Vacation Rentals by Owner

Amazingly beautiful beachfront home for an unforgettable vacation!

Guest: SF Ana B (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 05/07/12

We stayed at Casa Baula for a week in early April and loved every minute of it. The home was beautifully decorated with ocean and local wildlife inspired motifs, three beautiful bedrooms, a great cook’s kitchen featuring everything you would need to make a great meal. The living spaces were ample, clean, inviting and comfortable indoor and outdoor living rooms. Access to the beach was an easy, private two-minute walk out the back door from the house. Once there, it was clean, private and the sunshine and warm water were so relaxing. Walking the beach at low tide fun as we us collected beautiful shells and ventured down to Tamarindo. Every evening we sat on the beach around 5:00 pm waiting for beautiful sunsets. The local restaurants, only a few minutes drive nearby, plus two within short walking distance were all open air and very good, with fresh fish, local dishes, great drinks and good service. One of the best features of the house was the local concierge who helped with dinner reservations, advice on trips, recommendations on how best to use our time based on our interests and her knowledge of all the offerings in Playa Grande and the surrounding towns. We played a fantastic round of golf at Hacienda Pinella – picture ocean holes, serious pot bunkers, well-protected multi-level greens, gorgeous views, iguanas and native deer. The people in the clubhouse were gracious and very helpful. A big highlight of the week was a trip to Palos Verdes national park where we saw lots of birds, iguanas, crocodiles and native plants. We highly recommend doing this, as an adventure you won’t forget. We’ve recommended the house and the trip to many friends already and hope to return very soon. It’s one of those places you go that’s easy to get to, relaxing and fun. It’s probably the first vacation I’ve taken where I didn’t do so much that I felt like I needed a vacation from my vacation when I returned. Pura vida!

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

The perfect vacation

Guest: Annie (Mill Valley , CA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/12 Review Submitted: 03/24/12

Playa Grande is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The water was amazingly warm, with fun but gentle wave. The sand is like sugar with amazing shells. Casa Baula has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. The moment you walk in you feel all of your troubles melt away. It is very safe and secure. We had surf lessons arranged right in front the house one morning thanks to the help of the owners of the local surf shop Corynne and Ian at "Frijoles Locos". They were also able to help us arrange other activities. We also had an amazing dinner cooked for us our last night by a local chef. It was amazing. My three girl friends and I could not have had a better time. I would bring my family back in a second. I highly recommend La Casa Baula. Annette was very helpful with all of the booking details.

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

2 blissful weeks

Guest: eddie (carlsbad)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

Hi Annette, Thank you so much for the wonderful arrangement you made for us in renting your Playa Grande home! It was the most perfect environment for us to celebrate Cary's 50th. The 2 blissful weeks we spent @ Casa Baulas are our most favorite vacation so far. Your home is so lovely and private, and I can't imagine a more peaceful and romantic setting. Manfred's cooking was truly a highlight! Thanks again. Sincerely, Shelley and Cary Manning

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

Christmas at Casa Baula

Guest: Guy R (Canton, OH)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

Our vacation to Casa Baula was perfect. The VRBO listing is spot on and the Sullivan's made everything so easy. The house was very clean, well appointed and just right for our family of 4. It was especially nice to have such a well stocked, high quality kitchen -- we cooked a large traditional Christmas dinner and had everything we needed. Manfred, the conceirge, was very helpful and delivered fresh baked breads and rolls to our door several times during our stay. There are several very good restaurants within easy walking distance (Cantarana, Bula Bula, and Taco Star down the beach) -- as well as a small but well stocked market for basics. There are several other restaurants and shops within a short drive that are well worth the trip (Rip Jack's, MarBar,Frijoles Locos, etc.) -- without having to go all the way to Tamarindo. The beach is a short walk out the back door and through the mangrove. The water is warm and clear, the sand is soft and the waves are a surfer's dream. You won't find a better beach for quiet morning and sunset walks. There are enough people so you don't feel like you are on a desert island but not so many that you feel cramped or invaded. Keep your eye out and you will see where the leatherback turtles have crawled up the beach to lay their eggs -- and if you are lucky and venture out early in the morning you can watch the babies emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea. Our kids (son 13, daughter 15) loved this Christmas vacation trip. Annette hooked us up with Corynne at Frijoles Locos, one of the local surf shops. She knows all the cool places and things to do. If you tell her what sorts of things you like she will help you coordinate the perfect vacation that mixes adventure with the Pura Vida lifestyle. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful -- and even if your spanish is limited to Hola and Cervesa you will get along just fine. Costa Rica is a great Christmas break vacation spot and Casa Baula is the perfect place to stay.

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

Fabulous home on fabulous beach

Guest: Donna (Belvedere California)
Date of Stay: 02/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

Spent a week in Feb at this beautifully well appointed home located on magnificent "Playa Grande". One of the most beautiful beaches in CR, "Playa Grande" offers incredible surf and sunsets and you have it all to yourself!! Close to great food and all the top notch CR outdoor adventures, this home is a welcomed oasis at the end of a busy day.

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

Christmas in Paradise!

Guest: Lauren S. (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

The most wonderful family vacation we have ever had! The home is charming and comfortable! The decor maintains a beautiful island feel! I loved all the special touches and art work! The house has everything you could possibly need! We especially enjoyed the board games at night. The location could not be better, a few steps to the beautiful beach! Good waves and beautiful sunsets! The restaurants were all fabulous. We especially liked Waltinis and Bula Bula. We enjoyed the excursions of zip-lining, estuary tour, sunset and snorkel cruise. My husband and my sons went deep sea fishing one day and my daughter and I had massages at the house. Life doesn't get any better! The concerige was very helpful! The people of Costa Rica are very friendly and the island is just so beautiful! This is a vacation home I would definitely recommend and I only hope I have the opportunity to go again!!!

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

Special Family Trip

Guest: Donna and Brian J. (Reno, NV)
Date of Stay: 06/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

We were guests at the Casa in June for 8 nights. My son's dream was to have a private surf beach. I would say this was the place. Playa Grande has to be one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The surf, the sunsets and the shells! Our family had a wonderful time. The casa is very comfortable, the property is well cared for and is equipped with everything you need. The caretaker is immediately available for any questions or problems. There are some great nearby resturants. Everyone is very friendly. Don't miss the river tour and the croc's! I am thinking of doing a girls trip next...

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

Wonderful experience

Guest: Dkap1 (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

We just returned from our trip and are already longing to go back. Beautiful house, beautiful beach and a wonderfully helpful concierge made the trip go extremely smooth. Close enough to Tamarindo for the tourist stuff if you want, otherwise you get the seclusion of private Costa Rica. The walk to Bula Bula for their fresh made banana pancakes for breakfast or an afternoon Waltini drink was very convenient. The details in the listing are completely accurate and the house was spotless, definitely one of the best villas in the area and would eagerly stay there again.

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

Now that was a family vacation

Guest: Goldherd (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

The house is both comfortable and charming. It has all the modern amenitites and very tasteful decor. The beds are comfortable and the paintings on the wall made me smile all week long. We were often tempted to spend the day in the house but, with so much to do nearby, we had to split our time. Hours on the beach and in the ocean just steps from our patio, boat rides to Tamarindo, mai tais at Bula Bula bar/restaurant, zipline/horseback riding/waterfall/mudbath excursion, walks to the Taco stand, back to Bula Bula for a mai tai, boogie boarding and surfing, estuary tour and, of course, another mai tai at Bula Bula. The concierge made us feel right at home and the owners 3 ring binder was a valuable source of information regarding local sights, restaurants and activities. If you would like to treat your family to a relaxing vacation stay at this wonderful home in Playa Grande for a week.

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

Surf's Up

Guest: mel (california)
Date of Stay: 02/19/10 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

"Surf's up" at this lovely beach home right on the most gorgeous beach in Costa Rica. Sleep in and stroll 2 minutes to the amazing surf and wide beach. You won't want to leave! Whether you are a novice/advanced surfer or a shell collector - if you love the beach, you will love this house and location. Six sleep comfortably but you could even use the living room couches for an additional child. The owners are so knowledgeable and gracious - they will recommend everything from day trips to grocery stores and restaurants. They have guides in their library including Spanish translation which I found handy. They really anticipate your needs well.

Owner response:Thanks for the great review Mel. The house is located directly on the beach so you hit the sand the minute you step off the patio. It would be a 2 minute walk if one required a crutch, cane or wheelchair to get through the sand! :-)

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

Guest: Steve and Kristine Gunner (Mission Viejo, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/04/09 Review Submitted: 09/04/09

Our family of 5 had a great time in Costa Rica. La "Casa Baula" and Playa Grande were outstanding! We had the beach virtually to ourselves the entire week. The house and property were the best and the service from the caretakers was nothing short of top notch. If you are looking for a great place to go with family or friends and combine the beach with some great tours, snorkeling, hiking and adventure...this hoome and Costa Rica is the place to go! Dennis and Annette (owners) primed us on activities, great places to eat and what to be sure to see and do before we left on our trip and we had a great week in Costa Rica. We would DEFINATELY return...Thanks!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/22/09 Review Submitted: 01/22/09

We had a wonderful time staying at Casa Baula. The house is beautiful and the location is unmatched. This is one of the finest spots on earth.

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Guest: Kim and Elaine von Blohn (Sausalito, California)
Date of Stay: 08/25/08 Review Submitted: 08/25/08

In Costa Rica the people are always wishing you "Pure Vida" or Pure Life. Staying at this home is the quintessential example of having a Pure Vida vacation. My family had one of the best weeks in our life. The quiet beach in front of the house goes on and on for miles with not a building to be seen. The surf was perfect for my active teenagers. The home was gorgeous, rich with beautiful colors and decorating touches. The owners spare nothing and they think of everything for your comfort including beach chairs with drink holders. We are already talking about going back next summer!

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Guest: Paige MacLeod (Mill Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/14/08

Such a colorful and comfortable home with everything you need. If you want to have monkeys visit in the treetops, see lizards and iguanas, explore an expansive beach scattered with beautiful shells, play and surf in wonderful ocean water, and enjoy some amazing food, this is the place for you. It was also interesting to be away from the commercial elements and get a taste of real Costa Rica.

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Guest: Scott & Machiko (Chicago Illinois)
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/11/07

We had a completely relaxing week at this wonderful oasis on the beach. Everthing was accessible and easy to enjoy canopy tour, golf, fishing, swimming and surfing. Thanks for the hospitality!

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Guest: The Horans1 (Tiburon, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/11/07

June 2007 - We had a magical two weeks in Playa Grande and the surrounding area!! This fabulous house is a stone's throw from one of the world's most spectacular beaches. We surfed and sailed; went sport fishing, golfing, and zip-lining; enjoyed the local cuisine and people; completely relaxed and reveled in the beauty of yet another breathtaking sunset. Suffice it to say - we can't wait to go back!!

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Guest: The Horans (Tiburon, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/11/07

June 2007 - We had a magical two weeks in Playa Grande and the surrounding area!! This fabulous house is a stone's throw from one of the world's most spectacular beaches. We surfed and sailed; went sport fishing, golfing, and zip-lining; enjoyed the local cuisine and people; completely relaxed and reveled in the beauty of yet another breathtaking sunset. Suffice it to say - we can't wait to go back!!

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Guest: Annie Pirrone (Fresno, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/07 Review Submitted: 08/06/07

We had a FABULOUS time in Costa Rica, and were lucky to have such a comfortable home to return to every night. The location was great--remote enough to escape the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo, but convenient to several wonderful restaurants and a small grocery. A concierge even met us upon our arrival to help us plan activities for our trip. I highly recommend this property to vacationers who enjoy straying from the beaten path.

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Guest: Lois Campton (Mill Valley, CA )
Date of Stay: 05/17/06 Review Submitted: 05/17/06

Costa Rica and the house are beautiful! We had two families (4 & 4) stay very comfortably at the house! It was so, wonderful to have the ocean just out the backyard! The beaches are beautiful and the house is conveniently located within walking distance to restaurants and a small grocery store.

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