“My favorite vacation ever.” – Quote from our son.

We did lots of research before finding this house. When we found it, I thought there had to be a catch. In that area of Costa Rica, even the hotels are not on the beach. They advertise "5 minute walk to the beach!" or "Only 300 meters to the beach!". What you see in Brett's photos is even more impressive in person. The house is ON the beach, and far enough away from the tourist areas that, during this busy spring break week (the airport was packed with Americans) we felt like we had a private beach. A beautiful beach, with a view of the island, and amazing sunsets every night, all to ourselves. The water is safe, our kids swam and body-surfed every free minute, while I fly-fished in the surf for snook. They chased hermit crabs and geckos every night, then passed out, exhausted and happy. It was perfect. There are 5 of us and the house had more than enough space. It's very, very clean, and has everything we needed. The hot water works. The AC in the bedrooms works. Both kitchens had anything we needed. The beautiful patio is where we ate breakfast and a few lazy dinners, looking out at the ocean. The kids would fight over the hammock. For two dinners we walked to the nearby pescaderia (ask Melissa or David how to find it) and grilled what they had fresh. We didn't rent a car, Melissa reco'd a shuttle service to/from the airport which was very reasonable. We took a beautiful 15 minute stroll down the beach into town for our surf classes, or when we wanted a meal out or some Caipirinha cocktails (for mom and dad) and fresh-fruit smoothies (for the kids). There are great restaurants in town, and not a single chain business (other than the Pali grocery). Samara is small, charming, and still very 'Tico'. The Costa Rican people were as friendly as we'd heard. We booked a couple excursions, which picked us up at the house. I read one reviewer who complained about the interior of the house. I can't imagine driving through some of the neighborhoods we saw in CR-- seeing how so many people live, happily, with a Pura Vida attitude while in near poverty-- and then complaining about Brett's truly fantastic house. This isn't a luxury all-inclusive golf resort, and that's why we loved it. It's an awesome beach house. Brett and his property managers were incredibly helpful, every step, and very prompt and responsive to my many, many emails, both prior to our arrival and while we were there. Thanks Brett, we'll be back!