A week in paradise

Guest: Nana and Papa (St. Mary's County, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 11/19/11 Review Submitted: 11/28/11

We just returned from the best vacation we have ever been on. The Palms was extraordinary. The villa was well equipped and far exceeded our expectations. Definitely a five star residence. The owner was extremely helpful in guiding us in arranging our tours through Special Places. Everything went without a hitch. Roy, the on site concierge/chef, was truly a wonder. He cooked three meals for us one including the grouper we caught while fishing. It was definitely a week in paradise. To top it off while on the plane returning to the states there in the Continental Airlines magazine was a full page add for the Palms.

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

An enchanting week on the beach

Guest: Jackie and Gil (north Carolina)
Date of Stay: 09/28/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

We recently returned from a week at this condo at Las Palmas and had a wonderful visit. The condominium is graciously appointed in a wonderful location, sitting directly on one of Costa Rica’s best white sand beaches (Playa Flamingo) with amazing sunsets and rolling waves. We have a house in Arenal and have traveled around Costa Rica and found this area to be magical; very much like Hawaii. The owner was very helpful setting up our accommodations and the staff at the condominium was extremely friendly, making our visit very comfortable. Las Palmas is an elegant complex close to many wonderful restaurants (don’t miss Angelina’s) but private enough to enjoy your own version of paradise with beautiful grounds, an infinity pool and complimentary water equipment including kayaks and boogie boards to use in the ocean. We found that we didn’t need to go anywhere to enjoy a marvelous week with our family. We really enjoyed the balcony off the master suite with its incredible views of the ocean and sunsets. We hope to return and would definitely choose this Las Palmas condo again.

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

Great time to visit Costa Rica, great place to stay

Guest: John (Littleton, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

This is actually a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit, not 3-bathrooms as described in the listing. The decor is excellent. Location and amenities are superb. Decks are perfect for watching sunsets over the ocean. The outdoor grilling area is outstanding, although one of the grills was out of propane. The development is within walking distance of the Play Flamingo Hotel, and a short drive to several good restaurants. Also a short drive to local grocery store, pharmacy, banks. The beach is very nice and the development provides a great assortment of water toys. Pool area and grounds were very well kept. On-site staff was pleasant and helpful. The property management company was very helpful and provided information on restaurants, tours, etc. All the appliances worked well although the stove is a bit dated. The AC unit over the front door was out, however the other downstairs unit pumped out more than enough cold air to keep the unit comfortable. Would recommend going up the coast about 10 minutes (driving) to Playa Dante visit Pura Vida Ride and Lola's.

Owner response:John, thanks for the nice review! There are three bathrooms one in each bedroom and one downstairs off the kitchen. So glad you had a great time. i will remember the Pura Vida ride and recommend it. The remote for the A/C by the kitchen sometimes does not work, but the remote for the living room A/C works. I was there just before you and it worked fine. i will call the A/C guy and have him check it out. Thanks for the info. Hope we can help you again soon. barbara

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

Paradise- Tranquility

Guest: Kari (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 05/26/11 Review Submitted: 05/29/11

Pura Vida at it's best. Staying at the condo at the Palms was beautiful. The property was gorgeous. Well maintained inside and out. The pool and grounds were fabulous. Friendly staff and all the extra touches with the artfully folded towels with flowers made it extra special. I had a relaxing and enjoyable time. Wish it didn't have to end.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, families with young children.

Costa Rica Beach at its best.

Guest: Gary (Santa Barbara, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

The condo is very comfortable and user friendly. It has all the comforts of home. The setting is magnificent. The beach is beautiful and the ocean is warm. The waves were not large but for surfers, there are numerous beaches not far away that have excellent surfing. The large pool is an added plus and the grounds are lush, green and well maintained. The sunsets are directly in front of you. It's my wallpaper on my computer. I spent 4 nights and it was a wonderful stay. Many things to do from zip lining to watching the turtles lay their eggs. But if you just want to relax, you can't have a better setting. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Owner response:There is so much to do in the area and tour operators to provide the services. Our concierge at Special Places of Costa Rica can help you with all your travel needs.

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

Back for more " Pura Vida "

Guest: Pat & Dick (Hot Springs Village, AR USA)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 02/18/11

It bears repeating: this is THE best place to stay at in this area, there is no comparison!! With the pool and ocean just steps away, surrounded by lush and well taken care of grounds, the very helpful and friendly staff of "The Palms" and the spacious and comfortable condo all make for a relaxing and memorable vacation. This our third stay here and family and friends who have visited agree that this "villa" owned by a wonderful couple in California is quickly becoming our home away from home for a great month every year. We highly recommend a stay at this property, you will not regret it! Patricia and Richard Becker Hot Springs Village, AR USA

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

Beautiful place!

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/30/10 Review Submitted: 11/10/10

Just returned from a week long stay at the Palms. This property is gorgeous! And most important, the staff went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction! The rental process was very smooth - the owner answered all our questions, and everything went according to plan. We were met on our arrival, given all the information we needed, and everything was clean and in good working order. The place has everything one would need. The views are spectacular. It is a very secure complex. I would most definitely stay here again. Not only was the place beautiful, but the owner and staff made it a great experience One tip, if you stay here, hire Roy (the concierge) to cook you a dinner. He is a wonderful chef, and a beautiful person. Pura Vida.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children.

spend some time in paradise

Guest: T.S.A. (Folsom, CA/USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

My husband and I wanted to take the kids somewhere warm for spring break and we happened upon this resort. These condos are brand new and nicer than our home!! Granite flooring, viking appliances with washer and dryer in each unit. The grounds are spotless and the water is ever so warm. The resort provided boogie boards for the kids so they spent hours in the water. They also enjoyed taking surfing lessons in nearby Tamarindo and we spent a day ziplining above the canopies with the monkeys. Excellent restaurants are located a short drive away. We have recommended The Palms to friends and family and if you're considering a trip to Costa Rica, this is the resort for you.T

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

Guest: Lynn DuPratt (Lancaster, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/12/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/10

As I was arriving in Costa Rica my nephew Jake was just leaving. When we briefly spoke by cell phone he said, "I pass the wand of tranquility to you." He had no idea how accurate he was. I've known nothing but tranquility since arriving at The Palms at Playa Flamingo. The condo is clean, spacious, air-conditioned and beautifully decorated. With daily maid service, the place is ever-tidy. I feel completely safe and at ease here. It doesn't hurt that the beautiful infinity pool is just a few steps beyond the glass doors and the spectacular white- sand beach a few paces past the pool. The condo is close to good restaurants, shops and there's easy access to tours throughout the country.

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Guest: Dorothy9 (Delray Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/10

Our first visit to Costa Rica was perfect with this stay in this fabulous condo. Waking up and watching the beach was incredible! The sunsets were the most amazing! We sat on the decks and enjoyed ourselves immensely. The condo has everything you could want: TVs, books, games, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds and bathrooms. Just fabulous! Can't wait for our next visit.

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