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THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

Photo gallery for THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

Outdoor pool
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Sun loungers, beach towels

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

Quinta Colina Paula sets itself apart from any other rental property in Atenas. This well maintained and gorgeous 20 acre estate is located in an excellent residential area named Barrio Mercedes. It is only a 25 minute drive away from the San Jose airport (SJO) and 4 minutes from the center of quaint Atenas with all the amenities and services. It is conveniently located near many tourist attractions. Yet you are welcomed to a grand tropical paradise. Be ready to be amazed as soon as you arrive to the gate of this estate. You will enter past tropical plants and trees, past the caretakers Meylin and Manuel's house, lovingly painted by the talented artist Eighi, down to the first river with protected native trees and up to the house. Not just any house. A home which has been lovingly and meticulously prepared for your arrival. This home was built in the typical and authentic Costa Rican style with native woods. It offers 3 wrap around porches with very different views: the mountain and volcano range, the tropical garden and the secluded, enchanting pool area. Ample comfortable seating and hammocks will make your choice as to where to hang out and take in these breathtaking views very difficult. No effort nor expense was spared to create a home away from home. With an open living plan, well stocked kitchen, beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, TV area and dining spaces, you will be able to kick back and enjoy immediately.
We provide fresh organic eggs and fruit from the finca. For the nature lovers, you can take your daily walks up and down the property where you will spot a variety of native trees and rare tropical fruit trees, along with any kind of tropical plant you can imagine. Manuel can walk you down and into the river at the rear Bird lovers alert: at least 35 different species have been spotted here. Meylin will welcome you to the property and she is always available for any questions you may have.
For the yoga lovers, we added a yoga deck facing the volcano range.
We have several drivers available who can take you into town or on day trips. Should you need a well deserved massage or desire the luxury of a private chef, that too we can arrange.
We are an all organic property which respects all of the beauty Costa Rica has to offer. If you are planning a destination vacation or looking for a lovely landing pad during your travels, we assure you, you will not be disappointed. And if you are wondering why to choose Atenas as your destination, the answer is simple: Atenas is centrally located yet away from the busy touristy areas. Atenas offers absolutely anything one could need on a vacation. It is town
Come and visit Paradise at Quinta Colina where you can live the Pura Vida.







Property manager

TONIA

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Paper towels
  • Blender

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Video library
  • Stereo
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Printer
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevators
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 1 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping
  • Safe
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Farming classes
  • Swimming nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Composting
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Unit size: 2500 sq ft (232 sq m)

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

THE GEM OF Atenas Tropical Paradise Retreat
A GEM IN Atenas! Tropical Paradise Awaiting YOU
UNIQUE IN ATENAS GORGEOUS HOME IN TROPICAL PARADISE

About the neighborhood

Map
Atenas, Alajuela

What's nearby

  • Palmares Church - 22 min drive
  • Parque Viva - 25 min drive
  • Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center - 32 min drive
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 32 min drive
  • City Mall - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • San Antonio de Belen Station - 34 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Parrillada Androvetto - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante y Chicharronera El Trapiche - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Hermanos Castillo - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪La Trilla de Vega - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Pizzeria La Finca - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE located?

Situated on a river, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Palmares Church, Minas Del Aguacate, and Aguacate Mines. Rock Bridge and Grecia Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 97 out of 101 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 101 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 101 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 101 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 101 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful surroundings
The home is beautiful, lovely furnished and the greenery surrounding us was amazing. The home is well equipped especially the kitchen and grill for outside entertaining. Sadly we did not use the inviting pool as it rained every day(end of the rainy season) should our travels take us back to Costa Rica, we would stay there again
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best rental property yet
This place is such an incredible spot. The place was amazing, tranquil, beautiful. It had so many small details that make a stay even better, fully stocked with every kitchen appliance and utensil, laundry detergent, clothes pins, bath salts and just so many little touches that made our stay even better. Tonia and Mark are so helpful and amazing hosts .
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Loendry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice house!
Nice amenities! Perfectly away but still close enough to everything. Both Manuel and his wife, who live in property are amazing. The highlight for me was the opportunity to have fresh eggs from the property chickens, truly amazing! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Getaway
Very lovely home in a beautiful part of Atenas. We loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Cadillac, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another tough day relaxing by the pool and exploring the property.
This was a repeat visit and it was even better than the first time. The property is wonderful, the house beautiful and the privacy exceptional. The kitchen has everything you will need. The grocery store is not far away. Only challenge is the driveway, typical Costa Rica steep. Love this place
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another 5-Star Vacation
This was our second time at the finca and, again, we had a wonderful time. The house is airy, including the addition of screens for the large entry doors on both sides. Pool is wonderful. Beds and baths are clean and spacious. The house is well off the street yet still within a few minutes of Atenas. Enjoyed meeting the owners. Can't wait to return.
Stayed 23 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfecto
The property was great, and the property managers were even better!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous setting
The house is even lovelier in person! Tall ceilings, totally updated, and a fully-equipped kitchen. We had coffee every morning on the porch, looking out across the landscape.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary Jane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pura Vida Perfect!
The long, winding driveway from the entrance at a main road takes you a world away from the busy town of Atenas. Beautifully landscaped and very private, Colina Paula is the best VRBO experience we’ve ever had. The home is extremely well provisioned, from kitchen appliances and laundry to plentiful, thick bath towels, beach towels, and comfy beds. Three porches, hammocks, and a pool offer multiple places to relax. We were awakened by tropical birdsong each morning and fell asleep to breezes rustling through the lush foliage at night.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic property
This was our third stay at this amazing property and each time we are more impressed. We have stayed at a lot of rental properties in Costa Rica over the years and this one is in the top 2. All the amenities,privacy, beautiful landscaping, excellent property managers and owner, it’s all here! We want to come back again... and again
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceeded Expectations
Beautiful home, very well-appointed, with incredible mountain breezes and plenty of privacy. Fully-equipped kitchen, open layout and porches on three sides provided the perfect spot for family and friends. “Gem of Atenas” is a very appropriate moniker.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxine W., Lahmansville, WV USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful private home
We have rented homes in Costa Rica many times and this was definitely one of our favorites. We hope to return here sometime if it’s available when we need it. We loved the privacy, the landscaping, the outdoor seating and many other things. It’s a very beautiful place. Thanks for sharing it!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Leah B.

Excellent rental - one of our favorite stays ever
We loved our stay at Quinta Collina Paula. It is a beautiful and airy home with extensive tropical gardens. Everything about the home is inviting and comfortable. We had all that we needed and more. The weather in August was perfect, the little town of Atenas is charming with several good restaurants and it is easy to get around the area. Property managers Piet and Yvonne were also wonderful and so helpful. We hope to visit again and we thank you!

10/10 Excellent

marie-france g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
a perfect villa
A magnificent villa offering a splendid view of the mountains. an intimate garden surrounded by palm trees where it is good to swim and sunbathe. This is our second visit and enjoyed it even more Piet served us well with the first grocery which was already at the villa when we arrived and transport us to the airport. We enjoyed the gardener, his wife and the family very much. Warm, endearing, discreet and very helpful people. It was a perfect stay with lots of sunshine!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael L., Georgia usa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Visit from 9-28
Awesome property clean and comfortable. The view is amazing you can see a long way in any direction. Piet and Yvvon where wonderful hosts they know there way around and have lots of good information for you about everything. My wife and I had a wonderful experience; this was our first visit and won’t be the last. If your thinking about visiting here you will love this safe clean property. Pura Vita
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gloria W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Week
The place looked exactly like it did in the pictures. It was a wonderful week away and Piet was always quick to respond during the stay. The airport pick up and drop off was nice to make arriving and leaving the finca smooth. Piet and Yvonne were very helpful in planning and booking different activities for us to do each day and providing meals to be delivered to the house if we wanted. Overall it was a wonderful finca with beautiful views everywhere.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Orlando B., Pompton plains New Jersey

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A place to relax
My family and I we just spent 17 days in Costa Rica in this wonderful property when every morning by around 5:30 in the morning you can hear the birds you can hear roosters So that means time to get up do some exercises drink some Costa Rican coffee and start your day exploring Costa Rica Also I have to thanks Emilio property keeper for all his help
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kris S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay.
Beautiful property, attentive care from management, terrific options and amenities, as well as extra conveniences. You will not be disappointed. The grounds and home are very well maintained. Any issues that arose were tended to immediately and with just the right amount of management. The home has everything you need and is within close proximity to the market and other local conveniences. Very safe and picturesque area within driving distance to just about anywhere you'd want to go. Thank you for a wonderful stay. We'll be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Will be back!!
Our entire time at Colina Paula was absolutely amazing!! Atenas really does have the BEST climate in Costa Rica and we love the “rainy” season! The home is everything you could want or need our family of 5 made wonderful memories and look forward to our next visit! We had a week before on the ocean so it was okay it was an hour drive to the ocean! Piet and Yvonne the property managers were so helpful in booking our excursions and made great recommendations!! The coffee tour was one of our favourites as well as the zip lining! Thank you so much for providing a wonderful family escape!!! Sincerely, The Haglund Family
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jim H., Gig Harbor, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Atenas
Beautiful property. Everything went smooth. Piet picked us from the airport and arranged a rental car. Yvonne brought us delicious dinner- 4 casadas. Manuel and Meilen kept the grounds kept and house clean. They brought us huevos a few times. The house is great and well stocked. Only thing is you cant close the top windows with screens. They are great for air circulation, but it would be nice to close them for sounds at night. Pool is nice and clean. Overall, stay was great. Thanks and good luck!
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brandon A., Pennsylvania/USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquil piece of paradise
This property is close to town for convenience, but being situated on 20 acres its also very peaceful. The house has everything you need (dishes, pots/pans, lots of towels, etc.) and is very well maintained. The property managers, Piet & Yvon, are extremely helpful and kind. They made sure we had everything and were just a phone call away if we needed anything or had a question. We will be booking this home again in the near future. We stayed during the rainy season and it was delightful. Sunny and beautiful every morning, with thunderstorms in the afternoon, which only lasted a couple of hours, giving way to cool, calm evenings. Thanks for everything Piet & Yvon. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Pura Vida, Brandon & Daniela
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All the conveniences of home
Tonia’s house is a home therefore offers more than your normal rental. Kitchen has everything you need including spices. We lived here for 6 weeks in 2023, very easy to do. Most rentals are difficult to live in long term. Manuel & Mylene are wonderful people who live on the property with their 2 daughters and make sure your stay is perfect. Piet & Yvonne are amazing as the property managers, helping us book excursions or helping us when something in the house goes wrong. The house is secluded on the 18 acres however it is in the Mercedes neighborhood with all the sounds you would expect: roosters, vehicles without mufflers, horses, barking dogs, cows, etc. You will love your time living here.
Stayed 18 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hayley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful week away
My family had a wonderful time staying at this property. The property managers were great about helping us with taxis, tours, covid testing, etc. We bothered them every day with questions, and they would always get back with us right away. The groundskeeper and his wife were very sweet. They gave us eggs and let us into the orchard to pick oranges and were always available. The place is beautiful...lovely views and a constant breeze, perfect pool that kept the kids entertained all day, wonderful landscaping, I could go on...kids loved walking the driveway and passing cows, creek, chickens with their chicks, orchards, and beautiful flowering plants. Everyone we met was very nice, including all the locals. We always felt safe. We would definitely recommend this property to anyone wanting gorgeous views, great weather, a place to explore, a central location, and helpful property managers and groundskeepers. :)
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charity G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceeded our expectations!
What an incredible experience we had while staying here! The home is so clean & beautiful. The patio/pool areas are so spacious & comfortable. (What views!) We loved bird-watching poolside each morning. Piet & Yvonne were extremely professional & helpful - providing communication throughout our planning of the trip, as well as throughout our stay. They provided early-morning airport rides, delicious meals delivered to us, personalized touring, & traveling advice. Emilio & Albertina kept the home & grounds very clean. Emilio quickly communicated with Piet when the gate had refused to open electronically one evening. Emilio opened it manually for us, & it was fixed by morning. Tonia has considerately placed every comfort of home in the quinta - from kitchen utensils to beach towels to extra blankets & comfy pillows. . . There was even a sweet “welcome” treat. We felt safe here (taxied to town & walked to dinner at Guanacaste one night), & the home is set apart from the main road so as to separate you from traffic noise (but not the roosters; part of the Costa Rican experience). We didn’t mind waking to the crows though as early morning is when the birds are feeding - as the sun rises. We hope to visit Costa Rica again & would love to repeat our stay here as it’s a sweet mix between the feeling of “home” & a resort stay (beautiful architecture, foliage, wildlife, amenities). A huge thank you to your whole team for making this a dream family vacation for us!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mindi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Paradise
Beautiful & relaxing with the ideal location and wonderful managers! My husband, daughter (17) and I stayed here very comfortably with our 2 friends for a week and had an amazing 1st trip to Costa Rica. Piet and Yvonne were so helpful. We used the airport transportation and grocery service which is well worth the price. Yvonne brought a delicious Costa Rican dinner our first night which we ate poolside watching the birds and a beautiful pink sunset. The pool is good sized and was quite refreshing after morning hikes. The property is breathtaking with many tropical birds and hummingbirds. A toucan greeted us during our first swim. They arranged for a wonderful guide at Carara National Park, a a Mangrove Boat Tour where we saw a sloth with her baby, many monkeys, lizards, and even more birds. We stopped at a beach Piet recommended to picnic after the boat tour and saw scarlet macaws fly overhead. The coffee tour they arranged was so much fun for all of us (I’m not even a coffee drinker) and the hospitality and delicious lunch we had with Tia Cecelia was a highlight of our trip. We were a little concerned about the lack of air conditioning but those concerns were unfounded. There was a breeze every day, the ceiling fans were wonderful, and we could always dip in the pool. We all used the hammocks and enjoyed a couple of days relaxing at the property. It was convenient to go into Atenas for groceries or a restaurant, but we had everything we needed and prepare many meals in the kitchen or on the grill. We did rent a car and there are steep grades to get to the house as well as walking around the property. Overall this is an amazing oasis near the city of Atenas and centrally located to access a variety of places easily. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021