| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 44 positive, 0 negative]
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| 08/14/09 |
Positive
|
| We rented the whole compound to celebrate birthdays with a large group of friends and it couldn't have been more perfect! All the houses (Pajaro, Mikayla, Rana Verde) were absolutely beautiful. We enjoyed relaxing, playing games and dining together in the palapa after eating several meals that Lucia cooked for us, there's just nothing like eating a freshly made tortilla seconds after it's been pressed! The pools were a nice break from the sandy beaches, but the beach was so easy to get to that we went every day, several times a day. And it was so convenient to walk to town for breakfast and surfing. When I go back to Sayulita, I will for sure be staying at the Villas Rana Verde again! Working with Barry to arrange everything was very smooth and professional. If you're reading this for advice - look no further Casa Rana Verde is where it's at! Have a great vacation!!! |
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Michelle, San Francisco, CA |
|
| 07/03/09 |
Positive
|
| Thank you Barry and Connie! Our family just spent an amazing 10 days at Rana Verde. Our room opened out to the private pool that has the perfect amount of shade and sun. It also is great for little and big swimmers! Our kids spent ALL day in the pool and were entirely happy! The upstairs palapa had beautiful views of the ocean and town of Sayulita. It was the perfect place to hang out, read, play cards and games and enjoy a meal. Lucia cooked for a large group of friends one night and it was the best authentic Mexican food we've ever had. We hope to be back next year! |
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Danielle, Scotts Valley CA
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|
| 04/30/09 |
Positive
|
We just had a large group stay at Casa Rana Verde, Pajaro and Mikayla. With out a doubt this was the most SPECTACULAR place in Sayulita!!
When we arrived at the airport we had two air conditioned suburbans pick us up with ice cold pacifico's in the cooler. Then when we arrived at our Casa's and we where completely blown away! Our little paradise in the jungle. Each casa was decorated beautifully all of the bedrooms unique and gorgeous. The views where incredible with a sunset that will leave you speechless.
I recommend having Lucia prepare your meals for you as well. We are all in the restaurant business and where blown away by her dishes. We had breakfast everyday but Sunday and dinner four of our seven nights. I recommend the chili rellenos.
The beach is just a two or three minute walk. They have portable beach chairs and umbrellas so you can set up your own area away from people.
The pools are great too. The main pool is surrounded by palm trees. If you get too hot you can swim to the shade of a palm tree. It was fantastic. Especially since all of us where pale faced gringos from a mountain town.
If you want to luxury and a peaceful stay this is the place.
We will definitely be back...
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Josie (Cafe Diva), Steamboat Springs, CO
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|
| 03/20/09 |
Positive
|
We loved our stay at casa rena
close to the beach and town
Lucia is the best cook in the mexico
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Lori henson, Minneapolis MN
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|
| 02/24/09 |
Positive
|
| Casa Rena Verde is THE BEST place to stay in Sayulita!!!! Beautiful views, 2 minute walk to the beach, chef's kitchen overlooking a huge, palapa covered open living space perfect for relaxing, napping, and watching the sunset. Barry and Connie have made Casa Rena Verde so comfortable and warm that you never want to leave. The gardener(Chuy)keeps the grounds pristine. Lucia and Dulce not only maintain the house to perfection, but they also cook delicious meals. I can't wait to return!! |
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Lisa Schultz, Oakland, California |
|
| 11/13/08 |
Positive
|
| Beautiful property with amazing views and a nice, relaxing, shaded pool. I have been all over Mexico and this place ranks right up there with the best of them. The beach is nice and relatively secluded. My family and I hope to return. Two thumbs up! |
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Drew Schutz, Denver, Co. |
|
| 09/09/08 |
Positive
|
| Our stay at Casa Randa Verde was great! Beautiful property, great views and very convenient. Loved it! |
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Emily, Birmingham, AL |
|
| 04/29/08 |
Positive
|
I would recommend Casa Rana Verde without
reservation. It is a small slice of heaven with views
and gardens so gorgeous that one is tempted never
to leave the property. Tranquil and well-
maintained, one of the most relaxing holidays I
have ever experienced. Thank you, Barry, and we
look forward to our next stay! |
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Lynne Varey, Seattle, WA
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|
| 01/08/08 |
Positive
|
We had a wonderful stay at Casa Rana Verde. Barry
and Connie were lovely hosts and Lucia is the best. It
is a fabulous house and we can't wait to come back! |
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Sherry Villanueva, Santa Barbara, CA
805-969-5167 |
|
| 01/01/08 |
Positive
|
| Together, Casas Pajaro and Rana Verde are great for a large family. Lovely spot, access to the beach is close, a nice short walk to the village, lots of bird life. Lucia is a wonderful cook. |
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John, Harpswell, Maine |
|
| 12/11/07 |
Positive
|
Casa Rana Verde and Casa Pajaro were great...we had a wonderful experience there! Thanks so much for creating such a beautiful place!
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John, Denver, Colorado |
|
| 09/10/07 |
Positive
|
| We recently visited Casa Rana Verde during the rainy season. The experience was wonderful. We loved how easy it was to get to property. We were even more excited about how AMAZING the property was. There was truly NO reason to leave the house. The grounds were Gorgeous and completely private. Lucia was an amazing cook!!! Barry and Connie were very helpful for suggestion and advice. It was an amazing trip! We will be back for sure! |
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Kim Kishi, San Diego
858-349-1360 |
|
| 07/17/07 |
Positive
|
| We just returned from our weeklong Sayalita adventure and words cannot explain how lovely the Casa Rana Verde property is! You simply MUST stay at this home if you plan on travelling to Sayalita. As you sit under the main living room palapa overlooking the ocean, all you can do is smile at your good fortune to be able to stay at this home. It is truly exceptional. The staff is so very helpful and kind. One of our favorite things was having Lucia cook for us! All we had to do was present ourselves at the designated dinner time, and we'd be in for a big treat! She is an incredible cook!!! The homemade tortillas were to die for! Israel is also a really nice guy and so very helpful for all your questions about the town..what to do, where to go, etc. One could go on and on about how amazing this place is~we absolutely recommend staying here if you have the opportunity to do so. We definitely plan on returning soon! |
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Tina & Z Haas, Santa Cruz, CA |
|
| 06/29/07 |
Positive
|
We had a wonderful stay at Rana Verde! The homes and grounds are beautiful, and Barry and Connie are great hosts about everything to do with Sayulita. No doubt we'll be back soon.
I think I can still taste the enchiladas and guacamole that the housekeeper Lucia made for us...and don't forget to check out the store in town. Only thing it's too bad they don't sell luggage, too. I think we bought enough to fill another suitcase!
Dan Wetmore & Kat Rakowsky, Omar & Kate (& Layla) Nazif
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Dan Wetmore, San Francisco, CA |
|
| 03/30/07 |
Positive
|
We were a group of 60 people in 7 different houses in Sayulita - Rana Verde was unanimoulsy and hands down rated the best house in the area.
The house is perfect to hang out with the larger crowd, yet large enough to do your own thing. The views are breathtaking, particularly during sunset.
A very pleasant experience overall. |
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Natalia Garcia, Hanover, NH |
|
| 11/17/06 |
Positive
|
| On our trips to Mexico we always stayed at full-service resorts. Not any more. O.K, that first night we were at a loss; we didn't know where to buy food, how to find the beach, or work the air conditioners. Next day, we discovered the path through the jungle to the ocean, and that night Lucia, who also does cleaning and laundry, prepared the kind of blow-away meal you can't believe until you taste it. Ever day, Alice, age three, spashed around in the wading-pool half of the swimming pool, while her mother worked out in the big pool. Oh, and shopping in town for food, authentic decorative items, even a latte, was easier than we thought--just one part of a terrific and satisfying adventure. |
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Murray Moulding, Evergreen, CO
303 670 9659 |
|
| 08/10/06 |
Positive
|
Wow! just got back from one of the nicest
vacations.Casa Rana Verde is the casa to stay at
when you are in sayulita. Breakfast out under the
palapa,while checking out the point break was an
added bonus. The house is everything it says it
is,great views,relaxing atmosphere,gardens,a
terrific pool,this is the place I will come back to
again and again, in short perfect. |
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david, sonoma,CA
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|
| 08/07/06 |
Positive
|
What a great place to stay at, the house was very
peaceful and relaxing. The views were also great. The
walk to town is not too far but far enough to walk off
some of the good food you will find in town. In short I
would recommend this place to anyone
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David, Sonoma,CA
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|
| 07/26/06 |
Positive
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| Just got back from Casa Rana Verde and it is true that the pictures do not lie. What an amazing property. While we had grand plans of exploring, we eventually ended up spending most of the time in one of the amazing pools or the palapa. Very clean and well maintained property, and the staff is extremely pleasant. I would highly recommend this property if you are going to Sayulita. |
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Dan S, Encinitas CA |
|
| 04/06/06 |
Positive
|
| Our family had a wonderful stay at Casa Rana Verde! The pool is absolutely wonderful and we spent a day just lounging about the pool -- it was if we were at our own private luxury hotel! The house and property are also beautiful with an outdoor living room space that has the most magnificant views. Every night my children wanted to watch the sun set! My youngest child was 3 and I would not recomend going there with a younger child who is mobile as there are drop offs that are accessable to a child who can climb. Our daughter was ok b/c she understood she was not allowed to sit on the benches and she had her brothers and sisters (who also were not allowed to sit on the benches) to watch her. So, we had no problem and everybody had a great time -- we would definitely rent here again! |
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Wendy Saks, New Jersey, USA
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Homeowner Response:
We have had many families with small children and babies stay here and have never had any problem with kids falling from drops. Most of our business is from families with small kids. We are totally kid/baby friendly, in fact we cater to children. Almost all of Sayulita has small hills and some mountains. We are located on a gentle hill, but there are some areas where you have to be careful (steps and stairs, etc.). It would be difficult to find homes with no slope at all in Sayulita, except for down in the village with the cantinas, roosters, all night barking contests and Saturday night disco.
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|
| 04/05/06 |
Positive
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| We fell in love with Sayulita and Casa Rana Verde. So much so that, having just returned, we are going back for another visit in a few weeks. Outstanding accomodations, unique architecture by one of the most well-known designers/architects practicing in the region, and great hospitality from the Dumonts. Everyone says it, and I never believed it, but I do now: the pictures do not do justice to Casa Rana Verde. One of our best family vacations ever. Thanks, Barry. |
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Anonymous
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|
| 12/15/05 |
Positive
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| What a paradise. When we looked at the website we knew that we were in for a special stay, but when we actually stepped foot on this property we were in heaven. As you look around Casa Rana Verde eveything that you lay eyes on is beautiful. The cobblestone driveway, the colors of the buildings and rooms, the swimming pool and of course the countless number of plants. We saw hummingbirds,lizards and beautifully colored caterpillars. Our favorite part was watching both the sunrise and sunset from the palapa (where, by the way, the view of the ocean is to die for). What an experience.....we will definatly be back! |
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Anonymous, Santa Cruz, CA |
|
| 11/27/05 |
Positive
|
A zen paradise floating in an ocean of tranquility - photos do not do this home justice. The palapas are divine; the kitchen, bedrooms and pool a joy. The view is incredible - magnificent sunsets, white beaches. A secret treasure for all who come here - we loved the town, the beaches and the people. By far the best meal of our week was prepared by Mari - the housekeeper - The best chili rellanos, shrimp and flan EVER! Have her cook a meal for you, Thanks Connie and Barry for sharing this with us - we will be back.
Tom & Joy Parker
Rod & Sylvia O'Reilly
Flair & Kathy Goldman |
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Tom & Joy Parker, Santa Cruz, CA
831-457-9337 |
|
| 04/06/05 |
Positive
|
We have been traveling to the Puerto Vallarta
area and Sayulita for many years and we were
so thrilled to finally find the perfect spot.
Barry's place was so easy to find and lived up
to every description provided at VRBO. Being
up on the hill is truly the best location because
of the quiet (yet you still hear the waves
crashing) and the ocean breezes.
There were 4 adults and 4 children in our
group and the house is perfectly situated to
accomodate many different sleeping
arrangements for adults and children. Each
family had privacy but the grand sala with
beautiful views provided the most wonderful
common space.
The staff were so friendly and helpful. The
house was very clean, the gardens stunning
and the swimming pool the ideal place for
little ones, with ample shade.
We're already thinking of our next visit and
want to thank Barry and his wife for their
hospitality and for sharing their beautiful spot
with us.
Buffy Naake
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Buffy Naake, Denver. CO
303-355-5743 |
|
| 04/01/05 |
Positive
|
Initially, we couldn't decide between Casa Rana Verde (CRV) and another house we saw on the web. Coincidentally, a woman overheard my wife discussing the dilemma and said she owns a place in Sayulita, and said definitely stay at CRV.
I'm forever grateful to that lady's advice. CRV is simply lovely in every way. Unlike many Sayulita houses where the flora is burned prior to building, Barry preserved the existing landscaping and has added to it. He even has a gardener, Chewey, who comes daily to maintain and add to it.
It's close enough to walk to town (10 or so minutes), yet far enough removed to be quiet and secluded even during Easter week. (The surf is very loud in Sayulita; thus up a bit on the hill where CRV is located is actually preferred to beachfront propery. Plus, you'll actually have a superior view of the entire bay.)
The photos only hint at the tranquility and majesty of CRV. Our two families including four teenage kids were delighted. Highly recommended, as if that isn't yet obvious! |
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Tye Steinbach, Portland, OR (USA)
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|
| 03/14/05 |
Positive
|
| We had a great stay at Casa Rana Verde. The house is fully equipped and in a great location, not to far from town and not too close. The town of Sayulita is an easy walk on a dirt road or along the beach. We stayed with another family of four (see Sandy's comments) and enjoyed Casa Rana Verde, especially the pool and Barry and Connie. They were very helpful with all of our questions (everything from restuarants, beaches, hikes/runs and medical emergencies). A wonderful stay by all. |
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stephanie, san rafael,ca |
|
| 03/13/05 |
Positive
|
| We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with Barry and Connie Dumont at Casa Rana Verde. The best place we have occupied, or seen, in Sayulita!! The facility is immaculately maintained, which is largely as a result of attention to detail and the fact that the owners live on the property. |
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George Phillips, Los Altos, CA
650-941-3338 |
|
| 03/06/05 |
Positive
|
Our family of 4 rented Casa Rana Verde with another family of 4. The property is very well equipped for families-games, puzzles, DVD and video players. We had a delightfully relaxed time watching waves from the wonderful palapa, had a few excursions; including the jungle zip line (our 3yo had a ball), a day trip to Punta de Mita, and a visit to San Francisco. The most exceptional experience of our visit was our ability to rely on Barry when in need. We had a minor health crisis and Barry provided excellent assistance and support. So comforting to be able to have a local assist in a moment of need.
We had lots of great walks and runs during our vacation and overall had a fabulous time. |
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Sandy, San Rafael, CA |
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| 08/14/04 |
Positive
|
| Sayulita was a wonderful adventure and Casa Rana Verde is the perfect home base especially since we were traveling with a two month old baby and our two year old son. As well as being impeccably decorated, the house is thoughtfully child friendly and our sons loved the pool! Sayulita retains the charm of an older Mexican pueblo while Casa Rana Verde provides all of the ammenites. From the amazing achitecture, the most brilliant collection of Central American folk art and the beautiful gardens you feel that you are in your own private beachfront resort. We loved it. We will be recommending it to all of our friends. |
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Emily Thomas, Ben Lomond, CA
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| 07/20/04 |
Positive
|
If you are lucky enough to book a
vacation at Casa Rana Verde ...
you're in for a truely sensual
experience. This place touches all of
your senses. We felt in the week we
stayed here ... that we were in our
own private resort.
The casa has lush landscaping, and
stunning views from all angles of
Sayulita's coast line (even the up
stairs master bath room shower has
a ocean view!).
Watch pelicans float above the
palms while you relax in the main
living area and drink it all in. The
colbalt blue tile pool with a water fall,
is secluded and surrounded by
tropical foilage ... invites you to swim
naked or siesta in the shade.
Impeccably designed and decorated
home puts you in the lap of Mexican
luxury. Sayulita is a charming, earthy
surf town with some fine restaurants
and shopping. Staying here at Casa
Rana Verde was one of the most
relaxing vacations we've ever taken ...
looking forward to going back again. |
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Brenda & Bobby Mann, Santa Cruz CA
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|
| 02/26/04 |
Positive
|
I stayed at this exotic, wonderful peaceful villa in October 2003 with 2 of my best girlfriends. We were pleasantly stunned when we walked
up the sloping driveway to the magnificent Casa Rana Verde. Neither
the web pictures, the video provided by the owner nor the verbal
descriptions prepared us for the breathtaking beauty we were about to spend a glorious week in away from the Big City. The views from the outdoor
living room were spectacular - our personal photos bore that out. We were fortunate to have an incredible light storm one evening mid-week, which lit up the sky and caused us and the neighbors to scream in delight.
The pool with its sweetly tinkling waterfall was our every morning,
afternoon and evening relaxation. The casa itself is tastefully decorated
and supplied with EVERYTHING one needs, including an outdoor grill on which we grilled fresh fish purchased
on the beach from the local fishermen. We really didn't want
to leave, but since we were there, we had to see Puerto Vallarta and
shop - well worth the drive (about 40 minutes)- but mostly we stayed at
the villa, swam in the ocean (caught some GREAT waves) and sunbathed at
the pool. This was the best vacation I have had in over 15 years. I
recommend Casa Rana Verde to anyone who wants solace, peace, comfort and
the ultimate in relaxation. The hosts are sweet and kind and accomodating. Getting there from Puerto Vallarta airport is absolutely a breeze. A little Spanish got us everything we needed and then some. At that time of year, the "no see ums" came out at night and caused a couple of restless
itching nights, so use insect repellant and don't be afraid to keep the fans or A/C running. We had no agenda, so bugs, heat, rain or humidity did not interfere with our grand time. The utmost in enjoyment! Go! you won't be disappointed,
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Anonymous, Oakland, CA
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|
| 02/02/04 |
Positive
|
| The photos do NOT do this home justice! Absolutely spectacular home with breathtaking 180 degree views. You may never leave the palapa! Bring your binoculars! Upi, the mgr of the property is the best!! |
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steve john, santa cruz,ca
831-464-1500 |
|
| 01/22/04 |
Positive
|
| Casa Rana Verde was beyond our wildest dreams as a honeymoon getaway. Our intention was to spend just a few days in Sayulita, but we fell in love with the property the minute we set foot on the estate. It was far and away the best vacation home we had ever stayed in. Although we had seen the pictures online, we had no clue the layout and cabanas would be so incredible. The luxury resorts in Puerto Vallarta paled in comparison. We can't wait to get back. |
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Jorge Negrete, Santa Cruz, Ca |
|
| 11/30/03 |
Positive
|
| This was our first trip to Sayulita and it was awesome! This home is absolutely beautiful and the value you get for the price is incredible. Perfectly decorated, Grounds maintained spectacularly you think you are royalty! Trust us, once you are here you will not want to leave. |
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Claire & Tom, Carmel, Inidana
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| 11/26/03 |
Positive
|
The main thing I can say about Casa Rana
is that I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE! It was fabulous! From the beautiful grounds to the wonderful pool to the lovely house. Everywhere you look is a postcard. The short walk into town is rewarded by friendly people and great food. The beach is gorgeous, perfect for
swimming and walks. I wish I was leaving for Sayulita tommorrow. I can't recommend this vacation home enough. Enjoy! |
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Julie Watson, Santa Cruz, Ca
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|
| 11/26/03 |
Positive
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|
| 11/21/03 |
Positive
|
| Casa Rana Verde is the nicest vacation rental we've stayed in. The atmosphere, the view, the decor, it is all perfect. It is spacious and intimate at the same time. Staying in this beautiful home allows you to truly relax and feel at home in Mexico, it lends itself to the rhythms of Sayulita, and you're already at home after one day. When can we go back? |
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Audra and Tom Tillman, Santa Cruz, CA |
|
| 11/18/03 |
Positive
|
All I can say about Rana Verde is...
I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE !! The house is wonderful ! As beautiful as the pictures are the real thing is even better. The short walk to town is rewarded by good food and friendly people. The beer and tequila are cheap
and the pool at the house is FANTASTIC!
I can't wait to go back. |
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Julie Watson, santa cruz,. ca
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|
| 11/15/03 |
Positive
|
My friends and I truly enjoyed our
stay at Casa Rana Verde. This
vacation home was beautiful,
comfortable, and convenient. It is
very private, but just a couple of
minutes walk to town, the beach, to
surfing, and to jungle trails. When
we weren't out exploring, we were
enjoying the oceanview, the pool,
and the beautiful garden. We can't
wait to return. |
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Amy Sibo, Freedom, CA
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| 11/04/03 |
Positive
|
| My family has vacationed in Mexico for the past 30 years and unfortunatley only discovered the tranquil and authentic village of Sayulita just 10 years ago. We make a habit of visiting at least once a year now and the changes each time are quite surprising!I have rented an extensive list of homes throughout various locations in Sayuilta and this home is by far not only has one of the most fabulous views, but the best staff and well equipped amenities, a gorgeous pool and a terrific location. The ocean view pearched upon a hill is better than being right on the beach because the surf is loud and you don't have the privacy this home offers. The owners are delightful and I think you will find paradise if you rent this home - just don't rent it during the period I'd like to return! Thanks & enjoy! |
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Karinda Hedlund, Bend, Oregon USA
541-318-0123 |
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| 10/23/03 |
Positive
|
| Casa Rana Verde was the most relaxing vacation. Fabulous ocean views and warm breezes. Sunsets and star gazing are the best on the spacious patio. Great layout! Pool dipping and beautiful beach walks everyday.Trips to the village for great dinners and peoples.I felted great after days resting and playing.I'm going back and bringing friends...ola |
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Peter Badalamente, Wyandotte, Michigan
800 810-6083 |
|
| 10/13/03 |
Positive
|
| Rana Verde is SWEET!... My friends and I had lots of day-plans for this trip, but found this palapa-haven to be everything we wanted everyday. The sweeping vista from the huge upper patio is perfect, the set-up is really well thought-out and one has absolutely everything on hand: pool, grill, kitchen-with-a-view, all kinds of room to play and lounge. The rooms and baths are spacious and inviting. The town is very accessible and has some really good restaurants... lots of options for food, even hummus at the grocery store. We can't wait to go back! |
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Alison Chesley, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 345-5999 |
|
| 10/11/03 |
Positive
|
| This is absolutely the most spectacular home and location we could have imagined. Just outside of Puerto Vallerta, we never wanted to leave this incredible palace. Like we could imagine Hawaii 100 years ago...pristine vacant beaches, palm trees, jungle, coconuts and banana trees gently swaying in the warm sun. The home is of the finest quality and design you could imagine. Like an exotic private jungle itself. We will be coming back every year as long as we can! We miss you, Sayulita!!! |
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Rick and Lee Giguere, Santa Cruz, CA.
831 458-5367 |
|