of a lifetime and I'm already counting the days down until I can go back. Tyson and Gonzalo where fantastic hosts and I can't stop raving enough about how incredible this place is/was. See you guys in the spring!!

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

Amazingly good

Guest: hh (United States)
Date of Stay: 12/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

We stayed at this gorgeous, several-structure thatched roof house, almost the only house above a 1/2 mile beach, about 14 Km south of San Juan Del Sur. Our beach, if named at all, may be Esquameca Beach, one beach immediately south of Playa el Yankee. Wow! We cooked for ourselves, except when we let Gonzalo cook some of the beautiful fish he caught for us with his one lure, hand held board with fishing line wrapped around it. We'll remember this beach, nearly always deserted, the rest of our lives. We rented a cooler from the car rental company, and brought all needed food from Managua, which is the right thing to do. We felt a little bad we didn't give Gonzalo and Brenda more to do, because they were available to help (and there were also security guards at night).

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Amazingly good

Guest: hh (United States)
Date of Stay: 12/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

We stayed at this gorgeous, several-structure thatched roof house, almost the only house above a 1/2 mile beach, about 14 Km south of San Juan Del Sur. Our beach, if named at all, may be Esquameca Beach, one beach immediately south of Playa el Yankee. Wow! We cooked for ourselves, except when we let Gonzalo cook some of the beautiful fish he caught for us with his one lure, hand held board with fishing line wrapped around it. We'll remember this beach, nearly always deserted, the rest of our lives. We rented a cooler from the car rental company, and brought all needed food from Managua, which is the right thing to do. We felt a little bad we didn't give Gonzalo and Brenda more to do, because they were available to help (and there were also security guards at night).

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

rileycoburn@hotmail.com

Guest: colorado (canada)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/22/11

best place to stay in nicaragua!!

Owner response:Thanks Colorado!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Paradise!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/20/11

This very private and peaceful getaway is where my husband and I stayed for four days in March 2009. Fabulous, warm wild beach; magical beachcombing; perfect sunsets. The house is well equiped and you feel like you have the Pacific Ocean to yourself:) I would highly recomend this beach house property for someone looking for something a little different; something a little bit off the beaten track. The Nicaraguan locals are friendly and gracious and it is a wonderful country to travel in. We look forward to our return!

Owner response:Thanks, Look forward to having you guys back again sometime soon!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Amazing spot, the perfect escape!

Guest: Betty-Ann (Cochrane, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 05/29/11

My family and I rented Casa Olas for a week in January, and it was incredible. The location, the comfort of the house, and the beach all far exceeded our expectations. We chose this particular house rental because the VRBO ad said how it was on a secluded beach, but in fact, it is a true unspoiled paradise! Every day when the tide was getting high, the waves were perfect for surfing and boogie boarding, and best of all we had the waves all to ourselves! The entire beach has a sandy bottom, with no rocks or coral, so it was great that we could feel safe and comfortable while surfing. As fun as the waves were though, the view from the huge patio at the house was a sight we could watch for hours, especially with several hammocks set up, and a long bar overlooking the beach and waves crashing. It was the perfect place for sunsets every night. It seemed almost too good to be true that we had the only house on the beach! When we arrived, the house was extremely clean and we were able to comfortably sleep our group of 9, so it was a pleasure to make it our own for an entire week. The beds and linens were very comfortable, and the kitchen was fully stocked with knifes, plates, pots, pans….and a BBQ outside! We were fully satisfied with the comfort of the house, but more than anything the location of this house is reason enough to visit Nicaragua! We will most certainly be back again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great visit in January 11 for 2 couples

Guest: jwlibrarian (Chicago, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/18/11

Spent 1 week here in early January 2011 as a group of 2 couples (4 people). Beautiful location with great beach access, essentially a private beach where we could swim and surf and look for seashells. We also enjoyed walks through the nearby reserve and saw monkeys and tried out the surf break at Yanqui (we liked ours better). The house itself was neat and unique - like living in a tree house, with the sliding walls/doors and hammocks on the balconies. Because of the location (next to a nature reserve, surrounded by trees and plants, right over the beach) and the design (e.g., lots of open air), you will see many birds, hermit crabs, and other wildlife up close. We loved this, but if you are squeamish about insects and little lizards, it might not be to your taste :). Incredibly helpful property owner and staff assisted us with airport shuttles, grocery shopping, and general local knowledge before and during our stay. 4WD vehicle is almost a must if you want to get to/fro San Juan del Sur on your own (about 25 minutes, depending on how confidently you drive) or do other sightseeing - the road is a little bumpy in parts. We were also easily able to make the drive after dark after the 1st night, so we were easily able to have dinner in SJDS some nights. I would definitely go back and recommend to others. Unforgettable place in an unforgettable country!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

Guest: Vera Robinson (Saltspring Island)
Date of Stay: 07/10/09 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

My husband and I spent 2 weeks at this magical place in Feb. 2009. It was the most relaxing vacation. We felt priviledged since we saw large pods of humpback wales twice passing by quite close to our beach and once we woke up to find telling sea turtle tracks in the sand at the foot of the "Stairway to Heaven" (that's what I call the stone stair case leading from the beach to the casa...). We enjoyed our privacy and sometimes mingled with the wonderful care takers who live at Costa Dulce. Great way to practice our Spanish and learn about the local ways. We felt good about using the solar power and having the convenience of satelite. To enjoy some bars and stock up on supplies we rented a cab and drove (20 min.) to nearby San Juan del Sur. Wish we were there. Thank you Costa Dulce!

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