QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas

Photo gallery for QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas

A paved pathway flanked by lush greenery and palm trees, leading to a gated entrance.
A covered outdoor area with a tiled floor, wooden beams, hanging hammocks, potted plants, and a seating area.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island with stools, a ceiling fan, and hanging pendant lights.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a ceiling fan, a dining table, chairs, a sofa, a refrigerator, and a large potted plant.
A bedroom with a bed, a wooden ceiling fan, a window with a view of greenery, and a wooden door.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Cook, dine, and unwind
    Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Sleeps 63 bedrooms3 beds

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Atenas, Alajuela
  • Place, Palmares Church
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Parque Viva
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪39 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 · 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: The Gem of Atenas

We laugh about this, but it is what our guests say.
Should you only stay for 3 days, you will want to stay longer. Should you have an extended stay, you will return the following year.
Why you say, should we you stay at this 5* rated property? Because a stay at Quinta Colina Paula is like a retreat where you fully recharge and reset. So expect the extraordinary, the Pura Vida.
The soulful open floorplan home is built true Costa Rican style offering all modern amenities. Most mornings, afternoons or evenings will be spent outdoors at the wrap- around porches providing relaxation areas and al fresco dining by the poolside. Enhancing this experience are the exquisite surroundings of lush tropical gardens featuring native trees and colorful exotic plants, rare exotic fruit trees, 3 rivers, walking paths and 2 yoga decks all on 18 acres for you to fully enjoy. The cherries on the cake are the fresh eggs from the free roaming hens, tropical fruits from the quinta, a huge variety of bird species including toucans, humming birds, parrots and butterflies.
You have a totally private stay but you are never alone as the caretakers Meylin and Manuel live onsite. Remember, you are 5 min driving away from the heart of Atenas offering all you need. And 40 min driving from the SJO airport. We have a driver available who can pick you up at airport. Stress free. Remember we are here to mske your vacation the best possible!









Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 221962
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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 Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. Ready for a night out? Consider Parque Viva and Villa Amphitheater. Kayaking and snorkeling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby.
Map
Atenas, Alajuela

What's nearby

  • Palmares Church - 24 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Parque Viva - 31 min drive - 24.3 km
  • Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center - 32 min drive - 24.9 km
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 47 min drive - 42.1 km
  • Sabana Park - 55 min drive - 48.5 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio de Belen Station - 34 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪ŌMi Sushi Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Soda El Mana - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Firenze Ristorante - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Balcón del Café - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Parrillada Androvetto - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gem of Atenas: home with pool?

As of Jul 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gem of Atenas: home with pool on Jul 31, 2026 start from $269, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is QUINTA COLINA PAULA: The Gem of Atenas 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).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 113 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
the property was amazing. The caretakers were lovely and made sure we had plenty of fresh eggs from the hen house and fresh mangos from the orchard. Everything was very well stocked - kitchen, bathrooms etc. The wraparound porch and pool with impeccable landscaping made us feel like luxury in the middle of the jungle. After 30 years of traveling, this was one of the nicest rental properties we have experienced.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 21, 2026
Dear Bonnie! Thank you for your heartwarming review! Having happy clients is what matters to us. Thank you for staying with us. We hope to welcome you again at Quinta Colina Paula in the near future. Tonia/Team Quinta Colina Paula
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meagan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the home. It was beautiful and in such a special tucked away space surrounded by stunning trees. Everything was as advertised and our check in and stay were very easy. We enjoyed the beautiful pool throughout the day and our favorite time was for an after dinner swim. We didn't have a rental car and it was easy to get there from Jaco, to the Peace Waterfall, and to the airport early in the morning using the wonderful taxi of Heriberto.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 22, 2026
Dearest Jose and family, for some reason I just saw your lovely feedback. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with the children. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Tonia
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
On all accounts our stay was magical. The finca was so charming, comfortable and Costa Rican. And, the special attention paid to us by our caretakers, Meylin and Manual, was an added bonus. Tonia couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive throughout our stay. We found our place, for sure.
Stayed 48 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
It is a joy to hear you had a magical time at Quinta Colina Paula. Looking forward to meeting you in person upon your next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everyone and everything was fantastic.
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
Dear Scott! Love you hearing you had a lovely time. Looking forward to receiving you again at Quinta Colina Paula!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful hosts, excellent communication. Lovely, well equipped home in a beautiful and very peaceful setting.
Stayed 16 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
Dear Michael! How we loved meeting you in person. We still enjoy reminiscing. What great laughs we had. Hope you are both doing well and stay in touch!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic home in a great location. The finca is absolutely beautiful and clean with everything you would need. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
Dear Adam! Wishing you many more happy returns to the finca. We are constantly working to make your stay the best possible.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this property was great! We enjoyed the neighborhood, all of the amenities, and the grounds are stunning! The house is exactly as described. The weather is absolutely perfect. So many birds to see there and the views are breathtaking. The house is in a great location to explore Costa Rica. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
Dearest Wendy! Thank you for your lovely review! So pleased you enjoyed your stay at Quinta Colina Paula. We are looking forward to welcoming you again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sjrisley100

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay at an absolutely stunning location in the heart of the natural beauty of Costa Rica! Top notch experience from start to finish! Hope to return again sometime soon! Highly recommend! Many thanks ot the hosts!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 10, 2025
Such a great pleasure having you stay at Quinta Colina Paula! We look forward to receiving you in the future. Wishing you happy holidays and a delightful 2026! Team Colina Paula
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tonia accommodated a last-minute request for our weeklong stay. The house, grounds, and staff exceeded our expectations in every way. The house looks like a movie set, has complete privacy and beautiful views and sounds from every window. We stayed during hot season, temps near 90, and the house was perfectly comfortable with fans and lovely cross-breezes. The kitchen is well-appointed with all manner of pots, pans, small appliances, spices. And the setting is just spectacular, with mountain views, palm trees, fruit trees, a delightful pool, lots of birds and the occasional shy lizard. The caretakers, Meylin and Manuel, kept us supplied in eggs, mangoes, and caimitas from the finca and were a big part of what made the stay so special. I have paid 3 times as much for VRBO rentals that are half as luxurious. We are already looking at dates to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 22, 2026
Dearest Elizabeth! Just got to reading our client reviews. So glad we were able to accommodate you and your family and that it all worked out beautifully. We look forward to hosting you again in the near future. Tonia
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

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

Tranqilo

Amazing stay, truly the Gem of Atenas. This will be our favorite place that we have stayed in Costa Rica after dozens of rental properties while traveling in CR. Hope everyone gets to experience this most wonderful house!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
Dear Paul! So glad you had a lovely stay here. Looking forward to receiving you again in the near future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle L.

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

Perfect place to relax

The property is even more beautiful than the pictures. Very organised and welcoming, everyone made our first trip to Costa Rica a memorable one. Truelly a gem.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2026
Dearest Isabelle! Looking at all the list of amazing guests tbat have stayed at Quinta Colina Paula. Hope you are doing well.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

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

Perfecto

The property was great, and the property managers were even better!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 22, 2021
Thank you !!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

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

Best rental property yet

This place is such an incredible spot. The place was amazing, tranquil, beautiful. It had so many small details that make a stay even better, fully stocked with every kitchen appliance and utensil, laundry detergent, clothes pins, bath salts and just so many little touches that made our stay even better. Tonia and Mark are so helpful and amazing hosts .
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence W.

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

Fantastic property

This was our third stay at this amazing property and each time we are more impressed. We have stayed at a lot of rental properties in Costa Rica over the years and this one is in the top 2. All the amenities,privacy, beautiful landscaping, excellent property managers and owner, it’s all here! We want to come back again... and again
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 26, 2021
Dear Maxine and Lawrence! Thank you for your helpful feedback. It is delightful to hear you feel at home at the Quinta. Mi casa, su casa! Pura Vida!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David D.

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

Beautiful surroundings

The home is beautiful, lovely furnished and the greenery surrounding us was amazing. The home is well equipped especially the kitchen and grill for outside entertaining. Sadly we did not use the inviting pool as it rained every day(end of the rainy season) should our travels take us back to Costa Rica, we would stay there again
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 3, 2024
Dear David, thank you for your kind review. We loved meeting all of you and look forward to seeing you again. Yes, the tropical depression hanging over CR was highly unusual.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

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

Shhh!

Please, don't tell anyone about this place. So quiet and peaceful, our family enjoyed the perfect Costa Rican experience. Property managers answered all our needs and the owner was very nice! We were truly spoiled during our stay with fresh eggs each day! We would be more than happy to return to this place....forever!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey D.

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

Exceeded All Expectations

We had the good fortune to book 4 nights at this extraordinary property and our only regret is we didn’t stay longer! From communication prior to our arrival to check out process, all was wonderful! The property itself is gorgeous with stunning views, the house has everything one could want or need and then some and the hostess, Tonia, is a gem of a human! Special mention and thanks to Meylin and family who live onsite!! We couldn’t have asked for more and will definitely be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 16, 2025
Thank you for your kind review. But it is us who need to thank you. We have been so blessed with the most wonderful tenants. The pupose of the quinta was to share the dream. It was a delight meeting all of you. We miss you! Safe travels and see you sooner thsn later!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Loendry C.

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
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 15, 2024
Greetings from Quinta Colina Paula. Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and look forward to welcome you again in the near future! Team Quinta Colina Paula
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James G.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James G.

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
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 29, 2024
Dear James and Carol! What a pleasure meeting you! Thank you for appreciating the house and the finca. See you very soon! Tonia
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah B.

Excellent rental - one of our favorite stays ever

We loved our stay at Quinta Collina Paula. It is a beautiful and airy home with extensive tropical gardens. Everything about the home is inviting and comfortable. We had all that we needed and more. The weather in August was perfect, the little town of Atenas is charming with several good restaurants and it is easy to get around the area. Property managers Piet and Yvonne were also wonderful and so helpful. We hope to visit again and we thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

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

About the host

Hosted by TONIA TERMONT

Host profile image
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.

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