We rented Casa Colibri for ten days and had the most relaxing time. The views were spectacular, the kitchen was well appointed, and the wildlife (monkeys, birds, iguana) did not disappoint!

My daughter and I stayed here for a week. The house and location is everything you would hope it would be. The view. The pool. The house. The area. All peaceful. An iguana visited us daily! We renewed our souls and spirits. Mary-Ellen is an excellent host. She communicates well and often. She provided us with extremely valueable information and was very prompt in her responses. If you are looking for one of the best places in Samara, hit the "book" button!

The house is gorgeous and has jaw dropping view of the ocean. This is a stunning property in every aspect located in a perfect place. Lot's of activities around but I often wanted to just stay in the house and enjoy the pool. The surroundings are breathtaking, you feel like in the middle of a jungle with howler monkeys around. Unforgettable experience.

The view from the house is amazing. Watching the thunderstorms roll in during the rainy season as you enjoy reading a book or eating dinner on the patio is a great way to relax. We used the pool every day. It is a little far to walk into town, but we used the same taxi while we were there. There were 4 couples and we all had our privacy and space to hide away. The internet speed is great and you could work remotely.

Although it was a 2 hour ride from the airport (which we knew), it was a beautiful ride and worth every minute. From the second we arrived until we left, everything was wonderful. The people, the food, the land, and of course... the house <3 From the moment you pull up to the gate at Samara Reef, you feel like royalty. The landscaping is fabulous and the house/property/view is stunning to say the least. We spent pretty much every moment we were at the house, out on the deck. When we were in the house, we had all the doors open, as Ellen recommended for a delightful breeze, which also cut the humidity in the house. Most of the locals are familiar with the location of the house, which made traveling around and dining out very easy. The information that Ellen provides is A LOT but WORTH IT! You must read it all and embrace her recommendations. The house is spacious and inviting. The pool and yard view are priceless. Our favorite part of the trip was the sunrise and set along with the thunder/lightening storm viewed from the deck - they were like scenes from movies.

Upon arrival, my daughter said, we’ve stayed in a lot of places all over the world, but this has to be the best one ever!” Conveniently located, beautiful surroundings and the most incredible view while lounging poolside. The monkeys and wildlife were a special treat to wake up to ever morning! Daniel, the caretaker, was so accommodating and took the time to answer all our questions. Mary Ellen, our host, was quick at responding and gave us explicit instructions from everything to do with the house, where to buy groceries, what restaurants to dine at and what activities to sign up for. Our family absolutely enjoyed our stay and loved Costa Rica.

I have nothing but hyperbole to offer. View is awe-inspiring. Great home layout. Great communication with owner. And Samara is one of my favorite cities. Everyone in our party insisted that we're coming back in the near future.

I have nothing but hyperbole to offer. View is awe-inspiring. Great home layout. Great communication with owner. And Samara is one of my favorite cities. Everyone in our party insisted that we're coming back in the near future.

Amazing house and great amenities. Mary-Ellen was very proactive in the check-in process. Everything was very clean. Loved the howler monkeys in the neighborhood early in the morning.

We had the best time at this vacation home! Everyone enjoyed the area and didn’t want to leave!!

We had an absolutely wonderful stay in this beautiful home. We took our four boys and stayed for nine nights. They have an age range from 25 to 10 and everyone was happy! There are plenty of activities to do in and around Samara that will satisfy all. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy the house and the private pool. Everyone had their own space if they needed a little private time. The little town of Samara is close so that everything is easily accessible. We did find the road into town to be a little risky for walking so we did drive but that was no problem at all. There are lots of charming restaurants right on the beach. We would highly recommend this home. You will not be disappointed . Do take the time to review all of the information that Mary-Ellen shares with you before you go. Her recommendations are spot on! She is hugely helpful!

Casa Colibri is a gorgeous house with every amenity you could need for the perfect relaxing vacation. We stayed here in February and were able to experience all the beautiful parts of Samara, Costa Rica. We often dined in and enjoyed the perks of grilling, lounging by the pool and sitting outside listening to the sounds of paradise. We will absolutely choose the Samara Reefs again when visiting Samara and will for sure recommend to anyone else who is interested. Thank you!

We loved your home...it was perfect for our family getaway. The views are out of this world and the kids loved the pool. We enjoyed walking down to the beach and exploring the town with its many restaurants and little shops. We will be back!

Everything was perfect. Great stay!!!

Casa Colibri is much more than the sum of its parts. Sure the house is beautiful and spacious, the location in Samara Reefs is the perfect balance between convenience and privacy, and the people involved go out of their way to ensure everyone has a great time but the combination of all these items along with the funky beach vibe of Samara make this a truly unique vacation experience. We had four teenagers that actually put down their phones and interacted with the environment and each other during the many activities in which we participated. We did a sunset cruise and were greeted by a pod of 6 humpback whales! This is the fourth year we spent our vacation week in Samara and rented from Mary-Ellen. Each time it just gets better. We will be back next year!

The house was perfect for our family and friends. Located up on the hill, it offered spectacular views of the bay and surrounding areas. The house was stocked with amenities and the fully equipped kitchen allowed us to cook fantastic meals at home. Everyone raved about the beds, sheets, bath towels and showers - all wonderful! The pool is a highlight and was well used by our three children who could have played in it all day long. The house is located within a 5 minute drive from the town and made it easy to pop down for groceries, a meal or visit the beach. Samara itself exceeded our expectations and definitely recommend it as a place to visit for travellers to Costa Rica! Finally, the owners, managers and care-takers are exceptional: very trust-worthy, quick response times and friendly.

This beautiful home is even more luxurious, comfortable, convenient, and accessible than other reviews describe. Our family of 5 fell in love with this home. The view to the ocean, over the pool, is what dreams are made of. The house is clean, has everything you need, and is very convenient to the beautiful white sand beach of Samara, where palm trees provide shade and one can do nothing for hours, or go to the many local restaurants and sip a lovely passion fruit daiquiri! We were in Samara 7 years ago and the roads have drastically improved, as well as the food availability. We found a butcher, grocer, baker, fish monger, and health food store. Daniel and Anna, the caretakers, are wonderful and can help in anyway you need. We loved it so much we actually looked at real estate in that area, but nothing beats this villa and Samara Reefs!

Casa Colibri sits atop a hill overlooking the ocean. When we arrived and walked through the door, the view took our breath away. The home is very clean and well maintained. We were a group of seven - two families with kids ranging from 5-16. We all had our own space but could come together on the patio for drinks and to watch the kids play in the pool. There is a large bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and another bedroom with two beds on the first floor. There is a full bath on the first floor. The second floor has a master bedroom and ensuite bath and two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. The two lower level bedrooms open to the pool deck by sliders. We loved sitting on the roof top area above the carport at night to watch the sunset. All of the bedrooms were spacious and clean with plenty of closet space. The master was HUGE. The deck off the master was a favorite spot for coffee and yoga in the morning. The kitchen was stocked with everything we needed and the cooled pantry kept perishable items cool and dry (we did have a running joke about needing to check supplies in the pantry since it was so cool and refreshing in there!). Any issue we had was rapidly addressed by Daniel (on site) or Mary-Ellen via email. We have used VRBO for many years and have rented a ton of homes from Virgin Gorda to Bend, Oregon and I can honestly say Mary-Ellen is the MOST responsive owner we have ever encountered. Every email was answered promptly and she provided a ton of information to us before we left about restaurants, things to do, etc. Our only suggestion would be to rent a car or ATV's while you are there. The home is up a hill and after a long day at the beach, it is nice to be able to load up and zip up the hill. The walk is certainly doable but with beach towels, toys and kids the ATV's made it easier. We also enjoyed having them to run around town. I would highly recommend Outback rentals for the ATV's. This was our first trip to Costa Rica. We all had a great time and would definitely recommend Casa Colibri.

First, I'd like to say that Mary Ellen was quick to respond with communications and info, so that helped immensely. Second, first vacation in along time we didn't need a vacation from our vacation. We were all ready to head back to reality. Super chill. Just what we needed! We were easily entertained with large pool rafts, and much animal watching. The monkeys were a hit. We named the iguanas. We had plenty of room/privacy with a multigenerational family of nine. Finally, we got to break out our Spanish and enjoy the people we met. The ocean was mesmerizing throughout the day. The caretakers do a great job. The sounds of the canopy were musical. The lush landscaping was a verdant treat. Quite a gem. Look forward to a return trip.

This has to be one of the nicest vacation homes we have ever stayed at. Exceeded our expectations, photos simply don't don't do it justice. This is the 4th vacation home that my wife and I have been involved with renting in 4 years. We noted that, unlike some other places where we have vacationed, Samara was the first location where we felt perfectly safe among the locals. Very friendly people with an overall laid back surfer vibe. We were a party of 6 people (3 couples), none of which had vacationed in Costa Rica before. We were there from March 2 thru 9 2016. We were not disappointed. From start to finish, this was a great vacation. This house is fantastic. All the bedrooms have a great view. Master bedroom has its own balcony. The house is huge and the open concept made it feel even bigger. Not once did anyone feel that they were in each other's way or tripping over each other. The professionally designed kitchen is awesome. It is well equipped with whatever one might need for cooking/entertaining and was often a focal point for all 6 of us while meals were being prepared. Hint - The huge air conditioned walk-in pantry keeps wine at a perfect temperature. Mary-Ellen was quick with her responses and was helpful with every aspect of the trip. No question went unanswered so we had a high degree of confidence of what to expect even before we arrived. While staying at Casa Colibri, Brenda at the info center was our number one go to person for activities, shuttles, etc. Her knowledge on just about everything in and around Samara (and beyond) is truly amazing. It is very hot in Costa Rica. Our group found that early morning beach walks were best, before the sun became too intense. We also discovered that between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, it was best to be at the house (just too hot in town ..... unless of course you're at a beach side pub!) enjoying the infinity pool or indulging in a siesta. After 5:00 PM, we would head into town to grocery shop, hunt for souvenirs or visit one of the many beach bars or restaurants. We did not bother with a rental car. The beach was a short 10 minute walk and the center of town just a few minutes further. If we over indulged while in town or had groceries to bring back to the house or just too tired to walk, taxis were always available.... $5 takes you right to Casa Colibri's front door. Of all the vacation homes we've had the pleasure of staying at, this is the one place we would not hesitate to return to.

If your looking for a first class home with a breathtaking view and pool, this is your place. We had iguanas suning by the pool everyday thousands of parrots flying in yard along with a steady stream of butterflies passing over the pool all day long Each morning we would go out front to watch the monkeys passing by in the trees you have truly built a paradise in a paradise. Thank you so much for sharing this place with us. I would also like to thank Daniel he is truly a gem sincerely Larry

This house is incredible. This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we are already planning our next visit. The views from this home are beyond description. The photos don't do it justice. All the bedrooms have a view so everyone will be happy with their room. There is plenty of privacy in each area of the home so it is perfect for several couples or families. This was a family vacation for us and we often were going in different directions but this home made a great gathering spot. A couple people from our group rarely left the home, it was so comfortable and the house has such a nice open concept. The pool is perfect for lounging. The kitchen is perfect for cooking as a group and the grill is great for all the fresh food in the area. Samara is a relaxed and fun place to visit. It was exactly what we were looking for in a vacation destination. Beautiful beaches, casual restaurants and really nice people. Brenda at the info center is a great resource for activities, car rentals, shuttles, etc. Mary-Ellen was amazing. She was so quick with her responses and was helpful with every aspect of the trip. This was a vacation our family will never forget.

This house is fabulous .... open concept with loads of room for the whole family. Our family of 5 has rented many different upscale vacation rentals over the years and this without question was our favorite by far... The views of the ocean from every room are amazing, we woke up early every morning to listen and watch the families of howler monkeys around the neighborhood and we really enjoyed all the different wildlife and nature this region of the world has to offer. Mary-Ellen and Shane were great to deal with ... lots of communication prior to, during and after the trip to answer all of questions and provide us with beneficial insight and information about the house, the gated community and the region around it. Thanks Mary-Ellen and Shane .... this was our family's favorite vacation :-) Cheers Dale

We just love Costa Rica, this was our second time to visit. To start Samara, is breath taking, from the people, the gated community, the food, the monkeys, birds, the accommodations, the house, and the town itself. You will not go wrong with this beautiful home. The beds were comfortable, the showers were wonderful, the layout made it perfect for hanging by the pool, cooking or just plan relaxing. We had 9 people and the home had more than enough space. Daniel was the house monitor and was available for anything we needed. The gated community made you feel secure and was a perfect location weather you want to fish, go to the beach or walk the town. The views are stunning. This home was perfect for our week of paradise. Truly, everything you need. I do recommend a rental car. This is truly a wonderful vacation spot, don't miss out!

So you are not a millionaire. 6 or 8 of you can afford to live like one for a week or 2 :) We were 3 couples 50ish. This place is spectacular! We may have set the bar too high for our next trip. The house is incredibly well stocked and supplied. Every time we looked for anything, there it was. I wish my kitchen was that well set up. There is no complaining about who got which room, they all had great views and with only 3 couples it was like we each had our own wing. I now have BBQ envy. I can't comment on the living room or media room as I don't think any of us even sat in them. This place is all about outdoor living and entertaining. the view is really over the top. We had Howler monkeys come right up on the deck while we were all out there, iguanas visiting daily and fantastic bird watching off the deck. My favorite was the giant Costa Rican Grasshopper. Might not be everyone's cup of tea but I got a kick out of them banging into things. Mary-Ellen was fantastic to deal with and extremely informative. Daniel and Anna were great, always ready to help. Don't worry if he can't figure out what you are saying, he'll just call someone to translate. Samara was perfect for us. Beautiful walk down to the beach and along the beach into town. Great vibe and a surprising number of really good restaurants. Still has a bit of the village feel so there's no doubt you are in Costa Rican town. If you walk back to the house, make sure you take the beach over to the road to the house. Do not take the main road...trust me on this. Just after you get off the beach, stop at the fish market and get yourself something to grill. We were saving the top restaurant recommended (by Mary-Ellen & everyone else in town) Casa Esmirelda for our last night but we liked the house so much we decided to BBQ seafood at home.

We visited Casa Colibri and Samara in June 2014 with our entire family ranging from age 5 to 75. The house is beautiful, beds are comfortable and the view is amazing! I truly miss waking up to beautiful sunrises and to the sound of the howler monkeys. We prepared most of our meals at home and spent the days enjoying Samara and the surrounding areas. Four in our group attended the local Spanish immersion school and found the experience extremely valuable. In addition to the Spanish classes, we rode horses, hiked in the beautiful reserve behind the house, kayaked, fished in the ocean and enjoyed the zip lines. Mary Ellen was extremely helpful and was quick to answer our questions and provide us all the guidance we would need to navigate around the area. I do have to say that Daniel, the on-site caretaker is a gem. He was there to help us with any questions or problem that we encountered. For example, one morning we had a flat tire - as we were attempting to put on the spare, he asked us to wait since he had all of the tools to repair our tire at his disposal. That saved us an entire day of our vacation. On numerous occasions, Daniel went out of his way to make sure that our vacation was a memorable and enjoyable experience. We are definitely looking forward to visiting again.

My wife and I love to travel, and we usually travel alone. This was the first trip we have decided to make with my parents and brother (a family adventure). The biggest challenge we were facing, is finding a place that could snap my parents out of their all-inclusive obsession. THIS PLACE WAS IT! The look on their face when we entered Casa Colibri said it all. They were in awe, and so were we. The full week at the house we felt like we were living in a celebrity home. First and foremost I have to give a huge credit to the owners, who were always quick to respond, provided many helpful tips and really made the planning extremely easy for us. THANK YOU. Secondly, I cannot say enough about the architecture of the house. Aside from the beautiful design and tasteful decoration, you can bring your whole family here and no one will be fighting over rooms because amazingly the architect has found a way to face every single bedroom towards the ocean, and every morning (no matter where you sleep) you wake up to the beautiful ocean view. That said, the master bedroom and bathroom are absolute masterpieces. The staff at Samara Reefs are extremely nice, and work around the clock to maintain the landscaping, clean the swimming pools and keep everything beautiful in this gated community. The locals are extremely accommodating and safety is never an issue. We spent many nights "out on the town" in Samara, and Carrillo beach and had a great time. Also, many thanks to Daniel (the on-site manager/caretaker), who was very helpful. Overall, everything at this villa was as described or even better. The location of the house is absolutely incredible and we will be talking about this trip for many years to come. We rarely travel to the same destination more than once, however, when we decide to come back to Costa Rica (and we will, because it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been to), Casa Colibri will be the first place on our minds. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

Just returned from 6 nights in Samara at Casa Colibri. Had a wonderful time. House was as advertised and more! Owners went the extra mile and provided special items for our 6 month old. Property was sparkling clean, and we felt safe at all times. The caretaker, Daniel, as well as neighbor, Bill, were very helpful. Owner, Mary Ellen, provided lots of information before we left the states about area activities, restaurants, shopping, etc, we felt so prepared for our trip. The views from the house were amazing!!! Would definitely recommend this property and would most definitely rent from Shane and Mary Ellen again- wonderful VRBO home owners!!!

We were a group of friends in our 30's spending the New Years Holiday at this wonderful house! The house was perfect. It was spotless, the view was breathtaking, and the kitchen had everything you would ever need (our group loves to cook). Daniel, the caretaker, was super nice and always available if we had any questions. Mary-Ellen was extremely helpful, sending us detailed directions as well as information about the town and available activities. We kayaked, surfed, went ziplining, explored the three beaches in the immediate area, and simply relaxed around the gorgeous pool. The town itself is very cute and has some good restaurants right on the beach. We also found the guy who sells the best ceviche in town (right next to the soccer field). We had a fantastic time. It was so hard to leave!!

This is absolutely a 5 star home, with a 5 star view, in a 5 star location. You won't want to leave! It's kind of like having your own private high end hotel ... but better because you and your family can enjoy 5,000 square feet of it. And the outside area is amazing: your own private infinity-edge pool overlooking the beach, along with your own outdoor kitchen. And let's not forget your own private waterfall ! You can sit behind it, enjoy the cool shade, and sip a drink. You can play all day without leaving this very pretty, very secure property. Then, in the late afternoon, you can retire to the veranda for sundown. The sunsets are fabulous. And finally, when it time for sleep, there are 5 bedrooms to choose from - designed to give everyone privacy and LOTS of room. It's so good, you just won't want to come back home

We went for ten days with three other couples and had a wonderful time in Samara and vicinity. Your home is a terrific base with all the comforts and an outstanding view. We will definitely return! Lots to do in Samara with great restaurants, food services and activities and easy access from the airport in Liberia.

We shared this beautiful Villa with 3 other couples ( good friends ) for 10 days in November 2010. It is a spectacular spot. The vistas from all the rooms and pool deck were breathtaking. One night we sat on the pool deck and watched the sky light up with lighting bolts coming down over the ocean that rivaled any man-made special effects I've ever experienced. The Villa is over the top luxurious. Definitely 5 star accommodations - The 4 Seasons Maui would be the next best thing. The walk to the village was easy and once there you could enjoy the wonderful restaurants along the beach, shop in the local stores for groceries or take surfing or boogie board lessons, go on fishing or kayaking excursions, or go snorkeling. We did it all. Zip-lining through the jungle canopy was the highlight for me. I'll never forget the sensation of flying through the jungle and seeing the troups of Howler monkeys. Samara = Paradise.