The White House of Costa Rica

Guest: Kate (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/20/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

My husband and I stayed in Villa 2 for our honeymoon 9/2010. After a long trip from NY, we were incredibly pleased to arrive at the property. Surrounded by beautiful plant life and literally steps from the beach, we felt secluded, safe and relaxed. The Villa was fully equipped with everything that we needed- full kitchen, water cooler, towels/linens, A/C, indoor and outdoor showers, soap/shampoo/paper products, plus a TV/stereo/wifi connection if you wish to use them. The design was impeccable, from the multiple porches to the overall architecture and layout. Everyone was so friendly and helped answer all of our questions about the area. We were able to book multiple excursions (zip lining, horseback riding, ATV rental, etc). The yoga resort next door is wonderful for a night out- great food and drinks! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We will definitely be back!

Paradise on the beach

Guest: Martin, Sue & Family (London)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/11/10

We knew from the photos that the White House was a fabulous property in a great location, but everything about our stay actually exceeded our expectations. The moment we arrived, to a warm welcome from the excellent staff, it felt like paradise. The house is truly spectacular - spacious, light, beautifully sculptured, filled with great art and equipped with everything we could have needed. The real Wow factor is the way the open-plan living area leads through sliding glass doors to the decking area and infinity pool, then though the hammocks shaded by palm trees to the wonderful beach. The kids were instantly in heaven and had plenty to keep them occupied in and around the house & pool. The Hermosa part of Santa Teresa, where the house is situated, is one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen, has tide pools for snorkeling and a fantastic child-friendly surf beach about 200 yards away. Right next door to the house there is a brand new Yoga resort, Pranamar, which has a fabulous restaurant and a great bar. We had an amazing time in Costa Rica are definitely planning to stay at the White House again next year.

Amazing place

Guest: Paola (Cleveland, OH)
Date of Stay: 12/25/09 Review Submitted: 07/26/10

The Whitehouse is the most amazing place we’d spent our vacation at, the beach is beautiful, very peaceful. The house is extraordinary, very modern; it has open spaces which let you enjoy the breeze coming from the ocean right in front, every space is very comfortable and clean. We made this trip with friends and kids and we all had the best time ever. The staff makes you feel very welcome and they provide all the assistance you request. The town is very small, its people is very nice and friendly. Very close to the house we were able to get massages right on the beach, hearing the relaxing sounds of the ocean…. Just next door you can enjoy a yoga treat and all around there are lovely gourmet & small restaurants. It was something that we’re never gonna forget and we’ll be going back as soon as we can. My husband and I showed the pictures to our friends and family and for next time we’ll have to rent the attached villas, which are as wonderful as the big house.

Andrea & Russell, Santa Monica CA

Guest: lindy (santa monica, california)
Date of Stay: 12/22/09 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

Christmas vacation HEAVEN. We stayed in one of the beautiful, modern villas near the main house. The whole compound is highly energetic visually, bright and contemporary.The beachfront location was spectacular and convenient to local activities and restaurants. Immediate access to tidepools out front and a great swimming and beginner/intermediate surfing beach nearby at Playa Hermosa. Walking distance to nearby hotels and cafes, all via BEACHFRONT, made for a lot of beachcombing on incredible stretches of fantastic sandy beaches in either direction. Upon return, reading a book in a hammock under a palm tree can be one of life’s simpler pleasures. Every comfort is considered and every need is met by the welcoming staff. We enjoyed a massage on-site, arranged by the property manager/concierge, as well as the options of a multitude of local activities, from Yoga, Pilates, zip-lines, Quads to horseback riding. Decisions,decisions… Many conveniences of home, one of the best of which is the hi speed internet access. We sipped our morning coffee on our front deck while reading the paper and e-mailing photos to family and friends back home via I-phone. Full AC and satellite TV are provided, but, mostly, we elected instead to “go native” and do without. However, we did find that on at least one occasion, after a long day at the beach, making dinner at “home”, and popping a DVD into the flat screen TV while luxuriating in an air conditioned space can be an unexpected luxury. Having the option is great. Also wonderful is the local color. We met many amazing people from all over the world, both neighbors and visitors who live here, or make regular pilgrimages to this very special place on earth. Incredible beaches, environment and weather are par for the course here, but the people are really what makes it special and unique. It would be difficult to not have the vacation of a lifetime here, and impossible to not want to return to do it again.