February 2011
This was a wonderful week in paradise! The entire staff was nothing short of spectacular. Will certainly hope to come back. Great view for whale and monkey watching. Antonio, Cluadia, Maria and Tomato are first class! Thank you for a wonderful week! --Antonio & Tara Dennis, Alpharetta, Georgia -- Mark & Chris Johnson, Alpharetta, GA -- Kim & Peggy Fortney, Gainesville, GA -- Dave & Michelle Scoopa, Alpharetta, GA

February 26 to March 5, 2011
What happens in Costa Rica, stays in Costa Rica! And we had a wonderful time!! It was all A+ wonderful! -- Eric & Lina Duncan, Suwanee, Georgia

Expectations were high, but you exceeded every one of them. The facilities were great but nothing beats the staff. Great times! --Fred & Gayle Frechette (see you at Norman's Landing)

OMG - I have died and gone to heaven! I never expected to feel this way about Costa Rica - now it is "up there" on my favorites list. Antonio, Claudia and Maria are part of our mamilia now - and of course "Tomato." We all feel renewed again - we will take home some great memories. Thank you for sharing your little bit of heaven. Until we meet again - Pura Vida! -- Gayle Frechette, Cumming, GA - P.S. You must go to the volcano, rain forest and hot springs - it will be the best tour that you have ever taken. Don't let the 3 1/2 hour drive deter you - awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

December 26, 2010 - January 2, 2011
Had a lovely time. The staff was excellent. The meals were wonderful; service was great. Fishing trip was amazing, beach tour and zip-lining were spectacular. Couldn't ask for anything more.
-- Faimans & Pramschutes, Washington D.C/ Los Angeles, California

December 19-26, 2010
Today is Christmas, and we are in paradise! But, all compliments about this magnificent trip must begin and end with the excellent staff - Cluadia, Antonio, and Maria. Three of the most lovliest people we have ever known! Claudia is a whiz in the kitchen - EVERYTHING she prepared was absolutely delicious! And Antonio is so friendly and warm and kind. He served us with a smile on his face and with genuine pleasure. And Maria is a dear - made us feel at home and did our laundry so efficiently and quickly.

The view is beyond capre - and we've had so many fun excursions. Allan (and his son) are great and so informative. We rafted, ziplined, took a boat and snorkelling tour (on Antonio's boat), the boys went fishing, the girls kayaked in the ocean, and we all enjoyed a massage.

Tomorrow, it is back to reality. But we hope to return to Costa Rica. But, to close - I repeat - our vacation was over the top because of Claudia, Antonio, Maria and their many talents, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm to serve.
-- Love, The Darris family (Marietta, GA), Feliz Navidad!

November 20-27, 2010
This was our third time here at Isla Azul, & we enjoyed it just as much as the first. The staff was wonderful, the food & drinks were delicious, & the experience was unforgettable! We loved the trip on Antonio's boat! The beaches & snorkeling were beautiful. The zip line & white water rafting trip was very fun! The ATV & surfing in Tramarindo were also a great time! We love this place, the people (expecially the amazing staff) & Costa Rica's "Pura Vida." We're already planning our next trip!
-- The Togher Family, Palos Hills, Illinois

October 2010
I think everyone needs a vacation where you are pampered with beautiful scenery on the tours, great food which was always served fresh and hot and a view from the villa to die for. My son and I snorkled along the nearby rocky shores almost daily which we really enjoyed. The highlight of the trip for me was fishing where my father caught the largest fish (60 pound rooster fish).

This place is really a paradise!!! Beter than we expected. Magnificent view... Breathtaking and we are very pleased... Maria, Claudia, and Antonio - we are going to smuggle and put you in our suitcase and take you home... Thank you, thank you very much, very humble people. Claudia's cooking is excellent, Maria made us feel at home, our rooms were very clean and Antonio always with a smile, margarita and all drinks that he serves are fabulous. Eight days is not enough for us. The sport fishing on Antonio's boat, catching 35 and 60 pound rooster fish is the best.
-- M. Bolentini, San Francisco, California

August 17-26, 2010
Thank you! Thank you! Muchas gracias! We had an incredible 10 days in "Paradise." Antonio, Claudia & Maria spoiled us with food, drink and magnificent surroundings that were beyond compare. "Tomato" was an excellent tour guide and helped us experience Costa Rica - zip lining, rafting, surfing, a wonderful boat trip and snorkeling along the black sand beaches. It's hard to rueturn to the reality of home - until we meet again.
Pura Vida! -- Pat, Bill, Camille, Joe Gillotti, Redding CT -- Adam Arsenault, Boston, MA -- Joe Sparveri, Naples, FL -- Mike O'Kane, Easton, CT

July 25-29, 2010
The most enjoyable vacation we could ever hope for. Far exceeded our expectations. Antonio has become "The Man" and his smile, service, and sincerity make him the best at what he does. Claudia is a magician in the kitchen at breakfast, lunch and dinner. We loved every meal she prepared. Maria kept our rooms immaculate, clothes clean and quick to satisfy our every need. This staff is first class in every way possible! We all loved Antonio's boat tour, zipline and the massages.

The majority of our week we spent right here enjoying games, pool, whirlpool, movies, visits from the monkeys, iguanas, racoons, and birds. We hope to be lucky enough to come back soon!
-- The Miriella Family: Joe, Pat, Joey & Hannah, North Carolina
-- The Johnson Family: Ray, Karen, Kyle, & Sheree, North Carolina & Georgia

July 10-14, 2010
What a wonderful vacation! We all love Costa Rica -- this was our first visit. The monkeys were too cute. Antonio's boat was awesome -- I have never found so many pretty shells on one beach. The guys enjoyed the fishing too. Claudia's cooking is amazing! We were spoiled by Maria doing our laundry! We hope to be back soon -- thank you Goodrow family for our awesome trip!! : )
-- Love, The Berry Family: Flip, Juline, & Savannah from Cumming, Georgia

July 1-9, 2010
Back for our second time! Antonio, Claudia, & Maria -- Thank you for being the reason we came back and for such (another) wonderful vacation in Costa Rica! This week was another fun-filled trip that went by way too fast. This year we all went on ATVs along the beach and all 7 of us got our first (and definitely not last) massages! Antonio's boat was such a relazing and peaceful place to look at the beautiful sunset, see sea turtles for the first time, and even catch a huge rooster fish! There was an entire family of monkeys to watch and hear right outside the balcony the whole week too! These are just a few of the many, many parts that made this yet another unforgettable time at Villa Isla Azul. But nothing would have been as perfect without Antonio, Claudia, & Maria. You guys are the greatest and we appreciate and thank your for everything. These 8 days went by way too fast and we can't wait to see you all again very soon. We will email Antonio pictures!! See you next year. : )
-- Love always, The Gannon Family: Pat, Patty, Anna (19), Nellie (18), Madeline (16), Clava (13), and Patrick (11) from Orland Park, Illinois

June 12-17, 2010
This was the most amazing week. We love Costa Rica! Antonio and all of his staff were just absolutely wonderful, always service with a smile and the best food imaginable. We had great fun on the zipline, at the beach, on the toat, and at the pool with our family. We can't thank Dad/Tom/Grandpa and Mary Anne enough for planning this excellent vacation for the whole family. Your generousity is unforgetable. We look forward to coming back with everyone!
The Mall Family... -- Mary Anne & Tom, Gainesville, Georgia -- Tom & Naz, Dunwoody, GA -- Beth & Hank, Duluth, GA -- Meg, Samantha, & Alex, Alpharetta, GA -- Mike, Donna, John, & Jessica, Decatur, GA

May 7, 2010
A remarkably superb vacation with the "best" staff ever! "Perfecto Todos" We will miss being spoiled in paradise!!
Muchas Gracias, The White Family from Cumming, Georgia -- Dottie White Cobb -- Betty James White -- Doris White Corona -- Lance White -- John White -- David White -- Joe White -- Jennifer SanFratello White -- Jackie Freer

Enjoyed everything. Wonderful! -- Betty

One of the Best Vacations Ever -- Lance

March 6-14, 2010
We began our visit in Costa Rico in Villa Lapa because Azul was occupied at the time we arrived. When we arrived at Isle Azul we were amazed at how big is was and how this could fit sot so many people and there were only six of us. The first activity we did was the boat tour where we saw the most exotic animals and got to feed the monkeys. Then the zipline through the canopy! What fun that was, and all the crazy ways we could get to the end of the line. We took a boat tour and rode ATVs. Tomato and Allan made every tour special. Grandparents, parents and kids all had fun. What a fantastic treat it was to meet Antonio, Claudia, and Maria. They treated us like royalty and made every part of our stay wonderful.

We can't wait to come back and wish we could have had more of our family here to enjoy this beautiful country. We have been many places in the world, but never felt so welcome as we did here. Thank you Antonio, Claudia, Maria, Tomato & Allan for making our trip wonderful!
-- Mary, Sean, Liam (13), & Frank (10) Kelly -- Bill & Fran Baun (Grandparents) from Ontario, Canada

March 21-27, 2010
What a wonderful time our family had at Villa Azul! This was a trip our family will talk about for years to come. We enjoyed the zipline and rafting. Antonio's boat provided much entertainment with the cave, shells, snorkeling, and rooster fish. The river boat cruise was incredible with monkeys, crocodiles, and beautiful birds. What really made the vacation was the hospitality of Antonio, Yami, and Maria. They were always smiling and pleasant. Antonio and Yami made my daughter's 9th birthday one she will never forget. Gracias!
-- Mark, Heidi, Charlie (15), Andrew (13), Henry (11), and Helen (9) Altfillisch from Ottumwa, Iowa

February 12-19, 2010
God's beauty laid right before our eyes for these wonderful days we were blessed to spend at La Villa Isla Azul! Oh how we want to stay here forever -- we will leave our hearts here and long to return very soon! Our 40th anniversary with our dearest friends, the Eberhards & the Henks, was an extraordinary week, but the group just could not stop saying, look where we are, here in Costa Rica, at such a beautiful spot, and with such wonderful people! Antonio kept bringing the "refreshements", and Clauda, oh my gosh!, we all want her recipes -- she is a magnificent cook; Maria made "our new home" just so comfy & clean (now we are so depressed to have to go back & have to clean & wash again!) Our deepest thanks to all of you!

We had so many amazing experiences just staying here at the Villa! Relaxing in the pool & hot tub, bird watching on the patio, enjoying the visits of other wild life & enjoying la Pura Vida!!
We will be back!!

We loved it!! God bless our staff here at the Villa!!
--Weldon & Karon Preiss - New Braunfels, Texas

February 12-19, 2010
Pura Vida -- My new favorite saying! I don't think I will be able to adequately describe this place, even with all my pictures, to our family and friends back home. The ultimate in pampering. The privacy of the facilities and the way we all felt at home. The view to die for. We have to return for diving and fishing and more of the sights. Really enjoyed the relaxing, food, and drinks rather than a lot of tours but recommend the Super Combo to Buena Vista at Rincon de la Vieja. Slide, zip-lines, mud bath & hot springs & FOOD. Great trip to do. Snorkling & beach tour was great on our first day too, but don't forget the sunscreen! We had wonderful massage day here at the villa. We all spent time just watching the wildlife through binoculars, our feet propped up along the rail.

Antonio is a gem and my husband would love to steal Claudia away! Maria kept us taken care of in all ways, our rooms always perfect.

Seriously, we could stay here forever! Thank you for a great trip shared with our dear friends the Henks & Preisses (40th wow).
--Dennis & Diana Eberard - New Braunfels, Texas

December 26 - January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!!! Muchas gracias senor Antonio & Senora Maria & Claudia. I think I have died & gone to Heaven. The scenery, food, attention, chips & pico de gallo, the boat ride, chips & pico de gallo, rainforest, zip lining, chips & pico de gallo. Oh did I mention being completely spoiled!!!!

The boys & Kathy went fishing. Nathan (11) caught a 100# sailfish & Henry (8) a mahi mahi which fed all 11 of us for dinner.

Words can't convey they awesome time we had. The resident iguana paid us a visit, also the monkeys...got in the house & devoured numerous cookies & crackers. Also had racoons & several different birds & parrots.

What a great way to usher in the New Year. It ranks #1 on my list of family vacations. We will be back!!
Kudos to our wonderful staff! They are the best! Also, if you take tours, be sure and ask for Jose & Warner.
--Karlyn & Tom Walsh - Leawood, Kansas
--Kathy, Bob, Colleen 18, Allison 17, Maggie 14 - Overland Park, Kansas
--Terrie & Chris, Nathan 11, Henry 8 - Redwood City, California

October 24-31, 2009
It was before the GA/FLA weekend and also the start of the World Series week! WOW – what a week – I’ve never had so many wonderful MASSAGES. (Thank you, Rosa & friends @ 5 Star Spa) and so much rest!!! This was really a fabulous week – I have never been so pampered. We would love to come back again and again – next time to see the whales and turtles. Antonio, Claudia and Maria are The Best! I will take the Pura Vida home to Atlanta and never forget this beautiful and wonderful place. Muchas Gracias! Thank you so much for a fabulous week – Antonio, Claudia and Maria made the week. We will be back! Colin wants to catch his marlin and I want the river tour, so we must come back. --Colin & Charlene Barker - Atlanta, Georgia

July 18, 2009
Antonio, Claudia, y Maria:
Thank you so much for making our first trip to Costa Rica such an awesome experience. From the house itself to the food to the view and wildlife... everything was unbelievable. Seeing the dolphins, cave, fish, and especially whales! on Antonio's boat was one of the most memorable! You guys made my mom's 50th birthday the best for her. It was everything she hoped and more. It has been the best family vacation ever thanks to you. Some events outside Villa Isla Azul: the Mega Tour where we zip-lined in the canopy, went horseback riding, slide down the waterslide in the rainforest, the mudbath + hotsprings, and the Buena Vista waterfall. Also, the river tour where we saw the howler monkeys for the first time, iguanas, birds, crocodiles, and beautiful scenery. So much we saw and did in seemingly so little time! It went by way too fast. Hopefully we will be back very, VERY soon! Thank you again Antonio, Claudia, and Maria! We'll never forget Villa Isla Azul, the experiences, or you! --Love, The Gannon Family - (Chicago) Orland Park, Illinois - Pat(52), Patty(50), Anna(18), Nellie(17), Madeline(15), Clara (12), Patrick(10)

July 17, 2008
This has been the best vacation of our lives!! The villa is as beautiful as this country. We are going home feeling rested, relaxed, and totally spoiled. What can we say about the drinks & the meals? Muy deliciosa! Our thanks to Antonio & Maria - you are the best! We will definitely be back - soon, we hope! --Steve, Angi, Kyle & Jordan Bennet - Lilburn, Georgia

July 12, 2008
Had a great time! Did it all - zip lines, National Park, snorkeling, beaches, etc. Great vacation! --Bob & Linda Shanahan - Cumming, Georgia

The best of everything - the villa, the people here the flora & fauna, the boat rides, food, hospitality - a great experience. --Barbara Shanahan - Syracuse, New York

Thank you to the staff for taking care of us uring our vacation and for making our time at the villa just wonderful. We had a wonderful time on Anonio's boat and Manny loved the zip line & ATV. We'll definitely come back. --Manny & Laura

Muchas gracias portodo, en especial a Antonio y Anairis!! Estas vacaciones no podrean haber sido tan especiales sin su ayuda!! --Kate Shanahan y Alfredo Ramirez - Decatur, Georgia

Wow! This has been a fabulous week. We'll miss the monkeys antics (especially Tinky). Thank you to Antonio, Maria & Ana. --Rob & Kay Shanahan - Knoxville, Tennesee

July 5, 2008
We didn't even miss 4th of July fireworks with so many other wonderful adventures. Truly enjoyed Antonio's snorkeling tour - Gregory caught a 60 lb. sea turtle to show us. Enjoyed the beach at the Picante REstaurant. Go at high tide for best snorkeling & walk around the end to see an amazing blow hole. We had so many great adventures. We know you will too. We are sad to leave this beautiful countgry & the beautiful people. --Tom & Kim McFadden, Huntsville, Alabama -- Randall & Court McFadden, New York, NY -- Dristen Leich & Dave Pak, New York, NY

June 21, 2008
Fantastic way for the Pettett's & Corona's to celebrate Wendy & Cindy's 50th birthday! Antonio & Claudia catered to all our needs including trips to Coco. Out of many excursions, our favorites were ATV 4-wheelin' with Peter & the canopy canyon/rafting trip. The water was up and the class 3 rapids were more intense. Allan's drivers are the best. Not only would we do an excursion, but also stop for local "signed" pottery from villages where it is made. This villa & Paraiso are our favorites so far. I hope we return in the winter to check out the volcano. --Pettetts - (David, Wendy, Chris & Brett) --Coronas ( Ernie, Cindy, Brian & Jonathan)

June 14, 2008
What a great week we have had. All the comforts of home & the hospitality from Antonio, Maria & Claudia! Beautiful days & nights. Good snorkeling at Ocotal beach. Canopy tours & rafting were great - would suggest this activity! Warner (our driver) & Roberto (our guide) were fantastic & accommodating. Ask for them when you book your tours with Allan. We've shared this wonderful week with the Butlers (Dave, Karen, Deith & Ellie) from Canton, GA & us - the Dowdell's ( Bill, Linda, Meg, Jack & Emily) from Kennesaw, GA so many laughs & good memories. Birds, fish, monkeys, crocodiles & new wildlife to enjoy - We hope each & everyone of you experience such a great time. We are blessed to be able to travel and enjoy such beauty. Our big thank you Costa Rica! Pura Vida . . . until next time, --Butlers/Dowdells

April 12, 2008
Tom and Sue Burnette, Ricky, Jisa, Burnette Brawn and Kelly and Amber Davice: We are from Georgia and Florida.What a magnificent week we had here at Villa Isla Azul. The staff was absolutely wonderful - always exceeding our every expectation! The view, the villa, the food, the caring staff - MAGNIFICO! Our salute to the Chef! And to our superb bartender - Antonio!We had a great time on Antonio's boat. The tour of the islands, beaches, and the ride up the river were unforgettable! We strongly recommend it for anyone, but especially for family groups. The beaches we visited were wonderful - no other people! The refreshments the boat carried were also great! We look forward to returning soon.
Thank you all so much!

March 2008
The best time I had was on Antonio's boat. The captain is very experienced and personable. His first mate is an old-school fisherman who is fun to watch at work. We went on two cruises. The first was a jaunt around to neighboring beaches. One beach had caves and the kids loved watching the world rush through. The other beach was the Four Seasons Beach & it was classy. We had such a good time on the 1st cruise that we also went deep sea fishing two days later. We traveled sea fishing together two days later. We traveled 15 miles and got to see much of the coastline. The best part was when we ran into a school of about 50 dolphins who followed our boat. Remember, though if you go deep sea fishing, try to leave as early as possible in the morning.
--Dave Lieber, columnist, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas, USA

March 15, 2008
This has truly been an outstanding week in paradise. The villa is very comfortable & the staff spoiled us rotten. The view has to be the best around. What a way to wake up each morning. The food has been unbelievable. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. -- Thanks,Carl & Gwen Hopper, Carson City, NV

Dear Villa Isla Azul, We had so much fun! We loved the view of the ocean. The staff was amazingly good. The food was remarkable. Fordo was very friendly and made best friends with the youngest kid, cambridge (4). The canopy tour was really exciting. Deep sea fishing on Antonio's boat wass fun, we caught one 10 pound amberjack. We highly recommend this to all people. -- The kids, Cambridge(4), Sage (6), Carson (7), Heath (9), Austin L. (10), Tristan (11) - Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

To the wonderful people at Villa Isla Azul,what a wonderful home you allowed the 10 of us to share. A marvelous staff that exceeded our every wish. The best food we've all eaten - it's back to the gym next week. Zip lining was exciting. The pool refreshing - jumping through Tito - our water Olympics - was great fun. The drinks were refreshing and plentiful. Antonio was put to the test with this group. Gordo - you're spoiled and so were we. Thank you for a relaxing week --Susi and Eric Peterson - Carson City - Nevada

February 24, 2008
This has been a spectacular week. The staff have made us feel very much at home --- and for trhat we thank you all! The weather, the scenery, the food, the margaritas and the beautiful surroundings have mad our vacation one we'll never forget. Oh yes, we do want to come back to Villa Isla Azul. Gracias!!
From: Marblehead, MA - Lakeland, FL - Westfield, NJ and last but not least ....Port Washington, L.I. New York (and also North Andover, MA) -- Hap, Nate, Jake, Mike, Gap, Daren, Jackie, Geoff, Julia, Betty & Chas.
P.S. Antonio es muy guapo

February 9, 2008
What a fabulous week. This is truly paradise. Thank you so much Antonio, Xenia, & Maria for taking such good care of us. We were very spoiled. This was such a special time as we shared the wedding of our son with family and friends.
Thank you to everyone who made it so special.
--Denis & Linda Corrin - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

January 25, 2008
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the staff here. Antonio is a wonderful host, Xenia is a spectacular cook and Maria took such good care of us. This is definitely one of the best family vacations we have had. The tours were great and just lounging around the pool was wonderful too. Especially Antonio's margaritas! Can't wait to return,
--Cathy & Bob Iversen - Denver, Colorado

I agree with the previous guests - the staff certainly makes this house and vacation luxurious! We've rented places before but without help, it was just a different place - same work. Antonio's margaritas are the best. Warner was helpful with carting us around. Ocotal beach was amazing! I loved the tide pools. We had 10 people her an it was all lovely. We can't wait to come back!
--Rob, Jen, Peter (7) and Ian (4) Iversen
P.S. Make sure you get some of Xenia's snapper!

I just wanted to let you know that our trip to your villa was the best family vacation we've had! The staff was beyond wonderful and I wish I could take them all home with me. My first day back home, I was wondering how I could survive without Xenia's meals, Antonio's pampering, and Maria's fabulous housekeeping. They are the best! Even in five-star hotels, we haven't felt as well taken care of. I hope we can visit again in the future. We will definitely recommend your villas to all our friends and relatives. Thanks for everything,
-- Cathy

January 19, 2008
Thanks to Karen for inviting me along to celebrate her 50th birthday - What a glorious wee - The view from the deck is unsurpassed - Antonio, Xenia & Maria are the greatest - Their contgribution is what makes this place such a paradise. Thanks so much! --Jim Craig - Sacramento, California

I am not good at writing but I want to say it was awesome! The time I spent here, I believe it was the best in my life! Antonio was so helpful withthe drinks!! His good attitude was excellent and very warming. There are too many words I could use for Xenia's cooking & big smile, but they were the best. Maria was quiet with a very nice smile. I will tell everybody I know about this place and I promise that I will be back to see new Three-Amigos!! Thank you for Everthing! --Steven J. Wright - Sacramento, California

Thanks to Karen for inviting us to celebrate her 50th birthday in Costa Rica. We did so many wonderful things while we were here - the canopy tour, horse back riding, the white-faced monkeys and crocodiles! But nothing was better than spending time here at the villa - Antonio, Xinia and Maria made our trip perfect. The food, the endless drinks and the way we were treated was above and beyond anything we ever expected. Thank you for everything. I will never forget our time spent here at Villa Azul. I hope to spend time here again. --Lisa Gaspereni & Ken Walsh - Sacramento, California

January 19, 2008
What a way to start a new year and my fiftieth year, the day started with a car ride thru Costa Rica with Roberto & Warner. Roberto sharing so much information with us about Costa Rica. we zip-lined thru the trees, went down an exhilaration water slide, adventurous horseback ride, relaxing sauna and hot pools ending with a wonderful dinner.

Antonio gave us a fabulous fireworks show. Nothing could have prepared us for such a wonderful week! I'm so pleased I chose Costa Rica to celebrate my birthday. Everyone - Antonio, Xinia, Maria . . . all wonderful! They treated us like family, we felt so welcomed! I'm sure we drove Roberto, Antonio, Omar crazy with all our questions, they were so gracious and answered everything! Xinia's cooking! Muy Bien! I'd like to take her home but then I'd need to buy a larger wardrobe.

My favorite -- "EVERYTHING"! Everyday was new & wonderful! We couldn't get enough of the view - it's going to be missed! There's so much that was awesome, the tours, our boat ride, feeding the iguana on the deck,, the people and experiencing it all with family and friends! La pasamos muy bien, muchas gracias!
--Karen - Sacramento, California