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

Vacation home perfectly located for exploring Mercedes

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A paved pathway flanked by lush greenery and palm trees, leading to a gated entrance.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a ceiling fan, a dining table, chairs, a sofa, a refrigerator, and a large potted plant.
A covered outdoor area with a tiled floor, wooden beams, hanging hammocks, potted plants, and a seating area.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island with stools, a ceiling fan, and hanging pendant lights.
A pool surrounded by lush greenery, lounge chairs, and a stone sculpture.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms2500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Atenas, Alajuela
  • Place, Palmares Church
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Parque Viva
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

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).
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What's nearby

  • Palmares Church - 24 min drive - 7.8 miles
  • Parque Viva - 31 min drive - 15.1 miles
  • Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center - 32 min drive - 15.5 miles
  • Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center - 44 min drive - 23.4 miles
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 47 min drive - 26.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪ŌMi Sushi Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Firenze Ristorante - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Balcón del Café - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Parrillada Androvetto - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Balneario El Cerro - ‬8 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.







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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

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

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • 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
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping
  • 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
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails 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

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • Composting
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Farming classes
  • Garden
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 2,500 square feet

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. 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

Frequently asked questions

How close is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE to the airport?

This vacation home is 17.4 mi (43-min drive) away from the Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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.

Is there free parking at THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

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

This vacation home features an outdoor pool.

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

This vacation home doesn't have a spa, but it does offer massages.

How close is THE GEM OF ATENAS: EXQUISITE HOME on 18 acres of TROPICAL PARADISE to downtown Mercedes?

This vacation home is 0.1 mi away from Mercedes.

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 113 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meagan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the home. It was beautiful and in such a special tucked away space surrounded by stunning trees. Everything was as advertised and our check in and stay were very easy. We enjoyed the beautiful pool throughout the day and our favorite time was for an after dinner swim. We didn't have a rental car and it was easy to get there from Jaco, to the Peace Waterfall, and to the airport early in the morning using the wonderful taxi of Heriberto.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
On all accounts our stay was magical. The finca was so charming, comfortable and Costa Rican. And, the special attention paid to us by our caretakers, Meylin and Manual, was an added bonus. Tonia couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive throughout our stay. We found our place, for sure.
Stayed 48 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everyone and everything was fantastic.
Stayed 16 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful hosts, excellent communication. Lovely, well equipped home in a beautiful and very peaceful setting.
Stayed 16 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic home in a great location. The finca is absolutely beautiful and clean with everything you would need. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this property was great! We enjoyed the neighborhood, all of the amenities, and the grounds are stunning! The house is exactly as described. The weather is absolutely perfect. So many birds to see there and the views are breathtaking. The house is in a great location to explore Costa Rica. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sjrisley100

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay at an absolutely stunning location in the heart of the natural beauty of Costa Rica! Top notch experience from start to finish! Hope to return again sometime soon! Highly recommend! Many thanks ot the hosts!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tonia accommodated a last-minute request for our weeklong stay. The house, grounds, and staff exceeded our expectations in every way. The house looks like a movie set, has complete privacy and beautiful views and sounds from every window. We stayed during hot season, temps near 90, and the house was perfectly comfortable with fans and lovely cross-breezes. The kitchen is well-appointed with all manner of pots, pans, small appliances, spices. And the setting is just spectacular, with mountain views, palm trees, fruit trees, a delightful pool, lots of birds and the occasional shy lizard. The caretakers, Meylin and Manuel, kept us supplied in eggs, mangoes, and caimitas from the finca and were a big part of what made the stay so special. I have paid 3 times as much for VRBO rentals that are half as luxurious. We are already looking at dates to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranqilo

Amazing stay, truly the Gem of Atenas. This will be our favorite place that we have stayed in Costa Rica after dozens of rental properties while traveling in CR. Hope everyone gets to experience this most wonderful house!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Getaway

Very lovely home in a beautiful part of Atenas. We loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to relax

The property is even more beautiful than the pictures. Very organised and welcoming, everyone made our first trip to Costa Rica a memorable one. Truelly a gem.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfecto

The property was great, and the property managers were even better!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best rental property yet

This place is such an incredible spot. The place was amazing, tranquil, beautiful. It had so many small details that make a stay even better, fully stocked with every kitchen appliance and utensil, laundry detergent, clothes pins, bath salts and just so many little touches that made our stay even better. Tonia and Mark are so helpful and amazing hosts .
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property

This was our third stay at this amazing property and each time we are more impressed. We have stayed at a lot of rental properties in Costa Rica over the years and this one is in the top 2. All the amenities,privacy, beautiful landscaping, excellent property managers and owner, it’s all here! We want to come back again... and again
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful surroundings

The home is beautiful, lovely furnished and the greenery surrounding us was amazing. The home is well equipped especially the kitchen and grill for outside entertaining. Sadly we did not use the inviting pool as it rained every day(end of the rainy season) should our travels take us back to Costa Rica, we would stay there again
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Shhh!

Please, don't tell anyone about this place. So quiet and peaceful, our family enjoyed the perfect Costa Rican experience. Property managers answered all our needs and the owner was very nice! We were truly spoiled during our stay with fresh eggs each day! We would be more than happy to return to this place....forever!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracey D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded All Expectations

We had the good fortune to book 4 nights at this extraordinary property and our only regret is we didn’t stay longer! From communication prior to our arrival to check out process, all was wonderful! The property itself is gorgeous with stunning views, the house has everything one could want or need and then some and the hostess, Tonia, is a gem of a human! Special mention and thanks to Meylin and family who live onsite!! We couldn’t have asked for more and will definitely be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Loendry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah B.

Excellent rental - one of our favorite stays ever

We loved our stay at Quinta Collina Paula. It is a beautiful and airy home with extensive tropical gardens. Everything about the home is inviting and comfortable. We had all that we needed and more. The weather in August was perfect, the little town of Atenas is charming with several good restaurants and it is easy to get around the area. Property managers Piet and Yvonne were also wonderful and so helpful. We hope to visit again and we thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

marie-france g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

a perfect villa

A magnificent villa offering a splendid view of the mountains. an intimate garden surrounded by palm trees where it is good to swim and sunbathe. This is our second visit and enjoyed it even more Piet served us well with the first grocery which was already at the villa when we arrived and transport us to the airport. We enjoyed the gardener, his wife and the family very much. Warm, endearing, discreet and very helpful people. It was a perfect stay with lots of sunshine!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2023