"What a great time we had in Costa Rica!  The Villa was absolutely perfect for our group.  Having a place that was exclusively ours and being catered to by Gabby and his crew was the ultimate.

 

The villa itself was one of the high points of the trip.  Being there gave us lots of time to visit by the pool with friends whom we don't get to see on a regular basis.  We all commented on how nice it was that we weren't having to share the space with strangers.  It rained all afternoon Wed. and all day on Thursday.  It didn't bother us a bit because we could just sit under that huge umbrella structure by the pool and pass the time while German kept us supplied with pina coladas, margueritas, guacomole, etc. (We were never hungry...the food was tasty.  Gabby tried to show me how they prepare their rice....we loved it, every way they fixed it...also the rice and beans.  There was also a  chicken recipe that Doris shared with us which we will try here at home.)

 

The rooms were great....very appealing in design (not just a square box), and though we didn't spend much time on the balcony, it was spacious and inviting.  And the view of the harbor and the ocean is grand.

 

We can't say enough good things about your staff.  It was actually hard to tell them goodbye.  Gabby, German, Doris, Marlena really did work hard to make our stay a pleasant one.  And they were good sports, too... as they were goaded by us to participate in dancing, pool playing, picture taking, etc.  Though German's English is practically non-existent, we could tell he enjoyed his position at the Villa...and we could manage to kid around with him and enjoy him.  He truly was at our beck and call all the time.  I (Jan) was really fond of Doris.  She was kind of shy at first, but warmed up.  There was  a dignity about her that I liked.  Gabby was lots of fun, outgoing...a real asset to your operation.  Meylein and Felix were industrious.  Our rooms were clean, clean, clean, and Felix was continually working on the grounds. 

 

We also thought that Federico was amazing.  I imagine each of your staff has a story to be told, but Freddy shared with us about his leaving home at 14, his travels, teaching himself English, etc.  He truly was an outstanding guide, and very good company.

 

Donnie, however, was the star of the place.  If you haven't met Donnie, you need to.  In case you don't know, he is German's four-month-old pup....and we all fell in love with him.  I wanted to bring him home with me, but I'm sure if customs had allowed it, German would not have.

 

The fishing trip yielded no big fish, but the three who went had a good time.  We loved the ride down the river, seeing the crocs and monkeys.  And the canopy tour was great fun.

 

Jack made it over one afternoon, but I was in my room washing my hair, so missed the opportunity to meet him.  He has quite a crew working for him on the new site.  It was fascinating to watch them work.

 

We especially thank the two of you for all your work in helping us plan, for making the arrangements with the staff, for answering our questions (sometimes more than once).  The band you provided was colorful and talented.  And, ahhh....the Spa.  I spent an hour and a half there, getting a sea salt exfoliant treatment and the wonderful massage.  What a treat.

 

 Costa Rica was lovely.  The Villa was especially wonderful.  This is a trip that was over to soon, but will provide us with wonderful memories.

 

We will certainly recommend Villa Ocotal to others.

 

Our best to you and to our new Costa Rican friends...Gabby and staff."

 

Jan and Basil Masse