“Best Lemonade Ever!!” Click Title to see review on Trip Advisor
Reviewed 1 week ago for a stay in December 2014
After our daughter's wedding got cancelled, we were looking for some place where we could make lemonade out of lemons. And boy, did we! First off, Chloe was great to work with, answering all of our questions, giving suggestions about various activities, and giving practical advice about how to get around, where to buy groceries, rent a car, etc. We were a group of 11 adults and 3 children. Casa 2 was perfect for us. In addition to the beautiful view and breezes, we loved the pool, the covered patio, and the soccer field. We decided to use the driver and van rather than rent our own van and we were thrilled with that service. Our driver, Ronald, was fabulous. Always on time, patient and helpful. We all fit in one van - car seats and all. We did rent a smaller car which was helpful for runs to the store or for shuttling people/babies to and from the beach. We used the catering service for two of our meals. It was so nice to come back to a delicious and plentiful meal after a day of activities. Chloe introduced us to some local women she uses as babysitters who spoke English and Spanish. They were so good with the children. Chloe made the reservations for activities that catered to our needs. We wanted more adventure than the standard tourist activities so our activities included a class IV river rafting run, the Superman zip line in addition to the canopy zip line, surfing, hiking to Tres Pilas and then cliff jumping into the pools, and going on the Rain Maker night tour in the jungle. Daniel, Chloe's husband, and his friends were excellent surf instructors who even climbed the coconut trees and gave us all agua de pipa to drink. Our biggest frustration was that some of the activities took longer than expected primarily because of drive time. With small children this was hard. Also, some of the activities included meals which we didn't realize until we got to the activity. This trip was the adventure of a life time. We'd love to come again and will stay at Pura Vida if we do. Thank you Chloe and Daniel. You're the best!!
Reviewed 1 week ago for a stay in December 2014
After our daughter's wedding got cancelled, we were looking for some place where we could make lemonade out of lemons. And boy, did we! First off, Chloe was great to work with, answering all of our questions, giving suggestions about various activities, and giving practical advice about how to get around, where to buy groceries, rent a car, etc. We were a group of 11 adults and 3 children. Casa 2 was perfect for us. In addition to the beautiful view and breezes, we loved the pool, the covered patio, and the soccer field. We decided to use the driver and van rather than rent our own van and we were thrilled with that service. Our driver, Ronald, was fabulous. Always on time, patient and helpful. We all fit in one van - car seats and all. We did rent a smaller car which was helpful for runs to the store or for shuttling people/babies to and from the beach. We used the catering service for two of our meals. It was so nice to come back to a delicious and plentiful meal after a day of activities. Chloe introduced us to some local women she uses as babysitters who spoke English and Spanish. They were so good with the children. Chloe made the reservations for activities that catered to our needs. We wanted more adventure than the standard tourist activities so our activities included a class IV river rafting run, the Superman zip line in addition to the canopy zip line, surfing, hiking to Tres Pilas and then cliff jumping into the pools, and going on the Rain Maker night tour in the jungle. Daniel, Chloe's husband, and his friends were excellent surf instructors who even climbed the coconut trees and gave us all agua de pipa to drink. Our biggest frustration was that some of the activities took longer than expected primarily because of drive time. With small children this was hard. Also, some of the activities included meals which we didn't realize until we got to the activity. This trip was the adventure of a life time. We'd love to come again and will stay at Pura Vida if we do. Thank you Chloe and Daniel. You're the best!!
“Absolutely Perfect!” Click Title to see review on Trip Advisor
Reviewed January 6, 2015 for a stay in December 2014
We actually stayed at Casa 1, same owners, but next door to this Casa 2. The homes are very similar, though Casa 1 is 4 bedrooms instead of 5. They are located together on top of a cliff, private, with views that are amazing! All the homes are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! They are very large, nicely decorated and clean with an open concept. Each home has a private pool and hot tub, along with a wonderful roof top area, perfect for a glass of wine and view of the sunset! The location is great, in between Jaco and Quepos, close to Manuel Antonio. Chloe and Daniel were wonderful to deal with. They provided us with cell phones once there, with their numbers programmed in. They were able to take care of booking tours, dinner reservations and directions. Not once were they not available to us! If this particular Casa is booked, make sure you inquire of the others! You will not be disappointed!
Reviewed January 6, 2015 for a stay in December 2014
We actually stayed at Casa 1, same owners, but next door to this Casa 2. The homes are very similar, though Casa 1 is 4 bedrooms instead of 5. They are located together on top of a cliff, private, with views that are amazing! All the homes are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! They are very large, nicely decorated and clean with an open concept. Each home has a private pool and hot tub, along with a wonderful roof top area, perfect for a glass of wine and view of the sunset! The location is great, in between Jaco and Quepos, close to Manuel Antonio. Chloe and Daniel were wonderful to deal with. They provided us with cell phones once there, with their numbers programmed in. They were able to take care of booking tours, dinner reservations and directions. Not once were they not available to us! If this particular Casa is booked, make sure you inquire of the others! You will not be disappointed!
“Great First Experience in Costa Rica” Click Title to see review on Trip Advisor
Flip Key: Reviewed July 22, 2014 for a stay in July 2014
We rented Casa 2, sister house to Casa 3, for 10 days and it was fantastic. We had a group of 8 ranging in age from 9 to 46. The house was much larger in person than the pictures make it appear. Plenty of room for everyone and lots of privacy for when you needed time to yourself.
Owners/Managers were very helpful, flexible and easy to get along with. I wouldn't hesitate to rent again.
The house is huge and sits on a private street, in a secure, guarded, gated development with only 5 other homes. We were the only ones occupying any of the homes the entire time we were there.
We were met by the Managers at arrival, shown around and left to enjoy our vacation. Tons of room for everyone. The separate Casita is fantastic! The house has anything you could need and was clean. Managers are helpful, flexible and responsible.
The house is within driving distance of anything you would want to enjoy around the Jaco and Manuel Antonio areas but is also away from all the touristy, noisy, areas. The only sounds we heard were the ocean waves crashing during the evening and birds calling in the mornings. The views from the house are stunning!
Following are tips just based on my experience, not a drawback of the house but FYI for anyone thinking of renting. Definitely rent, you won't be disappointed!
- Located in a development which hasn't been fully completed. There are empty, half finished homes and other buildings. Secure and safe but it is off the beaten path. You will have to drive for food and drinks, not far, but nothing you could walk to.
- WiFi was great at the house for the most part but trust everyone when they say the electricity often goes out in Costa Rica. When the electricity does go out, there are plenty of lanterns but be prepared, this means no water available too as the house is on an electric pump.
- Beach closest to the house was our favorite. You could walk/bike to it but coming back might be a bit much.
- If there are renters or owners in any of the other homes on the street, you'll see and hear them. Since all of the homes are completely gorgeous, this doesn't matter much, but you can see the houses on either side of you. You'll hear any construction etc.
- Take Managers up on their offers to arrange tours or other advice. We did everything they suggested, at the times/days they suggested, and had the time of our lives!!
- Casita with 5th bedroom is fabulous, but it's far enough from the main house you wouldn't want to put kids under say 10 or so in there on their own, especially when the electricity goes out. It's perfect for extended family or teens. Our teen son and his two friends stayed in there and loved it. It's really big!
- You will want a rental car if you stay in this property unless you don't plan on leaving it. If you rely on a cab. Our experience was it will take about 20 to 30 minutes for one to arrive, if you can get one to come out there. After that, we decided to just have a DD if we planned on drinking while we were out and about. We didn't do any of the local buses, though I wouldn't hesitate. There is a bus stop off the main road, pretty close to the entrance road up to the house. It would be a pretty long walk down and back up if you go with the bus.
- The pool area! Loved it. The pool is a play pool so no deep end. The pool was kept immaculately clean by the pool guy's visit every single morning. Lots of room to lounge around the pool, eat outside under the covered Rancho, have morning coffee on the patios.
- Rooftop terrace!! Another favorite spot. Great star gazing and place to cool off at night. Since there is a rooftop terrace, it goes without saying there are a lot of stairs in this home. If you have anyone in your family who has mobility issues or tiny toddlers, this may not be the best for them.
- Bugs and critters are a part of Costa Rica. Believe everyone who tells you that! Bring plenty of bug spray and you'll be fine. The house has plenty of screened windows but be prepared as the house is very conducive to leaving the big patio doors open and bringing the outside in.
Have a great time and pick this property as your home base while you explore the Southern Pacific part of Costa Rica!!
Flip Key: Reviewed July 22, 2014 for a stay in July 2014
We rented Casa 2, sister house to Casa 3, for 10 days and it was fantastic. We had a group of 8 ranging in age from 9 to 46. The house was much larger in person than the pictures make it appear. Plenty of room for everyone and lots of privacy for when you needed time to yourself.
Owners/Managers were very helpful, flexible and easy to get along with. I wouldn't hesitate to rent again.
The house is huge and sits on a private street, in a secure, guarded, gated development with only 5 other homes. We were the only ones occupying any of the homes the entire time we were there.
We were met by the Managers at arrival, shown around and left to enjoy our vacation. Tons of room for everyone. The separate Casita is fantastic! The house has anything you could need and was clean. Managers are helpful, flexible and responsible.
The house is within driving distance of anything you would want to enjoy around the Jaco and Manuel Antonio areas but is also away from all the touristy, noisy, areas. The only sounds we heard were the ocean waves crashing during the evening and birds calling in the mornings. The views from the house are stunning!
Following are tips just based on my experience, not a drawback of the house but FYI for anyone thinking of renting. Definitely rent, you won't be disappointed!
- Located in a development which hasn't been fully completed. There are empty, half finished homes and other buildings. Secure and safe but it is off the beaten path. You will have to drive for food and drinks, not far, but nothing you could walk to.
- WiFi was great at the house for the most part but trust everyone when they say the electricity often goes out in Costa Rica. When the electricity does go out, there are plenty of lanterns but be prepared, this means no water available too as the house is on an electric pump.
- Beach closest to the house was our favorite. You could walk/bike to it but coming back might be a bit much.
- If there are renters or owners in any of the other homes on the street, you'll see and hear them. Since all of the homes are completely gorgeous, this doesn't matter much, but you can see the houses on either side of you. You'll hear any construction etc.
- Take Managers up on their offers to arrange tours or other advice. We did everything they suggested, at the times/days they suggested, and had the time of our lives!!
- Casita with 5th bedroom is fabulous, but it's far enough from the main house you wouldn't want to put kids under say 10 or so in there on their own, especially when the electricity goes out. It's perfect for extended family or teens. Our teen son and his two friends stayed in there and loved it. It's really big!
- You will want a rental car if you stay in this property unless you don't plan on leaving it. If you rely on a cab. Our experience was it will take about 20 to 30 minutes for one to arrive, if you can get one to come out there. After that, we decided to just have a DD if we planned on drinking while we were out and about. We didn't do any of the local buses, though I wouldn't hesitate. There is a bus stop off the main road, pretty close to the entrance road up to the house. It would be a pretty long walk down and back up if you go with the bus.
- The pool area! Loved it. The pool is a play pool so no deep end. The pool was kept immaculately clean by the pool guy's visit every single morning. Lots of room to lounge around the pool, eat outside under the covered Rancho, have morning coffee on the patios.
- Rooftop terrace!! Another favorite spot. Great star gazing and place to cool off at night. Since there is a rooftop terrace, it goes without saying there are a lot of stairs in this home. If you have anyone in your family who has mobility issues or tiny toddlers, this may not be the best for them.
- Bugs and critters are a part of Costa Rica. Believe everyone who tells you that! Bring plenty of bug spray and you'll be fine. The house has plenty of screened windows but be prepared as the house is very conducive to leaving the big patio doors open and bringing the outside in.
Have a great time and pick this property as your home base while you explore the Southern Pacific part of Costa Rica!!
Casa 2:
"Chloe and Daniel really go over the top to make your stay comfortable and make all the arrangements for your excursions, and transportation needs. Our family of 12 stayed quite comfortably and enjoyed surfing, zip-lining, waterfall repelling, white water rafting, boat tours, and sometimes just kicking back in our private pool! The property was well maintained, clean, and well appointed. The interior was well decorated, very comfortable and the floor plan worked out great! The main floor Master Bedroom was perfect for our 83 year old father. Three generations played in the surf and sand and had a wonderful time! We cooked at home for the most part - the kitchen had everything we needed for a Christmas Eve Dinner on down to making breakfast or snacks for around the pool. We used the catering service for our New Year's Eve Party and it was superb. Have realistic expectations about the internet in a third world country and remember to eat (and grocery shop) like a local and you will have a great time. Wonderful place for a wedding, to renew your vows, an anniversary or honeymoon. We had a trip of a lifetime! Pura Vida!!
~ Captain Kurt and Dana Morgan Seattle, Washington USA
Casa 3:
"What a wonderful vacation. A chance for cousins to spend quality time together while having the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Chloe is the perfect host. She organized all of our excursions and meals and driver and made us feel like family. We were two families staying together and the two master suites made it easy to coordinate the rooms. The large room for multiple children was fun for all of the cousins and the extra bedroom was perfect for the teenager that needed some time to herself.
The house is roomy, clean and well appointed. The kids had a great time playing ping pong every day along with some fun games of basketball and soccer.
Chloe helped us organize a perfect vacation before we even arrived. She arranged for a daily driver for us, booked our daily excursions and prepared our breakfasts each day and many of our dinners. The meals were delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed relaxing at home.
The beach is just a quick drive away and is perfect. It is very quiet and doesn't attract the tourist traffic that we so often encounter Christmas week. And the kids as well as some of the adults even learned to surf under Dan's attentive instruction.
We would highly recommend the all-inclusive approach as having a driver was very helpful and the meal preparation and housekeeping was terrific!
Each and every one of the excursions were terrific; from Manuel Antonio to the waterfall rappelling, zip lining, white water rafting and horseback riding. We enjoyed our stop in Jaco for dinner and loved the special appetizers and drinks to watch the sunset at Villa Calletas (spelling?)
Chloe's attention to details and follow up cannot be beat. She is a gem!
Thanks for a wonderful vacation."
Casa 2 & 3
"My Husband and I and 8 other couples stayed at both Casa Exotica and Villa Oceana, (the home next to it-same owners). We had a fabulous time. We had seen pictures beforehand, but the homes were much grander in reality. They are impressively beautiful both inside and out. The decor is elegant and casual, a perfect mix for a vacation home. We loved the Pool, the Palapa, the terraces, and the spectacular views. There's everything you need in the home, and more. We played Ping Pong, Volleyball, swam, rested and explored a lot too. There are so many fun things to do all around: horses right there by the house, Zip lines, beaches..etc. We spend a wonderful day in Manuel Antonio, also shopped in Jaco, but whatever we did, it was always so nice to go back to an absolutely beautiful, spacious home. The soft breezes at the top of the Hill kept the homes much cooler and we hardly ever had to use the AC. Casa Exotica and Villa Oceana are very unique in style and both are perfectly suited for a fabulous Costa Rica vacation. We had such a great time, we sent our son there too for his honeymoon and hope to go back ourselves some day."~ Lynn & Rick H.
Casa 2:
"WOW! Best views in Costa Rica! these homes are on a private ranch, very quiet. Black sand beaches go for miles without hardly a soul there. PERFECT FOR FAMILY RETREATS AND LARGE GROUPS. It was only a short drive to all the tourist attractions and tours. The managers, Daniel and Chloe (US) , were SUPER HELPFUL AND NICE - took care of everything from car rental to activities, private cook etc.... Daniel is a great surf instructor! The homes have a definite EUROPEAN look and feel, very tasteful, large rooms, plenty of light and COOL (didn't use the AC!) This is a GREAT DEAL... would have paid a lot more for less in Manuel Antonio itself. If you want a PEACEFUL vacation, THIS IS THE PLACE. Will recommend to friends."
~ Claire M.
Casa 3:
"This home was great for our large family. The house and the grounds are beautiful, and the location is absolutely fabulous. We felt like the king of the hill... very exclusive property. If you are looking for a truly relaxing experience, away from the crowds, this is the place! (would not recommend it if you are looking for the party scene)
The setting with all around vistas and the pool is beautiful and so peaceful... Some days we didn't even want to leave. Just being there was heaven. The beach is about 1 mile away, we walked to it a couple times, but best to drive- only 3 minutes.
Eventhough it is in a remote location, we did do a lot of things (Zip lines, Monkey tours, Manuel Antonio, Tortuga Island, kayaking, Jaco, horses, massages, restaurants). The owners' are from California. Their son Daniel lives nearby, and runs everything. He was very friendly and resourceful and understood our needs. He helped us with all the activities.... even gave us surf lessons and took us to hidden waterfalls.
Super fun, super relaxing vacation. Perfect home for families and nature lovers. Would love to make this a regular destination."
~ Lyon Family
Casa 3:
Casa Exotica what a perfect name for Casa Exotica! When I first stepped into this house, I knew my stay was going to be an enjoyable one. It had everything I could hope for, with wide open spaces, lovely furnishings, comfortable beds, balconies over looking beautiful views. The backyard is a swell place framed by the rainforest, including a tiled pool, beautiful plants, and sports facilities. Friendly animals visitors are often spotted, with colorful birds, gorgeous butterflies and neat lizards. The sounds of cicadas, birds, the roar of the not too distant ocean through out the day are comforting. I truly enjoyed my stay there.
Our family of 3 and our friends spend 9 days at Casa Exotica this August and will keep such good memories of our staying there!
The house is by it self a vacation from the rest of the world. weather you are looking for quietness, beauty, extravagance or simply a enchanting get away , Casa Exotica will definitely charm you and stimulate sense of wellness and dream. The harmony and festival of colors will put you at ease in no time. From the different balconies ,the majestic views will embrace your curiosity and the richness of the fabulous landscaping is purely a enchantment for the pleasure of the eyes. A fabulous sense of wellness and serenity will relax you and make you feel like you are on vacation. After a swim in the beautiful blue bottom pool, it is a delight to relax or read a book in the hammock under the palapas or just let your self go for a nap gently rocked by the sounds of the cicadas or the roaring of the ocean.. Start or finish your day at the spectacular nearby black sand beach will set you up at the utmost well being joy of life.
Casa Exotica is spacious ,elegant, and beautiful. The kitchen is fit for a Chef and the Bathroom will satisfied any one who needs to be pampered.
Everyone could be happy at Casa Exotica. Thank you for sharing your house with us, it is truely a peace of Paradise!
Costa Rica, a wonderful tropical country, perfect for sight seeing and vacationing, and what better place to stay in than a vacation house like Casa Exotica!
~ Nathalie Aiello
Casa Tucana:
We had a great time at Casa Tucana. The house was lovely and well furnished. Very relaxing and private setting. The rooms were large with tall ceilings, the salt water pool…. Aaaah…. perfect! We played ping pong on the beautiful teak table and BBQ on the patio. There was monkeys in the trees and a sloth too. Kids were very excited….so were we!
Daniel (owners' son) was super helpful. He and his wife are from California, so it was easy to communicate. They arranged some fun things for us to do. It was really nice not to have to deal with the planning. We rented local cell phones from them so we could always be in touch, which was reassuring. Our favorites adventures were: surf lesson & jet ski with Daniel, Zip lines and the Crocodile River tour. We also spent a day in Manuel Antonio and an afternoon in Jaco which are only about a 20-35 minute drive each way. Its was fun but quite a bit more crowded than Esterillos.
THis was a super relaxing setting, the beach went for miles and was perfect for surfing and boogie boarding (rented boards from Daniel - very convenient). Kids had fun swimming in the calm water of the tide pools (water is about 85F). We were the only ones on the beach most of the time except for a few locals.
We stocked up on food in Jaco before getting to the house, as Chloe had suggested, and got pretty much everything else we needed at the local grocery store. There are 3 restaurants in the village, we tried them all, all fresh, tasty food.
Over all, we totally loved our stay at Casa Tucana and recommend it for families or groups who want to experience the real Costa Rica.
Thanks Dan and Chlo for a fantastic time.~ Valerie
Casa Tucana:
House was perfect, clean, great location if you want the true Costa Rican feel. Daniel was more than happy to help us with excursions off the beaten path. Beach was a great walk, not crowded and safe. Local restaurants were very good. We had six adults who enjoyed morning animals, birds and lizards. Pool was cleaned twice during our stay and housekeeping came once. We really enjoyed the pool. Great place, definitely need a car.
Thank you Daniel and Chloe.~ Glenn