Casa Vista Grande, a 3-bedroom, 3-bath home completed in April, 2014 sits high on a plateau just 6 minutes from downtown Atenas. We offer the most stunning and expansive views of the Central Valley including two mountain ranges and four volcanoes in the distance. From the coraline terrace, the infinity pool or the front bedrooms you can gaze out on Poas, Barva, Irazu and Turrialba, with the entire central Valley stretching out before you and San Jose nestled at the far end. You are surrounded by tropical gardens, frequented by colorful birds. At night you can enjoy the stars above and below, the sparkling lights of the Central Valley. Situated in a private, gated area, the house is tastefully appointed with colorful tiles, beautiful native hardwoods, quality furniture and appliances. 35 MBPS Broadband internet is provided with WiFi, HD TV with 120 channels and Netflix on demand, and a land line phone for local calls. A prepaid cell phone is provided for your convenience with a fully refundable deposit. Atenas is centrally located, just ten minutes from the Pan American Highway that runs North to the world-famous Monteverde nature preserve and Nicaragua, south to San Jose and Panama. The new Caldera Highway has an exit directly into downtown Atenas, putting you a convenient 30 minutes from Escazu—which features the huge Multiplaza mall and many first-class shops—and downtown San Jose. Looking west from the highway entrance, you are 30 miles (43 minutes) from the Pacific beaches. The house is 25-30 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, 25 minutes from the new City Mall (biggest mall in Costa Rica), and WalMart. Nearby attractions include the El Toledo Coffee Tour, the Zoo in La Garita, the Botanical Orchid Garden in La Garita, Else Kienzler Botanical Garden in Sarchi and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park on the slopes of Poas Volcano. Comfortable day trips include Beaches: (Dona Ana Beach, 45 minutes, 35 mi; Jaco Beaches - 45 miles, one hour and six minutes); Volcanoes & Parks: (Poas Volcano Nat'l Park - 22 miles, about an hour; Manuel Antonio National Park at Jaco; Arenal Volcano Nat'l Park - 50 miles, 2 ½ hours; La Paz Waterfall Gardens – 35 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes), El Toledo Coffee Tour (outskirts of Atenas), Chocolate Tour, 20 minutes away in Alajuela. A menu of all nearby attractions is available to all guests upon booking. Your hostess Magda is very knowledgeable about the Atenas area and Costa Rica’s many attractions. She will happily offer information and services of every kind to make you feel completely at home. She will give you a guide to local restaurants that are sure to please any palate. The house is stocked with useful information including the latest guidebooks, maps, local directories and current books on native birds, animals and plants. You can take advantage of all the attractions, fun activities and tours Costa Rica has to offer: Beaches; rainforests; volcanoes; the wild, untamed Osa Peninsula; river rafting; surfing; zip line canopy tours; butterfly farms; coffee plantations, and more…or you can luxuriate in doing absolutely nothing, lounging under a coconut palm by the infinity pool, sipping a fresh tropical drink, taking in the beauty of Costa Rica while turning the pages of a favorite book. To help you unwind, a masseuse is available on request. Enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views while having your meals under the generous covered terrace which includes a gas BBQ grill, comfortable seating and dining for six. There are pool lounges for sunning and walking trails through the gardens. Make yourself at home in the great room and enjoy a movie or TV show on the high-definition TV via 120 channels and Netflix. Ultra high-speed internet is available with WiFi. There is formal dining for 6 and an island bar for breakfast or cocktails. Enjoy the fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals. A chef is available for custom meals on request. The bedroom furniture is native hardwood, hand-carved by local craftsmen. All three bedrooms offer queen beds with quality mattresses. There is an inflatable queen bed or twin bed available for more guests if necessary. Each bedroom has its own tastefully appointed bathroom with shower. According to National Geographic magazine, Atenas has 'the best climate in the world.' The perpetual spring-like weather boasts daytime highs of 75-84 degrees F and night time lows of 65 F; in a word…perfect. The quaint central park is the heart of Atenas. The small town charm offers an open air feria (farmers market) every Friday morning as well as modern supermarkets, bakeries, hardware stores, drugstores, restaurants, internet café's, video stores, bicycle shops, chiropractors, dentists, lawyers, gift stores, beauty shops and more. You’ll fall in love with the warm and friendly people of Atenas. Bus service between Atenas, San Jose and Alajuela is frequent, comfortable, safe and inexpensive. Taxis are also quite reasonable; the fare to Atenas central from the house is just $4 in the white taxis. We can offer the best deal on rental cars; our guests receive large discounts. We can also connect you with an exceptionally good tour guide who also does airport pickups. Robert, the owner will provide you with a custom digital map to the house and directions in English and Spanish before your departure in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican greeting, “Pura Vida” epitomizes the local philosophy. It means literally, “Pure Life,” referring to the shared experience living in a land where nature is beautiful, relaxing and unspoiled. Many locals also say “Pura Vida” instead of good bye. Wishing you a “beautiful day”. We invite you to come and stay with us for a delightful tropical vacation in paradise. It will be our pleasure to assist you in making your stay with us one of your best vacation choices ever.
