Guest Book

05-12-2008 L'Acqua Viva Resort And Spa “The Best Hotel Experience Ever”   My buddy and I were planning a trip to Nosara. As we looked through the hotels in the area online, we found that only L'acqua Viva offered both air conditioning and satelite television. As we have traveled through much of central and south america, air conditioning is a must for us, the television is an added bonus. We had planned to stay at L'acqua Viva for a week, and booked a room with two queen beds. The room was great, very clean and comfortable. The bathroom was large and the shower had excellent water pressure. The style of the hotel is very modern, everything is brand new and of great quality. It seems as if no expense has been spared in its construction. After two nights, we received a phone call from the hotel management. They wanted to upgrade us to a suite as they were planning to do some work in a nearby area and didn't want to disturb us. This is the kind of quality of service that deserves some recognition. Typically a hotel would just do the work, wait for you to complain, and then, maybe relocate you. The suite we were given was an unbelievable duplex. The first floor was a huge living room with day beds and a flat screen t.v., and the upstairs was a giant master suite that also had a flat screen. The shower in the bathroom was as enormous and could have held a small party. There entire dwelling was airconditioned. We were impressed, by the huge windows that let you experience the natural elements outside and the modern lluxuries inside. The suite was something that must be experienced! Throughout our stay, we got to know the hotel staff members, who quickly became our friends. They were all equally helpful, friendly and accomodating. They make you feel like you are the most important guests they have ever had, which is unusual. The grounds are beautiful. There are pools everywhere. We had an opportunity to feed two white face monkeys one morning, which was incredible. We did check out the other hotels, L'acqua viva is the place to stay.   Johnb3  / New Jersey   Mar 12, 2008 We stayed five nights at Playa Nicuesa as part of our honeymoon. Our cabin was the Tucan. What a great place! The staff was friendly and helpful to a person. If you're into birds, ask to be guided by Fraimon. He has eagle eyes, speaks good english, and is truly passionate about birding. The cabin is without screens, however netting over the beds is provided. We minimized our use of lights at night to avoid attracting insects. House Geckos appear at night to take care of any moths that do get in. We enjoyed watching them hunt as our pre-dinner entertainment. I never had to use mosquito repellent. You really have to have the proper expectations to enjoy this place. If you're looking for an air conditioned, sealed environment with all the comforts that provides, this is not the place. If you love being outside, listening to the birds chirp and all the wonderful sounds of the rainforest, look no further! I, cheapskate that I am, thought the price was a little steep until I got there. Now I realize it was worth every penny. The food was fresh and tasty. Any dietary needs will be accomodated. Scarlet macaws were daily visitors, as well as caiman, peccaries, koati, toucans. Tons of wildlife in a natural setting. Beware places billing themselves as ecolodges. Some places use this term rather loosely. Playa Nicuesa practices what it preaches. Highly recommended! Menomonee Falls, WI   Jan 23, 2008 Esencia Hotel and Villas Great place on the north side of town, 2 minute walk to the beach. Was the best looking place I saw in the area ( unless you want to pay 500 a night ). Rooms sleep 4 comfortably and had a kitchen, fridge etc. Very nice!!!!!!! Chicago   Jan 13, 2008 Playa Nicuesa offers the best of both worlds - luxury accommodations with a focus on eco-friendly practices - immersed in lush rainforest along Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce. Highlights include expert on-site guide (Carlos), group meals and relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Our balcony opened into the rainforest canopy and we were greeted by monkeys on several mornings. Our hosts, Michael and Donna, work hard to sustain best eco-tourism practices and contribute to the surrounding communities and the surrounding ecosystem. Definitely recommended for the luxury ecotraveller.     08 Jan. 2008 Manatus Lodge ¨A wonderful magical place, we loved the boat excursion, hike, pool, dinner and atmosphere.¨   Eloise & Cam Berry (Canada) Churchill, Manitoba9 Feb. 2008 Manatus Lodge ¨Thank you for everything, this place is like a true paradise to us. Having a taste of the FRUTA DE PAN for the first time was nice! We will come back some day. Greetings!¨                  Apr 25, 2007 (Hacienda Guachipelin) Had a super experience with this all inclusive package. We stayed two nights, went horse back riding, to the mud/hot springs, hiked in the national park Rincon De La Vieja, tubing down the Rio Negro, and a zip line trip through the canopy. The buffet has lots of fresh fruits and good vegetable dishes. For me, it was too bland and did not have enough local flavor, but I am sure this appeals to a lot of travelers. Had the sense that they get a lot of European travelers there? It was a great value for all the things we did. The ride up the dirt road to the ranch is bone jarring but thankfully relatively short. All the excursions were super fun. The room was very nice, very quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. I made use of my pathetic Spanish here, not as many fluent English speakers as you find on the coasts. A gorgeous setting.     Pura Vida! New Mexico