 "Thanks for everything. It was a great trip. We arealready talking about coming back next year, maybe in March. Playa Grande has come a long way since we were last there, 2 years ago. We were able to alternate between Kike's, Rip Jack and the Sushi Bar, so we only went into Tamarindo once for dinner. Corynne was a great help. She essentially acts as a concierge and makes things infinitely more enjoyable. Also, the weather was the best of the three times we've been down. The only day it rained in Playa Grande was the day we went to Rincon de la Vieja, where the weather was good." - Clayton Hoover, Austin, Texas, 06/13/08
"Casa Mirage is a wonderful place to stay and enjoy Playa Grande. We went Zip lining, hiking, toured the estuary, surfed, fished and spent the rest of our time in the hammocks. Perfect vacation and the house was a perfect place from which to do it all. Marianela was really helpful. Shirley made us a great dinner one night." - Bill and Chris Kitto, Manhattan Beach, CA, 04/11/08
"3/1/08My family and I had a great time at Casa Mirage. Surf was good, weather perfect. Watch for people coming and going unannounced. Some air conditioners need some TLC or replacing. Dont leave anything open at night. Marianela, Shirley and Jose are all very nice. The house is also nice although getting a little tired. All in all a nice vacation." - Michael Gnecco, North Hampton, NH |, 03/04/08
"What a fabulous week we had in Costa Rica. The moment we opened the door to Casa Mirage, we felt like we had entered Paradise!! The house was perfect, the beach awesome and the sunsets magical (although that could have been the mango daiquiries!). We spent a lot of time on the beach with the surf boards and body boards we rented. We also ziplined, rented quads for a three hour ride, water water rafted, had massages, snorkeled and took a 4 1/2 sunset cruise on the Blue Dolphin. There's so much more we wanted to do - but the hammocks frequently called our names. What a beautiful house and fantastic location. Thanks for the best family vacation we've ever had - and we've had many!!" - Barb Vercollone, Brewster, NY, 03/02/08
"My friends and I stayed in the beautiful Casa Mirage for a week in February '07 and had an amazing time. The property was perfect and we have many fond memories of the trip! The 13 of us were very comfortable in the house and attached apartment. They afforded us ample private space to ourselves in addition to the well utilized common areas. Being directly on the beach didn't hurt either! A wonderful spot for a vacation. Pura Vida!" - Sue Jackson, Boston, Mass., 01/14/08
 "Our stay at Casa Mirage and Villa Olivia over Christmas was fabulous, Julie and your entire staff where helpful and gracious. Our family group felt as if we were right at home in one of the most beautiful seashore areas in Costa Rica. The fact that the beach is protected at night for the Leatherback turtles gave us a sense of well being knowing that our presence minimized the impact we might have on their habitat. Thanks for a woderful stay. We will return !Steven "Benny" Benedict" - Benny, Sedona, AZ, 01/05/08
"A wonderful stay for the third year in a row. Playa Grande is great place for families and surfers. Do we like the waves, the beach, or the houses better? Impossible to know!" - Sara, New York, NY, 11/29/07
"This was our third consecutive Thanksgiving at Mirage and Olivia, and the experience was once again magical. The surfing, the weather, the tow headed kids running to the beach and back 5 times a day - what more could we ask for? The ladies cooked up fantastic meals and we were very well cared for. These houses are on a truly spectacular spot in this world and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there." - John Britton, New York, NY, 11/28/07
"We just returned home form a week at Casa Mirage and Villa Olivia and I wanted to thank you so very much for a WONDERFUL vacation. The houses could not have been more perfect for our group, four families with 8 adults and 8 teenagers. Playa Grande beach is spectacular and the surf was perfect. The kids and parents all said it was one of their all time best vacations. Marianela was wonderful and arranged some great tours for everone. The kids favorites were ATVs and Witche's Rock canopy. Our boat tour and Costa Rican lunch in Ortega was a great experience. Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country with wonderful people and your homes in Playa Grande were the perfect place to relax and enjoy our adventure! Many thanks to you and all the staff!" - Kay, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 07/10/07
"Hi Julie, and Marianela, I wanted to let you know I heard from the Haneys last evening and they are having a wonderful time at the villas. The properties are exactly what they were looking for, Shirley is a wonderful cook, and Marianela, they said that you are just an absolute treat. Thank you both so very much for helping to make their holidays away from home so memorable. Lori Joyal Assistant to the Haneys" - Haney Family, Cape Cod, MA, 01/04/07
 "We (3 families) spent a wonderful week at Casa Mirage -- the perfect antedote to a hectic Washington, DC existence. The highlights: surfing, swimming, reading, sleeping. One day of golf near Playa Conchal (expensive at $175 a round). Two good tennis courts available in Tamarindo. Canapy Tours are a must in Cost Rica. The house is very comfortable and accommodates 13 nicely. Bring your own music (ipod and speakers) and your own games. No TV, thank goodness. The 5 mile walk along the beach to and from Tamrindo each day is all the exercise you need. We eat at the house almost every night, with the housekeeper, preparing dinner for 13 of us nightly. She did an admirable job with the local seafood. Enjoy the house and view, stay off the roads (which are horrendous), keep an eye on your valuables (petty thieves have been known to wander these parts), head up to Playa Conchal for lunch at the Happy Snapper. After dinner drinks at Rip Jacks (the end of the street). Very relaxing vacation. Our seven teenagers loved it... as did the 6 adults." - Anonymous, Washington, DC, 01/02/07
"We came from the rainforest of Arenal volcano, the less time spent in cars in Costa Rica the better. The surf was excellent, the food very good (we hired Shirley to cook for us every night). Snorkeling was poor, the walk to Tamarindo and back every morning (5 miles or more) was a great way to start the day. We had a great week but be sure to lock up your belongings... people stroll around. Excellent weather A great way for the "Baker's Dozen" to spend X-mas. Happy New Year." - , Nashville, TN, 01/01/07
"Thank you Julie once again!..Always love staying at either of the Villas and never have a worry with the great staff you have down there!..Nothing like some great waves with little crowd and town only 20 minutes away to have some fun and shop,but then to retreat to the great quiteness and relaxation of the Villas.. Frank(naturalsurftechnique)" - Frank Caronna, santa monica,calif., 12/04/06
"I stayed at Casa Mirage on my first trip to Costa Rica. That was 11 yrs ago. I now rent the villa on most of my visits. It's my favorite place in Costa to stay, surf, relax & enjoy! I bought property in Costa last year because I enjoyed the villa & lifestyle so much." - Heidi Sargeant, Huntington Beach, CA, 11/28/06
"Casa Mirage is a deightful vacation experience. The easy access to the sand beach in front is an inducement to spend hours on the beach. Fishing although I did not enjoy a lot of success was a challenge and enjoyable sport. The Costa Ricans lived up to their reputation of friendliness and were always willing to share their knowledge on how to successfully pursue my endeavors. I wish I had more time to visit more often. I have now been three times and will return as soon as I am able." - Silvio Di Loreto, Santa Barbara CA, 11/26/06
 "Thank you! What a lovely place to refresh the body and renew the spirit. Pura Vida." - Smiths, South Carolina & Edmonton Alberta, 02/02/06
"We flew from Boston to Atlanta to Liberia and traveled by van to this beautiful spot on the ocean. The weather was perfect every day. Favorite moments were spent in the ocean, with family and gazing at the moon and stars at night." - The Byders, Cumberland, Maine, 01/10/06
"This place is beautiful! The surfing is great. There is a lot of stuff to do from ziplining to fishing. Don't go fishing in Playa Flamingo. the only thing you'll see is one fish and a few turtles for $250. Go to the zipline in Monteverde- it was one of the best experiences of my life! BBQ was a big part of our experience at the Casa Mirage. The people are very friendly. Since we are from AZ we are not used to the humidity here, but it's a beautiful place. WE LOVE IT HERE. Pura Vida." - The Ryan Family & Griffis Group, Flagstaff, AZ, 07/12/05
"This place is Magical. Pura Vida, Baby!" - The Midtown Crew, Memphis, TN, 07/07/05
"Unfortunately we go super small waves the entire trip, but there is NO Denying that the people, culture, beach, and all around vibe of CR and Playa Grande is awesome. Too bad more of US and the places we visit aren't this killer! I want to thank whoever made this trip possible and wish the next group better surf. Hope to be back soon and retain the mellow state of mind accomplished at this crib. Looking forward to a return for some "therapy."" - Shea's, , 02/20/05
 "Hey! Costa Rica has been a blast! This Casa Mirage house is awesome! It is my 4th time in Costa Rica because we come down every Christmas! We got to see a huge sea turtle for the first time, but got ran off by the turtle people! We hope future guests have a blast. Pura Vida." - Dowst Family, Gainesville, FL, 01/02/05
"Hi everybody! We had so much fun surfing, resting, relaxing, and eating! The food was delicious and the maids cleaned awesome! We always had something to do whether it was laying in the hammocks, or chasing around our little cousin! Adios." - Megan, Daytona, FL, 01/02/05
"We also found paradise here! Unfortunately only for a few days.. because we were on a round trip through the country. As we have found it at other places in the world (Asaia, Africa, and sometime Australia, too.) you only find it at places not yet too "developed". that means with nature not yet destroyed... so let us all thin about activities which results they will have. I hope this place here will keep it's beauty and peace for a long time!! We already regret having to return to Germany soon in winter with snow and ice, temperatures below 0. So you who follow us Enjoy!! Enjoy 'Pura Vida'" - , Munich, Germany, 11/24/04
"Wow, this week in Casa Mirage was awesome from the buenos olas of the day to the good night it was a shining day with great boogie boarding waves. I had a super time." - Elena, , 07/12/04
"Playa Grande es una de las mejores playas del pais. Pasamos un tiempo muy bonito y expero poder volver en algun momento...La casa muy linda y comoda... Buenos Tiempos." - Cristy, , 06/09/04
 "One week in Playa Grande and I'm close to pro. There's not a wave I can't conquer. Playa Grande was a blast, got to see some old friends and meet some new ones. Thanks for the board. Charlie, Michelle, Paul, Marcy, Mike, Brian, Gary, Lindsey." - ' The Crew' - The Richards, Deerfield Beach, FL, 06/06/04
"We Came, We Saw, We Surfed. Witches Rock is like a Cartoon!" - Scott, Todd, Jeff, , San Diego, Ca, 05/30/04
"I couldn't think of a better place to be on my birthday... Thank you! Gracias!" - Christine and J.J., , 04/18/04
"Friends, waves, Imperial cerveza, saving leatherback turtles. All in a days vacation..." - , 03/21/04
"Yet again, another stellar Costa trip- this time with both good friends and family. After many awesome trips to this "Rich Coast" we still call Costa Rica a second home. How perfect life would be in America if we all lived 'pura vida'!" - Ken & Bonnie Mango, Neptune Beach, FL, 03/21/04
 "My 4th trip to Casa Mirage and Costa Rica. This house is always the great getaway and my most relaxing trip of the year. I caught my 1st barrel in 3-4' surf and rescued 5 baby leatherback turtles from an osprey. Brought 4 newbies with the group and totally enjoyed everything about this trip. Thanx." - Heidi, Huntington Beach, CA, 03/20/04
"Wow, it's so great to be here. Costa Rica, I never thought I would come to a great place like this. I love the weather, the people, the surf, it's kickass. It's the second day and I feel like I've been here for 2 weeks. I don't want to go home. This has bee the most fun ever. I don't think I'm going to go home. I wish I could stay here forever. I hope everybody has a great time." - Elizabeth, Jacksonville, FL, 03/17/04
"I fricken love this place! Pura Vida ( I don't know what it means)." - , 02/20/04
"Have been here since January 1. Costa Rica is beautiful. We got the opportunity of a lifetime. Our group helped save a baby leatherback turtle from being eaten by birds. We set them lose at sunset and watched the 10 survivors make there way to the water. We laughed, lived and loved." - St. Denis, Kensington, MD, 01/08/04
"This place kicks ass. I am from San Franciscso where I surf every weekend and the water is cold as hell and the waves are not big. But here the water is great and waves are nice. I am not sure what the date is and I don't give a ____. Pura Vida." - , San Francisco, CA, 11/12/03
 "We feel blessed to have found such an enchanting corner of CR and had a comfortable stay in this home. Having an uncrowded 'Break' outfront didn't hurt. Thank you owners for opening up your wonderful home for us to share= We hope to be back next year!" - Mors Family, Pismo Beach, CA, 07/29/03
"We came and blew it up. The waves were perfect (Almost). Only rained on us twice for minutes. Good fun like always. Pura Vida." - The Henton's and Holly Macaya, CA, 07/26/03
"I just wanted to say that I came here for 6 days and it has been 3 weeks. Pura Vida." - Jeff, , 06/13/03
"This is the most beautiful place I have ever been! Thanks for opening your house to us and letting us enjoy the beauty and grace of Costa Rica. It is hard to say goodbye. Bueno Suerte and many thanks." - D. Waugh, , 06/07/03
"Today is our last day and all I can say is it's sad to leave such a beautiful place. Our time was relaxed, wonderful, and the people of this country are among the best in the world. , They may not have much but they are so wealthy with their hospitality, friendliness, generosity, acceptance, beautiful country and beautiful people. May Costa Rica stay the same. Muchos Gracias." - Suzzane Diaz Westmore, , 06/01/03
 "As I sit, watching the livest crew trickle in from the rabid waves and palling sun, I am struck by the seeming brevity of this trip. The first two days seemed as if they would never end. By midweek, the time was disappearing faster than a quarter in a Charlestonian beggar's hand, faster than Frodo wearing the Ring of Power, faster than... well, just plain fast. The hipiest crew, the sickiest location, the sweetest Guaro, the trip of a lifetime. As we prepared to re-enter the hectic life of Charleston, I can only pray that I will have another change like this again. You know what Jack Burton always says at a time like this? O'l Jack says "Aw, what the helll." Truly this is the Rich Coast. " - SBH, Charleston, 03/08/03
"It's around 11:30 am and I have been awake for 6 hours. The morning greeted us with calm and small surf. The coastline is so amazing here in the Playa Grande vicinity and whenever the waves go flat, it is impossible to be disatisfied with where you are. The hilly dry terrain of March is breathtaking, the seabreeze is always across your face and there isn't even the thought of the states. Miles away what seems like galaxies, the US is busy pumping out its new dollar while we sit in ponderance over the natural beauty of our world- and simply enjoy eachother's company. I thank you for allowing me to rest in this paradise for a little while and I thank you for providing me with the opportunity to see life in Costa Rica." - , 03/03/03
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