Location: Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, Central America (30 Min to Beach and Airport. a Great Central Location) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2.5+ Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: villa, four star,tropical , 360 view, nature, pool, eco privacy, eco preserve, Costa Rica,
We love our new home in the hills completely surrounded by nature overlooking one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. The Costa Rican government has chosen it as one of their natural wonders and it is under their protection. We are a great home base for your Costa Rican vacation.
Mornings are peaceful, with butterflies floating on the light valley breeze, the only noise is from the birds chirping around you. Sometimes you can hear the cows and horses that live on the pastures next door as make their way down the hill to the river below, but they are your only neighbors. I love nothing better than having breakfast (made in our brand new kitchen) on the terrace just being their audience of one. During the day, you can relax poolside, sip smoothies or a glass of wine and completely remove yourself from the stress of contemporary life. But if you want to check your emails, we have Wi-Fi, and your Blackberry works in Costa Rica.
We have pocket windows that open completely to the outside world, and from all the terraces and from inside the house you see trees and green and mountains, no matter where you look. Three is a spectacular night sky, and you can view millions of stars. At certain times of the year, we sip wine at sunset and watch the distant lightning dance over the top of the mountains beyond our valley. There is complete privacy yet on the other hand there are neighbors close by.
Our little town of Atenas has wonderful restaurants, many supermarkets with Chilean and Argentinean wines, and modern American kitchen necessities. The central square is a two minute drive or fifteen minute walk from home. A farmers market where all the surrounding farmers bring delicious mangoes, veggies, colorful fruits a local specialties happens every Friday in the park.
If you are looking for a more active time away from home, butterfly farms, volcanoes rainforests, river rafting, horseback riding, are all within an easy drive. If you want to hang ten or simply stroll on the pristine Costa Rica Beaches or swim in the warm Pacific water of famous surfing beaches like Jaco and Playa Hermosa which are only 45 minutes away.
It's no accident that Costa Ricans' motto is 'Pura Vida'. They are lovely, well educated, warm and welcoming people.
You are going to have a great time!!!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Brand new large capacity GE
- Dryer : Brand new large capacity GE
- Linens Provided : Fresh, white and brand new
- Off Street Parking : we have a huge parking area, steps to the house
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Queen Bed : all beds are custom made queen size beds with brand new linens.
- Entertainment
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : including a garbage disposal, which is extremely rare in Costa Rica, and a dishwasher
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : doube door and brand new.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : we have full time help on the property, and Carolina is glad to cook for you if you wish
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : It's huge, with room for several whole chickens, etc.
- Deck/Patio : the entire house is surrounded with terraces that overlook a pristine, eco-preserved valley. Inthemorning you can see tucans and monkeys!!
- Balcony : a covered balcony overlooking the eco protected valley is outside the master bath
- Gazebo : it's covered with passion fruit vine, and you can pick the fruit while lounging with a book and bird watch
- View/Location
- Mountain View : Our house is on a gorgeous valley, you see monkeys, tucans, and NO HUMANS!!
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Large terraces overlooking a protected valley surround the house. the views are spectacular, and every room has them. Everything is Fresh and New in Our Home. Linens and Appliances Are brand new. Full time caretaker on premises, but invisible!!
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : one doggie is fine. we have doggie doors in the house.
- Kid Friendly : aslong as they are over l2 since we have a pool
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 12
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Other Activities
- In home massages, Rain forest canopy tours, best surfing in the world; volcanoes and hot springs are all within a day's drive. it's is one of the best central locations in costa rica. And the weather is devine all year long.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Peak ..... jan 17-Sep 01 .. $1200/week ($185/extra night) .. $3500/month
Rainy .... Sep 02-Nov 21 .. $ 950/week ($125/extra night)
Holiday .. Nov 22-Jan 17 .. $1450/week ($200/extra night)
50% non refundable deposit is required to hold the reservation.
The remaining balance + refundable damage deposit, cleaning, and
and transaction fees are due 14 days prior to arrival (30 days if
paying by check).
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2009
Why the Owner Chose Atenas
I love Costa Rica. The people are lovely, they have a high literacy rate, a great education system and a great health care system. Our home is in the town of Atenas, with one of the loveliest town squares in all of South America. Because we live on a mountain, you'd never know we were two minutes away from a great bottle of wine and 30 minutes away from a hospital run by Baylor University!! And of course, near beaches, rainforests and volcanoes.
The Unique Benefits at this House
OUr town of Atenas, is one of the best central locations from which to explore Costa Rica and our location is the best in Atenas. Volcanoes, river rafting, the beach, butterfly farms, etc., are only a days trip from atenas. And atenas has tons of great restaurants and 4 grocery stores and a centra market and a fun farmer's market on Friday. Downtown atenas is a l5 min walk or 2 min drive from the house, yet the house is completely private - you can swim and walk around the terraces in complete privacy overlooking a valley that is a nature preserve. It's the best of what Costa Rica has to offer.
Atenas has one of the lovelies town squares in Central America we are within an hour of rainforests, butterfly farms & the best surfing in the world, and 2 hours from a volcano!! We have great stor
Owner's Map of Atenas
Hi there, We called our property La Luna Vista because of it's total connection with nature. There is no where you look that you don't see trees or mountains. But when I built the home, I wanted it to be a "Home", with all the modern conveniences in the kitchen and with Wi-Fi, so I could (for work) stay connected with the rest of the world. It's the best of all worlds! I come at least once a month to make sure the house is perfect, but I have wonderful property managers who will meet you and show you around. It's good to have a contact in a foreign country!
Property Photos
-
- Live with the birds! - Atenas, Costa Rica Vacation House with a Pool, Wi-Fi and Only Two Minutes from Restaurants!
-
- The pool floats over the valley - Atenas, Costa Rica Vacation House with a Pool, Wi-Fi and Only Two Minutes from Restaurants!
-
- The entire house overlooks the eco preserved valley - Atenas, Costa Rica Vacation House with a Pool, Wi-Fi and Only Two Minutes from Restaurants!
-
- Fully stocked kitchen with all modern appliances
-
- Roomy balinese master bedroom suite
-
- Spacious living room with modern and comfy decor
-
- Make our home your home
-
- The views from the house, pool, bedrooms are incredible
-
- View magnificent sunsets from every room!
-
- A Buddha welcomes you to paradise, tranquilty, serenity, and total relaxation
-
- Nature! Tranquility!
-
- All doors open to the eco reserve.
Traveler Reviews (25)
living on a cloud
Guest: Baltimore, MD
(Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09
Review Submitted: 01/12/10
"I have the difficult task of explaining what it feels to live on a cloud, literally, because the clouds swiftly surround this piece of land from time to time for just a few moments and you exist for a small time with the sky. The rolling hills that extend into the horizon from the property's backyard spoil your appetite to taste other adventures Costa Rica has to offer...why visit a cloud forest when you live in one? And, the beauty of this home absolutely ruins your patience to stay in any other vacation home less exceptional than this house. This house sits furthest out on the best slice of land in the community so no other rooftop adulterates the view of the magnificent Atenas mountains. You feel like you are the only person in the world with the safe satisfaction of a small, friendly community of home-owners right behind you. The decor of the house is minimal and craftful and every turn offers another opportunity to enjoy the goodness of life. And that's all before leaving the house! The drive from Atenas to San Jose offers panoramic views of Costa Rica Pura Vida and you find yourself downtown in less than an hour. The drive to the Pacific side (Jaco/Manuel Antonio) provides equally impressive views ending in beautiful beaches and national parks less than 90 minutes away. Local fruit and vegetable stands abound in either direction, so there is always a chance to buy the best avocados on your way to and from home. The location of this house gives you the best chance to experience Costa Rica's coasts, volcanos, and local life and still be home to grill yourself a nice steak and take in the gorgeous city lights from a far, far distance. The stars and moon at night, are of course unparallel. I should stop here for fear of seeming unauthentic, but it's all true. Come experience it for yourself. You'll leave a different person." Thanks so much for opening up this sweet serenity to my family Diana, and best of luck with future renters.
Owner response:michael jean, thanks so much, it was great to have you and your mom and baby. i hope we see you again. to everyone - michel jean planned to stay for a week and ended up staying for 3!!! xdiana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.
The best family vacation ever!
Guest: Laurie M.
Date of Stay: 12/24/11
Review Submitted: 01/11/12
Thank you for the vacation of a lifetime! Your home was even more beautiful and tranquil than we expected! It is the perfect blend of luxury and cozy. The great kitchen and outdoor grill was like home away from home, except we were able to eat our meals outdoors overlooking the beautiful valley. It is perfectly located near the airport and within an hour or so drive of many activities; such as Poas Crater, La Paz Waterfall Garden, Doka Coffee Estate, the beach town of Jaco, and other Pacific beaches, Colinas Del Poas ziplining tour, and horseback riding with Vivian in Tarcoles at Hacienda Del Agujas. The home provided the perfect lovely place to return to after our busy days. We brought our two teenage daughters and they too, loved the home. We felt very safe in Costa Rica and especially at the house. Thank you for an amazing vacation, and the most memorable Christmas ever.
Owner response:Laurie, i'm so glad you and the girls had fun. A well deserved vacation after getting your Masters Degree (let's have a round of applause everyone!!) I loved your review, not only because you liked our home, but i learned some new things to share with future guests. For instance, didn't know about the Colinas Del Poas Ziplining tour or the horseback riding. Thanks so much for taking the time to share, and we hope you visit us again, Diana
Recommended for:
Paradise found
Guest: Paul W.
Date of Stay: 12/17/11
Review Submitted: 01/06/12
It truly was our pleasure to stay at this lovely home Perched above Atenas. The house was in perfect condition upon our arrival and our first order of business was a quick grocery shop and a beer by the pool. Leticia was instrumental not only in guiding us to the property but also was nice enough to take us grocery shopping, even recommending local brands. We enjoyed lazy days marveling at the natural beauty of our surroundings and wondering the town of Atenas. The locals were always friendly and welcoming and especially nice to my 2 year old daughter! Put simply, the house is even better than it looks and we can't wait for an opprtunity to return!
Owner response:Hi, there Paul, Wow! that is a vision of relaxation: A lounge chair; a beer; an unobstructed view of the natural beauty of Costa Rica and a 2 year old running round the terrace. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay and took the time to write about your experience. We welcome you and all your friends back for another stay. Best to you and your family, Diana
Recommended for:
Wow!!
Guest: deedee
(pacific palisades)
Date of Stay: 11/25/11
Review Submitted: 12/08/11
There is no way that our photos could capture the breathtaking view that every room of this beautiful home looks out on. Honestly, we spent as much time on the veranda, or even staring at it while making breakfast and dinner in the kitchen, that we could. We walked around the property in the morning and at night. Sat out by the pool for lunch and on the terrace for dinner. i felt like my soul was being recharged. And in the morning outside the bedroom window there were about a dozen huge tucans - the kind that are on the cover of the fruit loops box, with a big red strip over their belly and huge neon beaks. We did some nature stuff - Los Chorros (?) waterfalls that were about 30 min away and the beach, also 30 min away, saw the crocodiles under the bridge on the way to have lunch at Villa Calletas, but honestly, it was tough to tear ourselves away from the house. I had some business to do while i was there, and the wifi was very reliable, and all the decor and kitchen supplies linens etc, are top notch, as was the property manager Leticia (super sweet and helpful), but i still can't get over the view!!! We will be back for sure, Marie and Jonathan
Owner response:I am so glad you enjoyed our home. I've seen the Tucans in the valley below our house, and monkey's also. but this is the closest to the house they've ever been. Lucky you!!! I feel the same way about the view - i just can never get enough. We hope to see you again soon!! diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing.
We're going back!
Guest: Tica in Training
(Chester, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11
Review Submitted: 11/05/11
As a friend reminded me, when you are traveling somewhere you have never been before, or even where you have, it is so important to have some security that what you are expecting and what you will be experiencing are one and the same. This house is just as beautiful, just as comfortable, and just as welcoming as you see on this site. It was the first time we have used someone's home for a vacation stay and all I can tell you is that it has encouraged us to try other countries, too. La Luna Vista is truly an example of pura vida!
Owner response:hi, there John and Blair, It was so nice to have you as our guests and thanks so much for assuring our future visitors that our home is all that is promised on vrbo and homeaway. It was brave to try a house - and I couldn't agree more about the necessity of being hesitant - who wants to ruin their vacation with crummy accommodations?!! And so glad you had a great time, diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+.
This House is a WOW!!
Guest: Theo & Miriam
(Boynton Beach,FL)
Date of Stay: 08/08/11
Review Submitted: 09/18/11
Diana, Thank you for sharing your beautiful mountain side paradise with us.The moment we pulled up and were shown inside with Leticia, we knew that we made a great choice for our vacation. The location, view and amenties were better than expected. Every morning we started our day on the balcony having our coffee and breakfast enjoying the view and then off for another round of adventure in Costa Rica. This location is only 1 hour from the beach and about 45 minues to Escazu, with everything very easy to get to with the new highway.We took day trips to the coffee plantations,La Paz Waterfall Gardens, went horseback riding, zip lining, Jaco beach etc and was always looking forward to coming 'home" to our mountain side retreat. The staff Jaime and Carolina were always available but you never knew of their presence...They provided exceptional service when needed.The town of Atenas is a quaint little town and not " touristy " at all.I would highly recommend this vacation home to all and will return there some day. Thank You Again, Theo & Miriam
Owner response:HI to you both. We are so happy you could spend time with is in paradise!!! The terrace, with the view of the valley, is my absolutely favorite place in all of Costa Rica, and i think about it every day. It sounds as if you had a very active vacation - and made the most of our proximity to great destinations in the country. We hope to see you again, best to you, Diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Most Romantic and Private Place to Get Away
Guest: Greer & Scott
(Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/29/11
Review Submitted: 09/13/11
This was by far the best romantic and private place to get away for our honeymoon. Great for a couple or even with a bunch of friends. The place is huge and views were absolutely breathtaking from anywhere you were in the house. The decor was amazing and very well thought out. The pool was a tad cold this time of year but it wasn't uncomfortable enough for us to not going in it everyday! Relaxing bath in the plunging tub with a view of the mountains and valley. You cant get any better than that. There was a housekeeper next door but with all of the lush landscape you were not even able to see their place. Nor did we ever feel bothered by them. They did not intrude, respected our privacy and we didn't really even see them unless announced. It was good to have them there if we needed something and to clean the house mid-way through our stay. There was everything there for us. We love to cook and felt like the kitchen was perfect for this. The town of Atenas, was not far and pretty convenient. A couple bars & restaurants there and a nice little grocery store. This is definitely a very private place with not much around, which is exactly what we were looking for. A lot of the "touristy" stuff can be done in a day trip. This is a place where a lot of memories are to be had and one place that we visited in Costa Rica that we will never forget!
Owner response:Hi, Greer and Scott, i'm so glad that we could be a part of such a special time in your lives. I think you had the perfect romantic getaway, which is one of the many ways to enjoy our home. We hope to have you back with friends or family and have an adventure vacation, which is so easy to do from our location. i didn't know you were cooks! i love to stay in and grill on the veranda and cook inside. for next time, there are 5 grocery stores in town!! but one is all you need. We hope you can spend some anniversaries with us too! best, diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing.
We absolutely loved your house!
Guest: tom h.
Date of Stay: 08/08/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
Hi Diana, We had a fantastic time. We all absolutely loved your house. Leticia was wonderful, and we enjoyed what little contact we had with Carolina and Jaime. Carolina brought us a bunch of bananas our second day in the house. Our "routine" was "every other day:" one day just relaxing in the house, followed by a day trip. We went to Arenas one day, down to Carara National Park and the Pacific coast another, up to Poas and the Doka Estate coffee plantation another. The weather was fun, sunny most days with a few cloudy rainy days, but the movement of the clouds in the valley and on the ridges is beautiful to watch. We had a little drama one night when a falling tree evidently took out the power for the whole area for a few hours. Dinner by candlelight was charming in that spectacular house Michael
Owner response:Hi, Michael, What a great way to spend time at the house- one day there, one day out and home at night. I think that a lot of people find it hard to leave the house since its so relaxing but there are so many things to do close by as you discovered, so, it sounds as if you made the most of our home and the most of the location. This was the first year that we had our own bananas - and there are 3 varieties , all wonderful. Next time have Caroline bring you the big ones that you can cook, and saute them in 50/50 butter/oil and have them for breakfast or a side dish. it is heavenly. we hope to have you back again. After all, there are two more varieties of bananas to try! Thanks so much for being our guests, diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.
Sunrise w/the the birds!
Guest: tom h.
Date of Stay: 07/20/11
Review Submitted: 08/17/11
Dear Diana, My sons and I want to thank you for sharing your house with us last week. I was a little unsure about what to do in Atenas, but just being at your house was so relaxing and peaceful that it was a vacation unto itself. It’s a great place to “reset” our hectic lives here in the states. I enjoyed every sunrise with my coffee listening to the birds…and cows. My sons want to buy the house! They loved it even without a TV. Tom
Owner response:Hello Tom, I so glad your boys enjoyed the neighbors (read: 'cows, tucans, monkeys') and the pool. and hope that you made it to the nearby waterfalls and beach, etc. i don't know what it is about sitting on that terrace, but it is really so palliative! i think about it all the time, and was happy to hear that you enjoyed it as much as i do. We hope to see you all again, best, diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.
This home did not disappoint !
Guest: Wendi B.
Date of Stay: 07/15/11
Review Submitted: 08/15/11
We were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and wanted to spoil ourselves, and boy did we! When we found this home on the Home Away site, it checked off the "wants’" for our Costa Rican hideaway. The pictures were beautiful and the reviews positive and exciting, we booked the home for 7 days. Leticia, the property manager is a delightful woman. We met her at the "Coopatenas" in Atenas. This is the market that you will find very enjoyable to shop in. There is a very secure ATM right next door to the market, we used it (very comfortably) many times. From the CoOp we followed Leticia to the home. The drive took us through the town and up into the beautiful Atenas mountainside. The community gates opened to a beautiful, natural landscaped drive. As we came to the end of the drive the vista opened, giving us miles of valley and mountain views. We walked through the door and realized that the pictures did not do justice to this home. Immediately we were drawn to the balcony, and again, the view! This is a beautifully decorated, comfortable and relaxing house. The homeowner has taken great care to provide a serene and comfortable home. We loved that the two sleeping quarters were detached from the main living area, and it was quite fantastic to walk barefoot down the nature lined walkways from the sleeping to the living room day and night. We thrilled at sleeping with the windows wide open (Balinese sliding doors) and awoke to breathtaking sunrise views. Coffee was always on the balcony and/or next to the pool. We swam often, morning and evening. We cooked at home every night. On Fridays Atenas has their farmers market. We enjoyed buying fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and baked goods, taking them home to cook and enjoy poolside. This house was perfect in relation to San Jose and the Pacific Coastline. It was delightful to return home after our day touring and sightseeing. We delighted in seeing monkeys and birds of all kinds. The highlight was seeing a toucan flying freely through the sky. We wish everyone take the opportunity to stay in this home and realize the true Pura Vida.
Owner response:Dear Wendi, We were so delighted to have you as our guests. It sounds as if you made yourself at home, which is our goal, and made the most of the surrounding area. I am so glad you made it to the farmers market - i love seeing neighbors, farmers and all the fresh fruit, veggies - i hope you tried the pupusas - the woman who makes them is a genius! Happy Anniversary - I hope you come again., diana
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
First (10) of (25). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #253909
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Thursday, October 13, 2011
