Vacation Rentals by Owner

We Montanans had a great time

Guest: Neal (Montana)
Date of Stay: 03/23/12 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Our family had a wonderful time. The condo was a clean comfortable and a cool oasis during the hot season. We sailed the sunset trip on Seabird Sailing - wonderful way to start things off. Then we took surf lessons from Mako's surf shop in Tamarino (very friendly and fun) and shopped. The next day we did the congo zip line it was great - pay for seeing and holding the monkey's and go early before it gets too hot.We drove to Rincón De La Vieja Volcano National Park. That takes about 1 hr 45 minutes. Unfortunately the trail to the crater was closed but we went to the big water fall and it was an awesome swim and photo opportunity. It is a hot drive in April. We rented kayaks in Tamarindo and went out to El Capitan Isle to snorkel and get sea shells. Other people just swam out with boogie boards. It wasn't awesome snorkeling but fair and the island has lots of hermit crabs. Then we surfed our two final days at Tamarindo. The waves can be big and challenging so stay close to shore if you are a beginner. We enjoyed meals at Mar Y Sol and Happy Snapper. We foudn that in March it is very hot. We sort of did one big thing a day then relaxed and cooled off. All in all a great place to stay, find adventures and relax.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Brett and Alice

Guest: Brett and Alice (Montana, United States)
Date of Stay: 03/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

This was our much delayed "honeymoon" as we've been married 22 years and have never had a real honeymoon or been anywhere without our 4 kids. It was absolutely worth the wait!! The condo is beautiful and so are the views, making morning coffee on the deck an absolute delight. Tastefully decorated with everything you could possibly need, beautiful grounds and right on the beach! Honestly, just sitting there all week would have been lovely. We did have a rental car, so we spent one day exploring the beaches in the area. They are all beautiful, Playa Avellanas was probably my favorite, though it's a bit far. We spent several days at Playa Grande so my husband could surf after lessons with Point Break. Walked to dinner at Las Brisas and also did the "ladies night" a few days later (Wednesday). Ate everywhere, from a little soda where no one spoke English to the Monkey Bar in Flamingo where we watched a cover band from Canada. Food was wonderful, (tap water is fine too). The people are great, very friendly and most speak some English. We are in love and are already thinking of going back! Thank you SO much Kalli!!

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

Great place

Guest: Chili Bear (British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/09/12

From the moment we arrived we felt at home. So clean, comfortable & inviting. The four of us enjoyed ourselves immensely, especially the morning coffee on the deck & the evening happy hour on the deck watching the sun set (how gorgeous!). The neighbours in the complex were so friendly & helpful. Endless Beach is the best walking beach in all of Guanacste, so much to see and experience. Loved the fact we could walk to eat, get groceries, go for a beer within 10 minutes. Our favorite place was The Shack, food was good, waitress excellent & very friendly and who doesn't get a kick out of karoake (Wed nights). What a hoot! Time just flew by. We will be back. Must add that Kalli was so helpful prior to us getting to Costa Rica, she answered all my questions & concerns quickly. Thanks Kalli!

Owner response:Our deck and view is deffinitely a preferred feature, just steps from our front door. Being on the sand with a great walking beach right outside is another great feature. Guests enjoy walking to near by restaurants, bars and grocery stores as well.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Exceeded Our Expectations

Guest: Cheryl (Long Lake, Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/26/12

Kalli, the condo was even better than advertised! It's beautifully and tastefully decorated with an amazing ocean view as well as sparkling clean and containing everything one would need for a great vacation. And so peaceful and quiet. It was absolutely perfect for the two of us, but four people would do nicely as well. Concierage Cynthia was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. We very much enjoyed the Congo Trail zipline experience and the Seabird catamaran sunset sail; Palo Verde was so-so but it was a great way to see more of Costa Rica as we didn't want to rent a car. Having the Coconut Beach Club, The Shack and Guido's so close by was wonderful. And the early morning and late afternoon walks on the beach were fantastic. We will definitely recommend this area and your condo to others!

Owner response:My guest also mentioned that one of her highlight was relaxing with her coffee out on our deck with its amazing view every morning. Yes we do have a million dollar view! Our condo is located on what is often referred to as "Endless Beach", known for an ideal walking beach for evening sunsets and early morning strolls. As mentioned, having a variety of restaurants within a short walking distance is a convenience frequently mentioned and appreciated by our guests.

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

Beautiful Sunsets

Guest: Stan (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 02/03/12 Review Submitted: 02/22/12

We really enjoyed our stay here. The condo was sparkling clean and the property well kept. Lots of good restaurants close by. The people of Cost Rica couldn't be more friendly and helpfull.The beach is beautiful and very peacefull. Not crowded at all. The grounds are well kept with many flowers and shrubs. We rented a car and drove to Arenal volcano area. Very tropical area. (think Jurrasic Park) We found good food there also. We drank their water and ate food at restaurants with no problems. (unlike Mexico).The amenity we really appreciated was the concierge service. Cynthia was outstanding. She gave us unlimited information and help. She arranged for a rental car for us and was available by phone at any time and yes she answered her phone promptly. She purchased a few groceries for us before we arrived which was greatly appreciated. This is a really good location for a peacefull, quiet vacation. Most of the people in this group of condos were 55+. For a little more action Flamingo Beach is within walking distance. The town of Potrero is small and very quiet. All in all a very good value.

Owner response:Guests which enjoy and appreciate our very clean, well cared for home and beautifully maintained grounds is always are primary goal. Nice to hear our guests were so pleased. We always consider ourselves to be in the service industry first and foremost. So we love to hear that our all our guests needs were well taken care of. Thank you Stanley for such rave reviews!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Financial Advisor

Guest: Bob (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 01/22/12 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

There were four of us. We had an absolutely great time. after you get the "lay of the land" it really is easy to get around. The local roads are easy to follow. Recommendations: Captain Jack for a sailboat ride on a 42' Morgan (awesome); horseback riding right next door (south) of the Happy Snapper (also a good place to eat) Brindisi (in Playa Flamingo) was the people we used to go fishing. They were a little pricey, but, well worth it. Our attitude about fishing in another country is think safety first. They are the best. Wave runners at the Playa Flamingo hotel and resort. Eco trans for the Playa Verde?? (amazon? river tour. It was a great way of seeing what a lot of Costa Rica is like as well as a great river tour. Get them to take you to the pottery place on the way home. Prior to going to Potrero we stayed two days at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa. Very pricey, but, it you can afford it, well worth it. Great time there. What to avoid: Maxwells. The service was poor; the owner was out partying with her quests instead of running her business. No excuse for that.

Owner response:As stated above there is much to enjoy near by. This area of CR has so much to offer within a short distance. Whether you are looking for exciting adventures or a relaxing get away. Aside from our extensive guest book/guide provided for your convenience, we also gain new ideas and referrals from our guests. Always something new and wonderful to check out!

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

One of the most relaxing places we have visited

Guest: Joe and Annette
Date of Stay: 01/05/12 Review Submitted: 03/03/12

Waking up to beautiful sounds at sunrise, watching magnificent sunsets, going to sleep lulled by crashing surf. These are just a few of the things we enjoyed and will miss the most. One of the most relaxing, friendly places ever visited. Special time with family. Thanks for opening your home to us.

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Guest: Ed and Karen
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

We are loved our time in Costa Rica and your beautiful home. As Karen said we are having a great time and just wanted to tell you how very special we feel your home is here and how much we appreciate all that you have put together to serve your guests, the Spirit of hospitality is so present.  But especially wonderful are the books and CD's you have.  Karen and I are very interested in Ernest Holmes and to find Thomas Troward's book (a rather esoteric read) and have a chance to reread it was great!!!  We discovered a new CD ," Antion", that we just love and have to get when we get back to the State's. We could not have asked for more!!!  Thank you so very much!!!!! Spirit willing we hope to return, hopefully not to far in the future.

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Guest: Andrea and Pater, Toronto, Canada
Date of Stay: 04/25/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

We’ve so enjoyed our last 10 days. Kalli, we did feel so relaxed and comfortable here. What’s not to appreciate....with the sound of the ocean waves lulling us to sleep, the birds and monkeys waking us up? Glorious walks outside our door on “Endless Beach”, fabulous sunsets from the deck. Thank you for your guest guide book you put together. We used it a lot and found it very helpful. Beautiful condo, beautiful country and beautiful people.

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Guest: Donna and Jack
Date of Stay: 04/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

8 days just flew by! We had a great time here; sailing on the catamaran, exploring the local beaches. The El Coconut Beach restaurant was our favorite, great food and just a short stroll down the beach. The local people in CR are awesome and the food great. Donna and Jack, Altlantic City New Jersey

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A home away from home

Guest: John, Marianne, Jim and Lex (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

We enjoyed the facility which was furnished with everything required to make the stay comfortable. The kitchen had all required items to prepare meals, the bathrooms and bedrooms were spacious with enough comfort for four adults. We especially enjoyed grilling on the deck enjoying a bottle of wine after each exquisite evening sunset. Costa Rica was a great experience, travel by car was no problem.

Owner response:It is important to us to know our guests found everything they needed to be comfortable. I was glad to hear that the music/CD's we provided were also enjoyed and an appreciated amenity. I will be sure to add more CD's to our collection to further enhance the wine and sunset experience!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Guest: Sue and Steve
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

Thank you Kalli for use of your beautiful condo! We all had a wonderful time here in Costa Rica. Our walks on the beaches and the sunsets were wow! We are sad to be leaving, but also looking forward to our next trip back.

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Guest: Even a month was not enough time here
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

A month is never enough, but we are so happy for the time we had here. The best part is the views. It will be hard to give up when we go home. Thank you so much for opening your home to us. Steve from Colarado

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Guest: Fabulous Beach Walks and Beautiful Sunsets
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

Thank you Kalli for the use of your beautiful condo! We all had a wonderful time here in Costa Rica. Our walks on the beaches and the beautiful sunsets...wow! We are sad to be leaving but also looking forward to our next trip back. Steve B

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Guest: Sun, Sand and Surf all in one place!
Date of Stay: 02/06/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We would just like to say that we had such a great time here! The views and sounds are amazing and the hospitality was great. We couldn't have asked for a better start to our honingmoon. Kalli (owner) was a great help with planning our trip before we even left home. Sun, sand and surf all in one great place. Thanks you so much. We will be back. Chris & Cindy

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Honeymoon Starter

Guest: Rooker (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/30/11 Review Submitted: 02/12/11

Pura Vida!! This was a great way to start our honeymoon. The condo is great and has everything you could ask for. The View is amazing and it is such a relaxing place to spend your time. The beach is only steps away and there is lots of things to do and places to eat very close. Can't say thank you enough to Kalli for all the help not only planning our trip there, but also her help with planning things to do and places to stay for the rest of our honeymoon. It was an amazing time and we both never wanted to leave. We hope to be coming back soon.

Owner response:Chris and Cindy, I am so pleased to receive your comments and to know you enjoyed your stay at Casa Arena de Verano. I trust you enjoyed the extra special touch with the wine and flowers. I enjoyed playing tour guide and the opportunity to share our beautiful peace of paradise with you and your bride. Please do pass on the referral to your friends in Canada. We would love to have them. We look forward to your return stay. Pura Vida!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Spectacular view from the living room!
Date of Stay: 01/09/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

Thank you so much for sharing your paradise with us. We totally felt at home. We've really enjoyed the Tico people, the food, the weather and the amazing ocean view right from the living room and kitchen! Mucho gracias! Vic and Louise from Canada

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Guest: Brenda & Darrell, Alberta Canada
Date of Stay: 02/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

Thank you for letting us share your home. We had an excellent time and are sad to be leaving paradise. We really had some beautiful sunsets, great walks everyday to Flamingo Beach. Look forward to our return.

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Guest: Brenda & Darrell, Alberta Canada
Date of Stay: 02/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

Thank you for letting us share your home. We had an excellent time and are sad to be leaving paradise. We really had some beautiful sunsets, great walks everyday to Flamingo Beach. We look forward to our return.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

We loved our vacation at this condo. The owners were especially good communicators and gave us lots of info prior to going. The condo has every ammenity you could wish for...even wireless internet connection ( sometimes in the bedroom and sometimes at the bottom of the stairs!)It was very clean and kept that way 2x per week. We were surprised we didnt need a car, walked everywhere to shop for groceries and restaurants and we took a taxi home at night. There was yoga 3x per week at the local hotel, live bands at some local restaurants and fresh fish not far away...fresh tuna...cheap!We loved our stay and would love to come back for longer.

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Guest: Karl Anthony (Song writer)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

THAT'S PURA VIDA (song) When the sun is warm When you thank the day you were born That’s Pura Vida When the sky is blue Just a little rain at noon Sitting on the Gold Coast With the ones you love the most That’s Pura Vida Sleep till the morning light Catch a wave, just right It’s a day without a care Only wish you were there That’s Pura Vida Get together to hang out Clear the mind of doubt Like when a kid jumps on your lap Then you get a morning nap Lets do nothing Absolutely nothing And take all day to do it. That’s Pura Vida Thank you Kalli, Christian and Trevor for welcoming me in to your home and for creating such a sweet getaway to be inspired and clear the mind.

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Guest: Ivette Child, Richmond Virginia
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

What a beautiful place! We had a great time....you were right about the amazing sunsets right outside the front window.

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Guest: Cheryl Rich
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

Thank you for a lovely time in your beach front home. It truly had amenities to fit our every need.

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Relaxing or Partying or Both, This is the Perfect Location!

Guest: Judsie (Penn Vally, California)
Date of Stay: 04/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/05/10

My husband and I completely enjoyed this wonderful vacation spot for the following reasons; beautiful condo right on a quiet bay, long walks by the water's edge, a lovely pool if we did not care to swim in the ocean water, delightful local restaurants within walking distance, friendly rental personnel, happy helpful locals always ready to assist in any way they could, wonderful day trips in our rental car, excellent spa close at hand, beautiful condo porch on which to read or eat or nap.....everything! With a grocery store only steps away and a perfectly appointed kitchen and in-condo laundry area our vacation would have been glorious if we never left the premises! So much to do...so little time! Our celebration of our 30th Anniversary could not have been held in a more perfect location!

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

Guest: Doris & Jim Bush
Date of Stay: 02/15/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

We have truly enjoyed staying in your lovely home. It is the best we have found here. The amenities were excellent and your decorations were beautiful. Thank you for allowing us to share it with you. We loved it.

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Guest: Doris & Jim Bush
Date of Stay: 02/15/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

We have truly enjoyed staying in your lovely home. It is the best we have found here. The amenities were excellent and your decorations were beautiful. Thank you for allowing us to share it with you. We loved it.

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Guest: Tracy and Nan, Idaho
Date of Stay: 01/04/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. The condo felt so warm and homey. We have fallen in love with Costa Rica. It is truly paradise found with kind and gentle people. This was my 50th birthday trip and what a present it was! Could not have asked for a more perfect place to relax and just enjoy the ocean. We will encourage all our family and friends in Idaho to visit your home and Costa Rica. We will be back again and again.

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