We were here for five days escaping from the snow in Boston. Sabrina, one of the concierges, helped us set up surfing lessons for two 20 year olds and for our 8 year old kids. They had a great two hours learning with Rogelio. Then we had a tour of the national park on the next day--I would only suggest in the future that you try to get there as soon as the park opens in the morning--it was pretty busy and then very hot. Our guide Jason was great, we enjoyed the wildlife spotting and a swim at the beach to wrap it up. Yes, the monkeys did steal some of our food. Smart little dudes. The third day we went ziplining--also set up by Sabrina. Great tour and lots of fun. Highly recommended for anyone not afraid of heights (one of the kids backed out at the last minute and he spent the two hours getting a tour of the butterfly garden and feeding the basilisk lizard. He was fine). We spent the other two days just wandering the beaches--the main one that is down the hill and also the one near Shana Resort. I think it is called Biesatz or something. The house has lots of info on where to go, what to see and restaurants to go to. The other concierge Geralyn helped us get taxis and reservations at the various places for lunch and dinner. Barba Roja was our favorite. We relied on taxis for the most part and the bus. The house is located downhill from most of the restaurants so we walked up and taxied down. It is uphill from the beach and we usually walked down and then took the bus back up and then walked downhill from the bus stop.



What a wonderful place--and the small house pool was awesome--perfect temperature and size for an afternoon cool down. Highly recommended.

We had the best time in Costa Rica while staying at the apartment La Vista. The size of the apartment was adequate for the two of us. It was very clean and I love the bathroom very sufficient use of space. Spectacular view from the balcony and soothing sounds of the waves, made this a relaxing vacation. The hike to the beach is on a steep path that is an adventure all on its own, but so worth it. The exercise actually helped build endurance for our planned excursions. The beach is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and will forever compare any beach in my future to this one. The food was amazing everywhere we went and not expensive, the locals are really happy people (who wouldn't be living in Paradise!!). The photos we took while on vacation could easily be put in National Geographic such an incredible experience. I would highly recommend this property to anyone looking for an Adventure of a lifetime, we plan on coming back and bringing friends next time. We will most likely rent the entire villa and the apartment I can not wait to have my children experience Costa Rica La Vista style. The owner was extremely helpful and honest and up front about making sure we understood stealing is the number one crime in Costa Rica, from Ticos to Monkeys. We took only a towel and water to the beach no bag with cell phones and money. We went to Manuel Antonio National Park and climbed to Cathedral Point and Brian set his bag down and we were helping a couple take their picture, when the girl says "they have your bag!" A White face monkey held his bag over the rail and used gravity to help him pull the bag of peanuts located in a mesh pocket. He got the peanuts and the backpack tumbled down the side of the cliff. I got it back but that was another adventure hahah. Just be aware and proactive otherwise you may have to be reactive and missing your nuts. The Manager Sabrina helped us book our excursions and they provided transportation from our doorstep. We horseback rode on the beach with Alua, did the ATV tour and hiked in the Rain Maker with suspended bridges, and did a 7 hour tour with first being served a delicious breakfast then a Unimog taking us up the side of a mountain and hiking through the rain forest to swing like Tarzan over a waterfall and then rappel down a cliff and zip line down through a waterfall, and then they served a Tico lunch well worth the money!! This place would be excellent for Honeymoons, Weddings, Vacations!

We stayed 5 nights in the downstairs apartment at Steve and Nancy's oasis while on our honeymoon in February 2014. The villa was easy to find with Nancy's detailed directions and we knew exactly what to expect from the info provided. The beach was a short 10 minute walk down a steep hill to the most FABULOUS sunsets and quiet beach. There was also a great view from the balcony of our unit. We spent quite a bit of time up in the upstairs unit (Nancy and Steve happened to be staying there!) and that unit looked clean and fully appointed for everything one could need (just as our downstairs apartment was!). The views from both upstairs and downstairs were amazing - and it was awesome watching the squirrel monkeys dart around the trees as we relaxed on the balcony (this happened every day!). We can't wait to return - hopefully in the near future! Thank you again Nancy for all of your lovely conversations and thoughtful recommendations. We really enjoyed our time staying in VILLA LA VISTA!!

Wow! What a great time we had in Costa Rica and our stay at the Villa La Vista apartment in Manuel Antonio was wonderful. Our accommodations were perfect - a comfortable bed, great eat in kitchen with all the amenities - fabulous views. We woke up in the morning and sat up in bed to gaze out at the ocean - what could be better! As we enjoyed our morning coffee we watched numerous birds - toucans, fly catchers, hummingbirds in the trees and bushes right outside our door. We saw many lizards and iguanas and watched monkeys jumping through the canopy of trees below. One night we even saw a kinkajou jump on the balcony roof and into the trees - what a cute creature. We enjoyed local food, fun and friends. It was a great time and we can't wait to go back! Thank you Steve and Nancy for a fabulous time.

My wife and I stayed for two weeks in the smallest of the two units, downstairs. Wonderful View of the ocean, great to listen to the surf , watch the surf as it breaks off the Islands off shore... see the sky at night, clear, great view of Scorpio!!



Unit had a great Kitchen, all we needed to avoid spending too much money eating out..



Got to tour the upstairs unit, would be great for two couples, completely seperate bedrooms and bath, same wonderfull view, and very spacious...



Short hike to the beach, about 10 minutes. Little Steep, but good for excercise each morning...



Nancy ( Owner) and her cousins were there, we became good friends, hope to see them next year



If they aren't there, The manager, Ron, will take care of all your needs...

My friend and I found the apt perfect for the two of us. However, it can hold 3 comfortably too. The large walk-in closet was great because we could hang all our clothes up and not have to live out of our suitcases. The closet is large enough to hold a baby's crib or a cot making the apt good for 4 people. The large glass enclosed shower has the shower head high enough for tall people, something you don't usually find in hotels. The listing was quite accurate and the apt very clean with ample supply of sheets & towels. The kitchen was well equipped and we were not lacking for anything. As the listing says, coffee on the balcony/deck in the morning watching the sunrise, seeing all the birds flying, the monkeys playing and the waves gently rolling in down below us on the shore was so delightful that you felt like you were in heaven. As an 80 year old, I did find the road to the beach challenging but by being careful and going slowly, I made it down. Once at the beach, the sand was white and clean and the water warm with gentle waves. You could even float in the water on a raft or tube. You didn't need an umbrella. To get out of the sun you could sit under the trees and let the monkeys and other animals entertain you. As for food, if you like seafood and fish, you will be delighted with most of the restaurants. Of course you can always get the Tico staple of arroz con pollo (chicken in rice). I loved eating out because most of the restaurants are outdoors where you can watch the sunset. We didn't spend much time in the apt because we were always going or doing something in Quepos or the surrounding areas. Shopping in the village was nice too as the locals were very patient with our attempt to speak Spanish. They were very helpful too. On Saturdays you can shop at the local fresh food market and buy fresh fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers. A trip to Villa Vanilla showed us how vanilla is grown along with pepper, cinnamon and other spices. You can buy them there too. And of course you must not forget the Costa Rican coffee which is some of the finest in the world. We took some home and have shared it with friends & family. Now you ask if I would recommend this apt accommodation to friends & family, you bet I would. It isn't the Ritz but it is comfortable and homey and a place to hang your hat while you are out doing and seeing all the wonders of Costa Rica. I hope I can go again and stay longer next time.

My friend and I just returned from our trip to Costa Rica. We stayed at Apartment la Vista because of a recommendation we received from some friends who have stayed there in the past. It exceeded our expectations as did Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. What a beautiful country and Apartment la Vista offered us a chance to get up front and personal with all kinds of wildlife that abound in this area. We loved watching the monkeys as they played in the trees all around the Apartment. In the morning we were visited by Toucans, Mot Mots and it was a daily stopover for one particular Tanger (a bird with very bright red wings). We did not start out as birding people but evolved over several days as we were so intrigued by all the variety of beautiful tropical birds that visited every morning. This was the only vacation I can remember when getting to sleep early was no effort in anticipation of waking at 5:30 a.m. to bright sunshine, sparkling surf, and the Howler Monkeys in the jungle around us (if you have never heard them before, you will be in for a treat!). The property manager was very, very helpful and incredibly attentive (he frequently called to check to see if everything was OK). All of his leads for tour guides, shopping, etc. I would rate an A+. The owner had sent us a long list of FAQ's that were extremely helpful since this was our first visit to Costa Rica. We spoke on the phone several times and she was so knowledgeable of the area we felt very prepared when we arrived. Apartment la Vista offered us very comfortable, clean accommodations with a great view of the Ocean and Manuel Antonio Park. It is in an ideal location -- not far from the beach, bus stop or restaurants but away from the over-crowded tourist areas of Manuel Antonio. We plan to return soon!

My wife and I stayed at Apartment la Vista last November, 2010. We are planning a return trip to escape the cold and snow in Northeast USA. I could not believe the "disappointing" review that was recently posted for this property and cannot believe it is the same place we stayed and loved so much. We found the owner's description of the property (she told us it was small and best suited for 1 to 2 people), pictures and location were very accurate. She told us about the steep hike back up from the beach and we found it tiring (remember it is hot in Costa Rica!) but the great views make it worth the effort. We have visited Costa Rica many times and know that the Manuel Antonio area is very hilly and mountainous and if you want an Ocean View, you must hike up and down hills to the property's location. The Apartment is located in a natural jungle setting with lots of wildlife to view and hear. We saw monkeys (both White Faced and what they call Titi Monkeys) a mother sloth with a baby, toucans, iguanas and some creature with a long snout and tail. It was amazing!! The howler monkeys woke us in the morning with their "howling" but that only added to the adventure for us. The owner sent us a very long list of FAQ's collected from previous guests and we found them extremely helpful and accurate. The owner and property manager (who lives in Costa Rica) were available to us at any time and were very helpful and quickly responded to any questions we had. The property manager booked us on an amazing Canopy Tour where we sailed through the trees and again, saw lots of wildlife. We loved Apartment la Vista and found it to be well maintained, clean and cozy for the two of us. In Costa Rica you spend very little time inside to begin with as the weather, scenery and beach make it impossible (for people like us anyway) to sit inside. We plan to return to Apartment la Vista in March and are counting down the days. If you have any questions about the Apartment or location, I can tell you from experience that the owner will be happy to provide very accurate and honest information in a timely manner. Remember, Costa Rica is still a 3rd World country and it is not like going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where you will fight for a spot on the beach. It may be flat there but there is no comparison to the beautiful green mountains and uncrowded beaches in Costa Rica. I highly recommend Apartment la Vista to couples who like to stay off the beaten tourist paths.