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

Outdoor pool
Property grounds
Interior
Terrace/patio
Sun loungers, beach towels

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, Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Parque Viva
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪36 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 - 7.4 miles
  • Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita - 24 min drive - 11.2 miles
  • Parque Viva - 26 min drive - 13.8 miles
  • Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center - 36 min drive - 20.4 miles
  • Multiplaza Mall Escazu - 40 min drive - 24.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Firenze Ristorante - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Balcón del Café - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bar y Restaurante El Mejor Clima - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Peperonni’s - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪ŌMi Sushi Bar - ‬5 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
  • 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

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
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
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. 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. 103 out of 107 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 107 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 107 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 107 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

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

10/10 Excellent

sjrisley100

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tracey D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Keven R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay

We loved this house. It is beautiful inside and out. The pics and descriptions are accurate. This is the perfect place to chill, decompress or enjoy with your family.The house has everything you need for a comfortable stay. We loved the blender for making smoothies from the fruit that is grown on the property or in the general area.The owners are lovely people who are quick to communicate and provide information. The caretakers, Meylin and Manuel, live a short distance away. They are warm and helpful.Sitting by the pool we were able to see many different types of birds and butterflies. We also watched a monkey eating the bananas from the trees.We hope we can return on the future.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

Liked: Cleanliness

10 Star Ratings for this Property!

My husband and I stayed at Quinta Colina for 2 weeks in January and early February 2025. The house and property was perfect. We were well taken care of spoiled!) by the property managers- Meylin and Manuel-(who were on site). The communication with the property owner-Tonia- was fantastic. She was in communication with us throughout our stay even though she was 13 hours away! We would highly recommend this rental and if we return to Costa Rica, we will stay there again, for sure! We cannot say enough good things about this property and its host, Tonia.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JoanneDerek C.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Gem of Atenas is an absolute GEM!

What a lovely, magical place this is!We were 6 adults, ranging 19 - 57 and we all loved staying here. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and then gather together. The three sided wrap around porch is amazing, and being able to eat dinner outside no matter the weather a huge plus. The VRBO was exceptionally clean and very well equipped, I think there were more pots, pans and dishes than in our own house! We had fresh eggs upon our arrival, and more appeared during our stay, as well as mandarinas, limes and bananas from the fruit trees.12 thumbs up for this one, thanks for making our stay in Atenas so fantastic!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle L.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Phillip G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best Vacation Ever!!

Our stay at Colina Paula in Barrio Mercedes was absolutely spectacular! The house was incredibly clean and fully stocked with pots, pans, cups and utensils. Manual and Meylin (caretakers who live on the font property) were very welcoming and provided us with fresh eggs, limes, and bananas. The property itself sits on 20 acres of lush rainforest plants and is absolutely stunning! The views from the house were impeccable and we could spot toucans from the rocking chair on the porch. The pool was in pristine condition and very well maintained. Manual and Meylin do a phenomenal job taking care of the property. We had an incredible stay and would highly recommend this place to any and all travelers looking to stay in a non-touristy but safe part of town.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter B., Las Cruces, NM

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Loendry C., Fairview

Liked: Cleanliness

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

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