Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great vacation at the beach

Guest: bernie p.
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 03/29/12

"Great vacation at the beach!" This vacation exceeded my personal expectations. We were very comfortable and at home in Casa Serena. The amenities like the master king sized bed, 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen, internet access, dish TV, nice furnishings, shared washer and dryer, outside beach showers, outdoor seating, hammock, grill, etc. were well used and appreciated by us. The neighborhood-Stella seems to be composed of a nice mix of locals and some tourists; it has nearby bakeries with freshly baked and delicious quesitos, grocery stores with fresh fruits and the versatile plaintain, local resturants with classic Puerto Rican cuisine, a nice mix of tourist, local and surf shops and also fast food for hungry teenagers who want a pizza or Burger King. Nancy has done a very thorough job detailing the local community in a handy information packet ( a copy is on the coffee table too). I appreciated Nancy's appropriate concern and communications when discussing our desire to stay at Casa Serena wanting to ensure that everyone's (including the other guests') vacations would be enjoyable and peaceful. The other guests at Casa Serena, Mike and Pat from Vermont, were very pleasant. The location seemed ideal with a nicely landcaped tropical backyard that opens directly onto a very nice long stretch of a fine sandy beach; a large almond tree is very conveniently located near the back gate and provides a nicely shaded rest area. The people on the beach were friendly and respectful. The water was interestingly calm enough to swim with my 13 year old son but there was enough surf to boogy board near the shore. In the ocean close to the shore there are large flat shelves of rock covered with a thin layer of vegetation that we would walk on barefoot (waist deep) out into the ocean, then at the ledge (4 to 6 feet deep) we would swim around, snorckle or just float. The water clarity was okay with some brightly colored tropical fish seen around the rock ledges. On the beach there are nearby rentals- long surf boards with paddles, jet skis, group water rides, etc. There are a variety of other nearby beaches in Rincon including some with world class surfing (World Surfing Championships held there in 1968 and 1988, we just missed a Corona sponsored competition there by 2 weeks at nearby Dome's beach in Rincon)), next time I want to include some long board lessons for me (rated 5/5 by others on this website). I hope we will be able to return to Casa Serena.

Owner response:Thank you for choosing our home for your vacation. You are the kind of guests we love to have because you really "got" what is great about our little town, our beach and our home. I am glad that you found our home comfortable and appreciated all the little things we do to make our guests satisfied. Our service both before and during your stay is most important to us. We know that having someone there to help when needed is a big asset. We would be very happy to welcome you back again. Thank you Nancy

Recommended for:

Second time at Casa Serena

Guest: Rafe V. (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 04/06/12

We skipped 2011, and returned for our second stay in 2012. Don't think we will skip again. The house is still immaculate, and the kitchen has been upgraded. The location is perfect, walking distance to store and to a new restaurant on corner, short drive to all other restaurants. Spent the day either sitting under the almond tree on the beach, or watching the surf from the patio. We had some wonderful neighbors both in the unit next door, and across the way at Casa Tamara. Have already booked for next year. Would highly recommend as a place for a very relaxing vacation.

Owner response:Dear Rafe, We were very happy to have you stay at Casa Serena for the second time and look forward to your third visit next year. We are always very pleased when our guests enjoy the other guests, we try hard and next year again, we have a great group coming when you are. Thanks for the recommendation of the new restaurant down the street. Have a good summer and thanks again for choosing our home for your vacation. Nancy

Recommended for:

A Veritable Treat

Guest: Nancy J.
Date of Stay: 02/11/12 Review Submitted: 03/23/12

Casa Serena provides a veritable treat, whether you’re contemplating a week or an extended stay. A cottage on a beautiful beach is not a unique find, but the “specialness” that characterizes an interlude at Serena is both “Serena specific” and Rincon related. With several beach houses “under our belts” prior to our stay at Serena, we were pleased with the ease and comfort of our indoor/outdoor living. The beds were divine, the kitchen and its accoutrements were plentiful and spotlessly clean. There were plenty of chaises on which to “catch the sun”, and the plethora of chairs --- both high and low --- allowed for our creature comforts on the beach. Almond trees hugging the bank separating the beach from the house, and a variety of water “toys” left in a corner of the outdoor dining portico would be a pleasing diversion for children and adults. Equally pleasant, the selection of our fellow “renters”--- a skill that’s rare given this type of commercial enterprise --- was an added bonus. From various locales and backgrounds, all Serena neighbors were friendly and engaging while maintaining a respect for privacy (ours and theirs). Rincon enhanced our stay at Serena. Sophisticated water sports are available a few minutes up the beach, and the town square, similar to many in Spain and Italy, boasts zumba classes nearly every morning (unlike Spain and Italy). One can easily find a spirited and friendly fishmonger under his colorful umbrella, and a Sunday morning outdoor market. Good restaurants abound, and two local supermarkets can contribute to one’s dining pleasure. In fact, the outdoor grill, the fishmonger, and the exceptional interest in the pleasure of every guest shown by Serena’s proprietress and staff, combine with Serena’s other comforts to provide a blissful stay. Nancy New York City

Owner response:Thank you for your great description of Casa Serena. I am so glad that you really got the specialness of our home and our great town. We are very glad that you will be returning next year. Thanks for being our valued guests.

Recommended for:

Rincon Vacation

Guest: Linda S. (Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/30/11 Review Submitted: 12/09/11

My family of four adults thoroughly enjoyed our vacation at this beach-front home in Rincon, Puerto Rico. The location at the edge of the Caribbean Sea is ideal, and the ocean vistas are second to none. The yard is among the best in the area - with grass, shrubbery, hammocks under the shade of the palm trees, beach chairs, lounges and beach toys, which we used every day. The private outdoor patio is an ideal place to enjoy meals, read, relax, enjoy the sunsets and socialize. As you walk through the garden gate, you step out onto a secluded, clean, sandy beach and warm water stretching for miles. One afternoon we took a sunset cruise and the other evenings we enjoyed the sunsets on the beach right outside our door! The property administrators are very accommodating, friendly, personable and professional in their management of the property. They brought us some fresh star fruit one morning. It was our first taste of star fruit and we all found it to be delicious! The home itself is clean and very well appointed with all the items needed to enhance your stay. Bath towels, beach towels, cooking utensils and dishes are all provided. The residence is air conditioned and the ceiling fans throughout the home do a good job of keeping the inside temperature pleasant. The king-sized beds are very comfortable. We were surprised to find a flat screen TV in the home - but we did not watch it as the views outside the door far exceed any shows available on TV. The washer and dryer in the laundry room are a bonus! The residence has many fine restaurants located within walking and/or driving distance. If you prefer to do your own cooking, there are two supermarkets in the area. There are many other shops, restaurants, etc. convenient to this location. It was a pleasure dealing with the owner. A very professional, accommodating and helpful individual. This is a neat, clean professionally run guest house, which we highly recommend. Linda and Michael - Davie, FL

Owner response:Dear Linda and Michael, Thank you for choosing our home for your vacation and for all of your great comments. Having a great location and great amenities makes our home very desirable, and having the best caretakers insures a terrific vacation. We look forward to your return next year. thanks for enjoying our home, Nancy Renee

Recommended for:

Great Place

Guest: Joe F.
Date of Stay: 11/30/11 Review Submitted: 12/09/11

My wife, her parents and I loved this little house on the beach. It was like living inside a postcard. The house is just steps away from the beach and the sunsets are amazing. The house is well kept and the owner is reliable and a person of her word. We will return, hopefully, next year. Joe Frederick, Austin, Texas

Owner response:Dear Joe, I am so glad that you enjoyed Casa Serena. I love your description of living inside a postcard! I understand you have some great photos. Please email any you would allow me to put on our website. I look forward to welcoming you back again. Thanks for choosing our home. Nancy Renee

Recommended for:

The Best Family Vacation We've Ever Had!

Guest: Kimberlee S.
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

We have just returned from a fantastic vacation in Rincon and I wanted to write to thank you before the glow and tan wore off! Last year my husband and I and our two children, 3 and 6 years old, stayed in Casa Serena. We know that you usually rent the houses separately, but we thought that they might work well for a big family reunion. We reserved both homes, Casa Serena and Casa Tamara and were hoping that having our whole family together, but in 4 separate apartments, would not be too much for all of us. It worked out better than we had imagined. Nancy was great to work with and the caretakers were so helpful - they even brought us fresh fruit from their garden. We had our family, our three siblings' families and our parents, 19 people in all. Each couple had a master bedroom with a private bathroom, quite a luxury, and there were enough bedrooms for all the kids. By the way, the beds were super comfortable. The houses are beautifully furnished, had all the amenities and the kitchens were very well equipped. Since each apartment is totally separate, each family had their privacy, when they wanted it and yet we were all together, when we wanted that. Since Casa Serena and Casa Tamara are right next door to each other, we could wander back and forth easily. We did barbeque twice and had a great time having dinner all together. That's all about the houses and the convenience for a big group, but since most people don't come in a big group, I want to say that the main attraction of your houses is the location. We found out last year that your houses are on the best beach in Rincon, maybe in all of Puerto Rico! And the beach is right there. We could roll out of bed and jump into the beautiful, clear, calm water of your Caribbean beach. The older kids loved snorkeling right in front of the house and the water was calm enough for the younger kids. And my parents, in the late Fifties, loved the fact that the water was calm and shallow for a good distance. Also, we were all very happy that you have a fenced in grassy back yard so that the kids could run around without running into the water, and some of us older folks could just sun on the lounge chairs in the backyard. And then the hammocks were a great attraction, the teenagers tended to monopolize them. When we weren't on the beach or relaxing at the house, we enjoyed

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Fantastic Vacation!

Guest: Jenna O. (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

We loved our week-long stay at Casa Serena. The house was perfect for the three of us, and had everything we needed for the week - cooking utensils, pots and pans, a grill, beach towels, sand toys, and a breezy spot for a hammock. The fenced-in grass yard was perfect for our 10-month old daughter to play in when she wasn't taste testing the sand on the beach. The big tree hanging over the beach behind the house was where we spent most of time, it provided great shade for us. The house was very clean and inviting when we arrived, and it was so nice for you to call and check on us to make sure we made it, after driving at night from San Juan. It was also nice to have laundry facilities. Rincon is a very laidback town, with all the conveniences we needed, along with great restaurants and things to do. We spent almost every morning at El Faro watching the surfers catch waves. We stopped at the local ice cream shop to try the maiz corn with cinnamon we read about - a strange combination, but delicious! We also took day trips to the Guanica Forest Preserve and Ponce, which were easy to reach from Rincon. We are already discussing when we can return! We loved it!

Owner response:Dear Jenna, Thanks for choosing our home for your vacation and for enjoying it as we do. Your comments are very gratifying and I am sure they will be helpful to future guests. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Thanks, Nancy

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

The Perfect Beach Vacation

Guest: Richard Ballard
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/21/11

"The Perfect Beach Vacation" What a wonderful two weeks we had at Casa Serena in January 2011! The house is an absolutely perfect place for a safe, carefree vacation. The kitchen has been recently remodeled with a new stove, refrigerator and cabinets. Perhaps most importantly, the beds are king size and super comfortable. But the real joy of Casa Serena is outside. The attached outdoor covered patio is part of a large garden area with trees, lawn chairs and a couple hammocks which we used a lot. You step thru the garden gate right onto the beach. Warm sun, clean sand, uncluttered beach, and ocean vistas that stretch for miles were ours. Put the welcoming atmosphere of Casa Serena together with the ocean and we had a fun, relaxing, carefree vacation. Thanks to Gladys and Hector, the caretakers, for taking good care of us while we were there and to Nancy Renee for providing this special place in Rincon. We will be back next year for our third vacation in Rincon and for an even longer stay at Casa Serena. Pat and Richard, Ann Arbor, MI

Recommended for:

Loved Casa Serena

Guest: Bonnie (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 11/29/10 Review Submitted: 12/14/10

We had a wonderful time at Casa Serena. We were all very happy with the apartment, which we all agreed was clean and well equipt with towels, kitchen supplies, etc. By the way, Gladys was great. She was always available to answer any of our questions. We enjoyed the restaurants and were amazed at the surfers. Best of all were the beautiful sunsets we saw from our beach. Thanks again, Nancy, for all your help. The information you provided us with was perfect, and we all appreciated your thoroughness. Sincerely, Bonnie

Owner response:Dear Bonnie, Thanks so much for being our guests. We truly enjoy your enjoyment of Casa Serena. Please come back again and have a wonderful year. Nancy Rene

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Great Second Trip to Rincon

Guest: A (Woodland, California)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/28/10

Nancy, thank you for letting us stay at Casa Serena again. This was our second trip to your home. We liked Rincon so much the first time we had to go back. The location of the home is hard to beat. Having a beach in front of your house is perfect. My kids and I spent most days on the beach. It was very convenient to go back and forth to the house for snacks and anything else we needed. We look forward to coming back soon.

Owner response:We were so happy to hear that you wanted to come back for a second visit to Casa Serena for Thanksgiving this year. Thank you for choosing Casa Serena for your holiday and thank you for sharing our beautiful beach and town. You have now joined our family of repeat guests and we look forward to welcoming you back again. Happy New Year, Nancy

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Lovely Retreat on a Private Beach

Guest: Julie (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 05/05/11

Date of stay: November 11-17, 2011 Travelers: Husband, Wife, 4 and 2 year old boys Casa Serena was a lovely retreat for our family. The house was just the perfect size for our family of 4 and nestled on a private beach with a beautiful fenced in yard. Our boys loved being able to go outside in the yard and play with their dinosaurs in the gorgeous palms adorning the yard while waiting for us to take them on to the beach. The hammock was a perfect makeshift swing for the little ones. The house had everything we needed for a very comfortable stay. Grocery stores, restaurants, and the awesome panaderias were very close by which made for an easy morning run for fresh "pan" or any items we forgot. The "pan" was so amazing that I had to do everything in my power to keep my 4 year old from eating the entire loaf before we returned home for breakfast. To this day, he asks for his "Puertorican bread", and I've sought out the next best thing in our local Puertorican neighborhood. The beach was perfectly white and sandy with lovely palms jetting out of the yards toward the water. We were there right after a big tropical storm, so the waves were much larger than they normally are which did not make for the best swimming with little ones, but we made the best of it nonetheless. We enjoyed playing in the waves and digging in the sand, and the boys enjoyed catching as many crabs as they could on the beach. (just tiny little hermit crabs) Both boys became quite adept at it despite my husband and my natural hesitation to pick up something that pinches. I think the most they caught in one evening was 21 crabs. We've been to Rincon once before (sans kiddos) and absolutely love the area. If you are looking for something serene, friendly and cultured away from San Juan, then this is your place. When we return, Casa Serena or Tamara will be where we stay. Additionally, Nancy was very easy to work with and is very well organized. Her caretakers, Glady and Hector, are personable, friendly, and extremely helpful. They are genuinely lovely people who care about the property and your stay. We can't thank you enough for a spectacular time and look forward to our next visit. Best, The Lambert Family Chicago, IL

Owner response:Dear Julie and Kory, Thank you for choosing Casa Serena for your family vacation. We are very glad that your children enjoyed their taste of Rincon as much as you did. We know that Casa Serena is particularly well suited to young children. It was a pleasure working with you both from your first inquiry till this follow up. We hope to hear from you soon fabout another vacation. Thanks, Nancy Renee

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

Great family vacation spot

Guest: Great family vacation (St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

Our stay in Casa Serena was one of our family’s favorite vacations. We enjoyed our lazy days at the beach, floating, swimming, snorkeling, walking and searching for sea glass, reading in the hammock or lounge chairs, and building sand castles. We liked eating breakfast in and then heading right outside for sun and sea. We ate lunch in or walked to the snack bar. For evening meals, we grilled or tried some of the local restaurants. The road side fruit and lunch stands were fun stops as well. Nancy, the list of places to go and see was great, plus Gladys and Hector were very resourceful. We had planned to do assorted short trips on the island, but didn’t want to give up our relaxing time at Casa Serena. Thank you for everything. Paula, Bruce, Luke and Isaac, St. Paul, Minnesota

Owner response:Dear Paula, Bruce, Luke and Isaac, It was a pleasure having you as guests in Casa Serena. We are so glad that you enjoyed our home, our beach and our fabulous town. Please come back again. Have a great winter, Nancy

Recommended for:

Truly Paradise!!

Guest: kathy (San Anselmo, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

We stayed at Casa Serena with our two teenagers (ages 14 & 19) for 9 nights. It was delightful. My family loves the beach and having the ocean in the backyard was a treat. The house was well equiped for that 'home away from home' feeling. There is alot of information at the house regarding sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, etc. Nancy has made sure that people enjoy their time here and don't need to look too far for things to do. My girls liked the TV too much. I had to hide the remote!! Gladys and Hector watch over the place. I called them several times to ask about details and they were very responsive and came by the house several times. There were plenty of 'pool' toys to play with. Snorkels, noodles, boogie boards, etc. The washer and dryer were awesome to have in the house. We had an fabulous time and have told our friends about Casa Serena. When we go back to Puerto Rico we willl come back to the beach.

Owner response:Dear Kathy and family, Thank you for being our guests. It is always great to hear that our efforts are appreciated and that our guests enjoy all the conveniences , water equipment, etc. that we have at the house. Gladys enjoyed her visits to you and thanks you for your parting gift. Please come back soon. Thanks again, Nancy

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

beyond my expectations

Guest: johnnyvig (oceanport nj)
Date of Stay: 05/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/10

Casa Serena was beautiful, the pictures do not serve justice to the actual home. Location was on the beach . Water was rock free and family friendly.Kichen had 2 of everything, martha steward pots and pans barbeque grill was spotless as were the utensils. A/C in the kitchen as well the rest of the house. New food market 2 minutes away along with local spots to eat out. Beach chairs were comfortable towels were thick and clean. Fruit trees on property just pick and enjoy. Walk on the beach for a few minutes for happy hour .pirates punch in a coconut 5 bucks .Location is spot on for everything, jet ski banana boats fishing all water sports. The house actually had water rafts and floats for our enjoyment..We have visited Rincon for 6 straight years and finally found our home Casa Serena/// CONS::: My wife insists on getting a new mattress the minute we arrived home.ok another 2 thousand dollars..just smile ....

Owner response: Dear John and Pauline, It was such a pleasure having you as our guests. I love it when our guests notice and appreciate all the big and little things I do in the house. It is my home away from home and I love when other people feel the same way. So you enjoyed our new Sealy mattresses, and the new kitchen equipment, and the new beach chairs, and you even noticed the new rafts I just purchased. That was my idea of relaxation, lying on the raft and floating in the calm, warm water. Thank you for enjoying our home and come back soon. Nancy

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway.

Paradise!

Guest: Loved Rincon (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/14/10

My husband and I stayed at Casa Serena for our honeymoon and came back for our anniversary this past May. The house and beach were just as beautiful as we remembered. And there's AC in every room (that was an upgrade from the last time we stayed) and much appreciated! It's a great location and Rincon is a fun laid-back town! Lots to see and do (you'll want a car). The beach in particular is wonderful. You can wake up in the morning, make a cup of coffee and walk out onto an almost secluded beach. I would highly recommend this rental! We look forward to many more vacations here!

Owner response:We were so happy to welcome you back and look forward to many more anniversaries for many years to come

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful time, wonderful place, wonderful value

Guest: Mary and Connie (Green Bay WI USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

My sister Connie, her husband Greg, and their two children invited me to join them on their vacation this year (3/27/10 to 4/7/10). All of us had vacationed on Vieques before but never on the main island of Puerto Rico. What a delight to spend our vacation in such comfortable accomodations with the beautiful Caribbean at our doorstep. Our plan was to spend a week in Tamara and then, after Greg flew home, for Connie, the kids, and I to move down the beach to a hotel for our last several days of vacation. Nancy knew of our plans and when Serena unexpectedly became available after our stay at Tamara was over, she let us know it was ours if we were interested. We were!! The kids, ages 4 and 6, schlepped the foodstuffs through the backyard from Tamara to Serena while Connie and I did the heavy lifting and we were resettled in less than an hour. Casa Serena, though smaller than Tamara, was just as nice in every way. The kids had a blast. The ocean waves were just big enough to thrill them and we celebrated my sister's son's birthday on the spacious, Tamara patio (complete with presents, cake, homemade decorations, and pizza (the birthday boy's dinner of choice). The kids were relieved that the Easter Bunny knew of their whereabouts and that he had hidden their Easter baskets in Casa Tamara and scattered Easter eggs in the back yard for them to find. If future renters happen to find any stray eggs, you'll know how they came to be there). We had such a fun time in both casas - enjoying the tropical surroundings, beautiful beach and sunsets, great meals on the patio - my sister is a wonderful chef - and the peaceful surroundings. We shopped for groceries and inexpensive island clothing (some real bargains) in a little mall just 3 short blocks from the properties and had some great dinners out at The Rincon Inn and Rincon by the Seas. Had we stayed longer, I'd have many more fun adventures to report - Rincon has so much to offer. But our goal was relaxation and great times with the kids and we had both! Your property caretakers, Hector and Gladys are lovely people. You're fortunate to have found such dedicated employees. Thanks for everything Nancy. You have two beautiful, well-managed places anyone would enjoy. We will enthusiastically recommend Casa Tamara and Casa Serena to others. Greg, Connie, Elena, Max, and their Auntie Mae

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

An Incredible Find!

Guest: Rafe V. (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 04/07/10

An incredible find. Dealing with Nancy on line was a delight. The location was as stated. the pictures on line are accurate. Had been to Rincon a number of other times, but this clearly was the best lodging experience we've had. Will return yearly if possible. Rincon is a great experience, not a resort town, lots of locals, lots of ex-pats, great food, great beach. Bring books

Owner response:Dear Rafe, We will be very glad to have you become one of our annual regulars. I love all the contact before, during and after with our guests. Thanks for commenting that our descriptions and photos are accurate; this is very reassuring to future guests. It is my great pleasure to make our guests' visits comfortable and a great experience. Thanks again for choosing us. Nancy

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

One of my better vacations

Guest: philav (Jacksonville, AL)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

Nancy, Super time at your place in Rincon. We enjoyed the house, the yard, the beach, the location, the sun and sand, the rooster wake up, the shade trees and breeze when too hot (not often.) Highly recommended. I might add that it is difficult to find a Puerto Rican who does not speak English. Do not fail to visit a panaderia for b'fast or lunch for a quick, not fast food, Puerto Rican meal. We'll do it again for sure. Best regards,

Owner response:Thanks for being our guests and enjoying our home. I look forward to having you back for another vacation. Nancy

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

Casa Serena - a slice of Heaven on Earth

Guest: Michael (Maplewood, NJ)
Date of Stay: 02/20/10 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

Nancy, Casa Serena is a slice of heaven on earth. We had a wonderful time in Rincon and greatly enjoyed our stay at Casa Serena. What a delightful spot – right on the beach for watching the sunsets, listening to the waves break, and gazing at the pelicans diving into the water. After a hectic winter work season it was a joy to lay in the hammock for hours just reading and snoozing. I had no idea that such a contraption would be so comfortable. The home is located conveniently to a variety of stores that for days the car didn’t leave the property in favor of walking to Edwards food store or to the Econo or the liquor store or donut shop or wherever. As a runner I appreciated the proximity to 413 and 4413 and having the opportunity to see the horizon filled with surfers atop the waves. The western section of the island was perfect for the day trips to the interior. We did make it to Lares for the wonderful visit to the ice cream shop known for its strange but flavorful variety of ice creams. We want to come back again and again. The house had the perfect accommodations for us and was pleasantly and comfortably appointed, furnished and spacious. I got spoiled by having two bathrooms. The place was spotless when we arrived (and hopefully we left it in as good order for the next people). You thought of just about every detail to make us feel at home. The kitchen was well stocked with all the dishes, utensils, and appliances that made meal preparations convenient and easy. We hadn’t made pina coladas in years – thank you for the blender. Knowing that a washer and dryer would be available made the packing easier – we took far less clothing items than in other times and that made life easier, too. It was our good fortunate to find Casa Serena.

Owner response:Dear Michael, Thanks so much for choosing our home for your vacation. It is so gratifying when our guests appreciate our slice of heaven as we do. And thanks for all the tips for future guests. I look forward to welcoming you back for another visit soon. Thanks, Nancy

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

Just steps to the beach

Guest: cybersal (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/16/10 Review Submitted: 02/27/10

I've been returning to this clean, simply but well appointed duplex just south of Rincon for many years. There's ample space for 1 - 4 people, two full bathrooms, good kitchen. Best of all though is it's proximity to the beach, which in "winter" is peaceful and uncrowded. It's located in a neighborhood just south of the town center and grocery stores, restaurants are easy to get to. The property managers are great.

Owner response:Thanks for enjoying Casa Serena and making it you winter vacation home. We look forward to having you return next year.

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

Loved it!

Guest: HelgaN (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 11/18/09 Review Submitted: 11/30/09

Nancy, We had a great Thanksgiving Holiday at Casa Serena. My family will always remember having Thanksgiving dinner, sitting outside, by the beach. Everything was perfect, I can't think of anything that can be improved. The house is so well equipped, at a great beach, conveniently located. We will definitely contact you for future stays in Rincon.

Owner response:Dear Helga, I am so glad you enjoyed our home for your Thanksgiving holiday. Dinner in our garden, listening to the surf, watching the sun set, wow, that's Thanksgiving! Please come back again. Nancy

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Serenity is what the name says and it is!!!

Guest: snooker (Royal Palm Beach , FL Sea level)
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 04/29/10

We had the pleasure of staying there last year September 28 through the 31st It was one of the most memorable experiences ever. The house was very centralised and wonderful, the sunsets are unbelievable. Would love to be able to make this a yearly destination, if Nancy would have us? I highly recommend this place, people are easy to talk to and there direction were perfect.

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

Guest: Sandi Garvin (Buford, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/04/09

Dear Nancy, We stayed at Casa Serena for a week and have just arrived home. We had four day trips planned but only took one to go sailing. Everything we needed was right there at the house. The beach was great for swimming and snorkeling, the yard shaded enough to enjoy the views all day, my daughter spent most of her time in the hammock reading and listening to music. We grilled out most nights and the kitchen was well equipped to serve all of our needs. This was one of the most relaxing vacations we have ever taken. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Sandi Garvin

Owner response:Dear Sandi, Thank you for sharing our home and beach and hammocks! So glad you had a very relaxing vacation. come again, Nancy

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary Hilton (acton, ma)
Date of Stay: 03/18/09 Review Submitted: 03/18/09

If you are looking for a laid back experience,in a space RIGHT on the beautiful Caribbean ocean This is the the place for you The back yard leads right onto the soft beautiful sands of the beach. Please call if you would like further info.

Owner response:Thanks for sharing our home and our beach. And thanks for offering to answer questions for prospective guests. Come again, Nancy

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/20/09

My friend Kate and I stayed at Casa Serena for one week in January. It was all that we had hoped for and more. A perfect get away from the frigid VT winter, a restful week on the beach and calm nights falling asleep listening to the ocean! I would recommend this vacation spot to anyone!

Owner response:Dear Eva and Kate, It's great to hear from you. I think of you when people ask if they will need a car! You are our "Vermont walkers" Please come back again. Nancy

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: John & Charlie (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/19/09

Dear Nancy, Thanks for the follow up. Our time in Rincon was fantastic and your home and property are so lovely (great kitchen!!). It was extremely comfortable and really felt like home. Loved the neighborhood, the town and surrounding area, just what I was hoping it to be. Laid back and hardly ever anyone on the beach, amazing. I'm so glad I was able to make this connection with you and will certainly recommend your place to the right people I know would appreciate it as much as Charlie and I. Still adjusting back into NYC, always a bit of a shock to the system after paradise, yes? I want to go back to Puerto Rico now, please..... Thanks again for doing it just right. Casa Serena was a wonderful find and you are a most thoughtful host. We'll be in touch. All best to you. John Williams

Owner response:Dear John, It was my pleasure having you as our guests. We are so glad you enjoyed our home. Come back anytime. Nancy

Recommended for:

Waterfront Relaxation

Guest: TrishaYost (Williamsburg Virginia)
Date of Stay: 02/28/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

This is a really nice place to stay (conveniently located), comfortable and cozy!!!!! The view is beautiful and you only have to walk feet to see the sunset. If you like low stress and enjoy the beauty of the tropics then this place is for you. We really enjoyed it and look foward to the next time. Hasta Luego Mike and Trisha

Owner response:Dear Trisha and Mike, Thanks for being our guests, we look forward to your visit next winter. Have a good summer, Nancy

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation Paradise

Guest: Iowa Gang (Crescent IA)
Date of Stay: 02/07/09 Review Submitted: 02/17/09

We want to thank Nancy Renee for sharing her paradise with us. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable time. The neighbor Sally was very nice and since she was a returning resident rental, she was very helpful in suggestions and reccommendations. Thank you very much.

Owner response:Dear Iowa Gang, Thank you so much for being our guests. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Casa Serena. Please come back again. With warm Regards, Nancy

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

My Vacation

Guest: Moms (Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 01/31/09 Review Submitted: 02/10/09

We had a great time on our vacation! This house was perfect for two small children, I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting a family vacation.

Owner response:Thank you for being our guests in our home. We are very happy that you had a great time and found it perfect for your family. Please come back again!

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/19/08

A great place to visit, relax, and unwind. Nicely furnished with all the amenities and located right on the beach. You will enjoy yourself and want to return again and again...

Owner response:Thanks for sharing our beach refuge. We are happy to have you join the list of our returning guests. Come again soon.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/14/08

We stayed in one of the units at Casa Serena. Me, my wife, and our two kids who are six and ten. We had a blast! The place was very comfortable, and with the terrazzo floors, easy to keep clean of sand and dirt. We used the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunch most days, and went out to dinner at night. There were plenty of choices around town. And the Econo supermarket is right down the street! The beds were very comfortable and the furnishings in the living / dining area were very functional. There was a nice collection of books and games to play with too. The beach right outside the back door is paradise. It looks as good in real life as in the photo on the web site. It was perfect for little kids - waves enough for a thrill but actually pretty tame. (We were there in August - it might be more "energetic" in surfing season.) At night you could see a million stars. We visited other beaches in the area but truthfully, this one was our favorite! We would not hesitate to return to Rincon or to Casa Serena!

Owner response:We are so glad you enjoyed your vacation at Casa Serena. Please come back again.

Recommended for:

Why we return to Casa Serena

Guest: Clayton (Bloomfield, NJ)
Date of Stay: 07/20/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

We're headed back to Casa Serena for our third visit next winter. The reasons we return are many -- beautiful secluded beach located right outside your door, gorgeous sunsets, lovely town of Rincon, etc... Last year we celebrated Easter at the church on the downtown square with hundreds of locals and visitors like us. Puerto Rico (Rincon in particular) is a great place for families, American and native Puerto Rican. Try a day trip to a place called Gilligan's Island. While the name makes it sound cheezy, it's anything but. It's a gorgeous natural cove on the south coast about 90 minutes from Rincon. Casa Serena is clean, impeccably maintained and always comfortable, and my dealings with Nancy have been nothing but a pleasure. Hurry though. The Rincon secret is out. Dunstan, Amy, Gilly and Clay

Owner response:Thanks for joining our list of repeat guests who consider Casa Serena their vacation home away from home. We are happy that you have discovered the secret of our beautiful town and the comforts of Casa Serena. Welcome back always!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Tropical paradise -- with kids

Guest: Vacationer with kids (NY)
Date of Stay: 04/12/08 Review Submitted: 06/26/08

We had a wonderful vacation in Rincon, in part because Casa Serena was perfect for our two young boys (age 5 and 7). They were able to roll out of bed each morning and find their way to the beautiful garden and beach -- securely and completely at their own pace. Our children played in the surf, built castles in the sand and forts in the garden, watched crabs scurry endlessly about, climbed the almond tree, and rollicked in the hammock. As the beach outside was perfect for strolling and swimming, and nearby beaches (minutes away by car) perfect for surfing and shelling, my husband and I had plenty to do, as well. We were surprised to find that the beach in front of Casa Serena was great for swimming, surfing and snorkeling, since it is rare to find such qualities in a single beach. Perhaps because we were visiting in April, the tail end of the surfing season, water visibility was average. However, there is a low shelf of rock coral at the shoreline which harbors beautiful and abundant marine life (we saw an octopus while snorkeling) in relatively shallow water. This shelf also serves as a terrific base for body surfing/boogie boarding. Boogie boards and kayaks can be rented from Villa Cofresi, a short walk down the beach. Villa Cofresi is a good place to visit if you want a roped-off swimming area -- and more of a social scene. Casa Serena's beach-side garden is what makes it a unique Caribbean vacation home. The palm and fruit tree-filled garden, together with the beautiful, mature almond tree on the beach provided us the perfect respite from sun and surf. It was a pleasure meeting Gladys, the housekeeper and her husband, Hector, who were extremely kind and helpful. I enjoyed chatting with them about local culture and tropical plants. We were especially touched by their thoughtfulness in bringing us an assortment of fruits (coconut, starfruit, sapodilla!) from their own garden, as they knew we were passionate about tropical and exotic fruits. Yes, the beach is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular. But most importantly, the unique amenities of Casa Serena allowed us to enjoy a truly relaxing tropical vacation with our kids. Lisa

Owner response:Thank you so much, we are very glad you enjoyed your stay, please come back again.

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