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Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view

Photo gallery for Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view

Pool
Pool
Outdoor dining
View from property
Living area
Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 104520 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher

Check out the area

Map
Atenas, Alajuela Province
  • Popular LocationParque Viva24 min drive
  • Popular LocationMultiplaza Mall Escazu31 min drive
  • Popular LocationCity Mall32 min drive
  • AirportSan José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)44 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

4 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view

Welcome to Villa Serenidad, now with high-speed 100Mb Fiber Optic Internet! Villa Serenidad sits on 2 acres (8,000 m2) of pristine land in the Central Valley in a small, private, gated community near the city of Atenas in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. A single-level home featuring a private pool, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10 and covers about 4,250 ft2 (395 m2) and is suitable for the entire family. Have a look in the gallery to see what's new or read more to find out why we fell in love with Villa Serenidad and why you will too.

Villa Serenidad is about 18 miles (28 km) or 35 minutes from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO). We are 1 hour away from the Pacific beaches. Most of our guests have LOVED the location. It makes for a wonderful central location to take a half or full-day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, the beach, volcanoes, and zip lines and of course is fantastic as a place to just rest, relax and enjoy Costa Rica. The roads to Villa Serenidad are flat and very easy to access with any type of vehicle. A 4x4 is not required. Of course, our team is always happy to help with requests including arranging transportation to and from the airport with our trusted drivers.

Continuing for 2023, we provide a 20-page welcome letter and information packet for all of our guests. This unique guide contains a wealth of information and covers most questions that arise when coming to Costa Rica for the first time including a lot of information about the villa and the area in general. Providing this info is part of our commitment to providing you with an enjoyable experience. All of our guests who have read the packet absolutely love the information provided and we’ve received a number of comments wishing all hosts would supply as much information as we do. The packet includes contact info for our team, communication, and language info, address, directions, and coordinates, discusses using GPS, mobile phones, the internet and Wi-Fi, house and community access, early arrival / late departure, driving and renting cars in Costa Rica, paying for goods and services in Costa Rica, climate and weather info, dry season and rainy/wet season, recommended clothes and dress, items that we supply and a suggested list of what to bring, a list of activities and excursions in our area, safety and security in Costa Rica, available outside services, shopping info, additional villa info and more. A fantastic resource!

Villa Serenidad is nearly 3,000' (920 meters) in elevation. One of the biggest reasons we chose Atenas is because it's known as the "world's best climate". Quite literally, it's around 65 °F (18 °C) every night and about 82 °F (28 °C) every day, 365 days a year. It only varies a few degrees year-round! It’s perfect for sleeping at night and perfect for activities during the day. We have no need for air conditioning or heat! It’s simply amazing!

The pool at Villa Serenidad receives sunshine throughout most of the day and is comfortable to swim in day or night, year-round. There aren’t any buildings or large trees blocking the sunshine which makes a tremendous difference in water temperature. Having previously rented a number of other houses in the area, many of them have pools that are terribly uncomfortable due to the lack of sunshine on the pool.

Villa Serenidad features warm and beautiful cedar wood throughout. Long cedar planks adorn every bedroom in the house and ceilings throughout. The master bedroom, with a comfortable king-size bed and huge glass windows with an 8' wide sliding door, opens up to views of the terrace, the valley below, and the mountains in the background. Attached to the master is an en-suite bathroom featuring a huge walk-in shower. On the opposite end, a queen bedroom also has huge glass windows on two walls allowing views of the valley meadows. The third bedroom, one without windows for those who prefer a darker space to nap during the day, also features a queen bed with a large en-suite bathroom featuring dual sinks, a large walk-in shower, and an abundance of closet space. The fourth bedroom has dual twin trundle beds of which one bed is stored underneath the other while not in use. The lower beds can be rolled out and used in this bedroom or easily rolled into the living room as a 5th sleeping area. The third bathroom, again with a large walk-in shower, is located just outside the doors to this bedroom. Each bedroom has a variable-speed overhead fan with a chain extension so it's easy to use. In addition, bedside lamps, ample closet space, new comfortable mattresses, new linens and bedding, many pillows (20 throughout), and enough plug-ins on each side of the bed to charge your phone, plug in a laptop and still power the alarm clock and bedside lamp are available. Not to be overlooked, the bathrooms feature delightfully soft Turkish cotton hand and bath towels.

As a guest at Villa Serenidad, we welcome you to use and enjoy premium RAW Botanicals Ylang Ylang Shampoo, Banana Glistening Hair Conditioner, and Papaya Tangerine Body Wash provided in each shower. These ultra-premium salon-grade products are handmade in Costa Rica and found in high-end resorts throughout the country. Pack light and enjoy these Costa Rican originals.

Stepping into the very spacious kitchen with its 24' high ceiling and big center island, you feel like there is room for the whole family to cook. Exquisite granite covers both the counters and the center island. A number of amenities you're not likely to find elsewhere include a dishwasher shipped in from the US and an in-sink garbage disposal with an air pressure switch. Of course, the kitchen has all the things you would want; a stove, an oven, a microwave, a blender, a toaster, a coffee maker, an electric teapot, an electric can opener, a blender, a juicer, a large assortment of pots, pans, dishes and Tupperware, spices and more.

We have three dining areas including an indoor table with seating for 8, the kitchen island with seating for 3, and the outdoor patio table with seating for 6. Each of the tables can fit additional chairs when needed and we include a booster seat for the little one. We have full place settings available including dishes, plates, bowls, table mats, trivets, cups, wine glasses, coffee mugs, knives and silverware, napkins, and more.
In the living area, you can sit back on either of the two couches, relax and enjoy satellite TV which includes a number of channels from the US including the NFL Network, plug in your smartphone or media player to the stereo system and enjoy the tunes while playing in the pool or sunbathing on the terrace or just cuddle up with a good book under the reading lamp on either of the two reading chairs. An assortment of DVDs are available to view on the TV, and a number of books are available to read as are coloring books, crayons, play cards, and games for the family. Free WiFi coverage is available throughout the house and out onto the patio and terrace. Massive sliding glass doors open on either end of the living area, combined with a number of jalousie windows and overhead fans allow you to regulate airflow throughout the house for maximum comfort.

The laundry room has a clothes washer and clothes dryer, a number of lightweight aluminum folding racks for outdoor drying, a mop sink, and a large set of metal shelves for cleaning products and excess storage. We include a supply of laundry detergent, a few dishwasher tablets, dishwashing liquid or paste, a starter supply of toilet paper, one roll of paper towels, garbage bags, some napkins, and a tank of propane for the BBQ grill.

Stepping outside is like a breath of fresh air. It's all-encompassing with the 180-degree view of the Rio Cacao river valley and a clear view of the volcanoes and mountains some 15 to 30 miles in the distance, all from the wonderful outdoor terrace. The peacefulness and serenity you will experience is inspiring. Opening the massive glass sliding doors from the living area gives you unabridged access to the covered patio with incredibly comfortable wicker lounge chairs to relax in the shade throughout the day or venture a little further onto the terrace surrounding a big 13' x 26' swimming pool and enjoy a fun-filled day in the sun. The terraced stone, known as Coralina, was imported from the Dominican Republic. Under the scorching hot sun, you can walk comfortably on the Coralina without fear of burning your feet. Yes, it's that good. In addition to being cool, Coralina is not slippery when wet. We've experienced way too many pools around Costa Rica that are slippery as ice when wet.

Spread throughout the patio and terrace are numerous lay-down wicker loungers, wicker lounge chairs, an outdoor dining table, and wicker dining chairs. Easy to use wide steps with a stainless steel handrail allow easy entry and exit from the pool for all ages. One of our pet peeves with every other place we've traveled to is a lack of pool toys and floats never being included at homes with otherwise wonderful pools. We have a nice supply for you to enjoy. And we also include an electric pump to inflate and deflate them at the touch of a button. An outdoor shower allows for a quick shower and hopping right in the pool without tracking water all over the house. Of course, just like the soft Turkish cotton towels inside the house, we supply the same wonderful Turkish cotton towels to lay on the loungers and use around the pool.

We have a full complement of safety items in our home including multiple smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and more. The house is protected by an alarm system with an easy-to-use wireless remote control and the community is protected by a huge steel gate. Two small remote controls (one for the gate and one for the house alarm) and the door code are the only items needed to get in and out. Life simplified!

We have designed and provided for what we believe will be a 5-star experience for you!

Property manager

Valentino Salvi
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children must be supervised at all times.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 20 lb per pet (limit one pet total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Be considerate to your new neighbors. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 7 am.
Maximum of 10 people. Larger group will be considered with additional charges.
NEVER leave a child unattended around the pool! You accept all responsibility for any accident, injury, or death associated with pool or property

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Mercedes

Located in Mercedes, this villa is in the mountains and on a river. Grecia Park and Minas Del Aguacate reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita and Else Kientzler Botanical Garden. Zoo Ave and Balneario Las Musas are also worth visiting. Relax and indulge in the area's health/beauty spas, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, horse riding and ecotours nearby.
Map
Atenas, Alajuela Province

What's nearby

  • Parque Viva - 24 min drive
  • Zoo Ave - 25 min drive
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 31 min drive
  • City Mall - 32 min drive
  • Ojo de Agua Spa Park - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • San Antonio de Belen Station - 33 min drive
  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • El Rancho de Nacho - 8 min drive
  • Chicharronera Don Yayo - 6 min drive
  • T!os Bar Y Restaurante - 14 min walk
  • El Balcón del Café - 4 min drive
  • La Trocha Del Boyero - 6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Villa Serenidad: secluded home, warm private pool, river walk, amazing 180° view located?

Situated on the riverfront, this villa is within 12 miles (20 km) of Palmares Church, Rock Bridge and Catedral de la Mercedes. Grecia Park and Aguacate Mines are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

4/10 Poor

karen d.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Not what you're hoping for, despite the lovely location
This place *looks* like the pics...until you're trying to live in it. We travel the world, accustomed to staying in the Caribbean/Ctrl America. We are aware of the things that come w/that--including insects. There were THOUSANDS of crawling ants parading through master bed/bath. We ended up sleeping there, but using diff baths for fear of having to step barefoot through ants to pee at night. The prop mgr assured us the "flying ants" were an agricultural nuisance, & that prop owner fumigated. These were NOT flying ants. They crawled EVERYWHERE, coming through the wood of the house. I have photos/videos I'm happy to share. No other remedy. Disgusting. Lots of disconnects...Like being told that we are responsible for daily pool maintenance, but skimmer basket was snapped off the handle, not replaced. Water level in pool was too low for filter to work properly. They ask you to handwash plastic drinkware (not a real glass in the house--annoying, trying to enjoy a nice wine) & to clean counters, but no kitchen towels. No pool towels. Private farm-like setting. Great view. Convenient location. Overall, felt bare bones compared with the listing, esp for the price (we happily/frequently pay for quality). Folks w/kids note elec cow fence on path--no warning. Almost cancelled before going--inconsistencies in who was listed as owner (Valentino? Jeff?)--seemed sketchy. Turned out ok, but weird. No meet/greet for check-in, alarm was armed (we were told it wasn't). Look elsewhere.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karol C., STOUGHTON

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
AMAZING!
Villa Serenidad exceeded our expectations! It is a beautiful home and the view is wonderful. We really liked watching the cows and calves next door and meeting Iggy the iguana. The people of Atenas and all of Costa Rica are welcoming and so helpful with those who are not at all fluent in Spanish! I don't think we ever had even close to a bad meal either! We took advantage of having a meal cooked and delivered to us and it was delicious. Our friends joined us for a part of our stay and we heard many exclamations of 'nirvana' and 'heavenly'. Thank you for letting us stay at your property. Maybe the only negative comment we would have is that there is no hammock! That didn't seem to get in the way of our enjoying the pool and veranda, however, so it maybe it isn't a necessity after all.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Villa Serinidad
Best beautiful view of the country side, great pool and beautiful home.
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Villa Serenidad is aptly named
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Villa Serenidad. The house was clean and spacious, with screened doors and windows all around to let in the breeze. The swimming pool and shaded patio were peaceful and inviting. The pool was immaculate and the there were plenty of poolside chairs and tables for our group of 4. The location of the Villa on a dead-end road in a gated community made for a very private stay. The only traffic sounds were the mooing of cows on their way down the path to the river. The Villa was a little further from town than expected (we thought we would be walking to town), mostly because we didn’t understand the reality of roads and pedestrians in Costa Rica. Even so, the drive is short and there are good restaurants, banks and a nice supermarket within a ten-minute drive. We took day trips to the Poás Volcano, Las Mina, and Jaco - all very doable in an easy day. The property manager Eunice was very responsive to the few questions we had (highly recommend WhatsApp for communication), neighbor Heidy made and delivered a lovely Costa Rican meal to the Villa, and Oscar arranged for a very competent masseuse to come to the Villa. We felt very well cared for. It sure was quiet when we had to pack up and leave - very sad to leave this little slice of heaven.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise in the Mountains
If you ever wanted to stay in a glass house this is it! Waking up to a gorgeous mountainous view and one step outside you are at the pool. We had American Thanksgiving where the neighbor cooked for us and it was delicious! This house is for 8 people and the open floor plan is inviting and wonderful! I would definitely stay here again! Thank you for sharing such a great place!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Valentino Salvi

Host profile image
Meet Valentino and Keysha, a dynamic duo dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality services tailored to meet your unique needs. With a shared passion for helping clients achieve their property goals, this team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Valentino, a Swiss borne, is a well-seasoned expert with over 30 years in the hospitality industry, he's now living in the Cayman Islands where he runs his real estate company. Keysha a Canadian is a highly motivated professional with a keen eye for details. With a strong corporate sales executive and client relations background, she ensures that every aspect of the rental process is handled with precision and care. Contact Valentino and Keysha today to embark on your vacation with confidence and peace of mind. We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable Costa Rica vacation experience.

Why they chose this property

Atenas is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a tranquil and laid-back lifestyle. Atenas boasts a pleasant and mild climate, often referred to as "the best climate in the world." The area enjoys a comfortable temperature year-round, which can be appealing to residents seeking a temperate environment. Many neighborhoods in Atenas offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lush landscapes, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and those who appreciate picturesque scenery. Atenas has a thriving expatriate community, attracting people from various countries who have chosen to make Costa Rica their home. The presence of a diverse community can create a welcoming and supportive environment for newcomers. Some neighborhoods in Atenas offer easy access to essential amenities, such as supermarkets, medical facilities, restaurants, and recreational activities, providing convenience to residents. Safety is a significant concern for individuals looking to relocate or invest in a property. Atenas is generally considered a safe area, which can provide peace of mind to residents and property owners. Atenas' central location in Costa Rica allows residents to explore other popular destinations within the country easily. It is within reasonable driving distance to various beaches, national parks, and major cities. Ultimately, the choice of a neighborhood in Atenas, Costa Rica, would depend on individual preferences, lifestyle priorities, and specific requirements. It's essential for potential residents or investors to visit the area, conduct research, and consider their needs before making a decision.

What makes this property unique

Villa Serenidad in Atenas, Costa Rica, stands out as a unique property for several compelling reasons: The property's name, "Villa Serenidad," reflects its tranquil and peaceful setting. Nestled in the charming town of Atenas, known for its relaxing atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, the villa offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The villa is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica's natural landscapes. With lush tropical gardens, verdant hills, and panoramic views of the countryside, Villa Serenidad immerses its guests in the captivating charm of Costa Rica's nature. Villa Serenidad boasts a spacious and thoughtful design, offering ample room for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a peaceful retreat, the villa's layout accommodates various needs and preferences. While nestled in a serene setting, Villa Serenidad doesn't compromise on modern comforts. The property features top-of-the-line amenities, including well-equipped kitchen, comfortable and spacious bedrooms, and well-appointed living spaces and a beautiful pool ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for guests. Guests can enjoy the tranquility and seclusion of the property, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an exclusive and intimate escape. Staying at Villa Serenidad provides an authentic Costa Rican experience. The villa is managed by Eunice from Remax who can offer insights into the area, local customs, and recommendations for exploring nearby attractions and activities. Villa Serenidad's location in Atenas offers the best of both worlds. It provides a secluded retreat while still being conveniently located to explore nearby destinations such as beaches, national parks, and other popular tourist spots in Costa Rica. The villa embraces an eco-friendly approach to hospitality, respecting and preserving the natural environment.

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