 "We had an absolutely wonderful time at Villa Olivia! We really felt lucky to stumble on the 'find' that we did! Marianela was helpful as was Kimberly. We really had a great time stumbling through Spanish to get to know Kimberly, Jeffrey, and Bernardo a bit more. They were all so willing to help. We're looking forward to scheduling another trip back...especially because we'll want to see how the new granite will look in the kitchen, haha! Thanks again, and it was a pleasure working with you! " - Terra, Virginia, 10/12/08
"I booked Villa Olivia for 4 adult couples who have raved about how glorious the place and the stay were.Only negeative was that I had emailed a provisions list to Marianela who confirmed receipt and that those items would be awaiting their arrival. No provisions were there.Other comments: They had a cook for one evening...Great meal!Many terrific restaurants close to the villa. Best beach ever!" - Anonymous, Stockbridge MA, 04/28/08
"We absolutely loved our stay at Villa Olivia. This was the most relaxing part of our whole trip. We were just our family with three kids ages 11, 4, & 2. It was great time to reconnect, relax and rejuvenate ourselves. The kids had a blast building sand castles, catching hermit crabs, and collecting sea shells. This was total freedom, we felt like we had our own private beach! The thundering sounds of the waves was awesome yet soothing! We will definately be back some day! I can't forget to mention that the staff are truly wonderful people." - Michele Dallaire, Plamondon, Alberta, Canada, 04/22/08
"We had a blast. If we don't buy the house down the street, we'll be back! ;)" - Phil & Shana Buckman, Malibu, CA, 04/09/08
"We had 3 families traveling together (VanDerripe, Bunnell, Eddy), party of 11 including 3 young children (3-5 yrs.). We stayed at Villa Olivia. We had good waves and weather everyday. We surfed the main peak down by The Rip Jack, as well as the rock formation out front. We tried most of the local restaurants in Playa Grande, we frequented Kike's the most as it had the best local Costa Rican cuisine(breakfast and dinner) with the best local pricing. We also liked the new Sushi Bar owned by hosts Andrew and Tamarra. We also enjoyed MarBar for lunch and a swim in the pool. You simply can't beat the location and the sunrise and sunsets we're magical. Plenty of monkey's if you search for them, saw several crocs in the estuary on the water taxi to Tamarindo. The Villa Olivia staff took care of everything to make our stay very pleasant and relaxing. Had plenty of hammock time, good times with great friends, and an overall great family vacation. Thanks," - Scott VanDerripe, Huntington Beach, California, 04/07/08
 "We had a wonderful week in Playa Grande staying at Villa Olivia. We were so comfortable and it was amazing to walk out the front door and be right at home on the beach. We so enjoyed relaxing in the hammocks and sitting on the front porch rocking to the sounds of the waves. We were there on an adult family vacation and it was fun to share our time in your villa. We explored the coastline from Protrero to Tamarindo; sunning, walking the beaches,ATV riding, swimming, and eating in some amazing restaurants. Would recommend Outback Jack's in Brasilito followed by an afternoon at the Conchal beach. Rip Jack's was a favorite right down the road for breakfast, lunch, and dinners!! The ziplining at Witch's Rock was a thrilling experience for all of us across all ages! The riverboat ride on the Rincon followed by lunch was a great way to see some of the local country and amazing wildlife such as monkeys, crocidiles, and iquanas. Costa Rica is an unspoiled get away and the people are so friendly. Villa Olivia at Playa Grande is a special place with its openess to a remarkable beach and relaxing way of life. Thank you for a "true vacation"." - Linda Bates, Pomfret Center, CT, 03/03/08
"All seven of us had a great week. Plenty of room and privacy for all of us. Couldn't have been more relaxed. Weather was wonderful. Had fun on the Zip-Line. Be careful when swimming at high tide. The rip currents are very dangerous. The people were so friendly." - Cathy Reeves, Summerville, SC, 03/02/08
"We had a group of 10 adults and 11 children and had a wonderfull time. We all squeezed in and it was great! Definately recommend Shirley the cook. It was so nice to sit on the back porch and be able to watch the Dads surf and the kids play in the sand and warm ocean. So private! We also recommend the river boat/lunch/zip line canopy tour. We got 10 of the 11 kids on the zip line and they loved it - ages 3-9. We had a wonderful week and may make it annual!! We did get some bug bites, but not too bad." - Cara Chiarappa, Santa Barbara, CA |, 02/19/08
"This was probably the best vacation ever for most of the 11 people in our group. Pros: Great oceanfront area. The prepared food was amazing. The villa is located on a great spot. Great activities...Catamaran tour w/snorkeling /kayaking/open bar, Palo Verde River tour, Witches Rock Canopy Tour, Deep Sea Fishing, Boogie Boarding, full day at the Rincon de la Vieja, surf lessons, and massages. The night watchman made us feel safe. Cons: At night we couldn't spend too much time in the kitchen/living area because of the bugs and heat, but the studio was a great place to play games and hang out. We probably should have gotten a cell phone rental as there was no phone/internet at the villa for our use and we couldn't get a pay phone to work when we got lost. We hired a driver for the Rincon trip, but he took us to the wrong place at first and drove very very slowly." - Caroline, Irvine, CA, 01/15/08
"Julie,Thank you for a beautiful beach location we can not say enough about Playa Grande great for all ages. We were an extended family of 10 for a post Christmas break and everyone loved the location. The house works well would remember to book Shirley for everyday next time but she was great, everyone was very helpful. It was much more crowded on the beach than it is in April but your spot is nice and removed from the crowds a definite plus! The waves were great and as always the people of Costa Rica wonderful. We had great weather, great meals and just an all around great time. Thanks again to all that help you make this lovely vacation spot work!Sincerly,The Campbells and Smiths" - Whitney Campbell, Summit NJ, 01/04/08
 "I have stayed in both Villas several times and can only say "This is Truly Paradise"...thank you for such a wonderful, relaxing holiday. I recommend this for a family holiday or a very special intimate occasion. Pam Geremia, Santa Barbara, California" - Pamela Geremia, Santa Barbara, California, 11/12/07
"We stayed in Julie's Playa Grande beach house in a party of 9 in June 2007. The house is large and spacious with a well equipped kitchen and great views. The beach was almost totally our own private beach. We loved eating in the outdoor dining room as a family. I would not hesitate to recommend a stay here." - Stotz Family, Atlanta, GA, 06/08/07
"Beautiful house with private surf spot right out front and no crowds! Look for high tide at Playa Grande and off-shore winds for great surf conditions. Take a walk north to the tide pools and black sand beaches. Very convenient house. Shirley did a great job cooking breakfasts and cleaning every morning. Highly recommend it! House is filled with tons of amenities." - Roman, San Diego, CA, 03/08/07
"to Julie gordon and Villa Olivia,We all want to let you know that our stay at Villa Oliva has been more than comfortable and great.We have great pictures of the house and we all wish to be able to spend some more time at Playa Grande on our next vacations,thanks for everything and we will keep in contact with you." - claudia recondo and guests from a, buenos aires, 03/06/07
"This is a wonderful spot for a romantic getaway or relaxing family vacation. The staff are accommodating; the owners over-the-top with making you comfortable, and they are a wealth of information about the region and the culture." - Dianne Gateley, Santa Barbara, CA, 01/11/07
 "Loved the view! Fun house, great beach, hot days. Good fish. Remember the boogie boards cost money. Surfing great but only at high tide. Best when off shore breeze. Great sleeping hammock. Take a nap!" - Trandals, Parentis, Steams, , 12/15/06
"We came, we saw the magic of the tortuga laying her eggs and created some incredible music here. Look us up in San Francisco or online at mokaimusicdotcom. May you respect the tortuga and enjoy your life here." - CC, San Francisco, CA, 12/08/06
"I can't say enough about our beautiful stay at Villa Olivia. From the gorgeous location to the relaxed no pressure environment.The staff was able to direct us to everything we were interested in doing;from zip lining through the jungle to getting a relaxing massage at the villa.Everything was perfect.There are no words to describe the utter beauty of Playa Grande the professional staff at Villa Olivia and the friendly generous hospitality of the Costa Ricans.Between the stunning beach and ocean, brilliant sunsets and abundant animal life it's impossible to choose a favorite thing. It was all a dream vacation.I recommend Villa Olivia 100%. Cant wait to return.!!!Cheers,Laura Rosales" - Laura Rosales, California, 11/28/06
"Wonderful beach, beautiful place to stay and the Owners are the greatest people in the world." - Suzanne Schmutz, Oakland, CA, 11/27/06
"Our stay at Villa Olivia was one of the most memorable and relaxing vacations I have ever experienced. (This comes from one who lived and vacationed in Asia for 26 years--Bali, Phuket, Penang-- all in the days before tourism with a capital T arrived to over-populate and commercialize these pristine places.) The staff was helpful, engaging and personable! Costa Rica is an ecological gem--I hope to explore more of its interior on future visits. VO provides an easy launching ground to other adventures and a soothing landing place at the end of each day. Our stay was so terrific, I want to book for 2 weeks next November!! Thank you, Julie, Marianella, Shirley and Agustine" - Susan Oliver, CA, 11/20/06
 "We don't want to go home! Thank you to Shirley and Juan Carlos for taking us out into the depths of Costa Rica to go dancing. We had the most amazing time here. So sad to leave! Thank you for a wonderful escape. Seguro que vamos a volver." - Laura and Kelly, , 11/15/06
"I sit in the sun of our lst early early morning at this beautiful, friendly, relaxing oasis knowing I haven't felt so peaceful and content in a while. We have enjoyed the adventures (zipping across the canopy), the sun, the terrific helpfulness of Marianela, the "anti-bandito" watchfulness of Agostine and the delicious dinner cooked by Shirley. What a wonderful "family"...and extended fammily-Juan Carlos, Jean-Pierre, Michele y Mairia. Thank you Gordon's for your generous gift to the Council on Drug and Alcoholism. I am so glad I won the bid." - Susan, California, 11/11/06
"14 +2 babies. Enjoyed the views! Guys enjoyed great surf right out front and Witches and Ollies. Great family fun, even with the big ants and crabs, the beauty!. You must have Shirley cook "awesome food."" - Big Group from S. California, , 07/02/06
"This place was wonderful!! PURA VIDA! Even with a group of 14, we were able to enjoy ourselves and loved every moment of it. We surfed, swam, body surfed, got tan (and burnt), saw beautiful sunsets and sunrises. This house was great because of the location. Not having any access to TV, telephones or internet truly makes you relax and enjoy the time you have here. We were sad to leave but anxious for our next adventure. Enjoy yourself and relax!" - Colasardo and Morrison Crew, Mammoth Lakes, CA and Aukland, NZ, 07/01/06
"Thank you for sharing this paradise with us. Well worth the trek from New Zealand! A wonderful base for sharing fun, quality time with our family from the USA an Canada. We have all had such a great time. Thanks again for assisting with our once in a lifetime experience." - Cairn's, Auckland, New Zealand, 06/22/06
 "Wow is all I can say. This trip has practically change me completely. None of thse bad city things (TV, Computer, and what not). So great a totally different experience, so great. I really can't express the amazing fun I think we all had here. Those crabs are hilarious and everywhere. We found one in the cutlery drawer. Such a great experience, priceless, amazing sunset/sunrise. Get on top of the rock for a great view of the sunsets. Pura Vida- translates Pure Life. Pretty crazy riptide." - Sasha, , 06/16/06
"We surfed, we played poker, we saw beautiful sunsets, we became a tight knit group which we were not before. We came here through the people who came here after us. We can only wish the same happiness will come to them as well. " - The Long Island Crew, , 01/27/06
"Arrived and found the best thing to do was nothing. Relaxed, swam, surfed, walked, connected. The Pura Vida was wonderful! Staff and guard were tops (make sure you have fresca for the guard). Tamarindo was a let down. No worries, Playa Grande was where we had the best time. Surf was good on all days but one. Weather even in green season was fine, rained one day and most nights. Very safe, keep doors closed at nights- attack of the crabs." - Mark, Gary, Kara, JT, Margaret, LA and Colorado, 09/16/05
"We loved Villa Olivia! Great house, Great beach, Adventurous roads!" - Gaston's, Leon's and Lopez's, , 08/24/05
"Awesome time! Rest and relaxation. leave your cares behind, curl up on a hammock and read a good book. Exercise a little with the surf-Wow those waves are tough. Enjoy the food. RipJack and Bula Bula my favorite resturants, oh, but the pizza at the Spanish Resturant was awesome! Get a milkshake at Hotel Las Tortugas, the Canopy tour at Witch's Rock was awesome! Walk to the black sand beach- Only at low tide. Wake up early and enjoy the sun. Loved Costa Rica! Amen." - Morgan's, Myrtle Beach, SC, 07/19/05
 "TRIP OF A LIFETIME!! had the greatest time ever, fishing for tuna, surfing, canopy tours. Best 10 days of my life!!! P.S. Watch the crabs!" - Luke Morgan, South Wales, United Kingdom, 07/13/05
"We had an absolutely fabulous time here at the Villa Olivia. The great surf, the sun, the flora and fauna were incredible. All eleven of us love this place! Sun in the day and the fantastic lightening storms at night. The perfect setting when spending time with family. Pura Vida! Thanks a bunch and as the say in Memphis-Thanks Ya'll." - Page's, Memphis, TN, 07/01/05
"Great Place! Great House! Love the People! Had a great time my family loved this place. However somebody tried to get into our place. Love Costa Rica." - , Newport Beach, CA, 06/16/05
"We had a wonderful time 14 of us. The houses are great for large groups. We have a lot of memories. Our daughter and son-in-law celebrated their honeymoon with us. We celebrated our 50th birthdays. Would love to come back to Villa Olivia." - Dennis and Sharnay, Las Vegas, NV, 05/02/05
"Warm waters, relaxing days, and great service. Pura Vida!! A wonderful experience for a first time traveler. Tico's have been great for this gringo with very little spanish. Many thanks to my brother-in-law for making it all possible. P.S. Very different from our dry heat." - Brenda and Larry Willis, Camp Verde, AZ, 05/01/05
 "No words can describe the beauty of this place. It not only for the young, because it is so relaxing anyone can enjoy it. The warm waters, clean house, sea shells and great food. We have experienced a lifetimeof memories to take home. "Thanks" Villa Olivia For The Best!" - Bill and Mary Miller, Camp Verde, AZ, 05/01/05
"We had an AWESOME TIME!! We loved it. It is so beautiful. What a great start to a great marriage." - Lolli's, Phoenix, AZ, 04/30/05
"We had a great time. Thank you for the very nice house and service. Would love to come back sometime." - Ken & Justin Dodson, San Marcos, CA, 04/01/05
"This place is amazing. I had the best vacation here in Costa Rica. The house was beautiful. To get away from everything in the states and just relax was all I wanted. i got that and much more. The Ticos are great and made this experience even better. I go to spend 6 days with my amazing boyfreind and his great family. I can't believe that it is already time fo me to leave. I know that I will be back very soon. Costa Rica is amazing! To the next guests, relax, enjoy yourselves and make sure you stop the German Bakery truck that drives by. It is excellent! Pura Vida!" - Lyndsey Black, , 03/30/05
"This place is great. Hammocks, swimming, fishing, surfing, and doing other things. The best, I had an awesome time. P.S. watch the riptide. Thanks for a great time!" - Rickard's, , 03/25/05
 "Pura Vida, Pura Vida, Pura Vida. Playa Grande was amazing, I saw the potential of the waves here and how hollow the barrels can be. I couldn't believe that we rented this mansion on the beautiful land. Even though we got skunked fishing in the surf, thes was the best trip ever. No TV, no cells, no news, what more could you ask for, its all about the simple things down here, and we got it. It's great when you realize that all the superficial jargon in the states is a waste of time and money. It's all about the company down here and it's a beautiful thing when you are surrounded by the people you love and care for. The waves better be pumping the next time or I'll be spearfishing by ass off. I love the Ticos and their Tico-style and to all who visit, keep it mellow and don't be ignorant. Aloha." - Josh Wills, Hawaii, 03/23/05
"We had one of the best Spring Break trips ever. We surfed and enjoyed long naps in the hammocks. Downtown Tamarindo wa fun on St. Patrick's day. It will definitely be tough to go back to the Naval Academy. It is impossible to show our full appreciation that we have to the families that took us in." - Ramsey's, , 03/15/05
"Villa Olivia- Talk about a memorable experience! We absolutely loved the house, the hammocks, the candles, the view of the ocean. It was great to come home to!! KiKe's was awesome, the people here are so friendly- Ticos are great. Thanks so much for such an amazing time and your generosity. This trip exceeded all my expectations. There have been so many experiences that I lived through for the first time. The house was amazing, beach spectacular, the vistas breathtaking. Pura Vida." - , Billings, MT, 03/06/05
"We have to admit that driving from Liberia and encountering that nice dirt road (yeah right!) we were a bit apprehensive about the place. It turned out to be paradise. Thanks to the staff who showed us how to BBQ. You guys made us love Costa Rica." - Frenette's, , 02/07/05
"What a spectacular place and country. So beautiful! Thank you." - Tucker's, , 12/01/04
 "What a blessing we have received to behold God's creation to be with family and friends and share this beautiful home this land of Costa Rica. We thank the Lord Jesus "Our Great Shepherd" for this time of rest. We bless those who have served us and the rest of you! May this land of Costa Rica be blessed and fulfill her destiny to the Lord." - Benik's, , 07/23/04
"What a blessing we have received to behold God's creation to be with family and friends and share this beautiful home this land of Costa Rica. We thank the Lord Jesus "Our Great Shepherd" for this time of rest. We bless those who have served us and the rest of you! May this land of Costa Rica be blessed and fulfill her destiny to the Lord." - Benik's, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 07/23/04
"Last night I sat on the beach and saw a shooting star under a different sky. To be blessed with such an opportunity is one that is all of our's. for all others that read this, respect this house and this beach. You have provided us with memories for a lifetime. Thanks again." - Andy, Encinitas, CA, 07/13/04
"We came to find a litte rest, a little getaway... We found paradise! The beauty, love and spirit we discovered have been inspirational for all of us. Thank goodness for Villa Olivia, the wonderful snapshots are in my head forever." - Sherry, San Francisco, CA, 05/15/04
"What can I say other than, "I cant go home." The booze cruise, the sunsets, the beach, the waves, the laughter...good, good times! This vacation as one may call it turned into a portal into another way of life... Costa Rica feels like home away from home! Thank you for your generosity of spirit and showing us the best time." - Poroshat, , 05/06/04
"Villa Olivia...No words can describe the fun, beauty, and great time had here in Costa Rica. The beauty of crawling out of bed and walking on the beach...Can it get any better than this? Removing myself from the rat race we call LA, I can't think of a more relaxing, fun, and beautiful spot in the world to be. It will be in my memories for years to come." - Alisha, Los Angeles, 05/05/04
"Thanks for the great place to stay. WE have been traveling around Costa Rica for a week looking for good surf. so fat this has been our most memorable. The surfing has been poor but the beauty has made up for it." - Trevor and Sandy, La Jolla, California, 12/31/03
"Had an awesome time. Beatiful weather at a beautiful place. Couldn't have asked for a better stay. Thank you!" - The Roger's, , 12/22/03
"No old girl ever had a better birthday than I did here. We all think Villa Olivia is the world's nicest place and we all want to come back and we congratulate all the people who created this." - Matthew's and Wanning's, San Rafael, CA, 06/06/03
"We love Villa Olivia. Great fun in the sun for all. We will be back!" - Dinaberg's, Chapman's, McCormicks, Californi, 01/24/03
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