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THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

Outdoor pool
Terrace/patio
Aerial view
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
3 bedrooms, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Atenas, Alajuela
  • Palmares Church
    22 min drive
  • Parque Viva
    25 min drive
  • City Mall
    33 min drive
  • Puntarenas (JAP-Chacarita)
    66 min drive

Room options

About the area

Mercedes

City center stay.Stay at this Mercedes vacation home and you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of Palmares Church and Aguacate Mines. Minas Del Aguacate is within 9 miles (15 km) and Rock Bridge is within 12 miles (20 km).
View more Vacation homes in MercedesOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palmares Church - 22 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Parque Viva - 25 min drive - 20.7 km
  • Jardín Botánico Else Kientzler - 30 min drive - 19.1 km
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 32 min drive - 32.6 km
  • City Mall - 33 min drive - 25.5 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio de Belen Station - 34 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Parrillada Androvetto - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante y Chicharronera El Trapiche - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Hermanos Castillo - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪La Trilla de Vega - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Pizzeria La Finca - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE

Quinta Colina Paula sets itself apart from any other rental property in Atenas. This well maintained and gorgeous 20 acre estate is located in an excellent residential area named Barrio Mercedes. It is only a 25 minute drive away from the San Jose airport (SJO) and 4 minutes from the center of quaint Atenas with all the amenities and services. It is conveniently located near many tourist attractions. Yet you are welcomed to a grand tropical paradise. Be ready to be amazed as soon as you arrive to the gate of this estate. You will enter past tropical plants and trees, past the caretakers Meylin and Manuel's house, lovingly painted by the talented artist Eighi, down to the first river with protected native trees and up to the house. Not just any house. A home which has been lovingly and meticulously prepared for your arrival. This home was built in the typical and authentic Costa Rican style with native woods. It offers 3 wrap around porches with very different views: the mountain and volcano range, the tropical garden and the secluded, enchanting pool area. Ample comfortable seating and hammocks will make your choice as to where to hang out and take in these breathtaking views very difficult. No effort nor expense was spared to create a home away from home. With an open living plan, well stocked kitchen, beautifully appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, TV area and dining spaces, you will be able to kick back and enjoy immediately.
We provide fresh organic eggs and fruit from the finca. For the nature lovers, you can take your daily walks up and down the property where you will spot a variety of native trees and rare tropical fruit trees, along with any kind of tropical plant you can imagine. Manuel can walk you down and into the river at the rear Bird lovers alert: at least 35 different species have been spotted here. Meylin will welcome you to the property and she is always available for any questions you may have.
For the yoga lovers, we added a yoga deck facing the volcano range.
We have several drivers available who can take you into town or on day trips. Should you need a well deserved massage or desire the luxury of a private chef, that too we can arrange.
We are an all organic property which respects all of the beauty Costa Rica has to offer. If you are planning a destination vacation or looking for a lovely landing pad during your travels, we assure you, you will not be disappointed. And if you are wondering why to choose Atenas as your destination, the answer is simple: Atenas is centrally located yet away from the busy touristy areas. Atenas offers absolutely anything one could need on a vacation. It is town
Come and visit Paradise at Quinta Colina where you can live the Pura Vida.







Property manager

TONIA

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
  • Onsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Kitchen island
  • Spices
  • Ice maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Video library
  • Games
  • Books
  • Stereo
  • Music library

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Printer
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevators
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 1 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping
  • Safe
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Farming classes
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Ecotours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Composting
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Unit size: 2500 sq ft (232 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

THE GEM OF Atenas Tropical Paradise Retreat
A GEM IN Atenas! Tropical Paradise Awaiting YOU
UNIQUE IN ATENAS GORGEOUS HOME IN TROPICAL PARADISE

THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 94 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness
One of our favorite vacations!
This was our second time staying at Quinta Colina Paula and we cannot say enough good things about this property and its host, Tonia. We felt right at home as soon as we arrived and were greeted by Meylin. She and her family live in the casita at the front of the property and were always kind and welcoming. Tonia also did a great job recommending drivers for short trips to town or day long excursions. We only hope it’s not another 8 years before we can return!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Loendry C., Fairview

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice house!
Nice amenities! Perfectly away but still close enough to everything. Both Manuel and his wife, who live in property are amazing. The highlight for me was the opportunity to have fresh eggs from the property chickens, truly amazing! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Jane R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pura Vida Perfect!
The long, winding driveway from the entrance at a main road takes you a world away from the busy town of Atenas. Beautifully landscaped and very private, Colina Paula is the best VRBO experience we’ve ever had. The home is extremely well provisioned, from kitchen appliances and laundry to plentiful, thick bath towels, beach towels, and comfy beds. Three porches, hammocks, and a pool offer multiple places to relax. We were awakened by tropical birdsong each morning and fell asleep to breezes rustling through the lush foliage at night.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Cadillac, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
Another tough day relaxing by the pool and exploring the property.
This was a repeat visit and it was even better than the first time. The property is wonderful, the house beautiful and the privacy exceptional. The kitchen has everything you will need. The grocery store is not far away. Only challenge is the driveway, typical Costa Rica steep. Love this place
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another 5-Star Vacation
This was our second time at the finca and, again, we had a wonderful time. The house is airy, including the addition of screens for the large entry doors on both sides. Pool is wonderful. Beds and baths are clean and spacious. The house is well off the street yet still within a few minutes of Atenas. Enjoyed meeting the owners. Can't wait to return.
Stayed 23 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Getaway
Very lovely home in a beautiful part of Atenas. We loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness
All the conveniences of home
Tonia’s house is a home therefore offers more than your normal rental. Kitchen has everything you need including spices. We lived here for 6 weeks in 2023, very easy to do. Most rentals are difficult to live in long term. Manuel & Mylene are wonderful people who live on the property with their 2 daughters and make sure your stay is perfect. Piet & Yvonne are amazing as the property managers, helping us book excursions or helping us when something in the house goes wrong. The house is secluded on the 18 acres however it is in the Mercedes neighborhood with all the sounds you would expect: roosters, vehicles without mufflers, horses, barking dogs, cows, etc. You will love your time living here.
Stayed 18 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded Expectations
Beautiful home, very well-appointed, with incredible mountain breezes and plenty of privacy. Fully-equipped kitchen, open layout and porches on three sides provided the perfect spot for family and friends. “Gem of Atenas” is a very appropriate moniker.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous setting
The house is even lovelier in person! Tall ceilings, totally updated, and a fully-equipped kitchen. We had coffee every morning on the porch, looking out across the landscape.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim H., Gig Harbor, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Atenas
Beautiful property. Everything went smooth. Piet picked us from the airport and arranged a rental car. Yvonne brought us delicious dinner- 4 casadas. Manuel and Meilen kept the grounds kept and house clean. They brought us huevos a few times. The house is great and well stocked. Only thing is you cant close the top windows with screens. They are great for air circulation, but it would be nice to close them for sounds at night. Pool is nice and clean. Overall, stay was great. Thanks and good luck!
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

Liked: Cleanliness
A second fabulous stay!
This is a wonderful property. The location, Atenas, is truly a perfect Costa Rican destination on the central range near volcano Poas and a short distance to Playa Herradura where we went fishing in the Pacific Ocean. The property could not be better. The owner, property management, and the property caretakers are all good people. This is a place to relax and enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer. I highly recommend it and I know I will be back soon
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy E. G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Two weeks at the Gem of Atenas
We had a wonderful and relaxing time at the Gem. The property managers, caretakers and Tonia were all so helpful in making our stay stress free. The house , gardens and finca are gorgeous and so relaxing. The pictures don’t show all the beauty! Tonia has definitely put a lot of heart and soul in that place!, thank you !
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Property & Stay
The house and the property were truly amazing! The space was extremely comfortable with enough space for us all to relax and unwind. We were able to spend most of our time outside at the pool, patio or walking the property grounds. The house has been updated and is very well cared for. The property managers were wonderful individuals that made our stay the best experience possible. They supported us by making arrangements for some of our excursions. In addition when we needed additional help it never felt as if we were bothering them. We would recommend this place to all as it was superb, and are looking forward to returning in the future!!!!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Stay in Costa Rica - Atenas
We had a nice stay. The house is very nice and sits on a beautiful property. We had a couple issues come up, but they were taken care of well. Good location to take day trips to different parts of Costa Rica. We saw Toucans and Macaws fly by on the property which was cool. We recommend the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect home in Atenas
We very much enjoyed our stay in the home. Everything was spotless and we had everything we needed for a little vacation in Atenas. The amenities at the house are top notch and the property is simply a slice of heaven. The pool was great and the home is only a short distance away from the central part of Atenas. If you are looking for a home to rent in Atenas, this is it!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debbie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
This is the most beautiful property! The house is beautiful! We loved setting on the back porch watching the rain and every evening the Toucans would be in the trees! So many other birds too! Everyone loved the pool! Went hiking all over the property so.beautiful . Had a couple of days Lola and Zeus came by to visit and sett on the porch with us! ❤️ Bananas you can pick growing right by the pool! Just can say enough just a wonderful property and all ready making plans to come back here for our nexts vacation!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari P., Chicago, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Phenomenal, and super relaxing
This property was amazing. It was incredibly relaxing. There was plenty of space, both indoors and out, for all in our group. The pool was great, the home is very nicely furnished, and the whole property is just lovely. My kids loved seeing the dogs, Zeus & Lola, each day. Honestly, the property was perfect for what we were looking for. We would gladly come back to stay again.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brittany L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing home
This house is amazing, this property is amazing, everything is amazing. Would highly recommend this house. The home is very nicely designed for a family with kids and offers everything and more you could need for cooking (we cooked almost every meal at the house). The counters are super high in the kitchen, which was delightful for my tall husband, but, my kiddos found they couldn’t reach to clean the dishes, so, they especially loved this house :) beds are comfy. It is loud in the mornings with birds and dogs and roosters but we loved it! If you need complete silence to sleep, this may not be the house for you. The only drawback we could possibly Conceive was the check in check out process. We had to meet with the hosts for a “tour” of the property and then wait for them to arrive to hand over the keys before leaving. We much prefer a contactless check in, but, understand that some like it this way. This house/pool is gorgeous and Atenas is now our favorite city on earth.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything you need and more
Tonia’s home is beautiful and in the perfect location! Everything in the house is of the highest quality. Abundant, comfortable furniture inside and out. The kitchen has everything you need. The pool and grounds are gorgeous. The pictures do not truly capture the beauty of this property. My husband and I stayed here for 3 weeks - used the other 2 bedrooms as our offices. It is so wonderful to have desks! Remember that the property is in a neighborhood in Costa Rica so there are barking dogs and roosters - sounds of life - which we were fine with but some people are not. We enjoyed our time here so much that we booked for 6 weeks next year. I think that shows how much we like this property.
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marta B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great country home
Smooth process - house is great and beautiful country side. Piet was very helpful and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ralph H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Private, secure, furnished home with pool
Clean, modern, well maintained, safe, gated 40 minutes from SJO Airport.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bethany S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas in Costa Rica
We had a great family vacation here. This property was very peaceful and relaxing. The property managers were extremely helpful and the on-site caretakers were very friendly. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you for providing a great place for others to enjoy!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

william o.

Liked: Cleanliness
What's not to like!
Beautiful property, everything we needed for an enjoyable stay. We would certainly like to return...
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Aurora F.

Liked: Cleanliness
If you're hesitating on booking - don't! Amazing experience; everything even better in person!
A friend and I stayed here from 11/26 - 12/1 for my 30th birthday. We communicated primarily with Piet, who owns the property - which is absolutely gorgeous!! Piet assisted us with airport pick up (and drop off), then gave us a tour of the property and thoroughly explained all we would need to know about it - it honestly looks exactly like the pictures (which is rare) and even better when you see it yourself! The house itself is like a tropical oasis and very spacious, comfy and clean with a lot of room for multiple guests. It is also gated with a long driveway in which you will be given a key for, so we felt very safe. You will not need to worry about picking up much as the house is stocked with almost everything you would need (ie: kitchenware, seasonings, modern washer/dryer, electric stove, microwave, ample stock of bathroom toiletries, sheets and pool towels). The large property brings tropical birds which you can view right from the pool (or even your bedroom/Livingroom)i f you'd like, and you will have an impressive view of the sunrise and sunset and mountains. There are lots of trees and beautiful flowers surrounding the property, and a large wrap around patio with hammocks and lots of seating for dining outside if you wish to. The house also has a soundboard so you will not need to bring speakers (this comes in the clutch if you want to play music throughout the house or listen to it poolside! The beds, and couches are also comfy and each room has tall celling's and fans and which adds to the beauty and décor of this home. The bathrooms each have a rainfall showerhead which is spa-like, great working hot and cold water and spacious with good lighting. Most restaurants , grocery stores are within a walking distance but I will say there are a lot of hills so taking a cab (which Piet provides numbers for) might be a better option. Overall, this place was unforgettable, and it provided so much for a relaxing time in Atenas, Costa Rica. I already told Piet I didn’t want to have to leave and would love to come back in the near future. Definitely book!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Samantha G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful and Relaxing
We really enjoyed our stay here in Atenas. The house is exactly, if not better, than the online pictures. We had everything we needed to enjoy our stay and communication before and during our stay was fantastic. I couldn’t recommend this home more!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021