Romantic Getaway for two but would be a blast for many

Guest: where to next? (Denver, Colorado )
Date of Stay: 03/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/26/11

My husband and I visited Punta Sonada for a spring break getaway and relaxing couple days, the place was above and beyond our expectations- we were in heaven. The photos here don't illustrate how special you feel on this property as you walk just across the yard and realize that Chris' place is the most perfect point and it's all yours! The entire time we were there we laughed at how lucky we were and how much we wished we had brought everyone we love traveling with here- it was a piece of heaven. The caretakers on the property we a big part of the experience for my husband and I we were taken care of by the wonderful family and each of the four of them were in their own way so caring and interactive. We cooked with Elieth and her daughter Liliana- even shared a "sweet wine" that Elieth could share with Jose (maybe sweet enough- others are too dry).. we were laughing so hard and Jon and I practiced our spanish. Liliana showed us around the yard, she was charming, we loved her. Joselito and my husband were buds and Jose gave me surf pointers and laughed and cheered when I got up on some waves, it was such a blast. We walked up the road our last night to Martina's Bar for the little "market" on Friday night- food, shopping and dancing... a must! But, the walk was quite a long one. I do recommend that you either have transportation here, be ready to set up transportation with the caretakers, or just be ready to chill on the property. There isn't a lot nearby to walk to, but we walked all over and saw almost every type of animal we cared to- without going to the park. Tons of birds, if you are a bird watcher. I could go on and on extolling the merits of this wonderful home. I recommend it to laid back people who just enjoy the company of one another and the beauty of this amazing country. You won't be disappointed!

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

Quinta Sonada

Guest: Steve (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

We had a wonderful stay this past Easter break at Quinta Sonada. We had never been to Costa Rica and had heard that the Osa was a wonderful place to visit. We are very happy that we stumbled upon this rental property. Chris, the owner, was very helpful in planning our trip to the area and encouraged us to draw upon the knowledge and know-how of the care takers for unique experiences in the area. The house was perfect for us. We decided to not rent a car and had the caretaker shuttle us around and guide us a few places. This worked out well for us. They also cooked for us a few nights and next time we would have them cook every night. It was a pleasure to have Jose and family around to tell us about the area and share a bit of there life. We were there at full moon and the tide was very dramatic at first. After a day or two we were able to sort out the best places to swim and body surf and felt more comfortable with each day venturing out into the surf. We recommend that you have a fitted water shoe in which you can walk the beach and rocks and even swim. The swimming, surfing, fishing, strolling on the beach, hiking in the jungle, and observing all the wildlife made this a great trip. We would definitely recommend this house to anyone wanting to experience the Osa. One day we did hire a boat that launched out of Puerto Jimenez to explore the Gulfo Dulche, look for dolphins, snorkel at a small reef, and go to the animal sanctuary across the bay; this was a very worthwhile day as we were able to do all of these activities. We heard a little too late that there is a nature preserve just outside of Puerto Jimenez that we did not see, but we think that it sounded like a good way to spend a half a day. The gift store, Jagua, around the corner of the airport is authentic and lovely; do visit. The owner had a lot of information about the area.

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

A Heavenly Place!

Guest: David (Maine)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Our family visited Quinta Sonada over the Christmas vacation with 3 teens. We loved the spot with it's beautiful grounds, booming surf at night, and the sounds of macaws and howler monkeys. The house is simple, elegant, and comfortable. The Costa Rican caretaker family (extended family, really) are lovely, knowledgeable, and Iliette is a wonderful cook. We surfed, explored the jungle, watched birds (our daughter, age 20, saw 92 new species!), climbed and rappelled down a waterfall, and flew through the canopy on ziplines. Everyone had a wonderful time and would go again tomorrow!

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

Guest: Steve Cavalli (Santa Rosa, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 02/09/10

what a wonderful place! We were wakened every morning by howler monkeys who were hanging out at adjoining properties, and two scarlet maccaws joined us in the afternoon. The Costa Rican caretakers, Jose and Illeuet and their family are wonderful human beings, gracious and humble...and Illeuet cooks an outrageous meal....better than ANY we had in a restaurant (at half the price!. The photos do not do this place justice. The setting is MUCH nicer than the photos show!

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Guest: Steve M. (-)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

The Osa is the best part of Costa Rica- This is a such a beautiful vibrant property and the area is fantastic. The variety of plant and animal life here is incredible...so many pretty flowers and trees- also we have seen boas, sloths, squirrel,howler,spider and white face monkeys, macaws, parrots toucans, and a tigre! You are incredibly blessed with Jose (the caretaker) and his family. Muy simpatico, helpful and fun. Eliette is an incredible cook. Quinta Sonada is an incredible place to slow down and relax, and recharge. Coming back is not a question, the question is, "why do we have to leave?" -Steve M. -Cayucos Ca.

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Guest: Submitted By Guests (-)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

"Your place has been the highlight of our ten days in Costa Rica. Beautiful spot, beautiful casa, beautiful people...heaven."— Charlie, Boulder Creek, CA "The house is beautiful with exquisite materials and workmanship. It’s clear a lot of labor and love have gone into making this truly a 'dreamy point'. We loved the elevated bed allowing for a beautiful morning and views of the sea and daily macaw visit."— Loretta, New York, NY "Thank you for sharing your dreams and sharing your dream point...you have made a lovely and functional home for this environment. It is wonderful to live in a place where we are not confined to walls. I appreciate the simplicity of your design and the well thought out details."— Tracy, Morro Bay, CA "We just spent three days here and wish it was longer! The house, the views, Jose and his family... everything was wonderful. The house is beautiful and he design is very accommodating. Thank you for letting us share a piece of the good life. The house is a perfect point to start walks on the beach or explore the very impressive wildlife of Costa Rica. A real piece of paradise on earth!"— Christophe, Zurich, Switzerland "Indescribable! Our stay here was nothing less than spectacular. Being from the hustle and bustle of overpopulated California, coming to Quinta Soñada seemed like another world. We are still amazed by the warm waters and spent many hours swimming and kayaking. Jose took us to Matapalo where we saw four species of monkeys, a sloth, a coati, both species of poison dart frogs and toucans. We are all overwhelmed by the amount of birds and critter that we saw. I could go on and on...The family here at Q.S. is wonderful. The food Illiette cooked was delicious. Jose is very helpful. They are just another reason why this place is heaven on Earth."— Gary, Paso Robles, CA

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Guest: Various Guests (-)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

"This location, the land, the beaches, the authenticity of the locale is all so remarkable. Osa is truly a gem, we can feel it. We have been traveling the area for six weeks and love it here—it’s the best. The views of the scarlet macaws from your bed will be with us forever. "— Avra, Greece "Such a harmony of heart and spirit here, and it is a place where family and friends and travelers can stay and enjoy the life Costa Rican style. Every day has been a blessing to see and a joy."— Neil, San Diego, CA "We have enjoyed the perfect honeymoon here at Quinta Sonada. The house, the view and the ocean out front are world class. In all my travels I have never had a local guide with more patience and knowledge than Jose. I think we could visit Q.S. an hundred times and never exhaust Jose’s cache of secret spots. "— Willie, Pismo Beach, CA

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Guest: Christophe (-)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

"We just spent three days here and wish it was longer! The house, the views, Jose and his family... everything was wonderful. The house is beautiful and he design is very accommodating. Thank you for letting us share a piece of the good life. The house is a perfect point to start walks on the beach or explore the very impressive wildlife of Costa Rica. A real piece of paradise on earth!"— Christophe, Zurich, Switzerland

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Guest: from house logs (-)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

"This place has been a tonic for my soul—just blown away by the natural beauty here."— David, Mendocino, CA "What can I say? Q.S. is every bit as wild and as beautiful as the country... the love and care that you put into building Q.S. echoes in the gardens, bouncing off the walls and reflecting back at us through your wonderful (caretaker) family, in their amazing care and kindness. Thank you so much for sharing this with us."— Shania, Montreal, Canada "This was the best trip we have ever had. We have fallen deeply in love with the Osa peninsula and Q.S...waterfall rappelling with Andy changed my life, yoga under a canopy of monkey-filled trees at Tierra Milagros was unreal, ocean kayaking, setting baby turtles into the ocean with jungle man Miguel, (horseback-riding) with Dilvert...too much to retell. Q.S. is first rate!"— Kelly, New York, NY "Costa Rica is one of the few places left in the world that has so much hidden beauty. The Osa has been a true trip. We have enjoyed it very much and hope to return soon. For now we have so many memories to look back at... Jose and family have been so nice and welcoming."— Miguel, Texas "What a beautiful paradise you have here! We have had a wonderful, restorative time. Waking up to the sound of the surf. We napped, read, took walks, saw monkeys with Jose and ate Illiette’s wonderful food. Jose and Illiette have been so warm and generous with us. It was our first visit to Costa Rica and we love it!"— Lisa, Atlanta GA

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Guest: Avra (-)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

"This location, the land, the beaches, the authenticity of the locale is all so remarkable. Osa is truly a gem, we can feel it. We have been traveling the area for six weeks and love it here—it’s the best. The views of the scarlet macaws from your bed will be with us forever. "— Avra, Greece

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