Casa Mirage, Beautiful Beachfront Villa. Great for Kids.

"It's difficult to not sound corny about this amazing place. Suffice it to say it is a "secret spot" for many of us who go there over and over again. I never return soon enough or stay long enough and always leave too soon. Pura vida!!!" - Anonymous, 04/11/10( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"We had a wonderfully relaxed time. A perfect location right on the beach with ample beds for our crew. Marianela was most solicitous and eveything we needed was right there (or a few blocks away at the Surf Shop. Would recommend highly for anyone to recharge their battreies from the February grumpiness that New England winters drive us to." - Peter Britton, So. Hamilton,MA, 03/29/10( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

" NOTE: This message has been autoforwarded by VRConnection. Click here to access this transaction Hi Julie, Thanks for checking up with us - we had a really great time and you've got a beautiful villa there!  We will definitely recommend your place to anyone we know who's looking to rent in the area, and hopefully we'll be back some time too. Take care, " - Mark and Patty, Toronto, ON, 02/20/10( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Hi Julie, We had a fantastic time, I will ask my wife to post some comments (since she is better with words then I am). I am looking forward to visit again, only I hope I can go 2 weeks myself next time (or 3). I read in the guest book in the house that your family supports local causes, so I would like to donate the deposit check as a contribution. Kind regards and thanks again! " - Johan, Chicago, IL, 01/17/10( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Truly, we all enjoyed the most wonderful stay at your home!!! Casa Mirage was absolutely perfect J and everything you portrayed it to be and so much more! Marianela was a wonderful help with everything  . . . . she greeted us when we arrived and got us off and running with a plan of what to see and do.. . . . Kimberly was an angel(her children and momma too!) – always willing to do whatever we asked and her cooking . . . well you know better than anyone, we were blessed!!! Truly, we felt right at home. Casa Mirage was the most wonderful fit for our family – breathtaking setting, quite, peaceful and low keyed, long walks on the beach in the morning and late afternoon. The hammocks were a real hit – soooo relaxing! And of course, the children surfed all day! Rip Jack’s was also great for yoga and the local surf shop (your suggestion) – of course, right on the mark! Needless to say we are in withdrawal and sadly missing your beautiful sunsets, our great family dinners and Kimberly’s smile and magical disposition! Hopefully, we will be blessed with some time to make a return visit next year if you all will have us J! We were sorry not to overlapped with you and your mother, that would have been great fun! Until we speak again, be well and enjoy the rest of your Summer and thank you for sharing your little slice of paradise with us!!! Please extend our love to all in Costa Rica, we certainly hope that you also enjoyed a great visit back home ~   " - Linherr and All the Hollings, CT, 08/13/09( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Truly, we all enjoyed the most wonderful stay at your home!!! Casa Mirage was absolutely perfect J and everything you portrayed it to be and so much more! Marianela was a wonderful help with everything  . . . . she greeted us when we arrived and got us off and running with a plan of what to see and do.. . . . Kimberly was an angel(her children and momma too!) – always willing to do whatever we asked and her cooking . . . well you know better than anyone, we were blessed!!! Truly, we felt right at home. Casa Mirage was the most wonderful fit for our family – breathtaking setting, quite, peaceful and low keyed, long walks on the beach in the morning and late afternoon. The hammocks were a real hit – soooo relaxing! And of course, the children surfed all day! Rip Jack’s was also great for yoga and the local surf shop (your suggestion) – of course, right on the mark! Needless to say we are in withdrawal and sadly missing your beautiful sunsets, our great family dinners and Kimberly’s smile and magical disposition! Hopefully, we will be blessed with some time to make a return visit next year if you all will have us J! We were sorry not to overlapped with you and your mother, that would have been great fun! Until we speak again, be well and enjoy the rest of your Summer and thank you for sharing your little slice of paradise with us!!! Please extend our love to all in Costa Rica, we certainly hope that you also enjoyed a great visit back home ~   " - Linherr and All the Hollings, CT, 06/13/09( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Four families (20 people) rented Villa Olivia and Casa Mirage over Spring Break 2009. The houses were wonderful and all that we hoped they would be: close together, clean, well-stocked, safe, and sit directly on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach you'll ever find. We took in a zip line tour, horse back riding, snorkeling off a rented sailboat, surfing lessons, hiking by the volcano We did it all! Kimberly was a great cook for our large crowd. Corinne and Ian at Los Frijoles were fun party planners for our group. Great restaurants within walking distance or a short drive away. Fantastic weather. Muchas Gracias." - Judy Swift, Iowa City, Iowa, 03/27/09( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Location, location, location! We stayed at casa mirage for two weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. The booking process was easy as was the arrival. We were a few families so the house was big enough to offer every one enough space if they needed it and there was lots of common space. We just parked ourselves under the trees overlooking the beach and let the kids run around, perfect, everyone was happy!" - The Maybury and gang, Ontario/Canada, 03/03/09( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Wonderful place. Highly recommended. Nice house. Nice people. Extraordinary beach and setting. Paul" - Anonymous, Washington, D.C., 01/11/09( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"In Nov. '08, we had the pleasure of staying at Casa Mirage with a group of friends & it was everything we had hoped it would be. The house was comfortable & the beach was spectacular. We also went on some wild adventures with Jacamar Tours. Thanks, Dr. Lewis, for introducing us to Julie & finding us an incredible place to stay in Playa Grande." - Jan & Reilly Pollard, Goleta, Ca, 01/02/09( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Casa Mirage...another great trip to paradise! This is about our 5th trip to Costa Rica and every time it gets better. We really enjoyed our stay at Casa Mirage and the Playa Grande area. Three of us surfed everyday in front of the villa; the surf was excellent our entire stay [9 Days]. Highlight of the trip was watching a nest of leatherback turtles hatching and heading to the sea directly in front of the villa. Where else in the world can you see something like this? The calm and beauty of sunrise in the morning enjoying a cup of Costa Rican coffee and the beautiful sunsets in the evening...Pura Vida! Dinners were great and highly recommended at Kiki's, Rip Jack's & Bula Bula. Tatiana at Frijoles Locos was very helpful in setting up our horseback riding & fishing with Capt. Randy Wilson on Talking Fish. Capt. Randy is a great host, the fishing was excellent...we caught plenty of dinner. Thank you very much Julie, we had a great time and look forward to returning. Steve, Karen, Miranda & Justin " - Steve Garcia, Kemah, TX, 06/30/08( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Thanks for everything. It was a great trip. We are already 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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"3/1/08 My 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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Thank you! What a lovely place to refresh the body and renew the spirit. Pura Vida." - Smiths, South Carolina & Edmonton Alberta, 02/02/06( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"This place is Magical. Pura Vida, Baby!" - The Midtown Crew, Memphis, TN, 07/07/05( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"We Came, We Saw, We Surfed. Witches Rock is like a Cartoon!" - Scott, Todd, Jeff, , San Diego, Ca, 05/30/04( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"I couldn't think of a better place to be on my birthday... Thank you! Gracias!" - Christine and J.J., , 04/18/04( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"Friends, waves, Imperial cerveza, saving leatherback turtles. All in a days vacation..." - , 03/21/04( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"I fricken love this place! Pura Vida ( I don't know what it means)." - , 02/20/04( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"I just wanted to say that I came here for 6 days and it has been 3 weeks. Pura Vida." - Jeff, , 06/13/03( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)

"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( HomeAwayConnect Guestbook Entry)