“An awesome, peaceful hideaway!” I discovered Finca Paraiso at B&B.com; and made reservations for Oct 2011. I usually rent a vehicle so the drive of about 30 minutes was not only interesting but exciting as well. The roads in CR are not well marked and are somewhat bumpy with a fair share of potholes. For the directionally challenged, the innkeeper might consider meeting the guests at the airport as an escort or taxi. On arrival, I was overwhelmed by the inspiring beauty of the property. The views are stunning. The grounds are superbly manicured and provide vast space for exploring and enjoying the peace and solitude of nature. There were hundreds of different plants, flowers, and trees. There is even a trout pond with waterfall. And, there is a mountain stream with many waterfalls that can be traversed. The inn has an indoor heated pool with a steam room too! As if all this isn't enough, my jaw dropped when I entered the suite. It was a villa with the space of three hotel rooms. The refrigerator was stocked with juice, bread, cheese, jam/jelly, and other foods. There was a fine bottle of wine as a welcome gift. It included a fireplace, living area, whirlpool tub, oversized queen bed, ample closet space and a bathroom with a large shower. There was television with DVD and cable service. Wired internet was also a feature. The room included a terrace with a table for enjoying meals outdoors. But the best part were the windows that surrounded the suite affording beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. I enjoyed time soaking in the quiet which allowed precious rejuvenation, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The innkeeper and his wife were very helpful in suggesting places to go and also in providing directions. They also provide a complimentary dinner of rainbow trout from the pond. A very delicious meal. I highly recommend Finca Paraiso. It will be my getaway of choice when visiting CR in the future. Pura Vida!

“My 2nd stay and I plan my 3rd trip again soon!!!” This was my second visit to Guanaja Caribbean Cottages and I can't wait to go back again. The cottage is adorable and having top quality towels & linens are a real plus. I also appreciate the pillow top queen size bed, most places in the islands only have a mattress on a bare board! Having a full kitchen is nice, but I didn't need it, I ate all my meals ate the resort. This time I was more adventurous. Kay, the owner, took me on a hike to an amazing waterfall close to the resort. We had it all to ourselves, well a pup followed us up & that added to the island charm. We sat by the pool of the waterfall for most of the afternoon, then stopped at Bo's place for a cool drink before heading back to the cottage. I snorkeled the reef the last time I was there, but this time Kay took me on a snorkel tour to the drop off. I saw an amazing variety of sea life, including nurse sharks. Kay said 95% of all Caribbean sea life can be found at Guanaja. I also enjoyed the snorkel tour to Red Hill, it was a coral garden, also beautiful and like swimming in an aquarium. The coral & fish at the coral garden are different than the sea life on the reef, except I did see a nurse shark both places. The octopus was also amazing & the giant green moray eel. I also had a tour of the local fishing village, Mangrove Bight. The people are very friendly and the village is like visiting the old Caribbean. I loved the variety of meals- crab, lobster, lamb, and local cuisine that I had never had before. The dinners are four course and I was stuffed after dinner. The deserts that really stood out for me was the creme brulee, pineapple flambe and flan. Even the soups & salads were special. Kay makes a green papaya salad that is so good, it had fresh mango and pineapple in it and a local cheese with a homemade pineapple vinegerette. The food was one of the highlights of the trip.

“Your dreams come true at Tropical paradise Casa Malinche El Rema” We had an unforgettable time at Casa Malinche, El Remanso Bay. This was a truly get-away experience, with no cell phone and internet, only the wild chocoyos (parakeets)and parrots waking us up in the morning and opening the bedrooms balcony doors to breath taking views of El Remanso (El Sucio) Bay below. We spotted whales surfacing one early morning from our balcony. Beginner surfers, mostly foreigners (European and North american), came to El Remaso since early morning to take advantage of the forgiving waves. We traveled with my two children and another family. We were able to rent surf boards at the beach for $10 per day! and instructors to both my kids - my children were able to stand up on their boards and ride the waves almost like pros. Pleasant crystalline, light turquoise waters above 80 degrees F. and mild waves coming ashore (so the name Remanso). San Juan del Sur is just 20 minutes away by car (no need for 4WD) to re-stock or to check on e-mails. We took a boat ride to neighboring Playa Blanca, a private beach only accessible by boat. The views of the Pacific shoreline are unbelievable! Saving the best for last, Casa Malinche is a rustic wood log-framed house with wood siding, founded on pylons. Very comfortable and spacious, open architectural layout. All bedroom windows are screened, so sleeping with windows open listening to the night sounds of waves crashing below and the night fauna is a truly wild experience. Up on the hill the breeze is very refreshing, so we did not have issues with insects. The house comes with all linens and towels, kitchen appliances etc. etc. You only need to bring yourself and your family. Also, be prepared for a good workout to climb stairs to the sleeping quarters and to get to the beach, although the beach is accessible by vehicle if desired. Live-in house keepers are friendly and helpful if you need directions. They are not intrusive with guests. Highly recommended for true adventurer and nature minded!

“I enjoyed the authentic decor and atmosphere as well as having a” It was good to have clean facilities to prepare breakfast and some other meals. I also enjoyed having Costa Rican coffee in the morning on the patio. The landscaping and bird sounds were pleasant Having the end unit was more private as well. This was a first trip to Costa Rica and a good beginning

“AMAZING!!” Me and my boyfriend stayed here for a few days in October and it was absolutely amazing! The location was the absolute best! Right on the beach and the people in Placencia are the nicest people you will meet! We needed a place short notice and Kay was very quick in replying to our request for a reservation! I wish we could have met Kay while were staying there, but Carolyn took great care of us! We cannot wait to get back here for another vacation and one day permanently! We fell in love with this small and homey village and home to call it home one day! Thank you Kay for having a wonderful piece of property and for letting us stay! I've already started recommending your place to friends and family to check out!

“Beautiful private retreat, clean and simple with stunning mounta” I've stayed here several times, and each time have had a remarkably peaceful and comfortable experience. This is the real Costa Rica, in a prime location just above the Nosara River. As close to beaches and restaurants as you'd want to be (about 20 min.) yet in such a natural setting, this is where I go to renew myself. (Not sure if the owner mentions it, but it's on a gated private driveway with a carport, and the grounds are beautifully maintained).

“Honeymoon in Dreamsicle” My husband and I stayed at Maya Beach Hotel in the Lower Dreamsicle House for our Honeymoon in May. Our experience with Maya Beach Hotel and the staff was outstanding. Our "house" was clean, and private, with beautiful views of the ocean and just steps away from the restaurant. It was so nice to sit on the lower porch and enjoy our coffee and breakfast each morning, and enjoy a cool beverage while sitting on the beach with our feet keeping us cool in the ocean waves. When we wanted to explore the area or take adventures, Ellen and her staff were so helpful and knowledgeable. Martin was always willing to give us our options for activities and help us coordinate our adventures. Without their help and recommendations, we wouldn't have been able to experience the local favorite hot spots or organize our adventures with ease. It was so nice that they coordinated someone to pick us up and drop us off at the airport for our arrival and departure. You can tell they really enjoy what they do, and their passion is unmatched. When we come back to Belize we will definitely stay at Maya Beach Hotel and we recommend it to anyone looking for a beach front relaxing vacation!