I booked my 2 week stay last summer with Juliana and just returned from 2 wonderful weeks at the Vista Pacifico ( December 27 - January 10 '13 ). I hated to leave. This gorgeous property is located on a hill high above the busy Jaco Beach area and is considerably cooler than the beach areas and I always found shade and a breeze poolside or in the ranchero area. It is so carefully landscaped and laid out that you always feel safe and comfortable outside and the guests are so friendly. I met so many nice travelers during my stay.

The lovely housekeepers are so thorough with their cleaning and they keep the rooms ( I had a 2 room apartment with a nice balcony ) and the walkway and pool areas so immaculate that you can eat off the ground. They also made beautiful bath and hand towel arrangements for me daily - decorated with small flowers from plants around my apartment - a really sweet touch.

I got spoiled every morning with a delicious array of fresh baked goodies, yogurt and granola ( made fresh by Juliana - this is not store bought ) and James makes up and lays out an array of fresh local fruits and freshly brewed coffee. He also makes up fresh fruit juices to die for. I believe this larger breakfast is offered in High Season and a smaller version is served other times of the year; however - James is so accommodating and sweet that he does his best to help you or get anything that you could possibly need.

Jan and Greg ( owners ) also are so helpful too and always gave me good tips and advice when they were there. Greg landscaped and hand built every square inch of this property over the years and the entire property is meticulously maintained. It amazed me every day how such a small handful of people could run such a place so smoothly and their pride in it shows. If you need anything - just ask and if they can do it ? They will. Try getting that in 95 % of the places you can stay at.

Health Benefits: I live in Maine and suffer from arthritis in my hands, back and feet and take a number of meds for the flair ups. I am here to tell you that after the first day in Jaco - I did not take one single 800MG Ibuprofen or any other med for the entire stay. There is something very healing about the air and humidity there ( which incidentally is not that nasty steam room humidity you find in the southern US states ). I was pain free the entire time which astounded me. I am re-thinking my retirement location plans...

If you are looking for a loud, noisy, wild - raucous place to stay ? The VP is not for you but they have plenty of those in Jaco Beach area. But VP is not a nursing home either and people enjoy having drinks and meeting new friends near the pool without being intrusive. I met a number of couples and local families visiting from San Jose area just to relax with their kids for the weekend. Everyone is respectful and friendly. my apartment had ceiling fans and A?C which I found myself using far less than I thought I would. My bed was extremely comfortable too. I slept like a rock every night and pain free too ! I rented a car ( call Freddy - the manager of Economy Rental car nearby ) - he gave me a great deal for 8 days. If you have Gold or Platinum Amex - you do not need the additional insurance and he gives you the waiver immediately ). The roads are newly paved so you can easily drive north or south easily and VP has free guest parking and also free WI FI too.

If there were a 6 star rating - I would give it to the Vista Pacifico and this wonderful family who own and run it. You could not ask for nicer people and I am going back next late December for 3 full weeks if they will have me !!! The VP is a true GEM. Mark Christian Defazio