| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 34 positive, 0 negative]
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| 07/14/09 |
Positive
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We were pleasantly suprised at this gem in Costa Rica. The villa is gorgeous, all the ammenities someone can ask for, plus the most relaxing setting. The views are so beautiful! We were well taken care of, plus had the lovely company of Lola and little Maggie. We hope to return and enjoy it all over again! Thank you.
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Heloisa and Greg, Miami, FL
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| 06/17/09 |
Positive
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| For anyone looking for the perfect setting with comfortable accomodations in which to experience Costa Rica's beauty and charisma, you have found it. If you only get to visit one location on your next trip, spend it here. Lush vegetation, birds galore, stunning vistas, stellar hosts (including Lola!) and all the peace and privacy you could hope for. Enjoy!!! |
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Ron and Julie, Bend, OR
541-420-3397 |
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| 06/14/09 |
Positive
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My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at the villa. Steve and Nancy Riley are the best. They really went the extra mile for us. The house is very comfortable and very clean. The grounds are amazing and the view is to die for.
You really can't do better than this. |
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Peter Wendell |
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| 05/28/09 |
Positive
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What a vacation! Steve and Nancy absolutely went out of their way to see that we enjoyed our stay--from the fresh baked bread, to the socializing, to the day trip they took us on, etc., etc. There is not enough space here to tell anyone about what great hosts they were. It was a totally positive experience. I very much want to go back to Costa Rica and highly recommend staying at Steve and Nancy's villa--the villa is beautiful, and the botanical garden which surrounds the villa is phenomenal. I am in the process of posting to the internet the 1,000 plus pictures that C.A., Dannie and I took during our 10 day stay.
Scott |
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Scott Wren, Pineville, Louisiana
318-484-6744 |
|
| 05/21/09 |
Positive
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| Wow! Dannie and I have vacationed in several countries but VBRO/Orosi Valley with Steve and Nance Riley tops everything. The pictures of the Villa and sourrounding views were great but hardley do justice to what we actually experienced. Steve and Nancy are just the greatest host/hostess. We definitely plan to go back soon but will work diligently on our language skills. The staff at the Villa and the Locals were so friendly and tried there best to communicate and with "making faces, hand motions & play acting" we made it fine. And let me not forget "Lola Mae"--if you care anything about animals you will fall in love with Lola. Just practice throwing a ball because she will find it everytime no matter how far down the mountain it goes. She is the most fun. C.A. & Dannie Richey Frisco,TX |
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C.A. & Dannie Richey, Frisco, TX
214-801-7238 |
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| 01/16/09 |
Positive
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We took a family vacation (my wife and two teen boys) to Costa Rica this past Christmas (2008)and stayed at Finca de Lola, in the guest villa mentioned on other posts. We chose this villa due in no small part to the positive comments from other guests. We were not disappointed. I believe that Steve and Nancy Riley are the best hosts that I've had in more than 30 years of traveling and their villa is a delight. We should also mention how much fun we had with Lola Mae, the wonder dog. All in all, a wonderful vacation. Steve and Nancy are incredible hosts; Friendly, knowledgable, well-read, the list goes on. And, we were treated to some special food surprises from Steve. Yumm!
One note I would suggest is that you rent a four wheel drive. We had some rain while there and going on some of the back roads would have been dicey without the 4-Wheel drive vehicle.
Eight thumbs up from our family!! |
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Anonymous, Colorado Springs, CO
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| 11/06/08 |
Positive
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I was on the vrbo site looking for another place to
stay in Mexico and remembered our wonderful visit
to the Orosi valley and this lovely villa. I felt it was
my duty to write, even though it's been 2 yrs. We
picked up provisions on the way and once we
arrived we never wanted to leave.
The road in is a bit rough, but all of costa rica's
roads are that way. They have everything you could
possibly want. Walking around the yard and
garden is delightful and they even shared their
vegetables with us. We would sit in the patio and
just watch the clouds rise over the mountain. My
husband had his watercolors and painted most
mornings and evenings. The dog would come by
every day and give us a lick and then go his way.
The owners gave us great information for site
seeing and are very kind and generous people.
They give back to the local community with their
earnings from the coffee for school supplies and
uniforms for the children. I give this place two
thunbs up and if ever returning to C/R I will stay
there again. |
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jim/jackie zalewski, boise,id
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|
| 07/23/08 |
Positive
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This comment is a little late coming, but nevertheless, well deserved. Steve and Nancy really know hospitality. We stayed for part of our anniversary trip at the end of April, and couldn't have been more pleased. Steve and Nancy went over and above host duties to help us out and make us feel at home. The villa is stunning, and we learned so much about life in Costa Rica from them. What a wonderful couple and fabulous place to vacation. It was beautiful. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quiet, romantic vacation with breathtaking scenery. Thanks much. We will be back.
Al and Tracey Garcia |
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Tracey and Al , Farmington Hills, MI |
|
| 07/19/08 |
Positive
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| Well, this Texas A&M Aggie hasn't had an opportunity to stay with Nancy & Steve as yet, but I know their hospitality has got to be the best ever if they are from Texas because Texans are the best at everything they do hospitable. |
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Donald Lohr, Kerrville, TX |
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| 05/24/08 |
Positive
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| Steve and Nancy Riley run the best B & B we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. (Bread and Bed). The villa in the Orosi Valley is just beautiful, the gardens are unbelievably stunning and the hummingbirds and birds are entertaining. We spent five days with Nancy and Steve and they went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more. They are wonderful hosts. Lola was lot's of fun as we played go fetch the lemon. I highly recommend this slice of heaven to anyone seeking peace, quiet and beauty. We will be back. |
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Art and Deborah Dlugos, Granite Falls NC
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|
| 05/14/08 |
Positive
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| What can be said that has not already been said about this incredible paradise.. only about 50 minutes drive from our homes in the Central Valley.. Steve and Nancy are truly the kind of folks I recall from times in my early years in Texas.. bright, warm, friendly, kind and sensitive to all the best characteristics of good hosts. Our expectations were indeed exceeded by such a wonderful 'honeymoon in paradise' experience. Our only 'reservation' is that so many have now learned of this fabulous getaway spot, that we'll never get to enjoy it again!! But the Riley's deserve every bit of the obvious success they have had with this property. IF we ever build in this area (among our favorites in the country), our first call will be to 'Orosi Riley' ... next time, we're going to get into some Cajun cooking!. Jay and Ileana.. San Jose CR |
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Jay Willette, Guadalupe El Carmen San Jose CR
8833-9979 |
|
| 05/05/08 |
Positive
|
Oh my, did we have a good time in Costa Rica. And alot of it was due to the wonderful hosts we had in Steve, Nancy and of course, Lola. They couldn't have been nicer to share their peaceful and tranquil corner of the globe with us. They treated us as if we were a family member. The vistas and unique wildlife experiences were so enchanting.
And for adventure activities, we couldn't have picked a better spot to experience the canopy tours, the volcanoes and hot springs without bumping into so many other tourists.
We only wished we had more time than just the week we were there. But hopefully we will be back soon. We are already craving the "soon-to-be-world-famous" Tico strawberry bread!!!
Until next time,
Jack and Carolyn Balsley |
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Jack and Carolyn Balsley, Pittsburgh, PA
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| 04/26/08 |
Positive
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We're glad we stayed at Paradise Peak near the end of our trip - it spoiled us so much that the rest of our two-week trip would have been a let-down if we'd stayed there early in the trip. I'm planning to come back with my husband next time and spent more time there!
We hiked many paths through the beautiful plantation/gardens; enjoyed watching all the birds, especially the hummingbirds; relaxed and read books on the patio; and watched DVDs inside when it got dark and cool outside.
I echo the rest of the comments below. Steve and Nancy are very gracious and the banana bread was yummy! |
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Lois and Barbara, Olympia, WA
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| 02/24/08 |
Positive
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| We just returned from spending an incrediable 6 weeks at Steve and Nancy's villa. We were delighted with the fantastic view, our comfy bed, patio and jacuzzi, accomadations that were more wonderful then we had imagined but most importantly, our host and hostess Nancy, Steve and Lola who did an incredible job of keeping us well fed, well informed, well entertained with their humor, enthusiasm and knowledge of Costa Rica. We are proud to call them our friends and hope to return to their villa soon. |
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Kay Spinuzzi, Pueblo West, Colorado
7195479369 |
|
| 01/26/08 |
Positive
|
Paradise!! About as close as you can get, this side of heaven. The Riley's thoroughly exceeded our expectactions. As young newly-weds, "paradise peak" took the trophy as the highlight of our honeymoon. Like others have said, the pictures do not do justice: you will feel coddled in the villa, stunned by the mountain rain-forest view, refreshed by the sense of being esconced in the heart of the jungle, thrilled by the sight and sound of birds like the magnificent Oropendala.
Steve and Nancy will do all they can to make your vacation enjoyable: such as making local connections for whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River (Do it by all means).
Arlin and Racine Roth, ages 27 and 29 |
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Arlin & Racine Roth, Cheverly, Maryland
3013411445 |
|
| 01/22/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed here in April and had a an amazing time with Steve and Nancy. This is a beautiful place to stay nestled in their world class garden. If you are in the Orosi Valley you want to stay here. We will be back one day. Thanks Steve and Nancy! |
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Jeff Buehl, Park City UT, United States
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|
| 12/24/07 |
Positive
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We stayed in the villa for a few days (not enough!) at the end of August 2007 and could not have been more pleased with this place. Out of all the places Ive stayed at this one definitly stands out, not to mention the reasonable rate which seems to be harder to come by for rentals in Costa Rica. Also the pictures actually dont do the villa justice in size and beauty, you need to see for yourself. This is place that everybody needs to check out: old, young, families, and couples. I wish it wasnt already filled up for when I plan to return this January! The fact that it is so regularly rented says it all. We hope to return soon.
Derek and Maritza, Ages 23 |
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Derek and Maritza, NH, USA |
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| 09/17/07 |
Positive
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I want to add my voice to the chorus of people who
have had a wonderful experience at Steve and
Nancy's villa. Pictures can't do justice to the unique
and spectacular setting. And words can't convey
how comfortable the villa (and the bed!) really are.
You just need to come for yourself and see.
Much has been written here about Steve and
Nancy's graciousness, hospitality, and helpfulness.
It's all true and more. Steve is an amazing cook.
(So is Nancy!) I have so many fond memories of my
time with these dear people--sitting on the Porch
of the Unequaled View talking for hours, eating
unforgettable meals, and taking day trips to many
parts of the Eden-like Orosi Valley.
Time at the Riley's villa will restore your soul, fill
you with joy and wonder, and send you home with a
smile on your face and desires to return as soon as
possible.
All I can say is: book your trip. Everybody wants to
come back and it seems the calendar fills up fast.
Claim your time. You'll not regret it.
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Dan Mortensen, Alpine, Utah
801 492 7995 |
|
| 09/02/07 |
Positive
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Wow! If you want nature up close and personel, make a reservation to stay here. Steve and Nancy could not have been better hosts. We've stayed in several VRBOs over the past several years and this one has to be at or near the top. Viewed from the patio/balcony, the valley below and the mountains across seemed to change by the minute depending on the weather and time of day. Always there was the rumble of the river far below accented by cslls and songs of the local birds species. Nancy gave us a most interesting and emjoyable tour of the garden they have created out of a coffee farm. I' still marveling at the pictures I have of the heliconias and ginger flowers. We only stayed a very short time, but it was one of the most memorable sojourns of our vacation.
The "casita" was roomy, comfortable and stocked with almost every amenity. And the king size bed was the most confortable one we have enjoyed in all our stays in Costa Rica.
In view the condition of Costa Rican roads and lack of signage, Steve's detailed directions were invaluable. The reward of arriving made the rigor of getting there worth all the trouble
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Michael Knoll, Phoenix, Arizona
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| 08/12/07 |
Positive
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Who says teaching doesn't pay? It gave me the opportunity to spend a whole month at Steve and Nancy's villa. What an experience! Mornings on the patio sipping delicious coffee, afternoons spent discovering the towns, volcanos, rainforests and rivers in the area and evenings on the patio relaxing and reading. Doesn't get any better in my opinion.
If you're a morning person, ask Steve if you can tag along on his 5:30 a.m. walk with Lola down to the river and back. It's a great workout. Anf if you like plants and birds then I suggest taking a tour of the farm with Nancy along the many trails and you will be amazed by the variety of flora and fauna right out your front door. What an amazing garden! I see many summers in Costa Rica in my future.
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Bill, Phoenix, Arizona
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| 07/11/07 |
Positive
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Steve and Nancy's guest villa was our "home-base" during our early May visit to Costa Rica. A private, romantic place with the most comfortable bed, the most beautiful view and an outdoor jacuzzi, what more can you ask for!
This lovely coffee plantation is filled with exotic plants and birds. Ask Steve or Nancy for a garden tour or have Lola (Steve's canine companion) wander with you along the planned pathways. Bird "feeding stations" are interspersed throughout the gardens and encourage an abundant variety of birds to frequent the area. Even if you are not a bird watcher, you can’t help but marvel over the variety of birds. The villa itself, sits along the hillside that is shared with the owners villa. Separated by banana trees, orange trees and heleconias, you will feel as if you are the only people around for miles. During our trip, the days were warm but comfortable and the nights were slightly cool, but also very comfortable. Early morning was the best time to see the mountains and enjoy the sunshine. Late morning the clouds begin to roll in from the Tapanti Cloud Forest (a great day trip). We visited at the end of the dry season/beginning of the rainy season. It was hard to believe they were having a drought since all the vegetation was still so lush.
Fresh coffee and Steve's homemade mango bread was our favorite breakfast. Take some time to sit on the patio or should I say the outdoor living room, and watch the hummingbirds less than 10 feet away. Steve and Nancy are both more then helpful with any questions you might have. By the way, did I mention that Steve is an incredible cook!
Steve and Nancy have truly found paradise. They are the most gracious hosts and have the most infectious spirit when it comes to Costa Rica...be careful, it is definitely contagious!
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Kelly & Lisa Tinsley, Missouri City, Texas
713-821-4202 |
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| 04/19/07 |
Positive
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| Steve and Nancy's villa surpassed all expectations. This was by far our best accommodation in our 14 day trip to Costa Rica. Of course they are the most generous and hospitable people you'll ever meet which added to our wonderful time in the valley. The view from the villa is spectacular and the garden, paths, birds and flowers are things we'll always remember as well. This is a very peaceful and relaxing location however at the same time it kept our 11 year old boy and 13 year girl entertained. Thank you. |
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Terri Nazy, Everett, WA
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| 03/09/07 |
Positive
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| We regret only staying one night: should have allowed more time at this lovely corner of the world. The accomodations were superb! Nancy and Steve are wonderful hosts, providing us with awesome strawberry macadamia nut bread for breakfast as well as fresh ground coffee grown just outside our door! We are still savoring the coffee they sent home with us each morning. |
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Bob and Jeanean Doherty, Tulsa, OK
918-499-2292 |
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| 02/24/07 |
Positive
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We had the loveliest time at the Riley's magical villa - it was, in
fact, the very best place in our ten days in Costa Rica.
Not only is it beautiful (the view really is like the pictures - only better!), Steve and Nancy are so welcoming and friendly, we felt very much at home. The pathways through the exotic tropical plants and wildlife are wonderful, and Nancy's veggie garden is amazing. Coffee and banana trees cover the hillsides. Relaxing on the porch and enjoying the spectacular valley below was an experience we aren't likely to forget.
While staying at the villa, we hiked the rain forest, visited an orchid farm and the near-by small towns. There is so much more to see; obviously, we need to return soon...
P.S. The breakfast bread was delicious! |
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Ellen & Chris, Santa Fe, New Mexico
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| 02/18/07 |
Positive
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I combined my first trip to Costa Rica with a much-
anticipated visit with my lifelong friend, Nancy
Riley. She, with her gracious husband Stephen,
provided a needed vacation adventure for me in
just the most beautiful setting on earth. Their
fabulous gardens are entertwined by pathways with
the coffee trees and make for the luscious "front
and back yards" of their beautiful home and
separate guest villa. Best of all, Nancy and Stephen
are so in love with Costa Rica and their farm they
offer in abundance an informative and educational
introduction to their newly adopted country. The
birds and flora are magnificent here. I enjoyed my
stay with my friends immensely and hope to return
someday soon. |
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Cindy Yandell, Arlington, TX 76013
817-274-4458 |
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| 01/20/07 |
Positive
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Paradise Peak was our first stop on our first visit to Costa Rica. Staying with Steve and Nancy made for a nice transition, as they gave us many tips about getting along in this beautiful, friendly country. As birdwatchers, we were especially excited to see that the local bird club had visited the farm several times and had provided a bird list of all species they have encountered there. We saw many "life birds" from the porch of the cabin, at the feeders in Steve and Nancy's yard, and around the farm where we walked with Steve and his faithful Rottweiler companion, Lola. Nancy has even become quite a birder herself. We were also treated to a tour of their lovely gardens, planted with innumerable native plants, including hundreds of heliconias. The Rileys are incredibly generous people and truly seem to enjoy playing host. We highly recommend their bungalow to nature lovers and birders, and hope to return to this Eden ourselves someday.
For the birders among us, during our two-day stay we found the following (without even trying): black-shouldered kite, broad-winged hawk, gray hawk, white-crowned parrot, common pauraque, black swift, northern rough-winged swallow, blue and white swallow, little hermit, violet sabrewing, rufous-tailed hummindbird, blue-crowned motmot, house wren, clay-colored robin, brown jay, Tennessee warbler, black-and-white warbler, Baltimore oriole, Montezuma oropendola, palm tanager, silver-throated tanager, blue-gray tanager, white-lined tanager, scarlet-rumped tanager, summer tanager, black-headed saltator, buff-throated saltator and white-eared ground-sparrow. |
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Tim and Alyce Quinn, Roanoke, VA
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| 01/16/07 |
Positive
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A visit to Nancy and Steve's is an incredible experience. I have to say the Villa is truly the best!! My husband and I will return and hope it is not too long from now. We are hooked on the Orosi Valley and the view that we were able to appreciate from our balcony was the best we have ever viewed. You can not go wrong choosing this as the next place to visit. The only problem with the visit is you will walk away wanting to make them an offer to buy the farm.
I am longing for the view that I so enjoyed while sipping the best coffee each morning. It was the greatest week of my life. Nancy and Steve are tremendous hosts and incredible chefs. |
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Anna McMurtrey, Bakersfield, CA USA
661-378-0735 |
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| 01/05/07 |
Positive
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What an amazing place! An incredibly positive experience. Possibly the Garden of Eden! We were there for 4, nights, in mid December 2006.
Our almost nine year old son upon our arrival home to Washington, DC area, declared out 4 nights here as the best part of our 3 week trip in Costa Rica, and 2 week trip to the Yucatan, beating out active lava flows at Arenal, Montezuma and Manuel Antonio beaches, and the cloud forest of Monteverde!! We all loved it, including our younger 6 year old daughter old. We all felt very reluctant to leave after our four nights were over, as it was such a special place. We are all eager to return!
This is in exquisitely beautiful setting, looking at mountain views in all directions. The cottage is very thoughtfully planned, both esthetically, artistically, and in terms of pure comfort needs. The kids loved their prince and princess beds, castoffs from British royalty. The king bed is incredibly comfortable, too.
Our hosts, Nancy and Steve were so welcoming, warm and very generous. And Lola, the energetic puppy was a huge hit with the kids, getting them up twice at the crack of dawn to accompanying Steve on their walks.
A real treat in our travels in Costa Rica. Thank you so much. The kids have already been encouraging a return trip!!
With much appreciation,
Fiona, Ted, Callum and Charlotte
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Fiona, Ted, Callum and Charlotte, Bethesda, MD
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| 11/13/06 |
Positive
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Our visit to the Villa in Orisio was not just a comfortable, relaxing and a visually enhancing experience. It was a privilege and such a bonus to meet our hosts Nancy and Steve. My husband and I feel we have been rewarded with warm and special experience, So much so, will be revisiting our newfound friends in Paradise next year.
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Ann Woehr, Tucson,Az
520-743-4947 |
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| 10/29/06 |
Positive
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| Absolutely magical setting for our weekend retreat. The villa/home was breath-taking in very detail and the view was even better. We did not want toleave. We will definitely return and stay longer the next time. |
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Michael Keller, Alajuela
877-6182 |
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| 09/03/06 |
Positive
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We have visited The Villa twice, and are planning to go back for two weeks in 2007. This is a beautiful place in the tranquil and peaceful Orosi Valley. The Villa provides an ideal vacation setting surrounding by a natural paradise. Its botanical garden flourishes with multitude of tropical plants, flowers and trees full of exotic birds, and Steve and Nancy’s special collection of heliconias.
Some times we sat on the porch very early in the morning with a cup of Steve and Nancy’s fresh ground coffee looking up at the different shapes of clouds covering the mountains in front of us, then, watching as the clouds disappeared as the sun came up. Other times, we walked around the farm bird watching and delighting ourselves listening to the birds’ morning serenade.
We have been to a lot of places in Costa Rica, and this is one of the nicest.
Nature lovers and bird watchers, don’t miss this place with Steve and Nancy Riley warm hospitality, and, do not forget to ask them for the homemade bread…delicious.
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Charlie & Lupita Kinkead, St. Paul, Minnesota
(651) 604-0302 |
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| 08/17/06 |
Positive
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What can I say about Nancy and Steve
Riley's magnificent place overlooking
the Orosi Valley. We liked our two
days there soooo much that we went back
for another two days at the end of our
5 week trip. It is truelly a
spectacular place with two of the
nicest hosts in all of Costa Rica.
Their 8 acre botanical garden rivals
any that I have ever seen and their
coffee IS the best I have tasted. And
it is true, their king size bed is the
best in Costa Rica. You will not regret
a stay there. Don't miss this place! |
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Mike Steirnagle, San Diego, Ca
760 731 5955 |
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| 08/05/06 |
Positive
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What an amazing place! My stay in the Orosi Valley was my favorite part of my trip of in Costa Rica. The views of the valley and the coffee farm were fantastic; I loved hiking around the farm. Their landscaping was full of heliconias and native plants. Around the farm there are bird feeding stations which resulted in some of the best birding in Costa Rica.
Waking up to cup of fresh ground coffee that was picked on the farm was a special touch. As was having a glass of wine at night in the jacuzzi under the stars. Nancy and Steve are the consumant hosts, excellent chefs, and their hospitality and warmth made my trip. |
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Tara, Boulder, CO
8285516933 |
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| 07/20/06 |
Positive
|
I have been to this property and I have got to know the Riley's. You could not ask for two finer hosts to enjoy your relaxing stay in the "best kept secret in Costa Rica, the Orosi Valley.
While other people are fighting the heat, humidity and tourists at the beaches, you will find a place close to San Jose and a ton of day time activities as well as a great place to just read a book and soak in the all of the oxygen this valley offers.
Steve and Nancy have a world class garden on the property and countless species of rare and exotic tropical plants that flourish in this environment.
The property is very close to Lankaster Gardens, Tapanti National Park, Trout Fishing, White Water Rafting, Historic Churches, world class Biking and Hiking.
Trust me, you won't want to leave.
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Don Balick, Wilmington, DE
800 333-7773 |
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