Lovely property, great views

Guest: David S.
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/01/12

We just returned from a week at The Flying V villa in Ocatel Beach, Costa Rica. The Villa was clean, nicely decorated, and the owners Verda and Neal Hutcheson tried to give it a personal touch. We were spending our vacation during Christmas week, so they personalized Christmas stockings with the names of myself, my wife, and my kids. The patio has a beautiful view of the forest and ocean as the villa is high up on a mountain, overlooking the ocean. The Guanacaste province is beautiful this time of the year with no clouds nor rain, with temperatures reaching the 90s during the day, and 70s at night. As we were traveling with active kids in early twenties and teens, we went on several excursions. I would expecially recommend one near the Rincon volcano where we did a combination of horseback riding, ziplining, river tubing, and a visit to a hot spring. The beach by the villa, however, is not the nicest. It is narrow, and not very picturesque. We had rented a car, and drove different days to other beaches. Three that we visited that were beautiful were Playa Danta, Playa Conchal, and Playa Grande. All in all, the vacation was enjoyed by all. The Hutchesons were always available to answer questions by e-mail, and had recommedations for touring and for restaurants. We highly recommend this villa for a vacation

Recommended for:

Vacation of a lifetime** PURA VIDA**/ Verda and Neil are amazing!

Guest: Tres Gringas (AUSTIN, TEXAS)
Date of Stay: 08/02/11 Review Submitted: 12/02/11

It was the first trip here for all of us, and it has been amazing. We planned this trip a year ago. and I was hesitant ( i am very fair skinned and generally prefer cooler climates), BUT i can honestly say that this has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The girls are already plotting how we can move down her;) We want to open " Tres Gringas Rental Cars" and relocate. Some things we learned while here:1). "Pork chop is actually a piece of ham.2).The BEST ceviche is @ Picante.3).All distances to destinations should be doubled.4) SPF is ALWAYS necessary.4). Pepsi light is way better than any diet soda in the states.5)Puppies have the right of way-are well-fed and cared for.6) Massages on the beach=worth every colones!6). Take dramamine prior to the drive to Arenal.7). An entire family of Costa Ricans will fit on a one-seater bicycle. RECOMMENDATIONS to Fellow Travelers: 1). worth repeating: best ceviche is @ Picante.2). Dany @ Picanted is awesome-he will take good care of you.3). Cesar @ the office can make it happen-massages,zip-lining reservations,etc.4).SKY TREK zip-lines are amazing. 5).Linda Vista Del Norte in Arenal/La Fortuna was a great place to stay-view of volcano and lake, close to zip-lines, daiquiri's served upon arrival by Henry and BEST Tres Leches cake EVER!6). Father Roosters-great Lomito de la Casa- steak tenderloin w/ chimmichura sauce, try the coconut flan-key lime also good.7). 2 racoon friends-we named them Walter & one eyed Wally- So sweet and will take crackers from your hands.8). Come home by 6pm to watch sunset.9). "Typical food"=rice, black beans,plantains,salad &meat-Delicious! anything but typical. Verda and Neil- your home is beautiful. When we came back at night it felt like coming home. We have had such and amazing time here and are already planning our next trip. We all woke before 7am every morning (no alarm) and were so excited to greet the day. We slept like babies and played like children on the beach and in the pool. This has been the vacation of a lifetime. Thank you. PURA VIDA. p.s.5 adults- perfect for car rental. one more and you have to get 2 cars or a van (expensive).. fyi. Verda has a plethora of info for sights to see and places (driving directions too) to go. Their home is absolutely beautiful and extremely clean w/ a ton if linen and towels. Description and pics of their home do not do their place justice. Such an overwhelming, pleasant surprise. Have the time of your life. I know you will.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

Flying V Villa - Bahia Pez Vela

Guest: Debbie R.
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

This villa was excellent! It was clean, bright, well maintained and very comfortable for 4 adults. The view of the ocean and sunsets were spectacular! The private black sand beach is a short drive or walk from the villa. In June, we basically had the place to ourselves to swim in the luxurious pools or clear, calm ocean. The snorkeling and shell collecting were incredible! The onsite restaurant was high quality and reasonably priced! The owner’s, Verda and Neil were amazing! They ensured our stay was comfortable and had champagne and a birthday cake upon our arrival. They were extremely personable, flexible and accessible. They responded quickly to every email or phone call and were instrumental in helping me plan my Costa Rica vacation. I highly recommend this property and I will be back!!!!!

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

Great villa in Costa Rica

Guest: Mike (Wyoming)
Date of Stay: 05/22/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

This is a great property with a wonderful view and patio. The patio is very private with sunset views over the bay. It was well furnished and had a complete kitchen. Resort staff is very helpful and friendly. An excellent value especially if you are in a group or taking the family. We were there in the third week of May and had a great vacation.

Recommended for:

Flying V

Guest: Kelly (New York)
Date of Stay: 02/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

My four girlfriends and I just got back from a fabulous week at the Flying V Villa. From the moment we inquired about the property, the owners were extremely friendly and helpful in giving us tons of information about the area and ways to entertain ourselves while we were in Costa Rica. The Villa itself is beautiful, tastefully decorated with amazing views. The kitchen has everything you need to cook all your meals, but I highly recommend checking out some of the restaurants in the surrounding areas. Waking up each morning and looking out to the black sand cove, or enjoying a sunset cocktail on the veranda the views were incredible. We enjoyed using the two infinity pools and beach. The staff in the office was helpful in booking our excursions and very receptive to any questions we had during our stay. The neighbors were so friendly and welcoming and also gave us lots of tips and ideas for possible activities. Attention runners and power walkers....the area is very hilly so bring your sneakers for an incredible hill workout. Our experience at the Flying V was amazing and were so sad to leave but we can't wait to go back. You don't want to miss out on this great experience.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

WOW.... PARADISE FOUND!!!

Guest: Ede, Drew, Cindy, Mike, Sharon and Alain (Long Beach Island, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 02/10/11

We are 3 couples that spent 15 sun and fun filled days at the Flying V Villa! The accommodations were as wonderful, if not better, than described and pictured on the website, and the owners, Verda and Neil, made sure our stay was comfortable and our every need was satisfied. From the moment we arrived to find champagne and birthday cake, to the arrival of a brand new grill after we requested a replacement part for the existing grill (all compliments of V & N), we were made to feel welcome and wanted. This Villa is situated at the top of the hill overlooking lush gardens with unobstructed views of the Pacific. The "secret" infinity pool is just a few doors down, and we were often the only ones there. The patio was a great place to begin each day, where we hand fed the Vegas bluejays each morning while enjoying the breathtaking views. After a day of adventure, we also appreciated relaxing on the patio while enjoying cocktails before dinner. The kitchen was fully equipped so meals were easy to prepare and serve. The on site restaurant, "Picante", served delicious entrees for lunch/dinner and the staff quickly became our Amigos. The staff at the main office was also exceptional, they shared much knowledge of the area with us and went out of their way to help us with accommodations at Arenal as well as booking excursions. When it comes to sleeping, I am like the princess and the pea, often I don't sleep well when away from home. I had no problems sleeping here, as the beds were comfy and firm, the ac worked wonderfully, and the location is quiet and peaceful. Also, FYI, we drank tap water throughout our travels without any problems. Costa Rica is abundant with natural beauty and wildlife. We thought this villa was a great home base for us. We often spent our days out exploring the beauty of the country and appreciated returning "home" in the evening. Renting a car is highly recommended. The locals, aka "Ticos" are warm and friendly. We have no hestitation in recommending the Flying V Villa and the warm hospitality shown to us by its owners. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Flying VM Villa

Guest: Greg (Sartell MN USA )
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/11

A very modern and updated home. Tastefully decorated without a bunch of clutter. All the amenities of home and we never lacked a thing. We had a family group of six adults and never felt cramped or crowded. Everything was in good working order. Beautifully landscaped with a wonderful view of the bay! The veranda was spacious and we spent considerable amount of time enjoying the numerous lounging options early in the morning and late afternoon/evening. The owners were great to work with regarding our initial booking and on going questions about the villa. They were very accessible and prompt with responses to our numerous questions. We never felt like we were bothering them. The owners were very hospitable and added some personal and unexpected touches for our vacation stay. The villa property was better than we expected! The Bahia Pez Vela location was impressive with well maintained grounds, security, staff assistance at the office and restaurant. Without hesitation we would highly recommend this as a vacation destination. We enjoyed the quaintness of Playa Coco and the village had everything we needed. The Auto Mercado grocery store was impressive, clean and modern. We enjoyed the seafood at Claudio and Gloria's that is a local establishment located on the beach in Playa Coco. The tourist shopping is small but adequate with all of the typical tourist trinkets.The local tour companies always picked us up and dropped us off at our front door of the villa. The Bahia Pez resort staff were very helpful in explaining and booking the tours for our group. We will be coming back!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Flying V Villa

Guest: Sedana (Nowata, Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/10/10

I only have extremely positive things to say about the Flying V Villa, the location was gorgeous,and the view from our balcony and bedrooms upstairs was breathtaking.The staff extremely friendly, and helpful, the property was spotless, very welcoming, and beautifully decorated. The pool was beautiful, mostly had to ourselves with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Must have a car---the hills are very steep! Only down side, was a little confusing getting too...but when we did arrive we were more than pleased with our property...we will definitely go back again, SOON!!!

Owner response:All of our renters have been wonderful, and you are certainly no exception! Thanks for the kind words! Verda & Neil

Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

Fabulous vacation!

Guest: Katie M. (Greene, Maine, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

I spent a week at the villa in May with four other friends. Neil and Verda were very helpful in the weeks leading up to our trip and provided us with all sorts of information about the area. They even left a welcome present and note for us. The villa is even more beautiful than the pictures show. Everything is well taken care of and there is an amazing view from the patio. The villa was equipped with everything we needed. The staff at the resort were very friendly and so helpful. Upon our arrival, after a very long day of travel, we called the resort restaurant to see if they were still open and they sent someone in a golf cart to pick us up so we wouldn't have to try and find our way in the dark. Cesar and Allison in the office provided many suggestions for activites and restaurants and helped us book tours. We had the beach practically to ourselves the whole week and there is a very private infinity pool just a few steps down the road from the villa! It was a great vacation and I would reccomend a stay at the Flying V to everyone!

Owner response:Katie.....Thanks for the wonderful review! We are so glad that you enjoyed your vaction at our villa. Verda and Neil

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

My Best Birthday Ever

Guest: Sara H. (Atlanta. GA/USA)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/10

I just celebrated my sixieth birthday and had been planning for a year what I wanted to do.. It started out as a girls weekend for six, but because of unforeseen situations, it ended up being two. My bff of 50+ years and I.. We enjoyed this villa sooooo much, we are planning to do a trip every year. It is absolutely beautiful! The people are so very friendly and the views from this place are breathtaking. We went shopping, did a sunset cruise and just lazed around from the patio to the beach, to the pool. The pictures shown dont lie. Tastefully decorated andeverything at your fingertips. The owners, Neil and Verda had champagne and gifts waiting for my birthday.How nice was that? They even called to see if we were there and if we needed anything.Everything was perfect. Only one regret, listen to them, you do need a car..We stayed a week and taking a cab was easy, but a car would have been more convenient.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.