Maybe it was the large, comfortable 2-bdrm, 2-bath villa or the generous breakfast each morning, or the well-groomed beach front property or the lovely pool with waterfall. But most of all it was owner couple Tara and Brad and their team's attention to countless small details.

Big rain shower? umbrella is at our door. Gonna go for a swim? the pool is freshly skimmed. Looking for dinner out? they'll arrange the details. Wi-fi internet down (common in Costa Rica)? they'll figure out a work-around.

We picked Villas Hermosas based on what we read on Trip Adviser. Our experience was so positive that my husband and I wanted to add our perspective. Note that this is not the most exclusive high-end property in the Mal Pais area but it's also not $500-plus/night.

We're from Vancouver. BTW, Brad is from Calgary and Tara from Langley.

Happened to find this place when I decided to splurge on my backpacking trip to Costa Rica. This place was awesome!! The owners Brad and Tara were amazingly welcoming and they went above and beyond normal concierge services. I can't thank them enough for their help and I wish them the best of luck! Great hosts and just beautiful facilities. The breakfast of my choice in the morning at the pool was such a nice bonus too. Would stay here again in an instant and hope I have to opportunity to do so in the near future. If you want simple luxury, stay here!!

We may be slightly biased considering it was our only honeymoon, but WOW. We had such a beautiful time and we were counting our blessings by the end of our stay that we had made the decision to choose Villas Hermosas. Brad and Tara are such accomodating hosts and would give you the shirts off their backs if it meant making your vacation just a hint brighter. The rooms were beautiful and inviting with fresh flower bouquets. The tranquility of the beach was just beyond the nicely groomed gardens and pool with a waterfall. The short distance apart from town gave our stay just the relaxed and cozy vacation were could have only dreamed up. I'm telling you...paradise. If we could have, we would have stowed away in one of those villas until we were forced to leave. Thank you so much to everyone at Villas Hermosas for giving us an unforgettable experience.

- Mollie & Martin - Columbia, SC

This is where you need to stay, although once the word is out it may be hard to get in. Because there are only 4 villas, it is quiet and remote feeling while only being minutes from town. Other then sightseeing though there is no reason to leave the beach that is at your doorstep. It' s beautiful and private with spectacular sunsets. The grounds are exceptional and immaculate. The villas are nicer than they have to be and the bathrooms are over the top.

Brad and Tara could not be more wonderful in helping with any plans or activities. The staff is small and wonderful. You leave there feeling like you have a group of new friends. While enjoying our fantastic breakfast we'd get the "local" scoop on the places to go and see and how to get there.

The best part was feeling like we were remote and removed from the "other tourist" but we really were centrally located to explore the areas north and south. Definitely rent quads--they are fun and make it easy to get around.

We went to dinner at Flor Blanca one night to make sure we weren't missing out on a more "exclusive or upscale" resort, and while the food was great we realized we made the right decision to stay at Villas Hermosas. We didn't have 40 other tourist sharing a pool with us or competing for the best beach chair. At Villas Hermosas you can be totally alone if you want or you can seek out the few other guest if you need some chit chat.

While there are cheaper places to stay, if you're not willing to rough it on vacation but you'd still like a Costa Rican experience then stay here. You will not regret it!!!