Panoramic Views, Bali Style, Pool-Tropical Private Area-Atenas

• Beautiful

  Beautiful

  • Guest H00ked on Traveling
  • Date of stay 04/30/13
  • Review Submitted 05/13/13
  There is not much to say that has not been said by the others who have reviewed this property. It was beautiful and peaceful, the weather was wonderful and the location is central; good spot for day trips. We completely enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend it.

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

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• Month in Paradise

  Month in Paradise

  • Guest Markus
  • Date of stay 02/12/13
  • Review Submitted 03/14/13
  Just returned from 24 days in Paradise ! It was our first time in Costa Rica and it is a very special place. My wife and I thought the great pictures in the rental listing do the Bamboo House credit, although our 24 & 25 year olds thought it was actually better in person. It is a beautiful place. The one thing we all agreed on was the spectacular views, at sunrise, during the day, and especially at night could never be equalled in a photo, but we sure tried. My binoculars.... a Definite Must for all the great views from the property, for seeing all the colourful birds. The one concern before we went was not being on or close to the beach. What we found on our enjoyable 1 hour drive day trips to the coast that although the temperature was the same there, low 90's, the very high humidity down by the coast was oppressive. The low humidity at the house made the days perfect, and of course the private pool helped! At night the temperature drops down to a very comfortable level for sitting on the deck at night watching all the lights far away and sleeping with the windows open. Atenas truly has the best climate in the world! The house and the 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom separate building were great and had all you need. It is a very nice walk down to Atenas, especially Friday morning when the open air Market is on. You will definitely have to take the $3 taxi back up home with all the bags you will have. The fruits and vegetables are great; a must go. Many days we would walk to town for groceries (nice supermarket across from Andrew's office) or to the restaurants; La Trocha is the best, or just for an ice cream. Walking around Atenas day or night you feel completely safe. Andrew Partain could not have been more helpful or pleasant to deal with. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He set it up that Oscar picked us up at the airport and he took us whenever we wanted to go out on day trips. Also Oscar was very helpful in planning those trips. Andrew also set us up with Chino, a local taxi driver who spoke English and was also a great local resource. Well the big question when you read this is "but would they go back?". We have already booked the month of February 2014. Thank you all Jane, Mark, Evan, & Rebecca

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

• !Pura vida! In Paradise...

  !Pura vida! In Paradise...

  • Guest Nika
  • Date of stay 02/25/12
  • Review Submitted 05/14/12
  My Hubby and I, as well as four of our friends, stayed in the Casa Blais, Pica Flora, Atenas, for seven days in February, 2012. This was a lush, restful an exciting stay. We enjoyed our time and we would strongly recommend the Casa Blais to others. First of all, the description was accurate regarding the location and photos reflect the rental’s appearance and amenities. The property is top-notch, and well-maintained, a true tropical paradise and the owners (Christian and Dianne) really go the extra mile to make the stay comfortable and relaxing: from offering a trusted driver pick up at the airport (an excellent driver and fluid in English local Tico – Oscar), to recommending nearby activities, attractions and restaurants, which are conveniently located, and easily accessible, even without a car. The stay was thoroughly enjoyable, including the stunning views, and the refreshing swimming pool and organized trips (with Oscar) to a nearby volcano and beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. Also, we were invited to a local Pica Flora owners party, trying local homemade food and meeting lovely people, made our holiday special. The climate is perfect (no AC needed), the property's flowers are blooming, the scenery is too beautiful for words. We enjoy morning choir of birds, seeing tucans right there, on the property, majestic iguana on the main house roof, cicadas in the afternoon, stunning sunsets, not to forget the small geckos in our bedroom ( do not be afraid, because in the room geckos=no bugs). Thank you - Christian and Dianne - for extending such stupendous welcome; taking care of every detail and making our Costa Rica trip the most relaxing in years and full of attractions. We are looking forward to visit this true paradise again.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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• Faboulous Find

  Faboulous Find

  • Guest nicole w.
  • Date of stay 01/18/12
  • Review Submitted 01/30/12
  On our first family trip with 2 sets of grandparents, a 15 month and ourselves, we have found a luxurious villa in paradise. With panoramic views, well appointed accomodations and a fabulous people caring for this villa, I would recommend this private home to anyone. Andrew gave us a warm welcome and has been more than hospitable with our request for guides (Oscar, Alman and Eric are the best). if there was every a issue with the water pressure or the internet server failed he was there to walk us through and get reconnected. Has a wonderful working kitchen with three very comfortable bedrooms with all the comforts of home. Easy access to taxi to take you town to pick up provisions, the medical care was superb. Andrew- thank you, thank you for all your help in making this trip a wonderful memory!!!!! Regards, Nicole, Eric and Alex Wiesen Laura and Yehuda Wiesen Denise Marcellus

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• We will be back!

  We will be back!

  • Guest Annie
  • Date of stay 12/20/11
  • Review Submitted 01/14/12
  We travelled to Atenas for Christmas with our two teenage boys 16 and 13. We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this villa and the community of Atenas. The boys each had their own room and bathroom in their own casita. My husband and I had the huge master bedroom in the main villa. (When the boys got up):), we would meet at the pool which lies between the two structures. The pool and grounds are incredible. The grounds are lush and this provides opportunities for shade during the day even while sitting by the pool. The pool is large and pristine and just the right temperature to cool off. The huge wrap around porch allows you to take in several of the incredible views. My highlight was seeing a toucan in a tree right in front of our villa. The house stays cool throughout the day. We did some of our grocery shopping in Atenas. I loved the fact that it is not a "tourist town" and as a result you blend into the community and yet when we had questions the local residents were very helpful. We did several day trip adventures including two trips to the Pacific Coast which is only 45 minutes away. We have had the good fortune to travel with our children to a number of different locales this was by far the best family vacation. The weather was perfect, the villa was phenomenal, Atenas is a friendly and prosperous community, and many of the amazing Costa Rican adventures are close by.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

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• A Balinese Beauty!

  A Balinese Beauty!

  • Guest Christian B.
  • Date of stay 07/25/11
  • Review Submitted 07/28/11
  I had the good fortune of meeting Nancy and Bob in November 2010 and was amazed by their hospitality and broad knowledge of Costa Rica's flora, fauna and geography. So much so, in fact that I came back and stayed at their beautiful Balinese villa in Pica Flora and fell in love with the place. As a result I have decided to buy the house! For all of you Pica Flora fans, please rest assured that I intend to maintain their sense of style and hospitality and will even be retaining the Partain family to manage the property on our behalf. This house is a gem in a very scenic area and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to purchase Bob and Nancy's gorgeous creation. We hope to make a few subtle improvements over the coming years including the addition of a viewing deck extending out from the pool from which our guests can enjoy the majestic views of the mountains and valleys surrounding Pica Flora. This is truly a dream come true for my Wife and I and can't thank Bob and Nancy enough for building this beauty and, with the help of their son Andrew, helping us to maintain the house in the manner to which our guests have become accustomed. We look forward to sharing this beautiful place with you all in the coming years!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

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• Wonderful time

  Wonderful time

  • Guest Ryan
  • Date of stay 05/01/11
  • Review Submitted 06/04/11
  We recently had the pleasure of staying at Bob and Nancy's property in Atenas and found everything to be absolutely fantastic. First off, the climate of Atenas was amazing and the town itself is a perfect size, with many great little restaurants and markets (the farmers Market on Friday being quite delightful.) The house is beautiful, perched atop of a hill giving it incredible views in all directions. We loved how there was a separate house next to the pool, making it a perfect fit for family, or a group of 6 or so. And the entire space is shaded by a beautiful Guanacaste tree in which every night there was some interesting bird or another perched. Bob and Nancy were very accommodating and helpful in getting us acclimated to the area with great recommendations of places to eat and sites to check out. We are already looking forward to going back.

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

  Owner response: It was a pleasure meeting and having such nice, interesting and fun loving people as Ryan, Sarah and their long-time friend at our house in Atenas. We do hope you will return to stay in our home, and we do look forward to seeing you again. Best regards!

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• Paradise Found

  Paradise Found

  • Guest Paul O.
  • Date of stay 02/22/11
  • Review Submitted 05/23/11
  This was my second visit to this wonderful country and first with my wife and two sons. We stayed in this incredible home that was even more than we had expected. My wife and I stayed in the main house while our two sons enjoyed the luxury of their own private paradise, just on the other side of the swimming pool. The weather was absolutley spectacular! Waking up in this amazing master bedroom tucked in by the long arms of the guancastle tree while the sun rises over the mountains across the valley should be on everyones "bucket list". I can't imagine a more relaxing place to visit. We thoroughly enjoyed the open air feel and never felt the need for screens or air conditioning. This is truly the perfect climate! Bob and Nancy are wonderfully accommodating hosts that are eager to help in any way. Our flight was delayed 24 hours into Costa Rica and Bob graciously offered us an extra night at no cost to us. Paul, Trish, Jack and Ben Newport, Rhode Island

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

  Owner response: Paul, Trish, Jack and Ben It was great having such a nice family staying in our home. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay. We have installed some screens in the event some guests feel that they need this protection. We are pleased that we do not need air conditioners, but we do have fans in all bedrooms. We do hope you will return again. Thanks, Bob & Nancy

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• Extremely disappointed!!!!!!

  Extremely disappointed!!!!!!

  • Guest Gerri
  • Date of stay 03/28/11
  • Review Submitted 04/06/11
  My son rented this home for the week of March 28th and invited us to go with he and his family. I personally asked Bob if the house was Air conditioned and had screens. He said no to both; that they were not needed. The weather was around 80 in the day and 60's at night. He said there were ceiling fans. My husband and grandchildren stayed in the Casita where there were no fans. The humidity was oppressive and there were no fans in there. The first night my husband got bit by a bug. The bugs were the size of silver dollars and no screens in any part of the property like the owner said, but screens are certainly needed. We headed up to the Arenal volcano area the next day as planned only we stayed two nights there to enjoy rooms with AC. Then went back to the house for another night stay. That night once again was very humid. I slept on the sofa in the main house because that was the only place there were ceiling fans. In the living room area and the Master bedroom. That night my son got bit by a Centipede while sleeping in his bed. The next day we were out of there and headed to the beach and rented another place for two more nights with AC. We left some of our bags at the house since we were 6 adults traveling. We went back to pick up our bags and headed to the Marriott near the airport for our final night in Costa Rica. The weather was every bit of 90 plus degrees during the day our whole week, everywhere we went and very humid. Maybe we picked a bad week to go, but even if that is true, we certainly would have needed screens to keep the massive amount of bugs out of the house. Ceiling fans in the Casita would have helped as well. So it cost us the rent of the house for a week and one week's worth of hotel bills as well as meals since we bought groceries and planned on cooking most meals at the house. The house is beautiful but can not compensate for the awful experience of staying there. Once we were there we did not want to ruin the rest of our week by getting bit and no sleep for worry of what creatures were coming into the house.The best part of the trip was the enjoyable time of being with my family no matter how much more it cost us. Gerri Mother of the renter

  Owner response: This negative review was surprising after having over 30 rentals during the past 15-months. We have had 10 reviews in total over this period, and all gave a Review Rating of 5. We have never had any previous complaints about bugs, the need for screens or fans, uncomfortable temperatures or high humidity. No one except Gerri has ever complained about bites from insects, although this could happen in any area of the country with or without screens or a/c. We are never bothered with mosquitoes in this altitude. The statement that there are no screens in any part of the house is incorrect. Each bedroom in the guest house has four separate screened enclosures totaling 28.44 square feet located between each bedroom and the exterior open air porch. This provides ventilation even with the large cedar and glass doors and windows closed. If we had only been notified by this party that a fan was needed, we would have taken it out of our storeroom right away for their use. Apparently, Gerri did not enter the bedrooms to observe the screens. Nights in this area usually have temperatures in the 60's as stated in the review. Bed covers are usually required for comfortable sleeping. Only one rental house listed on Home Away in Atenas shows air conditioning and only in the Master bedroom. How could there be a need for an air conditioner in such pleasant weather. The house, with a clay tile roof and high ceilings, is located in the shade of a huge Guanacaste tree. The usual breeze during the day provides a comfortable and cool environment on the inside of the house and on the wraparound porch. It is our opinion that this review with incorrect and exaggerated statements was designed in an attempt to damage our rental business rather than provide constructive criticism. None of these matters were mentioned to us by the other Travelers in the group during contact with them. We have always strived to make all travelers comfortable and to correct any existing problem. We will provide fans in each of the two guest bedrooms to prevent any future traveler from having to request one. We will also install some screens in the main house in case we are ever attacked by "silver dollar" size bugs or massive amounts of bugs.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/10

• Christmas in Atenas

  Christmas in Atenas

  • Guest Judi
  • Date of stay 12/25/09
  • Review Submitted 01/09/11
  Our stay at this Atenas Home was awesome. Great neighborhood. Love the bali-style - it's like living outdoors in total luxury. The weather in Atenas, especially at the altitude of this Atenas Home, is a perfect climate. A/C isn't needed. I highly recommend this house for your next vacation!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/2

Jan 14, 2013-Sept 14, 2013.... $1,295/week - Extra night $185
Sept 14, 2013-Nov 2, 2013 .... $  975/week - Extra night $140
Nov 2, 2013-Jan 11, 2014 .... $1,450/week - Extra night $200
A 50% non refundable deposit is required to hold reservation.  The balance is due
14-days prior to arrival. Cleaning fee of $65/week.  Payment by bank wire
or credit card (via PayPal).  A PayPal account is not required.
Payment is accepted in the quoted currency (US Dollars) unless the
currency and amount is specifically agreed with the owner.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.