Montezuma Sanctuary: Spacious Hill-top Villa w/Spectacular 360-Degree Views

Dear Angela, I want to thank you so much for your lovely review of our Montezuma Wildlife Sanctuary Villa. Because you chose to stay with us for more than a month, you had the unique opportunity to literally immerse yourselves in the beauty that surrounds you there, allowing you to have a real RETREAT to disengage and unwind from a normally hectic lifestyle. So many of our guests have told me that they were sorry that they hadn't arranged for a longer stay, saying that even a week and even 10 days just wasn't enough time for them because they discovered that there was so much to see and experience within such a short driving distance from the house. Many were frustrated when they decided that they wanted to stay longer, because we already had reservations for other guests who were to arrive on their departure dates. So, you see, you were wise to have reserved for over a month's time. I've enjoyed getting to know you both and my only regret is that we were unable to enjoy a relaxed dinner together the evening of your departure. I hope to see you again in the not-too-distant future. Warmest regards, Kati

Dearest Nan and Ed, Thank you so very much for your very lovely and articulate Review of our 28 Acre Wildlife Sanctuary Villa. It truly made my heart sing to hear how much you two enjoyed your stay with us. I know you wanted to stay longer, and I was sorry that we had a previous reservation for other guests, not allowing you to spend more time with us!!! However, as you said, “We cannot wait for our family and friends to come visit so we can make our way back to this wonderful home.”, so I know we will be seeing you again. Because you didn't mention it in your review, I was wondering if you had seen our almost-daily animal/bird visitors, like the white-face and howler monkeys, pizotes (coatamundis), guatusos, deer, the variety of birds and the zillions of butterflies and humming birds, etc. Did they not come around to see you? I am truly grateful that you will be renting a home full-time here in Costa Rica because I, too, feel I have some wonderful new friends here. I look forward to getting together in the not-too-distant future. With deep appreciation and much affection, Kati

Hi Mario, I just finished speaking with you on the phone, thanking you for taking the time to write us such a lovely review. During our conversation I asked you what it was we needed to do to improve our home/property/service in order for us to have received a 5-Star Rating (you had given us 4 stars and we strive to receive 5 stars from our guests). I know that I made it clear to you to be completely honest and frank with me so that we could learn what we could have done better. I was so grateful to hear you say, "I NEVER give the MAXIMUM rating for ANYTHING (whether it be an employee evaluation, an evaluation of a meal or service in a restaurant, etc. etc.!!!" Your explaining this to me was so helpful because I was surprised you hadn’t given us a 5-Star Rating, based on your comments to me after your stay -- you had told me that you were amazed with the beauty and grace of our home and how much you loved being there, and that you want to come back again next year. So, as you so graciously put it, “I gave you the highest rating I ever give for anything -- 4 out of 5 stars." We are always seeking to improve on our facilities and customer service and therefore are always open to any kind of suggestions our guests have regarding their stay with us. We look forward to your visit again next year. Warmest regards, Kati

Dear Antoine, Not all of our guests think to write a review, so it is always a pleasure to hear what they have to say about their stay with us. Your commentary says what most of our guests say when they have stayed less than a week.....that "it just wasn't enough time!!!" They have all said, in one way or another, that just as they were beginning to "settle in" to the peacefulness and grace of being in the Sanctuary, that they were sorry that they had to leave for the next "Programmed Destination.” I'm glad you mentioned it so that others, perhaps, won't make the same mistake -- not just because it is so lovely being in our home, on the land, or in the River below, but also because there is so much to see and do in and around Montezuma. We've had people stay a week to 2 weeks with us, using the Villa as "Home Base" from which to explore all around Montezuma, Malpais, Santa Theresa, Playa Hermosa, Manzanillo, Playa Coyote and more. I would like to mention here that the entrance to our property is less than 1 mile from downtown Montezuma and the beaches. For those, like you, who choose not to rent a car, there are buses every 2 hours that pass by the entrance to our property. It was a great pleasure meeting both you and Veronique and I sincerely hope you will tell all of our friends about us that you two will return again soon. With much affection, Kati Winnegrad

Hi Dee, Thanks so much for the lovely Review you posted on the Home Away.com website. We were so happy that you and your friends had such a wonderful time in our home. Dee, you're so right in saying that "Three Days is Not Enough" because we continually hear this from our guests as they are leaving to continue on with their vacations. They say things like, "Just as we were beginning to truly RELAX into this lovely home of yours, we have to leave to go to our next destination and we wish we had booked more time with you here." By the way, Dee, we are now working with a lawyer to become an "official" Not-for-Profit Corporation because, as you know, it has always been our intention to support the Sanctuary with the Rental Income, in other words, we wish to find a way for this Sanctuary to become totally self-supporting. Hoping to see you again soon, Warmest regards, Kati Winnegrad (506) 2288-5335 OR 2642-0660