THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 62500 sq ft

Popular amenities

Pool

Washer

Breakfast available

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Dryer

Explore the area

Atenas, Alajuela

Parque Viva25 min drive
Multiplaza Mall Escazu32 min drive
City Mall33 min drive
Puntarenas (JAP-Chacarita)66 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master Suite

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Quinta Colina Paula sets itself apart from any other rental property in Atenas. This well maintained and gorgeous 20 acre estate is located in an excellent residential area named Barrio Mercedes. It is only a 25 minute drive away from the San Jose airport (SJO) and 4 minutes from the center of quaint Atenas with all the amenities and services. It is conveniently located near many tourist attractions. Yet you are welcomed to a grand tropical paradise. Be ready to be amazed as soon as you arrive to the gate of this estate. You will enter past tropical plants and trees, past the caretakers Meylin and Manuel's house, lovingly painted by the talented artist Eighi, down to the first river with protected native trees and up to the house. Not just any house. A home which has been lovingly and meticulously prepared for your arrival. This home was built in the typical and authentic Costa Rican style with native woods. It offers 3 wrap around porches with very different views: the mountain and volcano range, the tropical garden and the secluded, enchanting pool area. Ample comfortable seating and hammocks will make your choice as to where to hang out and take in these breathtaking views very difficult. No effort nor expense was spared to create a home away from home. With an open living plan, well stocked kitchen, beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, TV area and dining spaces, you will be able to kick back and enjoy immediately.
We provide fresh organic eggs and fruit from the finca. For the nature lovers, you can take your daily walks up and down the property where you will spot a variety of native trees and rare tropical fruit trees, along with any kind of tropical plant you can imagine. Manuel can walk you down and into the river at the rear Bird lovers alert: at least 35 different species have been spotted here. Meylin will welcome you to the property and she is always available for any questions you may have.
For the yoga lovers, we added a yoga deck facing the volcano range.
We have several drivers available who can take you into town or on day trips. Should you need a well deserved massage or desire the luxury of a private chef, that too we can arrange.
We are an all organic property which respects all of the beauty Costa Rica has to offer. If you are planning a destination vacation or looking for a lovely landing pad during your travels, we assure you, you will not be disappointed. Come and visit Paradise at Quinta Colina where you can live the Pura Vida.

Property manager

TONIA

Premier Host

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor Space

Pool

Hot Tub

Kitchen

Washer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Mercedes

Located in Mercedes, this vacation home is in the city center and on a river. Minas Del Aguacate and Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita and Zoo Ave. Else Kientzler Botanical Garden and Balneario Las Musas are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Atenas, Alajuela

What's nearby

Parque Viva - 25 min drive
Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 32 min drive
City Mall - 33 min drive
Ojo de Agua Spa Park - 34 min drive
Poás Volcano National Park - 59 min drive

Getting around

San Antonio de Belen Station - 49 min drive
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

‪T!os Bar Y Restaurante - ‬5 min drive
‪El Balcón del Café - ‬5 min drive
‪La Trilla de Vega - ‬6 min drive
‪Pizzeria La Finca - ‬5 min drive
‪Mirador El Pueblo - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE located?

Situated on a river, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Palmares Church, Aguacate Mines, and Minas Del Aguacate. Rock Bridge and Grecia Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Jul 26, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of our favorite vacations!

This was our second time staying at Quinta Colina Paula and we cannot say enough good things about this property and its host, Tonia. We felt right at home as soon as we arrived and were greeted by Meylin. She and her family live in the casita at the front of the property and were always kind and welcoming. Tonia also did a great job recommending drivers for short trips to town or day long excursions. We only hope it’s not another 8 years before we can return!

Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Loendry C.

Jun 30, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice house!

Nice amenities! Perfectly away but still close enough to everything. Both Manuel and his wife, who live in property are amazing. The highlight for me was the opportunity to have fresh eggs from the property chickens, truly amazing! Thank you!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Jane R.

Feb 22, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pura Vida Perfect!

The long, winding driveway from the entrance at a main road takes you a world away from the busy town of Atenas. Beautifully landscaped and very private, Colina Paula is the best VRBO experience we’ve ever had. The home is extremely well provisioned, from kitchen appliances and laundry to plentiful, thick bath towels, beach towels, and comfy beds. Three porches, hammocks, and a pool offer multiple places to relax. We were awakened by tropical birdsong each morning and fell asleep to breezes rustling through the lush foliage at night.

Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Cadillac, Michigan

Feb 7, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another tough day relaxing by the pool and exploring the property.

This was a repeat visit and it was even better than the first time. The property is wonderful, the house beautiful and the privacy exceptional. The kitchen has everything you will need. The grocery store is not far away. Only challenge is the driveway, typical Costa Rica steep. Love this place

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Jan 29, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another 5-Star Vacation

This was our second time at the finca and, again, we had a wonderful time. The house is airy, including the addition of screens for the large entry doors on both sides. Pool is wonderful. Beds and baths are clean and spacious. The house is well off the street yet still within a few minutes of Atenas. Enjoyed meeting the owners. Can't wait to return.

Stayed 23 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Apr 17, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Getaway

Very lovely home in a beautiful part of Atenas. We loved it.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

Mar 30, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All the conveniences of home

Tonia’s house is a home therefore offers more than your normal rental. Kitchen has everything you need including spices. We lived here for 6 weeks in 2023, very easy to do. Most rentals are difficult to live in long term. Manuel & Mylene are wonderful people who live on the property with their 2 daughters and make sure your stay is perfect. Piet & Yvonne are amazing as the property managers, helping us book excursions or helping us when something in the house goes wrong. The house is secluded on the 18 acres however it is in the Mercedes neighborhood with all the sounds you would expect: roosters, vehicles without mufflers, horses, barking dogs, cows, etc. You will love your time living here.

Stayed 18 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Feb 6, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded Expectations

Beautiful home, very well-appointed, with incredible mountain breezes and plenty of privacy. Fully-equipped kitchen, open layout and porches on three sides provided the perfect spot for family and friends. “Gem of Atenas” is a very appropriate moniker.

Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Jan 23, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous setting

The house is even lovelier in person! Tall ceilings, totally updated, and a fully-equipped kitchen. We had coffee every morning on the porch, looking out across the landscape.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim H., Gig Harbor, WA

Nov 3, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Atenas

Beautiful property. Everything went smooth. Piet picked us from the airport and arranged a rental car. Yvonne brought us delicious dinner- 4 casadas. Manuel and Meilen kept the grounds kept and house clean. They brought us huevos a few times. The house is great and well stocked. Only thing is you cant close the top windows with screens. They are great for air circulation, but it would be nice to close them for sounds at night. Pool is nice and clean. Overall, stay was great. Thanks and good luck!

Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

Sep 20, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A second fabulous stay!

This is a wonderful property. The location, Atenas, is truly a perfect Costa Rican destination on the central range near volcano Poas and a short distance to Playa Herradura where we went fishing in the Pacific Ocean. The property could not be better. The owner, property management, and the property caretakers are all good people. This is a place to relax and enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer. I highly recommend it and I know I will be back soon

Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy E. G.

Aug 30, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Two weeks at the Gem of Atenas

We had a wonderful and relaxing time at the Gem. The property managers, caretakers and Tonia were all so helpful in making our stay stress free. The house , gardens and finca are gorgeous and so relaxing. The pictures don’t show all the beauty! Tonia has definitely put a lot of heart and soul in that place!, thank you !

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

Aug 16, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Property & Stay

The house and the property were truly amazing! The space was extremely comfortable with enough space for us all to relax and unwind. We were able to spend most of our time outside at the pool, patio or walking the property grounds. The house has been updated and is very well cared for. The property managers were wonderful individuals that made our stay the best experience possible. They supported us by making arrangements for some of our excursions. In addition when we needed additional help it never felt as if we were bothering them. We would recommend this place to all as it was superb, and are looking forward to returning in the future!!!!

Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peter S.

Aug 11, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Stay in Costa Rica - Atenas

We had a nice stay. The house is very nice and sits on a beautiful property. We had a couple issues come up, but they were taken care of well. Good location to take day trips to different parts of Costa Rica. We saw Toucans and Macaws fly by on the property which was cool. We recommend the place.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Jul 20, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home in Atenas

We very much enjoyed our stay in the home. Everything was spotless and we had everything we needed for a little vacation in Atenas. The amenities at the house are top notch and the property is simply a slice of heaven. The pool was great and the home is only a short distance away from the central part of Atenas. If you are looking for a home to rent in Atenas, this is it!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debbie S.

Jul 10, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

This is the most beautiful property! The house is beautiful! We loved setting on the back porch watching the rain and every evening the Toucans would be in the trees! So many other birds too! Everyone loved the pool! Went hiking all over the property so.beautiful . Had a couple of days Lola and Zeus came by to visit and sett on the porch with us! ❤️ Bananas you can pick growing right by the pool! Just can say enough just a wonderful property and all ready making plans to come back here for our nexts vacation!

Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari P., Chicago, USA

May 10, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Phenomenal, and super relaxing

This property was amazing. It was incredibly relaxing. There was plenty of space, both indoors and out, for all in our group. The pool was great, the home is very nicely furnished, and the whole property is just lovely. My kids loved seeing the dogs, Zeus & Lola, each day. Honestly, the property was perfect for what we were looking for. We would gladly come back to stay again.

Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brittany L.

May 10, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Check-in

Amazing home

This house is amazing, this property is amazing, everything is amazing. Would highly recommend this house. The home is very nicely designed for a family with kids and offers everything and more you could need for cooking (we cooked almost every meal at the house). The counters are super high in the kitchen, which was delightful for my tall husband, but, my kiddos found they couldn’t reach to clean the dishes, so, they especially loved this house :) beds are comfy. It is loud in the mornings with birds and dogs and roosters but we loved it! If you need complete silence to sleep, this may not be the house for you. The only drawback we could possibly Conceive was the check in check out process. We had to meet with the hosts for a “tour” of the property and then wait for them to arrive to hand over the keys before leaving. We much prefer a contactless check in, but, understand that some like it this way. This house/pool is gorgeous and Atenas is now our favorite city on earth.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

Apr 15, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need and more

Tonia’s home is beautiful and in the perfect location! Everything in the house is of the highest quality. Abundant, comfortable furniture inside and out. The kitchen has everything you need. The pool and grounds are gorgeous. The pictures do not truly capture the beauty of this property. My husband and I stayed here for 3 weeks - used the other 2 bedrooms as our offices. It is so wonderful to have desks! Remember that the property is in a neighborhood in Costa Rica so there are barking dogs and roosters - sounds of life - which we were fine with but some people are not. We enjoyed our time here so much that we booked for 6 weeks next year. I think that shows how much we like this property.

Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marta B.

Feb 18, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great country home

Smooth process - house is great and beautiful country side. Piet was very helpful and accommodating.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ralph H.

Jan 7, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private, secure, furnished home with pool

Clean, modern, well maintained, safe, gated 40 minutes from SJO Airport.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bethany S.

Jan 3, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas in Costa Rica

We had a great family vacation here. This property was very peaceful and relaxing. The property managers were extremely helpful and the on-site caretakers were very friendly. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you for providing a great place for others to enjoy!

Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

william o.

Dec 22, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What's not to like!

Beautiful property, everything we needed for an enjoyable stay. We would certainly like to return...

Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Aurora F.

Dec 2, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

If you're hesitating on booking - don't! Amazing experience; everything even better in person!

A friend and I stayed here from 11/26 - 12/1 for my 30th birthday. We communicated primarily with Piet, who owns the property - which is absolutely gorgeous!! Piet assisted us with airport pick up (and drop off), then gave us a tour of the property and thoroughly explained all we would need to know about it - it honestly looks exactly like the pictures (which is rare) and even better when you see it yourself! The house itself is like a tropical oasis and very spacious, comfy and clean with a lot of room for multiple guests. It is also gated with a long driveway in which you will be given a key for, so we felt very safe. You will not need to worry about picking up much as the house is stocked with almost everything you would need (ie: kitchenware, seasonings, modern washer/dryer, electric stove, microwave, ample stock of bathroom toiletries, sheets and pool towels). The large property brings tropical birds which you can view right from the pool (or even your bedroom/Livingroom)i f you'd like, and you will have an impressive view of the sunrise and sunset and mountains. There are lots of trees and beautiful flowers surrounding the property, and a large wrap around patio with hammocks and lots of seating for dining outside if you wish to. The house also has a soundboard so you will not need to bring speakers (this comes in the clutch if you want to play music throughout the house or listen to it poolside! The beds, and couches are also comfy and each room has tall celling's and fans and which adds to the beauty and décor of this home. The bathrooms each have a rainfall showerhead which is spa-like, great working hot and cold water and spacious with good lighting. Most restaurants , grocery stores are within a walking distance but I will say there are a lot of hills so taking a cab (which Piet provides numbers for) might be a better option. Overall, this place was unforgettable, and it provided so much for a relaxing time in Atenas, Costa Rica. I already told Piet I didn’t want to have to leave and would love to come back in the near future. Definitely book!

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Samantha G.

Nov 26, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and Relaxing

We really enjoyed our stay here in Atenas. The house is exactly, if not better, than the online pictures. We had everything we needed to enjoy our stay and communication before and during our stay was fantastic. I couldn’t recommend this home more!

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

About the host

Hosted by TONIA

My name is Tonia. I am Belgian and reside mostly in the US and Europe but this is my paradise. I ended up in Costa Rica 17 years ago by chance, fell in love with this beautiful country and its kind people. I soon enough returned to find an create my own piece/peace of heaven. Together now with my husband Mark (who has a passion for gardening and exotic fruits), we strive to create beauty. We are happy to share the wealth and welcome you to Quinta Colina Paula.

Why they chose this property

Looking for a Costa Rican paradise took time, a lot of time. I soon enough realized I wanted to live in the mountains as the temperature is more moderate and cool at night. Searching for months, I came to the conclusion I did not want to just buy a house and be done. After months of searching my then young son convinced me to buy this land, in a lovely residential area, 5 minutes driving from town but full of potential because of its natural abundance. Creating Quinta Colina Paula became a total labor of love, full of adventure but also challenges. It seems to be a never ending journey for which I am so grateful.

What makes this property unique

The unique benefits of his place have been described already above. But to sum it up, I would say that staying at Quinta Colina Paula is a joy because everything just works. The exquisite house and pool, set in the most beautiful nature, with the sounds of the rivers and birdsong at only 5 min from town, is a rare find.