February 10, 2018
Costa Rica has been amazing! This was our first trip here and we will be back. Oscar and Julia are above amazing. This trip would not have been the same without them. We did the combo tour and the beach tour and both were great but we had high winds. Ziplining was amazing and the snorkeling was good in the second place. We would highly recommend this house to anyone. Thank you, Julia and Oscar, for making our trip amazing.
-- Jennifer Reagan, JD, Todd, Lara, Leah and Briana

March 24–31, 2018
What a wonderful week! The Villa del Mar is absolutely beautiful and the wonderful staff (Oscar, Julia and Kenia) could not have been more accommodating. We took two amazing excursions while we were here, a rain forest tour less than two hours away and a sunset snorkeling cruise on a yacht. Would highly recommend both. It’s going to be hard to leave tomorrow! Four couples, eight friends, three awesome staff who now feel like family. Spectacular views, monkeys, sloths, toucans, endless other wildlife, beautiful sunsets, delicious food! Again, hard to leave. Pura Vida! Until next time . . .
-- Monty and Linda Garwood, Gary and Angela riffle, Mark and Heidi Mueller, John and Katy Breckema

August 13–20, 2016
Heard multiple times - "Best vacation ever!" Good friends celebrating three couple's 30th wedding anniversaries - a wonderful week with amazing views, food, service. Exceeded all expectations - thank you Julia, Oscar, Antonia! Kojak added the excitement with river rafting, ziplining, canoe, volcano tours! PURA VIDA!!!
-- Maurers, Peatanias, Cedors, Midlothian, PA

July 2016
Another fabulous vacation at the Villa del Mar! Two years later, I was wondering if it could possibly live up to the first trip ("girls" vacation to celebrate my 50th birthday). Most definitely! We went on the Don Bosco sailboat/beach BBQ again, did Borinquen Spa again (horseback, zipline, mud baths), plus a few people also did whitewater rafting. SO relaxing with the helpful staff and gorgeous view!! Already planning the nex trip – purchase of real estate?? :-) Pura Vida!
-- The Waltons, Williamsburg, VA
-- The Wyatts, St. Stephens, VA

June 26, 2016
We had the most amazing time! The villa and the staff were awesome. Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed the slow pace and relaxed attitude. Pura Vida!
-- Shannon and Warren Amos

May 26–June 4, 2016
Villa del Mar is PURA VIDA!! We enjoyed walking down to the beach in the mornings to see the howler monkeys and watching spectacular sunsets each evening over the infinity pool. White-throated magpie blue jays would visit us each afternoon around 5:00 looking for handouts. We went on Antonio's boat past Monkey Island to go snorkeling and were bowled over by a wave in a sea cave. Great fun!! Saw sea urchins, starfish and octopus. Kojak took us on a river cruise in Palo Verde National Park where we saw crocodiles with babies, howler monkeys, iguanas and a turquoise browned motmot with a beautiful long turquoise split tail. Took the combo tour at Borinquen Resort at the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano where we bathed in volcanic steam and mud and went ziplining and horseback riding with our 91 year old mother. Kojak is a wonderful tour guide and a really nice guy. He took us to where they train Costa Rican show horses and taught us that the drives to our adventures were adventures in themselves.

Our hearts were won over by the friendliness of the Costa Rican people. The staff at Villa del Mar treated us like royalty. Oscar, with his infectious giggle and warm smile, was attentive to our every need mixing drinks and serving our meals. Antonia spoiled us with her housekeeping and doing our laundry. And Julia (who likes hugs) is an amazing cook. Red snapper, tuna salad, homemade chips, fresh fruit, beet potato salad and eye inspiring salads were just a few of the delectable foods she prepared. Every meal was a delicious experience. Julia, Oscar and Antonia couldn't have been nicer. We love them all. This was an experience that we will forever treasure.
-- Eric & Nancy Brodt, Carmel, IN
-- Jean Johnson (Mama), Marion, IN
--Beverly Young, Gallipolis, OH
-- Eve & Bill Williamson, Blue Rock, OH

May 3–8, 2016
Thank you! Gracias! For an amazing time at Villa del Mar! Our housekeeper did a wonderful job keeping the house looking clean and laundry fresh! Julia is one heck of a chef! She kept our bellies full, but somehow wanting more! We can't say enough about our bartender and server, Oscar. Such a great host! Be sure to ask Oscar to make you the dirty banana! Our house fav. Mucho gusto! Villa del Mar for life! XO
-- Dina, Nikki, Jason, Alisha, Jim, Laura, Theresa & Baby G, Mesa, AZ

April 10–15, 2016
Pura Vida from Curtis & Julie Baldridge of Willis, TX! We were blessed to have visited/experienced Costa Rica for the first time! We were honored to join 7 other couples to come here to witness the renewing of their wedding vows, Graham & Linda Webb, married 25 years! It was a beautiful ceremony that honored their commitment and they were precious to invite us to join them! As for the staff, they pampered us with delicious meals and adult beverages, serviced our rooms, cleaned our house, did our laundry, and shuttled us to town. A first for us was the grilled fish with head and bones! Fortunately, we had someone experienced in our group coach us on how to eat it! The fruit here is delicious with bold flavor! Each meal was devoured with, "Mmmm" to compliment, all agreeing that even a cup of coffee tastes better while enjoyed facing the ocean! I must also say that the beds were comfortable and our room's A/C worked the entire trip! Every night we were comforted by the presence of the man who provided all night security. In the morning, there was evidence that he guarded from multiple points on the property; it was an honor to know that there was one who sacrificed sleep at night to ensure our safety. Of course, it is to God whom we give our thanks for all we enjoyed and give Him glory for His beautiful creation. Funny as it sounds, feeding bananas to white-faced monkeys (at the zip line place) was so cute it made me cry! Ha ha! Some in our group enjoyed fishing and golf as well. And massages! We would love to return someday. In the meantime, God bless and Pura Vida!
-- Curtis & Julie Baldridge, Willis, TX

Costa Rica Villas are #1 in our book. Favorite place to come, the best care - staff - food - view ever. No words other than very blessed to be here in this special place. 4 couples - deep sea fishing - horseback riding on the beach - zipline. The staff goes above and beyond to make everyone happy. Thank you all for a great trip! We will return!!
-- The Dick family, Webb family, Houston, TX

What a wonderful time. Thank you to the staff for all they did to provide wonderful service. The meals were amazing and the beverage service was refreshing. We love the sunsets and the monkeys. Hope to be back one day.
-- Gregg & Lynn Szott, Houston, TX

March 24–30, 2016
This trip has been amazing! Our stay at Villa del Mar was very relaxing and we had great service from all the staff. Julia is such an amazing cook and very sweet and friendly. She accommodated to our food needs and even took time to bake a cake for my 30th birthday. Oscar was very friendly and attended to our needs. His pina coladas and margaritas were the best drinks ever! Our rooms were kept clean and had great laundry service. We had a night watchman, so we all felt very safe at night. We did many excursions while we were in Costa Rica. Ziplining and river rafting were super fun. Overall we had a wonderful stay!
-- Gus, Lorraine, Jessica, Karissa, Rick, Rudy, Sandra, Anaiss, Burbank, CA

P.S. Nicaragua was worth the trip!

February 11, 2016
This was the best week of my life! Thank you so much to all the staff who make this trip unforgettable. I'm already thinking about when I'm coming back next! Pura Vida!!!
-- Claire (the bride), Seattle, WA

Best week ever!!! Thank you so much Oscar for taking care of us like kings and queens. I wish I could take Julia home with us. Best cook in Costa Rica!! Muchas gracias Blanca por siempre estar pendiente de nuestras cositas! Amazing services!!! We will never forget you!!!
-- Karla & Ryan

This trip has been amazing, especially because of Villa del Mar! Oscar & the staff are so nice and welcoming. I felt right at home! We all love you so much for taking great care of us. The food was delicious, the drinks were perfect, and the housekeeping was the best. Thanks for laundry service! Everything is so clean! The staff is so friendly and helpful, thanks for the best conversations! I can't say enough! WE LOVE YOU!
-- Dan & Kaela Bartz

The view, the food, the drinks (pina coladas!) have all been amazing! This stay would not have been the same without Oscar and the amazing staff, always smiling and always great to be around. YOLO and be in the moment.
-- Scott

Mas Pina Coladas por favor!! Muchas gracias! Thank you Oscar and staff for such an amazing week in Costa Rica! Everything in the villas has been perfect - food, drinks, and help getting around town! This is such a beautiful part of the country - I can't wait to be back! PURA VIDA!
-- Mateo

What an amazing time, everything worked out so perfectly! Oscar took great care of us and Kojak was awesome! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect week! Definitely will be coming back. Thank you guys for everything!
-- Preston (the groom)

This was such an amazing trip! Nothing but good things to say about the staff and Oscar. Pina coladas, pura vida, muchas gracias!
-- Ethan

February 24–March 3, 2018
Beautiful country! This house and staff were amazing! This was a tropical paradise! Best view ever from Villa del Mar. Loved Oscar and Julia! Best food and drinks anywhere. Loved our sailboat cruise to the beach and to see the most beautiful sunset! Also traveled with all our friends. Best friends ever and we’re still friends after a week together! Hope to come back!
-- Chuck and Phyllis, Dunn, NC

The absolute best vacation I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t change one thing about Villa de Mar. Most importantly, next to the view, Oscar, Julia and Antonia are amazing! I hope the same group can come back soon. Lots of memories made this week!
-- Connie and Skip Webb, Dunn, NC

Best vacation ever. Didn’t want to leave! Service was excellent. Felt sad to leave and hope to return one day.
-- Jerry and Barbara Haitgrove, Dunn, NC

Our trip has been fabulous I can’t say enough about their service. We felt at home and welcomed every day.
-- Billy and Paty Powell

This was a trip of a lifetime! We were a group of 10 great friends who were treated like family with Oscar, Antonia and Julia. We loved every bite and sip! Hope we can come back another time.
-- Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Newton

August 2016
What a lovely week! We are a group of 10 friends from Florida and this is our second visit. Julia, Gerard and Antonia are lovely and so accommodating. We were thankful to have them. We visited four years ago and just had to come back. What a blessing! We fished four days and caught snapper, tuna, bonita and sailfish. Whitewater rafting and waterfall visits were great. Ask to do them on the same day. Enjoy your time! We love Julia, Gerard and Antonia! They are angels.
-- Smittellis, Bishops, Deans, Jones & Kirks

July 6, 2016
Thank you for donating a week at your house; we had a wonderful visit. That is the most relaxed vacation I have had in many years, and the staff was very accommodating to say the least. (and the attached fish was very tasty)
-- Bryan Corr

June 4–11, 2016
We came to Costa Rica to celebrate a graduation, 2 wedding anniversaries (23 & 25 years) and a birthday (50th). Villa del Mar was more than we expected. Oscar was fantastic! His daiquiris and pina coladas were refreshing. He taught us some Spanish and we taught him a little English. He was funny & attentive to all our needs. Ms. Julia's cooking was so amazing! She also had a smile on her face and she was generous with big hugs! Antonia did a great job keeping the house spotless. You put your dirty clothes in a basket and by afternoon she had your clothes washed and folded on the table. The house is just a house, but they make it feel like a HOME!

On Sunday it rained, so we went to Coco Beach in the afternoon and walked around. There's not much to buy, just some trinkets. We do recommend buying pottery from the guy at Ocotal Beach, his is definitely the best quality for the price ($25). Monday, the guys went fishing the The Three Brothers, aka "The Pelicans." They caught wahoo, rooster fish, snapper, rainbow runner fish. No sailfish or marlin. The girls stayed at the house for pedicure, manicure and massage. I definitely recommend Natalia for massage. She placed a table on the balcony and played relaxing music while giving the best massage ever! Tuesday was ziplining in rainforest. Awesome experience! Wednesday was surfing at Tamarindo Beach for the kids. Recommend surfing lessons! Warning: You will be bombarded with people trying to sell you stuff. Just say "No gracias!" Thursday we did river cruise; it was okay, not sure it's worth the money. We did see "white-faced monkey" and that was cool. Lunch was good at a ranch. Friday we went snorkeling and beach exploring where we found a cave. Definitely recommend using Antonio & his crew.

You know it's a great vacation when you don't know what day it is. We really enjoyed the pool and the view. A couple of adventurous people decided to walk to the beach from the house. You will get a workout! One of the best vacations ever! Very relaxing! Would come back and recommend to everyone. Pura Vida!
-- The Harpers, the Masons, Tallahassee, FL

May 10–16, 2016
Attended wedding with wonderful family. But the best part of this trip was the staff. Julia is the BEST cook ever, delicious!! Gained 10 "wonderful" pounds. Oscar goes over and beyond to bartend, service and all with a smile. He is "jack of all trade." Kojak-- what can I say? So accommodating. He is the best!!
-- Kathy Martin, Ft. Payne, AL
-- Marge Crawford
-- Judy Gustofson, Hamburg, NJ
--Donna Crawford, Santa Rosa Beach, FL & Hudson, MI

April 19, 2016
I wanted to let you know what a GREAT time we had at Villa del Mar. The villa is beautiful, the view incredible, the meals spectacular, but what really makes it is the awesome staff. The meals were plentiful and delicious. I'm convinced Julia could cook an old shoe and we would enjoy it. Douglas had a drink ready every time we turned around. They really are great, hard working and personable.

We took advantage of Kojack's various excursions and enjoyed them all, whether it was deep sea fishing, zip lining, volcanic mud baths or sailing. He made it really easy and took care of everything, drivers, guides, lunches, etc. All we had to do was be ready to go at the appointed time.

All in all our family had great time. As we were leaving our three girls all said it was the best trip our family had ever taken. Something tells me we will be back again.
-- Ray McGovern

April 3–10, 2016
Costa Rica Villas was recommended through friends and it did not disappoint. We traveled to Villa del Mar for spring break with six busy kinds in two families. Kojak and his team did a great job for us - we did everything from ziplining and horseback to surf lessons in Tamarindo (Carlos taught 10 of us and was amazing! We all got up!) We did a half day fishing charter. Learned what a rooster fish was plus whitewater rafting. Our service at the house was first class - Oscar took great care of us on down days by the pool while Julia cooked fantastic meals for us. The housecleaning/laundry service was top notch - the mamas on this trip are going to struggle going home! We loved our time here.
-- The Donnelly & Keere families, Milton, GA

March 5–12, 2016
This was our 2nd trip to Playa del Carmen and again, we had a wonderful time! Oscar was our bartender again and we were so excited to see him! The kids love Oscar! Julia cooked us amazing meals - no need to go out and eat anywhere else. Elena took wonderful care of our rooms and laundry. Kojak was awesome with our kids! When my son had issues with fear on some tours, Kojak was the one who calmed him down and got him to go! I really appreciated his patience with my son.

It was a 1st trip to Costa Rica for some of our group and they loved it! We will definitely be back again! Much love from the North Dakota Crew! Pura Vida!!
-- Kitzmans, McIvors & Quales, Williston, ND

January 28–February 2, 2016
Awesome! Never would we have thought that our vacation here would be so spectacular. From the food, service, tours and course the views, everything was perfect. Thank you so much Julia, Oscar, Blanca and of course Kojak. We are already planning for our next trip here and will only use www.costaricavillas.com. Thank you once again!
-- Robert & Kathy Girndy, Galveston, TX
-- Matt & Cherrell Daeume, Houston, TX

Pura Vida! What a great time. Hope to see everyone again soon! Wonderful stay, great staff and delicious food.
-- Mike & Mary Ross, Galveston, TX

January 3–10, 2016

We thought we were in paradise when we saw the view. But then we were treated like kings and queens by Oscar, Julia, and Blanca. Between the deliciously home-cooked meals, spectacular housekeeping, and awesome all around service from Oscar and Antonio. They managed to attend to our every need while also having fun with it. They accommodated all 32 of us at Villa Paraiso for dinner every night, which was more than we could ask for! They even cooked our grandma a birthday cake! They weren't just our staff, we felt like they were a part of the family on the days that weren't spent at the villas. Kendall (our tour guide) managed to not only manage our excursions, but gave us insight on Costa Rican culture. We will never forget the chili water!! Our whole family is already talking about coming back. Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience. We will NEVER forget you guys!
-- Lisa Aauchelli, Paige Kelly, Jessica Dau, Eimile Cummmins, Samantha De Vos, Cheyenne Kelly, Brick, NJ

December 27, 2015–January 3, 2016
Best vacation EVER!! We came to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary along with our son, daughter, son-in-law, and 4 granddaughters. Everyone had a spectacular time! We that Julia, Oscar, Blanca, Kojak, and Francisco. They each did their best to ensure that our vacation was a complete success. We're planning to return - - - for sure!!
-- Terri, Steve, Paul, Andrea, Frank, Julia, Alexis, Liza, and Ruby, Maplewood, NJ