Entire home

1 bathroom2500 sq ft

Explore the area

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Atenas, Alajuela
  • Popular LocationParque Viva25 min drive
  • Popular LocationMultiplaza Mall Escazu32 min drive
  • Popular LocationCity Mall33 min drive
  • AirportPuntarenas (JAP-Chacarita)66 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



" The road to Paradise is Paradise"

WELCOME to Quinta Colina Paula! Be ready to be amazed by what this property has to offer. A true value for your money offering a stay that will make you sing. Photos can not do this property justice. A day (or days, weeks or months) will make you feel you never want to leave!!
The climate in Atenas has been rated the best in the world(no joke!). Optimizing that, the house was built with 3 wrap around porches providing year around outdoor living. An eye for detail using rare, native woods throughout the house provides a warm and cozy feeling, yet this house is fully modern and classy. The furnishings are in keeping with the style of the house, offering a feeling of comfort and relaxation wherever you are, inside or outside. The views of the lush tropical gardens, mountain range and volcano range however is the icing on the cake. It is what makes this property so special. Here you can go for morning or afternoon walks on carved out paths without ever having to leave. Along the way, there are benches to sit and relax. Here you can dream away on the porches or at the pool. Here you have a home away from home in Costa Rican nature. (Please note that this property is in wonderful neighborhood at only a 5 min drive from town). Atenas is authentic, yet modern, buzzing with life and offering all sorts of services.
This house offers 3 very comfortable bedrooms with 2 full baths, one of which is en suite. Each room has its own little characteristics. For kicks they are named after native Costa Rican fruit (Nisparo, Anon and Moringa) which can also be found (and tasted!!) on the property. The bathrooms are spa like. Built in ventilations areas above the doors and windows allow for a constant cross breeze, hence no need for AC. The totally renovated pool area, with outdoor shower is surrounded by natural foliage, providing a true sense of relaxation.
The beauty of this spacious property can be found in so many native trees, exotic fruit trees, tropical gardens and rivers. It is rich in color and dimension and is truly a piece of art by itself. All fruits are available for guests to enjoy, as well as the freshly laid eggs from our chickens.
Manuel, Meylin and their 2 beautiful girls live in the casita at the entrance of the property. They will meet and greet you upon your arrival. Meylin will show you around at the house. Manuel is in charge of all the gardens and the pool.
The property managers, Diane and Guillermo are also available to help out. They are bilingual.
Everyone works together as a team to assure you have the best stay possible.


Note: Quinta Colina Paula is gated. The gate was designed by the owner Tonia, representing the beautiful, national tree, the Guanacaste, and forged by hand by the famous Spanish artist Monolo. It is one of a kind.
The name Colina Paula was created out of the name Colin who is Tonia's son (and who convinced mom at the age of 7 to buy this piece of land) but also for the little hill in the back = colina) and named Paula in honor of Tonia's mom.






Property manager

TONIA

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi (surcharge)

Parking and transportation

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

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

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.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • No elevator
  • Single level property
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Safe

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Farming classes on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 1 unit
  • 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
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Farming classes
  • Garden
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Unit size: 2,500 square feet

Similar properties

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

Pets not 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

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

About the neighborhood

Mercedes

Located in Mercedes, this vacation home is in the city center and on a river. Minas Del Aguacate and Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita and Zoo Ave. Else Kientzler Botanical Garden and Balneario Las Musas are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita - 22 min drive
  • Parque Viva - 25 min drive
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 32 min drive
  • City Mall - 33 min drive
  • Ojo de Agua Spa Park - 34 min drive

Getting around

  • San Antonio de Belen Station - 49 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • T!os Bar Y Restaurante - 5 min drive
  • El Balcón del Café - 5 min drive
  • La Trilla de Vega - 6 min drive
  • Pizzeria La Finca - 5 min drive
  • Restaurante Vista del Valle - 6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE located?

Located in the heart of Mercedes, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Palmares Church, Minas Del Aguacate, and Aguacate Mines. Rock Bridge and Grecia Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 87 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 91 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

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