Waterfront Beach Home on the Laguna De Apoyo Eco Reserve [#307353] | View Property
Laguna de Apoyo
House, 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths (Sleeps 8)
$175/nt-$1050/wk;$200/nt 7-8 people
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Traveler Reviews (22)
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Nicaraguan Gem
Nicaraguan Gem
- Guest Dianne P.
- Date of stay 12/14/12
- Review Submitted 01/07/13
We had high expectations of Quintalee based on the VRBO posting and past reviews, and we were NOT disappointed! The setting within the volcanic crater lake was magical, and the serenity of the house was perfect. Our view from the house was through the beautiful garden (which was the pride of the caretaker - Wilmer), down to the clear water and across to the lush vegetation on the opposite rim of the crater, with blue skies and the Mombacho volcano as a backdrop. A view that you could never get tired of waking up too. The house had plenty of variety for seating areas, both covered and exposed to the elements. The bedrooms and washrooms were comfortable, private and very clean, thanks to the hard work of Wilmer's wife Estella. The kitchen was well equipped, and there was books and games to entertain, and very good Wifi if you needy it. It was great not having a TV for a week, as this place requires you to have a mind set that you are there to relax and enoy exploring Nicaragua. The last 500 meters of the road are rough, but we accomplished it in a compact car. Basic Spanish in Nicaragua and in the areas near the Laguna is helpful, but you can get by with a translation dictionary, or even better some form of e-translator on a smartphone or laptop (we used Google-translator when around the house for the more challenging questions). If you are planning to cook at the house, a trip with Wilmer to the Masaya food market is worth it, and the Masaya grocery stores at adequately stocked, but you need to have Estella make at least one meal, as she is a fabulous cook. We would definitely recommend it to those looking for an escape from conventional travel to hotels or resorts. We loved our week at Quintalee and look forward to a return trip in the future.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: So glad you had a wonderful time...of course we totally agree with you!
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A rare find
A rare find
- Guest Mrs. Dee
- Date of stay 12/06/12
- Review Submitted 12/20/12
Nicaragua is an incredibly beautiful and impoverished country. The house and grounds at Quinta Lee are fabulous: flowers abound, the outdoor kitchen has every convenience, and the bedrooms are roomy, well furnished, comfortable and practically outfitted with mosquito nets and air conditioners (neither of which were needed at this time of year)/ After having visited in the north for two days, Quinta Lee seemed unbelievably luxurious. The waters of Laguna Apoyo were perfect for swimming and it was delightful to dive in at night after a day of sightseeing and see the stars appear. The house is conveniently located between Maseya, Granada, and touristic sites like the Maseya Volcano. Day trips to the pueblos blancos were also easy (my favoirte was San Juan de Oriente--my five dollar ceramic rooster is already perched in my entrance way). The house keepers were very accomodating and I think it was the perfect time of year to visit. Purisima, a celebration unique to Nicaragua, was in full swing. There are three things for travelers to keep in mind--and these are not criticisms just a word to the wise. First, it is almost necessary to have some Spanish speaker with you. We all spoke foreign languages other than Spanish and could fumble around the vocabulary and grammar but without our friend who lives there and is becoming fluent in SpanishI think it would have been a lot more frustrating. Second, the road going into Quinta Lee past Abuela's is worse than you can imagine. Avoid arriving at night and just be patient and rent a four wheel drive vehicle. Third, remember this is a poor country and you have to be flexible about expectations regarding timing, available groceries, and your own conspicuousness. There were seven women over 60 in our group so when people mistook us for nuns we went along with it....Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Fabulous as always...
Fabulous as always...
- Guest Grovershell
- Date of stay 11/12/12
- Review Submitted 12/10/12
This property is always our favorite! That is why we keep coming back. Thanks so much, Lee!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: And we love it when you come!
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Amazing Vacation
Amazing Vacation
- Guest Bryan C.
- Date of stay 07/04/12
- Review Submitted 07/16/12
My fiancee and I rented the amazing Quinta Lee for a quick escape from the real world, and it was amazing. The only negative was that we had to leave. The description is accurate and the owner was very helpful before our arrival. Once we arrived, the on site caretakers were incredibly helpful, nice, and caring, and they make great good to boot! I could easily spend multiple weeks relaxing by Laguna de Apoyo at Quinta Lee. The views are gorgeous, especially when the sky cleared up enough to see the top of Mombacho, and the water is warm and refreshing. This is a beautiful house in a beautiful location. I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Central America.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Thank you for your kind words! Next time you come I hope you will have time for a trip to the top of volcan Mombacho. Those clouds at the top create a cool tropical jungle with orchids, bromeliads and so many butterflies. Well worth the visit. Hope to have you as guests again in the future.
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Home away from home
Home away from home
- Guest Melissa Loaisiga1
- Date of stay 05/25/12
- Review Submitted 06/17/12
My husband, his Nicaraguan family and I had a fabulous time at Quinta Lee. The food cooked by Estella was authentic and excellent. We spent two days swimming in the warm water of the Laguna, relaxing in the hammock and making unforgettable memories. The housekeeper Wilmer, although recovering from a recent injury, did everything he could to make us feel at home and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. The house had all the commodities of an American home, to include warm showers and air conditioning. The location was perfect...close to Masaya, where you can find one of the country's many volcanoes and one of the best markets to purchase gorgeous Nicaraguan pottery/souvenirs. We will definitely be back to make more memories one day. Gracias por todo Estella y Wilmer, ojala que nos volvamos a ver algún día.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Magical!
Magical!
- Guest Meg
- Date of stay 04/09/12
- Review Submitted 04/22/12
Laguna de Apoyo is a magical place. Clear, warm, mineral-water surrounded by a lush landscape. Really beautiful and peaceful. Estella & Wilmer's cooking was really delicious. We had a great time and would highly recommend this place to anyone.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Quinta Lee, January 2012
Quinta Lee, January 2012
- Guest Kathy
- Date of stay 01/24/12
- Review Submitted 02/24/12
We stayed at Quinta Lee in January, 2012. The home and grounds were exactly as shown and described, if not better. The beauty of the landscaped grounds with the view of the lagoon is breathtaking. Eight of us had plenty of room and it was great that each bedroom had it's own bathroom. I also appreciated so many different sitting areas around the home and the grounds. This was our first trip to Nicaragua. The trip was awesome, but at the end of each day, after being a tourist in the real Nicaragua, it was truly wonderful to come back to the peace, quiet, and beauty of Quinta Lee. I would highly recommend this vacation rental.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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A Beautiful and Relaxing Vacation!
A Beautiful and Relaxing Vacation!
- Guest apple-res
- Date of stay 01/21/12
- Review Submitted 02/17/12
We absolutely loved our stay at Quinta Lee. The house is perfect if you are looking for a place to unwind and relax. The gardens are beautifully mantained and there are many options for relaxing sitting areas. The lake itself is great for swimming and what we loved about Quinta Lee was having the floating dock. We also loved the large, open kitchen with an outstanding view. The caretakers are great cooks and will make anything you ask for. We have already recommended this house to several friends and will continue to do so. We just hope we can return for another visit sometime soon!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Lakeside retreat
Lakeside retreat
- Guest Kelly
- Date of stay 11/25/11
- Review Submitted 01/19/12
Quinta Lee is a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful house on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo. This is the place to spend all day in your bathing suit, swiming in the clear waters of the Laguna or relaxing in one of the 2 great hammocks. The landscaped gardens and house are cared for by Wilmer, a wonderful caretaker who is available to help with any problems.The house is only a short drive from Grenada or Managua, for restaurants and supermarkets. This is truely a hidden gem that you will want to recomend to friends and family!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing.
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the BEST property in Nicaragua
the BEST property in Nicaragua
- Guest Vic
- Date of stay 10/24/11
- Review Submitted 11/29/11
I say this is the best property in Nicaragua, because we spent two weeks driving around Nicaragua looking at vacation homes to rent and scouring the San Juan del Sur and Pacific Coast area for the perfect home, before we took our search inland and discovered Laguna de Apoyo. The Laguna and Quinta Lee are absolute paradise. My boyfriend, our dog and I recently spent a month there relaxing from a year of working in Afghanistan and loved every minute of it. Its quiet and secluded for total privacy, but not so remote that you are stuck once you get there, like most of the houses on the coast. Its also probably one of the only places in Nicaragua where you don't HAVE to have a 4x4 to get off and on the property - a huge cost savings since rental cars in Nicaragua are quite expensive. Internet and electricity were very reliable. Wildlife was abundant - an amazing array of birds, white squirrels, howler monkeys, and cute critters we'd never even seen before! During the month of our stay, we traveled around Granada, Masaya, Manaugua, San Juan del Sur, and Leon - and Laguna de Apoyo was by far our favorite place. The lake is pristine, definitely one of the cleanest places in Nicaragua and great for swimming and kayaking. Running is also good and safe in this area. The house has the most well manicured lawn and garden of any on the lake. The decor feels exotic and cozy all at the same time. The open kitchen was fantastic for cooking and socializing. Everything in the listing is spot on and the owner was a pleasure to deal with. His local caretakers - Wilmer and Estella - were fantastic. If you're considering staying on the Pacific Coast or San Juan del Sur area, consider this: - Basic utilities are often spotty - electricity and internet especially - Nearly all the houses are remote and up treacherous dirt roads, don't even think about trying it anytime when its raining or without a 4x4 (we were there in October, and nearly got stuck by a river that rose over night) - The beaches are rocky, if you're from the US West coast it will be familiar, but if you're from the US East coast, its not what you expect from a beach. Also most of the beaches we visited - Remanso and Maderia (both surf spots) were disappointingly dirty. Nicaragua is all about volcanoes and lakes - so why not spend your time on a dormant volcano crater lake that is the deepest point in all of Central America. We can't recommend Quinta Lee and Laguna de Apoyo enough!!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3
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Best Ever!
Best Ever!
- Guest Grovershell
- Date of stay 07/03/11
- Review Submitted 08/17/11
We have stayed at many of the properties around the laguna, and this house is our favorite - hands down. The house and garden are much prettier than depicted here, the kitchen is fabulous - we had wonderful dinners on the patio, the house is clean, well maintained, with comfortable furniture. It is absolutely the best experience we have had with any rental property in Nicaragua. And that is saying something as I have worked in the hospitality industry for many years and am EXTREMELY picky about my hotels and vacation rentals.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Thanks so much for your kind words! It makes me feel so good to know that others appreciate our special home away from home.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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The Highlight of Nicaragua!
The Highlight of Nicaragua!
- Guest Kelly
- Date of stay 06/01/11
- Review Submitted 06/12/11
This vacation rental was recommended to us by friends who had stayed there previously. Our high expectations were exceeded! The open concept kitchen is beautiful, and has a perfect view of the impeccably manicured gardens and Laguna de Apoyo. We made our own breakfast, then spent the day doing little trips to Volcan Masaya, the markets, Grenada, etc, and 2/4 nights asked Wilmer and Estella to make us dinner. Their cooking was incredible, far better than any restaurant, and getting to eat in this lush setting made it even more perfect. Wilmer was very gracious and kind, and is there to help with anything you need. I couldn't recommend this place any higher!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Beginners luck -- first time to Nicaragua and we loved this place!!
Beginners luck -- first time to Nicaragua and we loved this place!!
- Guest Hoop
- Date of stay 04/17/11
- Review Submitted 04/27/11
This property was truly exceptional! The terraced gardens and lake, as well as the proximity to many activities make it an excellent spot from which to enjoy this country. The interior of the home reflected the beautiful artisan work and furnishings of the people of Nicaragua. There are cozy places to eat, relax and gather. We hope we are lucky enough to return to this spot. We would recommend this place to the most discerning of travelers. Have fun!!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Peace and tranquility
Peace and tranquility
- Guest Rick A.
- Date of stay 04/06/11
- Review Submitted 04/15/11
Our group of five spent the last 3 days of our vacation in NIcaragua at this beautiful house on the Lago. we had spent a week in Granada exploring the city and it's outskirts and were pretty tired. The house on the lago offered us just the peace we needed. So quiet. We would sit looking up at the stars at night, listening to music,sipping Tonas, and realizing how lucky we were to be here. It was almost like the rest of the world didn't exist. The 4 bedrooms were comfortable and all had air conditioning though we didn't use the a/c at all. There was steady breeze coming off the water that kept our rooms comfortable at night. We actually prepared our own meals for the nights we were there and it's good to remember to bring everything as far as spices and other sundries go. The kitchen was equiped with a great fridge and stove, coffee maker, etc. All the modern conveniences.There is a small pulqueria about a mile or so up the road and they have the basics, including white wine and beer. And right around the corner from the house is a small resort that has a restaurant if you feel like being waited on. Wilmer and Estelle were wonderful and gave us good advice on the area. Estelle would have cooked for us too if we had wanted her to. Next time! The lago is close to Masaya and we actually did our Masaya volcano tour from the house. The water was very inviting and we loved swimming out to the raft to take in the incredible views. When I got back home and looked at my pictures I realized I took more pictures at the lago than I did in Granada. It ws a great vacation and the house on the lago was the perfect way to end the trip.Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Can't wait to return!
Can't wait to return!
- Guest Alison
- Date of stay 03/17/11
- Review Submitted 05/27/11
I spent 5 days at this property on the Laguna de Apoyo in March with 5 friends. What a wonderful vacation house! We planned on exploring the area more, but loved the peaceful feeling at the house so much that we ended up spending the majority of our time there. We loved getting to know Wilmer and Estella and having them cook dinners for us! The food was wonderful and the hospitality even more so. We were lucky enough to be there on one of the brightest nights in years. The moon over the laguna was spectacular! We loved swimming in the lake and enjoying the perfectly manicured landscape. We can't wait to return to this vacation house.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Paradise Found
Paradise Found
- Guest Mojo
- Date of stay 02/26/11
- Review Submitted 03/14/11
Our stay at this beautiful home was wonderful. The adventure getting there was all part of the fun. Once we arrived we were warmly greeted by Wilmer. Oh and our 2 yr. old grandson was enthralled with all the chickens and chicks. After a long travel day we enjoyed a swim in the warm lake where we could watch the sunset from the diving platform. We were treated to a delicious dinner by Wilmer and Estella with some fresh vegetables from their garden. It is a good idea to stop at the Pali Market on the way to the property and also recommend arriving during the daylight to find your way. We loved the open concept of the property and enjoyed the many hammocks. Our grandson delighted in watering all the beautiful plants under the guidance of Wilmer and his grandfather. One of the day trips was to Volcano Mombacho and a visit to Granada. It was Sunday so the square was very busy with many activites. After leaving we traveled to San Juan del Sur. We only wished we could have taken this property with us. It was our favorite stop in Nicaragua. Lee the owner was also very easy to deal with. The property is well maintained by Wilmer and Estella.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Bliss
Bliss
- Guest Marilyn & David
- Date of stay 02/13/11
- Review Submitted 03/13/11
After a bumpy ride at the end of the road is a piece of paradise. Quinta Lee. A typical day for us and our friends at the chic waterfront home started with an early morning swim in the pristine waters of the Laguna De Apoya greeting a golden sunrise. Followed by a delicious breakfast cooked and served on the lower patio by Estella and her husband Wilmer. Surrounded by the lake and colourful tropical garden. Try Estella's yucca dish! Afternoons, when not out exploring, swaying in a hammock reading and snoozing. Relaxing on the upper terrace viewing the lake, dry rainforest and distant Volcan Mombacho. One day a family of howler monkeys with their babies clinging to their backs dropped in to say hello. Candlelight dinners ( and we were lucky to have a full moon) served by Estella and Wilmer. Estella's talent is to whip up a lovely dinner with whatever is in the fridge and it was always the freshest of food. Wilmer is to be commended for his talent at the barbeque. Try Estella's pasta and mushrooms and Wilmer's barbequed chicken! Now we're at home we're missing the fresh fruit - papaya, pineapple and the biggest avacadoes we had ever seen. Thank you Lee. We would like to come back. Marilyn & DavidRecommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Wonderful Property
Wonderful Property
- Guest Lazy Days
- Date of stay 01/20/11
- Review Submitted 01/24/11
The photos do not do justice enough, the house and overall property were amazing! Great open concept with full views of the lake from almost every room. We loved the various seating areas and it allowed each one of us to escape to our own little spot if need be. Thank you for sharing your wonderful home.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7
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Beautiful, Peaceful Stay
Beautiful, Peaceful Stay
- Guest Lauren
- Date of stay 08/05/10
- Review Submitted 08/18/10
We had a lovely time at Quinta Lee, complete with perfect views, comfortable rooms, and classic atmosphere. The living room and kitchen area were comfortable and elegant all at once, and the rooms had a rare thing for us here in Nicaragua: AC! We were delighted by Wilmer and Estella and thought the landscaping was perfectly crafted. The view was the best I've seen on the laguna. A great stay. Thank you.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9
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Breathtaking!
Breathtaking!
- Guest Elaine
- Date of stay 04/22/10
- Review Submitted 01/09/11
One of the most relaxing peaceful vacations I've ever had. Quite an adventure to get to the laguna but once there, you never want to leave. The grounds are beautifully landscaped - indeed the nicest place on the laguna. A true haven for nature lovers. The owners have created an exquisite home with their meticulous eye to detail, always keeping in mind comfort as their main focus. Waking up each morning to the view of the laguna is breathtaking. Taking a refreshing dip in the clear mineral waters of the laguna, making breakfast in the kitchen equipped for a chef, then decided which of the many areas to best take advantage of the sunlit view to sit & drink your morning coffee - aah! the perfect vacation. But as perfect as the home is, don't miss the opportunity to visit the many surrounding little communities each offering their traditional Nicaraguan handicrafts or take a hike around the nearby active volcano. The caretakers, Wilmer & Estella and their children are delightful. Just wished I knew Spanish so that I could learn more from them. My only regret was having to leave. Look forward to my return vacation here.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Wish I was there!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7
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A tranquil paradise is what I stepped into when I arrived at Laguna Apoyo!
A tranquil paradise is what I stepped into when I arrived at Laguna Apoyo!
- Guest G. Marie
- Date of stay 03/14/09
- Review Submitted 06/15/10
When it was first suggested that we go to Nicaragua I was apprehensive. Then my friends ( 3 women I have known and loved for 35 years) found this amazing place to rent, so we booked it. To my amazement it turned out to be the most interesting, exotic and relaxing holiday I have ever had! The house is beautiful. The main part is filled with beautiful wood and rattan furniture, comfy and luxurious pillows,and a handmade mahogany table that is made out of one tree. In the first days I just went from one wonderfully comfortable place to another, catching up on my sleep, reading and relaxing. There are sofas, covered patio seats, chairs, and hammocks to sit, lie and sprawl on, the view is idyllic, and the fragrance is heavenly because of the garden all around. The kitchen and dinning areas ( one of three) are great to cook in, well equipped, and lend themselves to sipping and preparing food while socializing. The dining areas are as casual, or as sophisticated and elegant as you want them to be. Just pick one to match your mood, and what splendid view you want to gaze at while dining. Did I mention the garden..... AMAZING... fruit, colourful blossoms, bountiful lush green textures and fragrances. My bedroom was the one in the back. It had a lovely private garden that I enjoyed by myself when I wanted to get away from my gregarious, fun loving friends. The Laguna was perfect for a lazy swim or an athletic swim ( I have to confess I did more of the former). The water is really warm and it is filled with minerals, so that after you swim you feel energized and relaxed at the same time. The caretakers, Wilmur and Estella are great. Estella cooked us some great meals and Wilmur made us feel safe. He was always at the gate to close it for us no matter when we came home from our many adventures... Nicaragua is a very interesting country. The people are proud and dignified. They meet you more than halfway with their warmth and desire to communicate with you. We all loved Granada the nearby town. It had a charming, old Spanish ambiance, and the markets were fun and had inexpensive fruits, vegies, chicken and fish. We also went to a surfers' beach on the coast. It was gorgeous, tranquil turquoise water and very few people. The more I describe it the more I remember, and the images make me want to go back soon. I am going back with my family someday soon!!!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 12/12
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Guests from GPS Realty
- Date of stay 11/07/08
- Review Submitted 06/14/10
A letter from Nov. 2008 tenants I don't know where to begin. These last few days at Casa Apoyo have to be at the top of my best vacations ever! I have copied this email to my family that stayed with us there in case they want to add something I missed. First of all, the property was absolutely gorgeous and extremely clean. What a gorgeous view to wake up to and go to bed to each day. I cannot describe to you how wonderful Wilmer and Estella were to us. They were extremely patient and accommodating with all our demands and requests - especially when it came to food! We really want the property owners to know how lucky they are to have them managing their home. It felt like we were leaving family when we had to say goodbye. We definitely plan on returning and could not see ourselves staying anywhere else. Of all the things I miss from Nicaragua, I would have to say Estella's cooking is at the top! .....we look forward to seeing Wilmer and his family during our next vacation rental.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7