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Zoe Courtier & Tom Keller

We got back to our hometown, Chicago, last night at around midnight. Having just spent 8 days in ....

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Zoe Courtier & Tom Keller

We got back to our hometown, Chicago, last night at around midnight. Having just spent 8 days in Puerto Viejo, I thought I\'d be glad to be back in my own bed. However, I found myself unable to sleep; I was missing the sounds of the rainforest and the fresh air; I was missing Geckoes Lodge. Don\'t get me wrong, Puerto Viejo is an amazingly charming seaside town, and I\'m so glad that we happened there. However, much of the success of our vacation is owed to Geckoes Lodge. The location, the privacy, the peace, and the hospitality all contributed to our having one of our most memorable travel experiences to date. I\'m not being hyperbolic when I say that I can\'t imagine staying anywhere other than Geckoes. I had high expectations of the property, partly because of the outstanding reviews on TA. Geckoes blew our expectations away. As cliche as it sounds, photos just do not do this place justice. We stayed in Casa Bromelia, the two-bedroom house. Not withstanding that fact that this house is in the middle of the rainforest--literally!--the design of the home is remarkable. There was (and is) so much attention paid to detail. Fresh flowers, decorative touches, every kitchen utensil you could possible want, rain showers, views of the rainforest from every window, the perfect-sized dip pool... I could go on. All of these things added up to a beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming home. The location of the property is also very special. Yes--it is a bit removed from the beaches, but that is exactly what makes it so special. You are close enough to access all of the restaurants, activities, and natural wonders you want, but you feel like you\'re in your own private sanctuary. There\'s no one walking past, no loud cards or motor bikes riding by. The land on which Geckoes is situated is a true oasis. Also, we found that Punta Uva was our favorite beach. So, Geckoes was perfectly located right between that beach (and near many others) and all of the things we might want to do in downtown Puerto Viejo. And of course, the four people on the property--Tom, Zoe, Jose, Tita--all made it that much more special. Tom and Zoe are the best kind of hosts--welcoming, warm, and there whenever you need them, but never too intrusive. Jose and Tita do an impeccable job keeping the homes and the grounds clean. In fact, you will forget that you\'re staying in an open-air house in the middle of the rainforest (until you hear the frogs, that is). I can\'t say it enough: run, don\'t walk, to Geckoes Lodge. Puerto Viejo is a perfect vacation location, but you\'re vacation would be just as perfect if you never walked outside the Geckoes gate. That\'s how special this place is. Listed by OwnersRentals.com on 26th April 2012

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Zoe Courtier & Tom Keller

First, let me start by saying this is the first time I have ever traveled out of the US. My husba ....

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Zoe Courtier & Tom Keller

First, let me start by saying this is the first time I have ever traveled out of the US. My husband and I flew first class through United and had an amazing flight. After a long flight, we arrived in San Jose and then took a private transfer to Puerto Viejo, Limon. Tom met us out at the gate to the property and led the car in to show where we were staying. After such a long day and over 18 hours of travel, it was so comforting to not have to do anything. Tom and Jose brought our luggage up to Casa Bromelia, where we stayed for the first two nights. Instantly, our bare feet on the immaculate hard wood floors were great to the touch. Tom and Zoe had a basket of fresh fruit, fresh baked bread, champagne, and essential items in the refrigerator. Not having the energy to move much, this was a lifesaver. Tom explained that at about 5am, we would hear what sounded like King Kong, but rest assured it was only the howler monkeys. We settled in for the night in a welcoming bed with mosquito netting, adding to the romantic luxuriousness. At about 5am, we heard King Kong, realized what it was and went back to bed. Now being fully rested, we were able to experience the grounds and the surrounding towns. The plunge pool was perfect to sit and relax. Jose takes such pride in the pools and it shows as they are exquisite! The rest of the ground were as beautiful, the whole team takes such pride in the entire area. I don't like bugs, and I loved watching the Golden Orb spider spin her web. Taking a walk along the trail and watching the howler monkeys play in the trees was fascinating! To see all of these creatures in their natural element, awe inspiring. To get around town we used Rene's taxi, highly suggest. He made the trip quite memorable. Understands English well enough to take you where you need to go, reasonable prices, and is always there when you need him, plus he is absolutely delightful and funny! For the most part we walked through town every day, eating at various establishments. Lazlo's by the pizzeria, if you want fish, you will get fresh fish and a lot of it. The pizzeria brings a feeling of home (and they deliver to Geckoes if you desire). Bread and Chocolate had a great Jerk Chicken sandwich and waffles were yummy too! Oh, and the chocolate, how could we forget that?? The truffles....oh you want more! El Refugio is a perfect quaint, romantic restaurant with great, delectable food choices. We did a bit of shopping at the various grocers, Old Harbour, Mega Super, and Pirripli and they had everything we needed or wanted. On one of the sunnier day's we went on a fishing trip with Wahoo Fishing and Tours, Captain Pino and Nick. First time ever on a boat in the ocean and it was perfect. We caught so many fish and a few sharks. Oh, and an amazing sunburn (forgot to put on the sunblock we were having so much fun!) Nick and Janet provided sandwiches, beverages, and a few snacks, which helped because we didn't have to bring anything but ourselves. We also visited the Jaguar Sanctuary and the Sloth Sanctuary, they were quite fun in their own rights. We finished our stay at Casa del Bosque. I still vision myself there, lying in the hammock, doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the noises of the jungle and the rainforest. Each of the houses had games provided, which we hadn't thought to bring anything with us, so it worked quite well. The best part, was not having to do anything. Tom and Zoe thought of absolutely everything to make our stay as relaxing, romantic, and as enjoyable as they could. Jose takes such good care of the grounds, and his wife, Tita, kept the Casa's in immaculate condition. Overall, while this was my first out of country experience, I have traveled to many places in the US. Staying at Geckoes is Pure Romance and worth every penny and every minute of your time. We cannot wait to return! Pura Vida!

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