November 2009
I kept meaning to email you to let you know how the rest of our trip was but we have been so busy with the holiday (Thanksgiving) as soon as we got back!
The trip was absolutely amazing. We had the best time staying at the house, it
was beautiful and our pictures turned out great! I apologize for anything that
ended up broken. (
The wedding on Saturday evening was great, surf and turf served and the
ceremony at sunset!
We drove to Monteverde up those crazy roads and that was quite an experience!
Did the ziplining there, hiking, hanging bridges and ate at some fantastic
restaurants. Went to Arenal and did the hot springs, more hiking, canyoning on
the waterfalls (AWESOME!) and hung out with some of the locals in La Fortuna.
In San Jose, we drove around with our GPS looking for that chicken place cause
I had the address in my guidebook but never ended up finding it and we were on
a time crunch to get the car back. We did see the view of the valley which was
fantastic. Also, we ate at the Peruvian place near our hotel which was great
and then on our final night had dinner at the Grano de Oro's restaurant-so
good! We took the white water rafting trip for 2 days from San Jose on the
Pacuare and stayed overnight at the Pacuare lodge on the river... I would
highly recommend this to you if you want a little vacation- it was the most
beautiful place, no electricity, all candelight and amazing food!
Thanks again for all your help and the great meal you made us! Thanks to Maria
and Orlando for putting up with us and for the wonderful guacamole she made for
us!
I can't say enough good things about Costa Palmera and Costa Rica. Take care
and have a wonderful holiday!
Kim
April 10, 2009We stayed at Casa Palmera over Thanksgiving in 2008. We arrived at dusk and were met by Gil who had given us excellent directions from our previous stay (the Springs at Arenal). He also provided us information as to where to eat, get surfboards, fuel up the car. The first night was a bit scary, considering we were met with a security guard and two guard dogs as well, but as we got accustomed to the location and ambiance, we had a wonderful time.
The location was superb - right on the beach - the surf great for beginners and advanced. The house was quite spartan, but had everything we needed and was very clean. The security guard and the housekeeper were lovely and made sure we were comfortable. We will definitely return!
Tijana H.
Laguna Beach, CA
March 21, 2009
I stayed at Casa Palmera in June, we planned our wedding around the property,
We Love the area, the beach is beyond description and it is a true beach front property,
You have only to walk a few feet to the beach,with miles and miles to walk.
Very secluded. This is not your Weston experience and is not for everyone, but if you
want the real Cost Rica experience, privacy and relaxation without the tourist traps
this is your place.
The house is wonderful, the staff was great, very private and we all felt safe. I have been
in many parts of Costa Rica and found This area and property to be my favorite.
Me and my wife plan to return to the area and when we do I will stay at Casa
Palmera.
CURT T.
Oroville, Ca
March 16, 2009
Our stay at Costa Palmera was wonderful. It was, by far, the most memorable and
enjoyable vacation we have taken. Costa Palmera's accommodations and staff
were 5 star.
...Playa Grande's 4-5 mile beach was beautiful and virtually unspoiled. Relaxing,
enjoying the surf and the sunsets in luxurious accommodations was a dream
vacation of a lifetime.
-- Stephen M., Shelburne, MA
March 14, 2009
our family, my husband and I, one son and daughter-in-law and
4 grandchildren rented costa plameracom in july of 2007.
We were amazed at the beach, the warm, clean. clear water and the sunsets.
the house was quite comfortable. we felt at ease using the water to drink
and for cooking and had not one ill effect from this.
gil shopped for us and we arrived to find the house fully stocked with
all groceries. Maria and family were almost the best part of the stay.
if the beach weren't so wonderful i could say they were the
best. she and her sister cooked each day for us. her breakfasts were the best.
we hadn't eaten "queso frito" before and now is something we all long for. the
four bedrooms and bathrooms were quite nice and the two double beds in one
bedroom were a pleasant addition for the grandkids. only a few complaints.
one, the doors didn't keep out the noise in the two bedroom off the living area.
we had no choice but to arise when the kids got up as we couldn't sleep with
the daily noise... the shower curtain
we didn't miss it as the beach and ocean were incredible. we had been
warned about the riptides and actually didn't go out far enough to experience
any problems. the grandchildren, ages 8,7,5 and 3 were able to use a boogie
board and to try their had at surfing in close to the beach. we watched them
carefully but the water was gentle and they had a wonderful time. all in all,
it was a perfect rental and a perfect location.
--Anon
How to plan a great vacation in Costa Rica
February 20, 2009
My first time out of the country and I was blessed enough to
be able to vacation at Costa Palmera with great friends! Your place is so
remarkable.
All the comforts of home, but even better because it was in a
tropical setting. The house was wonderful, the view was spectacular, and it was
the most glorious place in the world. I was never ready to leave, but I'm
already planning my next vacation here at Costa Palmera in fabulous Cost Rica!
Thank you!
Donna B
Wichita, KS 67215
February 14, 2009
Costa Palmera is a vacationers paradise. I traveled with a group of 8 women and
spent a week, which was over way too soon. The scenes, beach, house, hospitality,
arrangements, everything you can imagine were just perfect. We had outstanding
weather the whole time. The beach is totally awesome. We had the opportunity
to take breathtaking walks, sit in the sun, comb the beach for shells, splash in
the waves. The pictures in no way do justice to the beauty of the area.
Each sunrise and sunset was better than the previous one. The accommodations
were totally unbelievable. Never once did we need anything that wasn't immediately
available. Total relaxation. We plan to make this a recurring vacation spot.
I am highly encouraging my son and future daughter-in-law to consider this
a wedding or honeymoon spot.
Vikie B.
Wichita, KS
Janurary 9, 2008
I want to say that our stay at Costa Palmera was excellent and I have, and will continue to recommend it to many people. The location was great and the staff was very friendly and always helpful.
The only thing that I would recommend to change is to have a phone inside the house for guest use so that you don't always have to get it from the staff.
I'm already planning my return trip! Thanks and hope to see you soon.
Pam
Fort Worth, TX
Dec 24 2007
I want give you some wonderful feedback on our trip to Costa Palmera. Our stay was terrific. Gil, our concierge, had our bar stocked and all of our meals were waiting at the house for Maria to cook.
Gil also arranged for a driver named Diego. He was superb!!!. not only was he there for us all of the time, he even took us to a bullfight so that we could enjoy some of the Costa Rican customs. We had a blast.
The house was terific. Each morning Orlando had the chairs waiting for us on the beach. We never worried about leaving our belongings alone as the house and the area were very safe...
We already began planning next years stay. when we came back and told our friends about the PERFECT accomadations, they suggested we go back in April.
Thanks again. and please thank Gil for everything. He made our visit completely stress free. Did I mention he also set up massages for us at the house!!!!!
Thanks again,
Rob K.
Charlotte, NC
Dec. 8, 2007
Just returned from our week at [Palmera] Pianos. One of the best vacations ever! The weather was great, as was the service, staff, and wonderful accomodations. Pianos was just right for us, with it's lovely landscaping, refreshing pool, and a few steps to the beach.
It was cleaned everyday which was very nice.
The beaches are beautiful, but Playa Grande was the best by far...no crowds, clean, and fun! We enjoyed a very pleasant sailboat trip with snorkeling, zip line at the tree tops with monkeys, horseback riding galloping along the surf, all coordinated by Gil, who was most helpful with his experienced suggestions. Rip Jack's was the place to eat...we went there 3 times and had great service and awesome food. We are already talking of a return visit...soon, I hope!! Thanks again for a most enjoyable, relaxing week in the sun and surf. Pura Vida!
Renee and Craig
How to plan a great vacation in Costa Rica
My family had a wonderful time at this luxurious ocean front villa. Costa Palmera is a dream villa with an outstanding management team. Gil is simply an outstanding concierge and made our stay effortless. We are returning in January 2008, and are sure to return every year.
Ophyr and Reena
April 2007
Six of us spent a beautiful week at costa palmera. With waves
right out the door, we were kept busy the whole time. Playa Grande never loses
its tranquility and natural appeal. The staff is marvelous and make the
experience a true luxury. Great food, no worries about anything. I can't think
of a place where you can live closer to the water in such comfort. A real treat!
Lora
(Requests location withheld)
June 2007
We loved your beautiful home by the sea - so tranquil!
Shannon M.
Berkeley, CA
June 2007
We had a terrific time. Our expectations were exceeded. Gil is a fantastic concierge- very helpful, available, reliable, friendly, knowledgeable, with good suggestions. Everyone was very friendly and pleasant. Accomodations were excellent, as was housekeeping, cooking, etc. What a great place to kick back and relax- there aren’t any more beautiful sunsets than Costa Palmera (Mexico coast, Hawaii, etc.) , and the water- could boogie board all day.
Tom S.
Novato, CA
April, 2007
We were very pleasantly surprised about the house and its location. Maria and her crew kept the house very clean and organized...washing the windows inside and out everyday and her cooking was very good...can I bring her home? The location was awesome, the ocean water is just the right temperature to stay in it all day. The walk into town was beautiful, it took us about 40 minutes and it was very a easy walk. Freeze water and bring it frozen...by the time you get to town it is warm. Bring 2 dollars for the boat ride across and back from the estuary. The beach has a lot of life on it and unusual shells, always fun to find the best one of the day. Gil, there are no words to tell how wonderful he was. He took very good care of us and planned all our adventures for us...we showed up and had fun, he took care of the rest. He would check up on us at least every other day.
He was always available by cell and had excellent local knowledge. If and when we have a house there he w
ould be the property manager!! There was so much to do...the sunset tour - a must, the zip line tour - scary, but so glad I did it, the adventure tour - great value, yummy food and tons of fun, but a little disorganized. I guess the only thing that was difficult was that most places wanted cash...don't bring travelers checks...they don't take them. They do have an ATM and it was easy to use at the local bank. You can use American dollars, but I think you might get a better deal if you use Colone's. Would I go back? YES!!! Thanks for a great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter and Inger
SF, CA
April, 2007
Staying at Costa Palmera was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. We stayed at the house with four other couples, and enjoyed every moment. The house is right on the beach and we literally had the entire beach to ourselves every day-The house is much more spectacular than any photos, and the pool was a wonderful place to hang out after a long day in the sun.
We talk often about our trip, we have traveled all over the world, and Costa Palmera is our favorite place. Gil was wonderful, very organized and went above and beyond in all regards. Orlando and Maria are such hard workers, they kept us well fed and kept the house very clean!!!
Greeta S.
Morrisville, VT
April 2007
The house was perfect for our family. Everyone enjoyed the accomodations and of course the location. The best part was Maria's cooking. In a family with people with different likes and dislikes (i.e. 2 no onions 1 no tomato etc) everybody loved every meal she cooked. It was also terrific having Gil take care of arranging everything. His suggestions were spot on and his willingness to help and attitude was great. We really enjoyed our stay.
