Casa Visa is a small, quiet and very private getaway at the north end off Troncones. Situated right on the beach, everything about it is gorgeous and impeccably designed. Elegant is an appropriate and succinct description. The on-site staff is very friendly and eager to respond to any questions or needs. Andre is also a good cook. Taxis or rental bikes are needed to access the center of Troncones. Manzanilla Bay, 20+ minute walk north, offers surfing and swimming.

I have one word to describe my experience at Casa Viva Troncones: Bliss! I spent 5 nights at Casa Viva at the beginning of December, and this was one of the best vacations I have ever taken (and I have traveled all over the world, staying in some incredible properties). I have never been much of a beach person, but this trip changed my mind. It was utterly relaxing and rejuvenating, and I cannot wait to go back! I stayed in the Square Casita, which was absolutely beautiful--like something out of a design magazine. We had a great view of the ocean right from our bed and could hear the sounds of the waves hitting the shore all night long--heavenly! The casita is beautifully-decorated and there are lots of nooks where you can hang out while reading a book, like the gorgeous swinging benches made of reclaimed wood (also found in the common area). Casa Viva is right off the ocean, and the sunsets are breath-taking. This is a wonderful location--there is a lot of stuff to do nearby (salsa dancing, yoga, meditation, great restaurants, horse-back riding), but when you are at Casa Viva you feel like you are in your own world with your own private beach. I took many walks along the beach and rarely saw more than 2 other people. There is also some great surfing just steps from Casa Viva, and I tried surfing for the first time, which was amazing! The staff who live on the property were so accommodating and the food they prepared for us was so delicious that I couldn't stop eating! David and Sandra paid a lot of attention to detail when it came to this property. The design is incredible, without being too opulent. I felt completely pampered, but also in touch with nature and the surrounding community--a rare combination. I was amazed at how careful they worked to design a property that is preserving natural resources and allows the property to be operated in a sustainable manner. They are really setting a great example and have engaged the local community in their efforts. I also had the pleasure of visiting the site where David and Sandra are developing a new eco-community called Playa Viva. That was incredible and allowed us the rare opportunity to release about 400 baby turtles into the ocean through a turtle sanctuary that is being operated on the site--what an experience! I highly recommend Casa Viva Troncones to anyone who wants to completely get away from it all while still having all the comforts of home. This trip was the highlight of my entire year! Tina in SF

This is an amazing property, right on the beach (previous poster must have made a mistake), and we were serenaded by the sounds of the waves every night. The swimming pool is one of the best designed pools I have ever seen! It is right on the beach and has a shallow area for small children, a deeper area for swimming, a waterfall and a hot-tub. It sits right in the middle of the common area with the kitchen and areas for sitting and relaxing in the shade. It is a very natural, jungle-like property. The casitas are very comfortable, I liked the round casita the best, but the others were nice as well. The beds are comfortable and have mosquito netting which is required, because there do tend to be quite a lot of bugs in that part of the world. Some of the food the staff serves is grown right on the property, and they recycle the water used for showers and sinks to water the landscaping. The beach at this location is incredible! There are great places for surfing waves a short walk to the south, and the beach right out in front has lots of tide pools and rocks where all sorts of creatures live. My 8 yr. old son had a blast finding crabs of all shapes and sizes in the rocks right in front of the property. The staff was excellent, the food was great. We stayed at another property right next door also, but I thought this property was nicer and a better value. And beer was free! All in all it was very relaxing and we had a great time.