Apartment

Luxury 2-Story, Spectacular Ocean & Mountain Views, Central to Costa Rica Sites

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Miscellaneous
Unclassified image, 2 of 18, button
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
San Ramon, Alajuela Province
  • San Ramon Municipal Market
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • San Ramon Nonato Church
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Parque Central
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Puntarenas (JAP-Chacarita)
    ‪62 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Master

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Luxury 2-Story, Spectacular Ocean & Mountain Views, Central to Costa Rica Sites

See also the reviews for Casita Vivace (VRBO #991709).

PRIVATE WITH LUSH SURROUNDINGS. Hacienda Vivace and this rental, Vista Vivace, are located on the outskirts of San Ramón in the quaint and secure area called Magallanes, a mix of Costa Rican and expat residents. It sits at the end of a private, quiet country lane on 5 private acres of lush gardens and semi-tropical landscape, rolling mountains and coffee fields, overlooking the Pacific Ocean's Bay of Nicoya. The Hacienda is a spectacular, newly completed contemporary Spanish main home with the Vista Vivace apartment at its side.

This NEW, beautiful and spacious, luxury 2-story apartment has a view from every room. It is custom-designed with 1500 square feet that includes second story patio, living room, dining room, full kitchen, and ground floor master queen bedroom, full bathroom, laundry and covered car port. The house is fully furnished inside and outside and all utilities, high-speed 6G internet, and covered private parking are included. Breakfast is offered upon request at an additional cost. Please reference the detailed reviews for Vista Vivace's sister property, Casita Vivace VRBO #991709, to get an idea of the beauty, quality, and management style of the Hacienda's rental properties.

STUNNING VIEWS, WORKING COFFEE PLANTATION, PERFECT CENTRAL LOCATION. The Pacific Highlands where we live is the heartland of Costa Rica with truly awe-inspiring coastal and mountain views, stunning sunsets, year-around weather in the seventies, historic culture, and wonderfully warm people. And San Ramón is the ideal central location to easily go to the airport, beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and hot springs as well as cultural attractions like San Jose's Little Theater Group and the infamous Teatro Nacional.

Vista Vivace will give you the chance to experience the real Costa Rica and ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle, while enjoying the modern luxuries of a beautiful North American style home. We're located at the end of a private country lane on a working plantation that overlooks the Bay of Nicoya. You can bask in the early morning sunshine with your coffee or enjoy evening cocktails and sunset right from your private patio.

Pick up fresh fruit and vegetables at the weekly outdoor market in historic San Ramon just 5 minutes away, drive to one of the local waterfalls and splash in the pools, visit an orchid garden or sugar cane factory, or launch a day of site seeing to volcanoes, the beaches, zoo, animal rescue center, one of many hot springs, canopy tour, or an evening at Teatro Nacional for symphony or ballet.

PERFECT DRIVING DISTANCE TO COSTA RICA SITES. The Hacienda is 45 minutes from the San Jose International Airport and central driving distance to the most memorable experiences of Costa Rica. Within 90 minutes are attractions such as Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls and Gardens, La Fortuna hot springs, Lake Arenal, Carrera National Rainforest, Sarchi, Puntarenas, Zip-Lining, Butterfly Farms, Animal Rescue Centers, Manual Antonio Biological Reserve, and much more. The nearest beach is just a 30 minute drive away and part of a national rainforest, where capuchin monkeys come down from the trees to join you for lunch. We can help you with arrangements to ensure you experience the best of Costa Rica.

QUAINT VILLAGE OF SAN RAMON. The Hacienda is 5 minutes by car from San Ramon, a 'muy tranquilo' provincial town of 20,000 that welcomes travelers with a graceful sense of pride and slow pace of life. Known as the City of Presidents and Poets, San Ramon has been home to four Presidents and many of the literary leaders of Costa Rica. The town itself offers it all -- from restaurants and cafes, to museums and art studios, a 3-cinema theater, supermarkets and shops, a major hospital and the University of Cost Rica.

A HEARTY BREAKFAST TO START YOUR DAY. Breakfast can be served at an additional cost, with fresh local fruit, homemade pastry, granola and local coffee, followed by a main breakfast dish.

Property manager

Nancy Sperry and Andy Robinson

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Notify owner if leaving overnight.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Santiago

Located in Santiago, this apartment is in the city centre and by the sea. Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park and Caldera Port are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Las Cataratas de Los Chorros. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
San Ramon, Alajuela Province

What's nearby

  • San Ramon Municipal Market - 8 min drive - 6.5 km
  • San Ramon Nonato Church - 8 min drive - 6.6 km
  • San Ramon Museum - 8 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Parque Central - 8 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Iglesia de San Ramón - 8 min drive - 6.5 km

Getting around

  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Jardín - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Las Brisas - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bar y Restaurante La Ostra - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bar Benz San Ramón - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Los Leños - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury 2-Story, Spectacular Ocean & Mountain Views, Central to Costa Rica Sites pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxury 2-Story, Spectacular Ocean & Mountain Views, Central to Costa Rica Sites?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury 2-Story, Spectacular Ocean & Mountain Views, Central to Costa Rica Sites?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxury 2-Story, Spectacular Ocean & Mountain Views, Central to Costa Rica Sites located?

Located in the heart of Santiago, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of San Ramon Municipal Market, Parque Central and San Ramon Nonato Church. Palmares Church is 6.9 mi (11.1 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carol G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home, owners and location

Vista Vivace was a perfect place to stay in the Central Valley! The owners, Nancy and Andy, are lovely, generous people and welcomed us to to their home. The one bedroom was perfect for a couple with the living space above the bedroom. The full wall of windows plus an outdoor patio allowed full enjoyment of the view and sunset. Kitchen was fully stocked with all the equipment and there is a washer in the unit and a dedicated clothes line in the carport. There are some short sections of gravel road to get to the home but are not an issue. Location is approx 10 min to get to San Ramon for dining/shopping and was convenient.Would definitely return if in area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Immer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Even better on our 2nd visit!

We returned after a 5 year hiatus (Bella Vivace) and this time stayed in Vista Vivace, this 2-story home and it was lovely! We looked forward to the views each morning and especially for the sunsets each early eve in beautiful weather. Spacious, clean, perfectly appointed furniture to play card games/have wine/dine etc, had all the amenities including a washer and an awesome patio. It was great seeing Andy and Nancy again (easy communication through WhatsApp) and enjoyed dinner with them in their home/upstairs. Enjoyed San Ramon (only 10 min drive) for restaurants (Green Garden, Crave, Nectandra cafe), sodas (Las Tinajitas, Donde Culebra) and groceries (feria/market open on weekend). Naranjo's Espiritu coffee tour and Finca Gerardo/small hike/catarata (40 min away). We hope to be back in the near future! Thank you to our hosts/friends!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bob E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Emrick

the property was beautiful, the views amazing, host very helpful with computer technical difficulties and kind enough to take us to town to show us the best shopping places and farmers market.
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The pictures say it all

Luxury is accurate….tile, granite, hardwood throughout, huge deck with all the furniture, all necessary applicances, washer too. Very clean and everything worked, internet was very stable. Andy and Nancy were great and live right on the site. We used this unit as a base for travel to the volcanos and waterfalls and day trips all over everywhere. Be sure to be home by 5 for those sunsets.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular

Our first glimpse from the second floor kitchen / living room / terrace set the stage for a glorious two week stay. The view from the wall of windows overlooking the valley and Bay of Nicoya is jaw dropping. Pictures don’t do it justice. Nancy and Andy are welcoming, kind, and generous hosts. We felt like we were visiting friends. Add in warm days and perfectly cool nights, easy access to groceries and other necessities, and a wealth of possibilities to explore and this property is a true treasure.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Garry W.

Enjoyed our stay for the month

Things we really liked about the apartment: *Owners are great communicators and were eager to please us before and during our stay. They provided an excellent guest guide upon our arrival, which really helped us maximize our month in Costa Rica! *The location is central to all the main areas that most people want to visit e.g. La Paz Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and many beaches. San Ramon has a lot to offer on its own including several nice restaurants. *The apartment is in very nice condition and the view is absolutely beautiful… the sunsets are incredible. Improvement opportunities: *There is no AC in the unit, so letting in a breeze is critical to being able to sleep. It was very difficult to sleep in the bedroom, which is on the ground floor, due to not being able to open the windows at night to let a breeze in. If you do open the windows and leave the shades down for privacy, which is needed with a first-floor bedroom that is right on a road, they blow all over the place and make a lot of noise. This could be rectified if the owners install shades that won’t blow in the wind, preferably room darkening for sleep. It would also be helpful if they put screens on the windows for night time use, as the bugs do come in when the lights are on. *The owners, who live in the unit above this apartment, have 3 dogs. Unfortunately, they proceeded to bark almost every morning when other neighbors walked their dogs past the apartment. The dogs are often out on the deck right above the apartment looking down onto the apartment patio area. If you are an early riser, this won’t be a big deal, but we like to sleep in so this didn’t work well for us. *Internet service was poor and not available for many full days and parts of other days. For us this was a major inconvenience since we use the Internet for everything: phone calls, TV shows, movies, business communication, blogging, downloading maps, etc. We had to leave the apartment many days and go to restaurants and coffee shops with wifi to get anything done. Maybe for others this won’t be a big deal, but for us it took a whole point off our rating. *There was no microwave or clothes dryer as listed in the rental amenities. There was also no TV (not advertised), but generally expected by most travelers. *Despite these issues, we would have rated our visit as a 4 if the Internet had worked as the 6G network that was advertised.
Stayed 29 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top shelf, Andy and Nancy are the pr

Do not hesitate to to rent here. Quiet, breathtaking views, absolutely wonderful!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Views!

The place was clean, beautiful setting, and wonderful hosts. The dinner in their amazing home was delicious. I can’t wait to come again !
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roberta M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

30 Wonderful Days And More to Come

The apartment is new, clean and spacious and the views from the living level and terrace are out of this world. We stayed for one wonderful month (January) and are returning for another 5 weeks in March. The apartment is on a quiet dirt road, has wonderful north wind breezes, and many birds on property. Route 1 is a three minute drive and San Ramon, another 4 minutes. Andy and Nancy are wonderful hosts and Andy is a fantastic chef (be sure to request a special dinner or breakfast)! I would, and will return!!
Stayed 24 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful apartment, convenient to San Ramon

Nancy and Andy are wonderful hosts for the apartment adjacent to their home in a beautiful neighborhood just outside of San Ramon (just off Hwy 1.). They are gracious hosts who willingly share their love of the area and their story about their move to Costa Rica. The apartment is modern and very comfortable, and the views of the valley and even the Pacific in the distance are beautiful. We would highly recommend this stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

George N.

Most enjoyable stay...

Nancy and Andy are great from the moment we entered the property. Very helpful in all ways and always attentive to our needs, which was mostly directions to places near San Ramon or things to do with the property. Andy is soooooo laid back and extremely helpful. He offered to take us into San Ramon to the market when we arrived. Our unit had everything a home would need, and lacked nothing. We felt secure in the time we spent at the property. The property is worth the drive, and we hope to stay here again in the future when visiting this part of the country. Thank you Nancy and Andy for a very enjoyable and relaxing stay. ..see you again. George and Helen (Burlington, on. Canada)
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

MaryLou H.

Wonderful place to spend a week, a month or a year!

Love love love it!!! This is our third time to Costa Rica and we are very glad that we met Nancy and Andy. Their apartment was perfect for us. The views of the ocean are outstanding. Many a happy hour was spent on the patio. We are walkers so we really enjoyed the challenge of walking up the hill to the autopista was great.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

jimmie b.

Very nice

Great place to go and relax. The owners are very nice helped us out alot due to me not doing enough to perpare for the trip. Great view nice weather and the place is very nice clean and new. Thanks Andy and Nancy good luck in the future
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2018

About the host

Hosted by Nancy Sperry and Andy Robinson

Host profile image
Andy and Nancy are a retired married couple from Santa Cruz, California. Andy is a former cabinet designer and Nancy a former Silicon Valley marketing executive. We designed and built the spectacular 5,000 square foot, contemporary Spanish Hacienda Vivace and 1800 square foot Casita over the past 3 years. We completed the apartments Vista Vivace and Bella Vivace in 2017. Our architect fondly refers to our endeavor as "Andy and Nancy's art project".

We are active members of the Community Action Alliance (CAA), a non-profit organization of expats and Costa Ricans in greater San Ramón volunteering together for community development and enrichment. We do community outreach projects and fundraising for organizations such as San Ramon scouts/girl guides, local orphanage, children's cancer foundation, local music school instrument donation program, and more. We also host fundraising events such as Oktoberfest, Christmas Madrigal, and St. Patrick's Day.

Why they chose this property

After looking at Bali, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico and Panama, we felt that Costa Rica had so much more to offer us. The country is incredibly beautiful, travel is easy, and the people are wonderful. There are many micro climates to suit individual needs and an abundance of things to do. In 1949 the country abolished their army and invested all their money into education and health care and, today, have a well educated, healthy and happy population. Recent surveys show that Costa Ricans are one of the happiest people in the world. Costa Rica has a very low crime rate compared to other countries in Central and South America. They also have a longer life expectancy because of the lifestyle they live - Pura Vida!

The Pacific Highlands where we live is the heartland of Costa Rica with truly awe-inspiring coastal and mountain views, stunning sunsets, year-around weather in the seventies, historic culture, and wonderfully warm people. And San Ramón is the ideal central location for us to easily go to the airport, beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and hot springs as well as cultural attractions like San Jose's Little Theater Group and the infamous Teatro Nacional.

What makes this property unique

Vista Vivace will give you the chance to experience the real Costa Rica and ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle, while enjoying the modern luxuries of a beautiful North American style home. We're located at the end of a private country lane on a working plantation that overlooks the Bay of Nicoya. You can bask in the early morning sunshine with your coffee or enjoy evening cocktails and sunset right from your private patio.

Pick up fresh fruit and vegetables at the weekly outdoor market in historic San Ramon just 5 minutes away, drive to one of the local waterfalls and splash in the pools, visit an orchid garden or sugar cane factory, or launch a day of site seeing to volcanoes, the beaches, zoo, animal rescue center, one of many hot springs, canopy tour, or an evening at Teatro Nacional for symphony or ballet.

Another unique benefit to staying at Vista Vivace is the food! We serve a hearty breakfast upon request, and If you are interested in experiencing local cuisine without leaving your patio, you can take advantage of the Hacienda’s private chef. Whether you are looking for typical Tico fare or a gourmet dinner, the Hacienda’s experienced chef comes highly recommended.

Languages:

English, Spanish