Vacation Rentals by Owner

Pura Vida, Really!

Guest: William K. (Ephrata, Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 02/11/12 Review Submitted: 05/25/12

Waking up to cool breezes and the beautiful landscape that surround this hilltop villa was a joy, every morning. Do not miss out on all the fresh fruit, pasteries and great food Costa Rica has to offer. The spacious kitchen was fantastic for relaxed mornings before heading out for the days activities. I had an amazing stay in Costa Rica and I can't imagine a more accommodating place to stay. The villa was comfortable, was very clean, and as the pictures show is masterfully crafted. The best part of the experience was how the minimalism of the house brings you to appreciate the best parts of this country: bright light on the nearby hillsides, low passing clouds and a sky filled with stars on several nights. Kudos for a vacation house with no TVs. The guide to places to go in Atenas was very helpful. My favorite day trip was Braulio Carillo National Park, the cloud forest was storybook fantastical, and going up to one of the lagoons in a volcanic crater is a reasonable distance hike. I should mention the native (I think) plants gardens on the grounds are very nice. There are a few paths around the property. Elias, the groundskeeper, was also very helpful whenever we had a problem or question. I'd highly recommend this place, and would love to come back.

Recommended for:

Paradise!

Guest: Ravenna M. (Washington, District of Columbia)
Date of Stay: 02/11/12 Review Submitted: 03/26/12

Wow. This house is absolutely incredible. You're surrounded by hills and valleys that look incredible in any light--the sunrise over the mountains is breathtaking, sunset looks like a painting, the lights in Atenas below and the view from the hot tub of the stars above are equally majestic. We were eight all together (more than the space typically allows for) and found the space perfect--the open kitchen/living area provided a perfect space to cook and eat and enjoy each others' company but there were also plenty of spaces to relax alone in the separate bed rooms, the hammock set off a bit from the common spaces, and the paths around the property. The landscaping is one of the most amazing parts of the place--the flowers and fountains make you feel like you're surrounded by the rainforest even in the mountains during dry season. But the majesty of this beautiful home lies in the details--it's clear that Senor Joe has poured a lot of love into every element of designing, decorating, and maintaining this house, and the end result is that our time there felt as much like being at home (if we lived in paradise) as it did being on a lavish vacation. The photos we took do not do it justice, which just means we'll have to return soon. 10 out of 5 stars!!

Recommended for:

A Retreat For Stressed-Out Professionals

Guest: Claus (FRANKLIN Michigan USA)
Date of Stay: 01/28/12 Review Submitted: 02/09/12

We stayed at this villa for 2 weeks and I hesitated before writing this review. By writing this review the world will now know about a place I consider a haven. This is the place you come, to remember what you have lost! The architecture of this well appointed home, the extraordinary setting and 360 degree vistas create a retreat for those wanting to exit the insanity. All the other reviews describe the home very well, you will not be disappointed. The gated community and the onsite caretaker provide peace of mind. Elias, the caretaker, is discrete but always there when you need him. The owner, is highly responsive via email if there are issues you wish to address. I highly recommend a private driver for Costa Rica. The charming town of Atenas is within walking distance. I look forward to returning and hope Joe will accept me again as a client whose only standard is excellence.

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

A Memorable Stay Surrounded by Natural Beauty

Guest: Robin H. (Atlanta, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 02/12/12

We spent 2 nights at the villa that included Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We were hoping that it would be as beautiful as the pictures on the web site and were pleasantly surprised that it was even more beautiful than we imagined. We arrived in the afternoon and spent the rest of the day walking around the house and the property outside trying to take in all of the overwhelming beauty that surrounded us. There are incredible mountain views from every room and outdoor space and the landscaping was gorgeous and well maintained. We especially enjoyed the villa’s privacy that is created by its hilltop position and well-placed plantings. If you enjoy birds as we do, we saw a number of varieties including humming birds. We swam in the pool on Christmas Eve and arranged in advance for the caretaker’s wife to prepare a traditional Costa Rican meal (which was delicious) for our Christmas Eve dinner that night. We ate our meal outside and watched the twinkling Christmas lights in the one of the valleys below. We really liked experiencing Atenas with its mostly local residents, few tourists and a great bakery – which was unlike the other two places we also visited on this trip, La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, although beautiful and packed with fun activities, are primarily tourist destinations. We were sad to leave our private villa on the hilltop and look forward to a return trip.

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This rental will meet your expectations

Guest: Christelle B.
Date of Stay: 11/26/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

You will be really satisfied with this rental : you get what is described, and even more as the view from the property is fantastic. The house is really well located (on top of a mountain, so the view is breathtaking and is at a central point to go visiting any good places in the Central Valley), the house is spacious, fully equipped, the swimming pool is really big and well maintained. A bonus : Elias will be there for anything you may wish, but he won't keep in the way. You will need a car to travel to Atenas where you can find all the necessary stores. The renting process went smoothly and I got all the necessary information to enjoy my stay (map to drive to the house, tips for sightseeing and shops in Atenas). A perfect place for a perfect vacations: I have no regret, quite the contrary, for renting this place. The five stars are well deserved.

Recommended for:

Relaxation, Beauty and Luxury

Guest: Kimberly R.
Date of Stay: 11/09/11 Review Submitted: 11/29/11

Anyway, our stay at your house was FANTASTIC in all ways! Our late arrival brought us our first impressions under the spell of light cloud cover and the impressive landscape lighting that literally took our breath away. The 10 days were spent enjoying our friends surrounded by the beauty and spell of your top-of-the-mountain retreat. Our days were spent taking in the myriad of features close-by and unique to Costa Rica. It was the perfect completion to every day to come back to our luxurious home-away-from-home. The weather was fantastic in Atenas (best climate in the world) and it was so nice to be lulled to sleep by the night time rain a couple nights. We enjoyed the little, nearby town and it's people were quite gracious. It was spellbinding to watch the clouds move in to envelope the mountaintop. The toucans, and many other birds, salamanders, dragonflys and resident Iguana and orange cat were companions to our group. Just the sounds and smell of your spot still linger in my mind! Elias was exemplary and we enjoyed getting to know him and his wife Valeria. She, by the way IS the great cook that you said she was-those Empanadas...yum! We appreciated your recommendations for activities and were met by Costa Ricans in every place that were so friendly, accepting and happy. Thank you, Joe for sharing your place with us! I can certainly see what attracted you to Costa Rica and what a find for you to own that little piece of heaven!

Recommended for:

Someplace Golden...

Guest: patty n.
Date of Stay: 07/29/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

We landed in Costa Rica at 5:30 am, last Thursday morning. We arrived to our rental in the late morning, after a long car rental ordeal and a disappointing and overpriced breakfast. I was worried that our internet house rental would also be a disappointment. We were dumbfounded... The beautiful Bali designed property is delicately nestled on one of the highest peaks of Atenas-overlooking the lush and silky greens of the dense forest. There is no TV, no electronics devices, no electro-magnetic static to interfere upon our connection with one another. It is only the sound of gentle rain, cicadas, howler monkeys and toucans that sing to us each day. My ears and my senses have been awakened to a sound that I can only describe as sacred. The moist weathered wood, the wet banana leaves and the scarlet dirt permeates the warm air. It is a smell that is so unfamiliar to me, yet resonates within me. Every evening, the clouds embrace us at dusk, as if sheltering us for the night. There are butterflies the size of my palm and dragon flies of bright green and pink that dance around us in the morning sunshine. It's gently raining now, as it usually does in the evening and the clouds have entered the house, saying hello. How strange is it to be so high that even the crows and bats hover within several feet-the air still blissfully warm. It's 7 in the evening. The birds are singing to us as Gilbert and I sip a glass of Malbec. Daniele and Gilbert are working on a puzzle. Sage and Claire are touching the clouds and laughing. And, I love my husband again. He has been transformed. His smile has become joyous again. He has finally breathed in life after such an exhausting year. Nature, I think, in it's rawness forces you to look inside and remember why. And thanks to this little piece of heaven, we have all been charmed... Thank you Joe!

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

The way life should be...

Guest: Sandy (Livermore Falls, ME, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/07/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

Thank you for sharing your home with us for a week! We had an absolutely wonderful time and are considering going back next year – if it is available that is! There were two mother/daughter pairs in my party and we all managed to find our own space and never once felt crowded. Everything that we needed to cook was there and the kitchen was an absolute dream. This property is very well maintained and does not present itself as a rental property. The landscaping, buildings, pool, and scenery were all gorgeous! The location is wonderful and makes this place feel like a private hilltop retreat. The very friendly town of Atenas is a very short drive away and for the adventure seekers, there are several attractions about an hour away. We also drove down roads just to see where they went and the countryside is just stunning. By the way, I recommend a GPS. When we didn’t like going anywhere, we relaxed in the hammock or one of the many chairs and lounges that surround the three different pavilions. The villa blurs the line between outdoors and indoors with the large doors and windows. We even managed to survive no TV for a whole week! We didn’t really miss it because the birds – especially the hummingbirds – and butterflies were very entertaining. The pool and the hot tub were just what we need to relax at the end of the day. Although I was initially concerned with having a caretaker on site, Elias was never intrusive and helped us immediately when needed. This is the best home I have ever rented. Thanks again!!!

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

Paradise Found

Guest: Clif/Barb/Tom/Ann (Long Island)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/05/11

The only thing I can say is that leaving this place will be heartbreaking! Everything was more beautiful than advertised. The view was spectacular beginning with sunrise and ending with sunset. The gardens surrounding the house create an oasis of privacy. The soft breeze and the joyful birds make you forget to stop relaxing. Elias the caretaker was never intrusive but available if assistance was needed. The owners were also helpful and responsive to questions & concerns when arranging our stay. The house had everything required to feel at home and relaxed. When we left the house for an adventure we couldn't wait to get back and cool off in the pool. We enjoyed our stay completely & all would gladly return for another visit. We would not hesitate to recommend this Paradise to everyone!

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

Eleven day Heaven!!

Guest: Smiley (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

This house is truly magical. It was very comfortable and the views incredible and the flora and fauna were exactly what you want and expect for a tropical location. Elias the caretaker was a welcome addition (albeit very discreet) as far as questions that do arise and his wife Valerie is a great cook. The only negative was the pool is not heated and is very cold. We found it very hard to leave the beauty and comfort of the house but the the ease and happiness of the people in Costa Rica made the trip fun and easy. Good places to eat in Atenas and driving a bit of a challenge. Zip lining is a must and the Imperial beer is teriffic! Pura Vida!

Owner response:Thanks for the lovely review... And thanks for the feedback on the pool... We've now installed a pool heater for guests who request warmer pool water.

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

4 day stay was quite incredible

Guest: sreynnie (toronto ontario)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

We stayed here for 3 nights, 4 days. The weather is absolutely exquisite and the estate is magnificent. I don't know that I'll ever forget it. There is a reason why this place books up almost every week. The listing was accurate, clean, well-maintained, excellent customer service when I asked about a burned out light bulb it was fixed promptly with an unrequested apology. I would strongly recommend this to anyone, including business clients (which is the strongest recommendation you can get from me). We liked the town immensely. Seemed safer than the other towns we have been in. When I emailed Joe about wildlife and other questions, he promptly replied. We had planned some trips to other locations but somehow once we got there, we rarely left (except for Friday market which was excellent). Funny how that happens - maybe something to do with the hammock, hot tub and pool. An enchanting place, to be sure. Sincerely, Steve Reynolds

Owner response:Thanks Steve... Glad to hear you made it to the Friday Farmer's market in Atenas. That's one of our favorite things to do... Hope you get a chance to return in the near future.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Worth Every Penny!

Guest: Jewels (Barrie, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 02/10/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

We recently spent the last four days of a two week vacation at this beautiful home. My brother said it all shortly after we arrived: "This must be how movie stars vacation!". The house had spectacular views of the mountains, and we were able to watch both the sunrises and the sunsets from the extensive patios. The pool and hottub were both very clean and perfectly situated with gorgeous landscaping nearby. The pool was a good size, which surprised me as mini pools seem to be common in Costa Rica. We felt very safe at this house, and appreciated having Elias available to help us out if we had any questions or needed anything. We had planned on a couple of excursions while in Atenas, but cancelled them as we didn't want to miss a day of hanging out at home! We did however make it to Zoo Ave, which was about a half hour drive from the house. It was very reasonably priced ($15 per adult) and we saw all sorts of animals that we probably would never spot in the wild. If you go, save room for some treats at the end...they have a wonderful assortment of pastries near the exit! We also made it to the Atenas market Friday morning, where we were able to buy all sorts of fresh vegetables and cheese. Unlike other markets we visited during our vacation, the prices were all posted. This was a great advantage to us as we had been charged what we call the 'gringo price' instead of the 'tico price' elsewhere. We were able to buy anything else we needed at two nearby grocery stores. The house is a perfect layout for socializing while in the main house, but also allows for people to escape to their own quarters. The kitchen is an entertainer's dream, with a large island where people can sit and talk to the cook. It seems like a lot of thought has gone into accomodating visitors, such as excellent speakers with an aux jack for mp3 players, a wide variety of reading material and a collection of brochures and menus from nearby attractions and restaurants. When we were first considering renting this property, we were a bit concerned about the distance to the coast. However, the luxuriousness of this property makes the hour drive well worth it, and the half hour drive to the airport is a godsend if you have an early morning flight out. It is also in a very central location if you plan to visit Arenal Volcano and also go south towards Manuel Antonio Park. Thanks Joe and Nancy for making this such an inviting and breathtaking retreat!

Owner response:Thanks Julie.... It was lovely to have you as a guest... Please come back when you can.

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

Rockstar Retreat

Guest: Craig & Andrea (Corpus Christi TX. USA)
Date of Stay: 01/27/11 Review Submitted: 03/06/11

We cannot say enough about our stay in Joe and Nancy's home. It was PURA VIDA all the way. Joe's description of his home was spot on and lived up to all of our expectations. We had friends that stayed down the street and they spent most of their time with us, Elias was a wonderful help throughout our trip and his wife made a truely awesome meal for our whole gang. If you are looking for peace and solitude, then this is the place for you. Between the the lush gardens and relaxing ammenities you cannot go wrong. Atenas is minutes away and getting back and forth is a snap, Joe and Nancy's house is well built for entertaining or just hanging out if you want to feel like a movie star. Our stay was like a second honeymoon that was unforgettable. You are right in the middle of all the places that you should see when you are in Costa Rica; Jaco beach, Manuel Antonio state park, Poaz volcano and the waterfalls which will take your breath away. If you want the best when you go to CR, you should be staying at Joe's place in Pica Flora!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Owner response:Thanks Craig and Andrea.... Glad you enjoyed your stay in Costa Rica... It was a pleasure to have you as guests.

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

Shangri-La

Guest: Jeanette R. (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

What a lovely place! Perched on a hill in a gated community, you would never know there are houses around you. Yet, the location is central for so many tourist activities - volcanoes, zip-lining, Zoo Ave. We alternated days of activities with days just enjoying this spectacular property. The pool is big and lovely, and the view of the shooting stars at night from the hot tub are magical. The morning visit by the toucans was a wonderful bonus. Floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors let in a wonderful breeze at night through the buildings. I cannot say how peaceful and romantic this place is, and the caretaker was very good - available but never intrusive. I will always have special memories of this place.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Charming getaway

Guest: Solo traveler (Northern CA)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

I was charmed by the photos of this vacation home, and was not disappointed upon my arrival. The home is beautiful and clean, with a kitchen well stocked with cookware and bathrooms full of clean towels. The downhill walk to town center is about 30 minutes and the return trip provides a good uphill workout or just a 1000 colones taxi ride. The caretaker was very helpful in arranging transportation, and his wive cooked delicious and authentic Costa Rican food for a small price. I took full advantage of the wonderful weather, clean pool and hot tub; had many naps on the hammock. The owner was very responsive throughout the process, which made the vacation stress free.

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

Charming and peaceful getaway

Guest: Solo traveler (Northern CA)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

I was charmed by the photos of this vacation home, and was not disappointed upon my arrival. The home is beautiful and clean, with a kitchen well stocked with cookware and bathrooms full of clean towels. The downhill walk to town center is about 30 minutes and the return trip provides a good uphill workout or just a 1000 colones taxi ride. The caretaker was very helpful in arranging transportation, and his wive cooked delicious and authentic Costa Rican food for a small price. I took full advantage of the wonderful weather, clean pool and hot tub; had many naps on the hammock. The owner was very responsive throughout the process, which made the vacation stress free.

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

Honeymooners/First Timers to Costa Rica

Guest: valerie (New York, NY, U.S.)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

The house was beautiful, the views were spectacular, and the house keeper and his wife were incredibly helpful and friendly. We spent the first half of our honeymoon at this home and had a very memorable experience. We felt that we got a better feel for Costa Rican people, it's cuisine, and it's lifestyle staying at this home that you just can't get at other resorts or hotels in Costa Rica. If you're craving nature to it's fullest extreme along with a beautiful home, this is the place to go. My husband and I described it as "fancy camping". Our first night there reminded us of a nature soundtrack that you would purchase to fall asleep to except that it was totally natural. We saw many hummingbirds, butterflies, lizards, exotic insects, birds, and even caught site of a toucan during our stay (not to mention everything we saw/experienced just an hours car ride away). It was also amazing to see the variety and differences between day time wildlife and night time wildlife. There was this transition period during the middle of the day when, we assumed, the two were exchanging roles . . . truly a unique experience.

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

Stunning Property

Guest: Lisa D. (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

As beautiful as the pictures are, they don't begin to do justice to this property. It is truly heavenly, peaceful and exquisite. The rooms are gorgeous, airy and light, and furnishings are comfortable and high quality. There are many thoughtful touches such as a bird book, binoculars, maps and tourism information, a computer available for use, and conveniently place umbrellas for walking from casa to casa if it rains. The landscaping is fabulous, every corner seemingly provides a new sensory treat. I loved seeing the many birds, but especially enjoyed the hummingbirds and toucans. The views from the property are utterly breathtaking. The mood of the surroundings changed with the weather, from storms, to brilliant sunshine, to clouds floating by, to fog - but all were fascinating. The owner Joe was very accomodating and patiently answered our questions. Elias the groundskeeper who lives onsite was discrete and genuinely friendly, helpful, and kind. Atenas is a lovely town and the people are very friendly. I walked to town and back most days, which provided excellent excercise, and never failed to see something interesting or have a good conversation with someone else who was also out walking. The location of the home is convenient (once you get used to the roads), central to many attractions. The house and Costa Rica itself surpassed our expectations. We plan to return and hope to have the opportunity to stay in this property again.

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

Paradise!

Guest: 44 (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/14/10

Absolutely gorgeous house and surroundings. We were a group of six family members and when we drove up the driveway and saw the house we were blown away. We enjoyed every minute of our stay; Elias the caretaker was very helpful and his wife is an excellent cook! We did not rent a car so we walked into town every day and it's a great little hike down, took a cab back as it's a little steep on the way back but great exercise. If you don't want to go out and explore the house is a great place to just stay and relax and enjoy nature. We plan to return as often as possible. Definitely recommend this place!

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

Guest: Oklahoma Guests (Oklahoma City, OK)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 03/12/10

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, this is the place to stay. It is centrally located so that you can easily get to any other sites you wish to visit. The weather is perfect, the people are friendly and the house is just the best. Of all the VRBO's we have rented, Joe Reese is the most infromative, patient and approachable landlord we've ever encountered,and his caretaker Elias is a gem. The house is perfectly situated high atop a hill where you are blessed with wonderful breezes, and a panoramic 360 degree view of mountains and valleys. At night the town of Atenas looks like a blanket of stars in the distance. The beds are comfortable and the hot tub is so great, we intend to try and copy it here in our own backyard. Right there in the neighborhood of Pica Flora, we saw whitefaced monkeys and toucans, the later having been pointed out by Elias. We shopped at the local market where the meat looked better than what we find here in OKC, and the fruits and vegetables were perfect. I do not have enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe the relaxing peaceful, and exciting week we spent at Joe's place. The day after we returned to our own brand new, lovely house, I was already homesick for Costa Rica. We will be back! If you go, we recommend renting an SUV and paying extra for an automatic and a GPS. There are no addresses in Costa Rica and the information you will hear as you drive along is very informative and helpful. If you are looking for souveniers, there is a neat little shop on the right side of the street as you enter Atenas from the east, coming from the airport. They have some wonderful original water colors that were amazingly inexpensive, as well as jewelry, t-shirts, wood carvings, etc.. We have lived in seven different states and three foreign countries and Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. We highly recommend a stay at the Reese's. You will leave feeling that you have experienced a true blessing

Recommended for:

Great Place. Absolutely Beautiful

Guest: JRPRKLKHSDOIAY (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 02/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/08/10

This was a fantastic place to stay. I spent a week with my two year old and mother. The place is very safe and such a beautiful location. Would highly recommend this as a good place to stay. Atenas is a great town and centrally located.

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

Great Vacation Home

Guest: Linda and John Wayne (USA)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/15/10

My husband and I spent a week's vacation at Joe and Nancy's Pica Flora home. Costa Rica is beautiful and the people are very friendly and welcoming but we can truly say that the best part of our vacation was the Rees' home in Pica Flora. We had everything we needed in the home except for food which we found in nearby Atenas. The house was beautiful, spacious, clean, secure, well maintained, etc. The panoramic views were amazing. We enjoyed opening up the windows and doors to let the breezes blow through. Joe was excellent to work with and while we were at Pica Flora he promptly answered a couple of questions by email & phone. Elias was very helpful and extremely nice. We highly recommend his wife's catering service. We enjoyed having a rental car for sightseeing - GPS is a must. Even with the GPS we had some unexpected adventures which were kinda fun. We enjoyed Zoo Avenue, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, the Botanical Orchid Garden and more. We found several good restaurants and recommend Kay's Gringo Postres and La Trocha in Atenas. The food was excellent and the owner's friendliness even better. If you decide to stay at the Rees' home in Pica Flora, you will not be disappointed.

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

Guest: Kathie B. (Salisbury, MD)
Date of Stay: 01/26/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/10

I don't think I can elaborate beyond the previous comments except to add that this was one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever had. My mother, who traveled with us has difficulty walking and I was a little concerned about adapting to her needs. But, the house was perfect for lounging and soaking up warmth. We never got tired of watching the play of clouds and rainbows on the mountains. The caretaker, Elias, was very solicitous of our comfort--indeed, everyone we met in Costa Rica kindly helped us to negotiate uneven sidewalks and pathways. Thank you Joe and Nancy for sharing your lovely home with us!

Recommended for:

Guest: lets play two (san mateo calif)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

great property: we scheduled it for the final stop in our 2 week CR. features were perfect for keeping our final days free of "see this/do that" ... it'd also be perfect for the first location with its great proximity to SJO. fantastic perch, vistas, loved the constant warm breezes ... we'll be back.

Recommended for:

Guest: andrelle1219 (New York CIty)
Date of Stay: 01/05/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/10

My husband and I just returned to reality after honeymooning in this beautiful house, and we can't say enough about how wonderful it is! We were a little nervous about booking online, but Joe was completely understanding and accomodating! We had a rough time getting to Costa Rica - delays made us a day late, and the airline lost my luggage for 3 days. Joe and Elias, the groundskeeper, did everything they could to get us set up and in vacation-mode as fast as possible! Elias keeps the place in impeccable shape. They were great! The house is so much more beautiful than the pictures show! We kept saying over and over that we couldn't believe where we were staying! The weather was perfect the entire time, and we loved opening up the windows and doors to let the warm breeze in. We especially loved doing this while we cooked, which we did in the fabulous kitchen every morning. We definitely took advantage of this feature and did a lot of cooking ourselves. Even a little Christmas dinner! A home made breakfast along with Costa RIcan cofee and a swim made a perfect start to our mornings! One morning, Elias' wife, Valeria even made us a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and brought it up to us! We may have been a little more adventurous than some. We rented a car and drove all over the country ourselves. If you aren't afraid of the Costa RIcan roads (which can be daunting), we highly recommend this! Atenas was the perfect central location to get almost anywhere in the country. With the help of our trusty EZ Find GPS, we got to volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, towns and almost always made it home in time to cook dinner and relax in the hot tub and sit in awe of the amazing view! Some of our favorite activities included Zoo Ave, Britt Coffee Tours, Ziplining with Canopy Safari, Manuel Antonio Beach, the hot springs at the Springs Resort near the Arenal Volcano, horseback riding at TuRu Bari Adventure Park and grocery shopping at the Auto Mercado! If you're willing to do a little traveling, you can pretty get to anything you want from this location - restaurants, zoos, nature tours, beaches, ziplining, rafting, coffee plantations, etc. But if you don't want to do anything but relax in the hot tub, watch the birds and soak up the sun, this is the perfect place for that, too! We were so sad to leave this beautiful, beautiful place, and we're already positive we'll be back again!

Recommended for:

great for multi-location CR Intinerary

Guest: lets play two (san mateo calif)
Date of Stay: 12/31/09 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

Family of 5 - loved every bit of this wonderful home. Quiet, spacious, perched to render distant vistas and receive warm breezes. Great location to begin or end a multi-stop intinerary as it's a short drive to SJO and good access to the coast or to the choices among volcanos. excellent furnishings/features and very attentive nearby property staffing.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely Perfect!

Guest: andrelle1219 (New York CIty)
Date of Stay: 12/22/09 Review Submitted: 01/05/10

My husband and I just returned to reality after honeymooning in this beautiful house, and we can't say enough about how wonderful it is! We were a little nervous about booking online, but Joe was completely understanding and accomodating! We had a rough time getting to Costa Rica - delays made us a day late, and the airline lost my luggage for 3 days. Joe and Elias, the groundskeeper, did everything they could to get us set up and in vacation-mode as fast as possible! Elias keeps the place in impeccable shape. They were great! The house is so much more beautiful than the pictures show! We kept saying over and over that we couldn't believe where we were staying! The weather was perfect the entire time, and we loved opening up the windows and doors to let the warm breeze in. We especially loved doing this while we cooked, which we did in the fabulous kitchen every morning. We definitely took advantage of this feature and did a lot of cooking ourselves. Even a little Christmas dinner! A home made breakfast along with Costa RIcan cofee and a swim made a perfect start to our mornings! One morning, Elias' wife, Valeria even made us a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and brought it up to us! We may have been a little more adventurous than some. We rented a car and drove all over the country ourselves. If you aren't afraid of the Costa RIcan roads (which can be daunting), we highly recommend this! Atenas was the perfect central location to get almost anywhere in the country. With the help of our trusty EZ Find GPS, we got to volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, towns and almost always made it home in time to cook dinner and relax in the hot tub and sit in awe of the amazing view! Some of our favorite activities included Zoo Ave, Britt Coffee Tours, Ziplining with Canopy Safari, Manuel Antonio Beach, the hot springs at the Springs Resort near the Arenal Volcano, horseback riding at TuRu Bari Adventure Park and grocery shopping at the Auto Mercado! If you're willing to do a little traveling, you can pretty get to anything you want from this location - restaurants, zoos, nature tours, beaches, ziplining, rafting, coffee plantations, etc. But if you don't want to do anything but relax in the hot tub, watch the birds and soak up the sun, this is the perfect place for that, too! We were so sad to leave this beautiful, beautiful place, and we're already positive we'll be back again!

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

Relaxing in Costa Rica

Guest: Up at Dawn (NYC)
Date of Stay: 11/23/09 Review Submitted: 01/18/10

It was a delight to spend Thanksgiving in Costa Rica in this gorgeous hilltop Balinese-styled compound. From the moment the car turned into the steep driveway and the stone stairway that leads to the main house came into view, there was the sense that this was the beginning of a special vacation. Each of the three structures is beautiful and offers a spectacular view. We gathered and cooked in the gourmet kitchen when we weren't relaxing in the pool or Jacuzzi, reading or sleeping in the hammock. The hosts provided many resources and suggestions for activities - we chose to enjoy massages on the terrace. Though there were ambitious plans to take in the sights and do as much as possible, the house itself proved to be a strong magnet. We visited the town of Atenas for the open market, drove to the beach for a great seafood meal and dined in at an very good Italian restaurant. Each day began by watching the sunrise and ended with a sense of having really enjoyed the surroundings and the slower pace - it was a relaxing, luxurious experience. It would be great to return.

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

Great Place to enjoy Costa Rica!

Guest: First timer to Costa Rica (cedaredge, co usa)
Date of Stay: 11/14/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

We were more than happy with this beautiful home and the setting. If you enjoy birds, we saw 23 new ones while enjoying our coffee in the moornings. Just a really great place and the pictures speak for themselves.

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

Guest: emmyandjosh (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 07/16/09 Review Submitted: 07/16/09

My husband, Josh, did a lot of research on where to go for our honeymoon. After hours and hours, he came across this gem. We were a little hesitant at first to book a house through a website (it was our first time). But, we are so glad we did…The experience was wonderful from the start. Joe was extremely helpful. He helped calm our nerves and gave us the low down on the home, Costa Rican culture… and about anything else we could think up (my husband had soooo many questions in his attempt to make our honeymoon perfect). When we finally reached the house, we were seriously awestruck… Now, the pictures are good. But, they definitely do not do justice to the home, surrounding gardens and mountain view. We woke up every morning saying ‘wow, can this be real?’We wouldn’t recommend going to this home if your goal is to party and have a wild time. However, if you would like to completely relax and close out the world, this is your oasis. We spent many house lounging by the pool and in the hot tub. We also loved opening all the bedroom doors mid-afternoons and taking naps with the mountain cross breeze. Ahhh heaven!! The house doesn’t have central heating/air. We weren’t sure if that would be a problem at first. But, because the weather there is like unto ‘eternal spring’, the house temperature was perfect. Also, I believe the Bali style of the home also has something to do with that. If you do decide to leave the house, you can’t be in a better location. Nestled in the charming town of Atenas, you are about an hour or two from most Costa Rican hot spots. We did a canopy tour and went to the ocean. But, because of the perfect Atenas weather and exhaustion from our wedding, we stayed in Atenas most of our trip. We found ourselves at Kay’s Gringo Postres (you’ll love Kay and Tom) almost every morning and at La Trocha almost every evening. These were our favorite restaurants. We also enjoyed a couple other places but found our Estados Unidos palates drawn to the two mentioned. We also got as many massages as we could fit in. They are really cheap (about $20 an hour).I could talk forever about our trip because it was so lovely (mission accomplished Josh). But, I've got to stop somewhere... =)THANK YOU Joe!!!! You were wonderful! Emmy & Josh

Recommended for:

Guest: R3 (Annandale, VA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

This house was simply amazing. The view of the surrounding country-side and mountains were spectacular - even when it rained since you could see the clouds rolling over the mountains. The house has all of the amenities you'd need and a very convenient location. I could not recommend renting this house more!

Recommended for:

Guest: Vkrees (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/18/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

After weeks of anticipation and a day of traveling, I had finally made it to the house... My jaw dropped when I first turned into the driveway. I was in paradise. This vacation home went above and beyond my expectations. It is spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. The kitchen is stocked with all the cooking supplies you could hope for, the pool is huge and cleaned everyday by the friendly groundskeeper, and the views are breathtaking. With a GPS we were able to easily get around Costa Rica and it never took more than 40 minutes to get where we needed to go. The local town, Atenas, is bustling with activity and full of very kind people. After a day out exploring Costa Rica, it was such a pleasure to have a wonderful home to come back to, have a glass of wine, and relax by the pool. I could not recommend this place more. It is truly amazing.

Recommended for:

The PERFECT relaxing getaway!!

Guest: emmyandjosh (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/02/09 Review Submitted: 07/16/09

My husband, Josh, did a lot of research on where to go for our honeymoon. After hours and hours, he came across this gem. We were a little hesitant at first to book a house through a website (it was our first time). But, we are so glad we did… The experience was wonderful from the start. Joe was extremely helpful. He helped calm our nerves and gave us the low down on the home, Costa Rican culture… and about anything else we could think up (my husband had soooo many questions in his attempt to make our honeymoon perfect). When we finally reached the house, we were seriously awestruck… Now, the pictures are good. But, they definitely do not do justice to the home, surrounding gardens and mountain view. We woke up every morning saying ‘wow, can this be real?’ We wouldn’t recommend going to this home if your goal is to party and have a wild time. However, if you would like to completely relax and close out the world, this is your oasis. We spent many house lounging by the pool and in the hot tub. We also loved opening all the bedroom doors mid-afternoons and taking naps with the mountain cross breeze. Ahhh heaven!! The house doesn’t have central heating/air. We weren’t sure if that would be a problem at first. But, because the weather there is like unto ‘eternal spring’, the house temperature was perfect. Also, I believe the Bali style of the home also has something to do with that. If you do decide to leave the house, you can’t be in a better location. Nestled in the charming town of Atenas, you are about an hour or two from most Costa Rican hot spots. We did a canopy tour and went to the ocean. But, because of the perfect Atenas weather and exhaustion from our wedding, we stayed in Atenas most of our trip. We found ourselves at Kay’s Gringo Postres (you’ve love Kay and Tom) almost every morning and at La Trocha almost every evening. These were our favorite restaurants. We also enjoyed a couple other places but found our Estados Unidos palates drawn to the two mentioned. We also got as many massages as we could fit in. They are really cheap (about $20 an hour). I could talk forever about our trip because it was so lovely (mission accomplished Josh). But, I've got to stop somewhere... THANK YOU Joe!!!! You were wonderful! Emmy & Josh

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

Wow, wow, wow.

Guest: Vkrees (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/11/09

After weeks of anticipation and a day of traveling, I had finally made it to the house... My jaw dropped when I first turned into the driveway. I was in paradise. This vacation home went above and beyond my expectations. It is spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. The kitchen is stocked with all the cooking supplies you could hope for, the pool is huge and cleaned everyday by the friendly groundskeeper, and the views are breathtaking. With a GPS we were able to easily get around Costa Rica and it never took more than 40 minutes to get where we needed to go. The local town, Atenas, is bustling with activity and full of very kind people. After a day out exploring Costa Rica, it was such a pleasure to have a wonderful home to come back to, have a glass of wine, and relax by the pool. I could not recommend this place more. It is truly amazing.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A simply amazing place to stay!

Guest: R3 (Annandale, VA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/11/09

This house was just a fantastically beautiful place to spend a few days lying about in the sun. The views are beautiful and stunning. The rooms are spacious and well-furnished. The place is very welcoming and homey. The property was very clean, well-maintained, and well laid out. The swimming pool was always clean and ready to use. I had no complaints in the least and would be more than willing to rent again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful home, perfect for relaxation!

Guest: Rachel & Rob (Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 03/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/04/09

My husband and I enjoyed every moment of our stay. The pictures can't convey the refreshing cross breezes, and the complete privacy enjoyed on this mountain top. The climate is perfect here. Each building feels like your own private hide away. The property is lovingly maintained, clean, and spacious. A groundskeeper is available to assist you with any concerns about the property. Though did not have a need to utilize this service it was comforting to know he was available! We shopped for groceries in town and then made full use of the great kitchen! The appliances are new and work perfectly. We even did a load of laundry before we left, so convenient. I would recommend this house to anyone who wants to get away from it all. Can't wait to go back!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relax in Costa Rica

Guest: 1430 (Virginia United States)
Date of Stay: 03/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/09

The property was outstanding. The property consists of a main house with 1/2 bath and kitchen and living room and two house with bedrooms and full baths. The views were incredible as was the weather. The town of Atenis is nearby with easy shopping and eating. It is a quick trip from San Jose and an easy trip to the Pacific Coast. It is an excellent home base for enjoying what Costa Rica has to offer or just relaxing!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing & beautiful!

Guest: Bill & Jennifer (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 03/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/04/09

We were lucky enough to stay at this place while in Atenas. Perched at the top of a mountain, this place feels more like a high-end tree house. While it could be considered hot in town, the temperature was always pleasant here. There’s a pool, hot tub, and a spacious kitchen. Every window has a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding mountains, and at night, the lights of San Jose. While there I spotted all sorts of birds, including a Toucan, an iguana, The house is broken up into three pavilions, each one with a bathroom. Two of these are set up as sleeping quarters and one as a living/dining/kitchen. The place could easily accommodate three couples, or a family with older kids. Atenas is a good base from which to explore the central part of CR. While there, we went rafting one day, and later in the week went down to the beach for a night. Perfect place for friends or family to relax, enjoy nature, and reconnect with one another.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.