Casa Serena
GUEST REVIEWS
Great Place, Great Proprietor, Great Location
We had a great time at Casa Tamara. We were sent an extensive guide to Rincon prepared by the proprietor, along with everything we needed to know to find the place and get into the unit. We were met by a very nice gentleman who gave us a brief orientation on the area, where the best grocery store was, etc. We got settled in and walked out into the ocean a soon as we were done shopping (even though it was dark when we arrived). The water was so calm and beautiful. Having the calm caribean waters just a few steps from the front door was incredible. The beach is not private but we saw only the residents of our unit and the neighboring houses on the beach the whole time. Once or twice a few people walked by carrying coconut drinks from the beach-side bar about a mile down the beach. It was quite and peaceful.
The first floor apartment we stayed in was great, and the bedroom air conditioners did a great job of cooling the rooms, we are used to having air conditioning all the time at home and we slept in perfect comfort. The wifi was fast. We made frequent use of the blender in the kitchen to make drinks with coconut creme, rum, bananas and mango juice from the supermarket. And there was an ice-maker in the freezer, so we could make all we wanted easily! Our son spent much of the week in the hammock. One day we found 4 starfruit in a bag hanging from the door, a gift from the owner, they are a real delicacy as refreshing as watermelon but with a mild kiwi-like taste. We felt very welcomed the entire time.
Rincon is a great location, with a lot of nice restaurants from beach bars to fancier fare. We visited Ponce, San Sabastian (with huge flea market), and caves around Aricebo (google La Ventana Cave), all are well within reach of a day trip. Try the Hotel Confresi for a great beach bar with entertaining bartenders, Tamboo is another great beach bar, at Rincon Tropical you can eat with the locals, and Cafe Calypso is nice and casual for dinner with a great sunset view.
All-in-all we are extremely pleased with Casa Tamara, and if we are fortunate enough to return to Puerto Rico we will stay there again.
Charles
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"Great vacation at the beach!"
This vacation exceeded my personal expectations. We were very comfortable and at home in Casa Serena. The amenities like the master king sized bed, 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen, internet access, dish TV, nice furnishings, washer and dryer, outside beach showers, outdoor seating, hammock, grill, etc. were well used and appreciated by us. The neighborhood-Stella seems to be composed of a nice mix of locals and some tourists; it has nearby bakeries with freshly baked and delicious quesitos, grocery stores with fresh fruits and the versatile plaintain, local resturants with classic Puerto Rican cuisine, a nice mix of tourist, local and surf shops and also fast food for hungry teenagers who want a pizza or Burger King. Nancy has done a very thorough job detailing the local community in a handy information packet ( a copy is on the coffee table too). I appreciated Nancy's appropriate concern and communications when discussing our desire to stay at Casa Serena wanting to ensure that everyone's (including the other guests') vacations would be enjoyable and peaceful. The other guests at Casa Serena, Mike and Pat from Vermont, were very pleasant. The location seemed ideal with a nicely landcaped tropical backyard that opens directly onto a very nice long stretch of a fine sandy beach; a large almond tree is very conveniently located near the back gate and provides a nicely shaded rest area. The people on the beach were friendly and respectful. The water was interestingly calm enough to swim with my 13 year old son but there was enough surf to boogy board near the shore. In the ocean close to the shore there are large flat shelves of rock covered with a thin layer of vegetation that we would walk on barefoot (waist deep) out into the ocean, then at the ledge (4 to 6 feet deep) we would swim around, snorckle or just float. The water clarity was okay with some brightly colored tropical fish seen around the rock ledges. On the beach there are nearby rentals- long surf boards with paddles, jet skis, group water rides, etc. There are a variety of other nearby beaches in Rincon including some with world class surfing (World Surfing Championships held there in 1968 and 1988, we just missed a Corona sponsored competition there by 2 weeks at nearby Dome's beach in Rincon)), next time I want to include some long board lessons for me. I hope we will be able to return to Casa Serena.
Bernie P.
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It Was Everything We had hoped for and more!
We were looking for a beach front Villa where we could relax and enjoy the beach with our family of six as we were attending a wedding in Rincon.
Casa Tamara, was the perfect location and the perfect home for us. The Villa was well appointed and had all the amenities we needed. As a property manager and past hotel manager I am very particular and I found the Villa to be well equipped, clean and comfortable for a beachfront property. The water pressure was good, the a/c in the bedrooms worked great, there were new appliances in the kitchen and plenty of towels and linens.
We had plenty of beach chairs and great patio furniture.
I appreciated the fact that I could walk out of the Villa and have my coffee right on the beach each morning at sunrise.
Nancy, the owner was wonderful and followed up with us to insure that we had everything we needed, which we truly appreciated.
I would recommend Casa Tamara for anyone looking for a very casual beachfront vacation. We plan on coming back!
Thanks,
Al
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Perfect for our family vacation.
Dear Nancy,
Our accommodations at Casa Serena exceeded our expectations. It truly was a wonderful place to stay with a lovely yard filled with all sorts of trees, places to sit and the great beach to swim, snorkel and explore. We spent hours and hours swimming and snorkeling in the warm water or sitting on the beach in the shade under the trees. One morning we saw porpoises or dolphins not far off shore. We were very happy to have brought a snorkel and mask but next time we will bring one for each of us because the sheer variety and numbers of beautiful fish we saw kept luring us back into the water. The beach at this location is also very clean. Casa Serena was very comfortable with ceiling fans, air conditioning, super comfy beds, on-site laundry, boogie boards and floats, large TV, WiFi, and a kitchen that we used constantly for our family of four. We felt very welcome and thanks for all the information you provided to make our stay easier. Rincon offered lots of activities and we had really great food at the local restaurants. Our two adult daughters also thought this was a great place to stay and just couldn’t believe we were right on such a beautiful beach as well. Thanks so much for thinking of everything.
Hope to visit again soon,
Donna and Kurt Ruppel
New York State
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Beautiful Beach
This beautiful property is located on a fabulous stretch of beach. Walk out the door, cross the yard, and ...aaah! There is also an great view from the patio. Everything was exactly as advertised. This was our 1st experience with a vacation rental, and I was apprehensive at first. I called Nancy and started the rental process. She was great to work with. Nancy sent tons of information about Rincon and the property. Her directions from San Juan were excellent. We had a lot of activities planned, but it was so relaxing at the house, we could hardly tear ourselves away. The house is a duplex, well appointed and spacious, with washer/dryer that really was convenient. Nancy also owns the property next door. It was fun to meet the first set of neighbors, and we never saw the second set, so we felt like we had the place to ourselves. Gladys, the property manager was excellent. She came by to check on us and make sure all was as it should be. The only problem we had was an issue with the alarm due to a power outage. It was promptly taken care of. Nancy also called to make sure everything was okay. This is a perfect place for a relaxing get away. We enjoyed coffee on the patio, eating mangos from the tree in the yard and cooking on the grill. There are plenty of restaurants in walking distance and even more if you have a car. Eduardo's market is a couple of blocks away and great for staples. There is also a larger supermarket close by. There is off-street parking. As nice as the house is, the beach was even better. We spent hours reading, swimming, snorkeling, walking and looking for beach glass. We can't wait to go back.
Thanks,
Deann 2012
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Second time at Casa Serena
We skipped 2011, and returned for our second stay in 2012. Don't think we will skip again. The house is still immaculate, and the kitchen has been upgraded. The location is perfect, walking distance to store and to a new restaurant on corner, short drive to all other restaurants. Spent the day either sitting under the almond tree on the beach, or watching the surf from the patio. We had some wonderful neighbors both in the unit next door, and across the way at Casa Tamara. Have already booked for next year. Would highly recommend as a place for a very relaxing vacation.
Rafe V.
Minneapolis, MN
April 6, 2012
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A Veritable Treat
Casa Serena provides a veritable treat, whether you’re contemplating a week or an extended stay. A cottage
on a beautiful beach is not a unique find, but the “specialness” that characterizes an interlude at Serena is
both “Serena specific” and Rincon related.
With several beach houses “under our belts” prior to our stay at Serena, we were pleased with the ease and
comfort of our indoor/outdoor living. The beds were divine, the kitchen and its accoutrements were plentiful and
spotlessly clean. There were plenty of chaises on which to “catch the sun”, and the plethora of chairs --- both
high and low --- allowed for our creature comforts on the beach. Almond trees hugging the bank separating the
beach from the house, and a variety of water “toys” left in a corner of the outdoor dining portico would be a
pleasing diversion for children and adults. Equally pleasant, the selection of our fellow “renters”--- a skill that’s
rare given this type of commercial enterprise --- was an added bonus. From various locales and backgrounds, all
Serena neighbors were friendly and engaging while maintaining a respect for privacy (ours and theirs).
Rincon enhanced our stay at Serena. Sophisticated water sports are available a few minutes up the beach,
and the town square, similar to many in Spain and Italy, boasts zumba classes nearly every morning (unlike Spain
and Italy). One can easily find a spirited and friendly fishmonger under his colorful umbrella, and a Sunday
morning outdoor market. Good restaurants abound, and two local supermarkets can contribute to one’s dining
pleasure. In fact, the outdoor grill, the fishmonger, and the exceptional interest in the pleasure of every guest
shown by Serena’s proprietress and staff, combine with Serena’s other comforts to provide a blissful stay.
Feb 2012 New York City
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Dear Nancy,
we just returned from our trip to rincon and to your beautiful home, casa tamara - in order of importance i want to tell you first that dealing with you was an absolute pleasure - your home was beautiful and exceeded our expectations - everything was clean - well furnished and well supplied - the bedrooms were nicely air conditioned - the "split system " you use does a great job of keeping the rooms cool - the kitchen had everything we needed and we did a fair amount of cooking - the house was quiet - which we really appreciated - i suspect that the floors must be concrete because we never heard our upstairs neighbors, who by the way were a terrific couple who we socialized with and who eventually joined us at the wedding - the house is well away from the main drag rt 115 and there was no traffic noise at night, your grounds were very nice - the house fronts on the best beach we encountered - the beach is sandy - no rocks - and the water was clear- and very accessible - some of the beaches north of your home where the waves break heavy are rocky - but yours was great - there are some other nice things ,, like walking distance, to the public track - elyse and i used almost daily for exercise and there were classes given in fitness and yoga most mornings - rincon itself was very enjoyable - a nice mix of locals and guests - good restaurants -we walked around town and on th ebeach at night and we always felt safe and secure - so, in all , we will see you again -
-thanks for everything
bill kerrigan,
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Wonderful Vacation Rental
This Casa Tamara was absolutely perfect! I spent a few days with my husband, two teenage children and my parents at this home and it met all of our needs. Especially my parents who are elderly. Plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms to accomodate us all. The home was well kept and had all the necessities to make us feel at home. The beach was literally just feet from the backyard. It was great to have the peace and tranquility of a cup of coffee on the patio in the morning or a nap on the hammock hearing the waves crashing on shore. The owner, Nancy, was great. She was available to help with any questions or concerns and she followed-up with me to make sure our stay was pleasant. Definitely recommend it and will surely be returning.
Laura K
May 2012
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Dear Nancy,
Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to rent your villa. My family and I had a wonderful time. As you know we are from the north coast of the Island, and I was looking for a special part of the Island to welcome my son from his military leave. My son said "mom this has been one of my best vacations, and the house that you rented is awesome". We all felt like it was being home. The house has all the amenities you might need including washer and dryer and privacy. Gladys, your administrator and her husband were very kind to us, and we appreciated it very much!
I believe Rincon has one of the best beaches for swimming, snorkeling and surfing, and most of all the water was warm and crystal clean. Attached are some pictures that we took. We are hoping that in the near future we can rent your villa again. In my opinion and being from Puerto Rico the house and the place can not be compared by any other recognized beach of the Island.
Thank you once again, and God bless you!!
Maria Mastche
July 10, 2011
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The Perfect Beach Vacation
What a wonderful two weeks we had at Casa Serena in January 2011! The house is an absolutely perfect place for a safe, carefree vacation. The kitchen has been recently remodeled with a new stove, refrigerator and cabinets. Perhaps most importantly, the beds are king size and super comfortable.
But the real joy of Casa Serena is outside. The attached outdoor covered patio is part of a large garden area with trees, lawn chairs and a couple hammocks which we used a lot. You step thru the garden gate right onto the beach. Warm sun, clean sand, uncluttered beach, and ocean vistas that stretch for miles were ours.
Put the welcoming atmosphere of Casa Serena together with the ocean and we had a fun, relaxing, carefree vacation. Thanks to Gladys and Hector, the caretakers, for taking good care of us while we were there and to Nancy Renee for providing this special place in Rincon. We will be back next year for our third vacation in Rincon and for an even longer stay at Casa Serena.
Pat and Rich, Ann Arbor, Mi.
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Fabulous Vacation
Dear Nancy,
We couldn't have chosen a better place for our family vacation in Rincon. The house was clean, equipped with everything we needed, beautifully decorated, and best of all, we had a fabulous view of the Caribbean, just steps from our front door. There is a backyard with trees so that I could read in the shade while the others were swimming right in front of the house. The town of Rincon has lots to do and there were too many possible day trips for our short stay of one week. The caretakers were great and very helpful and the owner, Nancy is a pleasure to deal with from beginning to end, but hopefully there won't be an end! Casa Serena is a short walk to the supermarket and restaurants. What more can I say? We already reserved 2 weeks for next year.
Thank you,
Selena
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Super Winter Vacation
This is our 4th year and we plan to stay longer next year. As before, swimming in warm waters, walking along the fine sand beach, lunches and dinners in the many great local places as well as on the veranda with spectacular sunsets to
end perfect days at Casa Tamara, and with all the comforts of home-Rincon; a surfing center, restaurants from simple to haute cuisine, a supermarket a few blocks down the road, day trips into the interior rain forest or along the coast-what more could you ask for of a Caribbean vacation?
Jk, Cambridge Mass, January 2011
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Casa Serena is nearly Heaven on Earth
Nancy,
Casa Serena is a slice of heaven on earth. We had a wonderful time in Rincon and greatly enjoyed our stay at Casa Serena. What a delightful spot - right on the beach for watching the sunsets, listening to the waves break, and gazing at the pelicans diving into the water. After a hectic winter work season it was a joy to lay in the hammock for hours just reading and snoozing. I had no idea that such a contraption would be so comfortable.
The home is located conveniently to a variety of stores that for days the car didn't leave the property in favor of walking to Edwards food store or to the Econo or the liquor store or donut shop or wherever.
As a runner I appreciated the proximity to 413 and 4413 and having the opportunity to see the horizon filled with surfers atop the waves.
The western section of the island was perfect for the day trips to the interior. We did make it to Lares for the wonderful visit to the ice cream shop known for its strange but flavorful variety of ice creams.
We want to come back again and again.
The house had the perfect accommodations for us and was pleasantly and comfortably appointed, furnished and spacious. I got spoiled by having two bathrooms. The place was spotless when we arrived (and hopefully we left it in as good order for the next people). You thought of just about every detail to make us feel at home. The kitchen was well stocked with all the dishes, utensils, and appliances that made meal preparations convenient and easy. We hadn't made pina coladas in years - thank you for the blender. Knowing that a washer and dryer would be available made the packing easier - we took far less clothing items than in other times and that made life easier, too.
It was our good fortunate to find Casa Serena.
Until next time,
William Lorentz
Michael Francaviglia
Maplewood NJ
Feb. 2011
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"Amazing sunsets and so relaxing"
We spent a week at Casa Serena in the middle of March. I had looked at this property two years ago but it was already booked so we stayed elsewhere in Rincon. Casa Serena was really a wonderful relaxing spot. We loved having the yard and the hammock was a hit. Someone was always in it. The beach was beautiful and we swam all the time as well as walked as far as we could in both directions. We only ate out twice as we loved the view from our patio! The sunsets were incredible every night. We found great snorkeling on the other side of town near Taino Divers and took an afternoon trip to Crash Boat Beach where we also went snorkling. It was worth the drive. We loved buying our produce from the vendors along the road including hot sauce that was amazing and delicious honey. The bananas were so sweet. This is definitely a wonderful spot and we will hopefully return again and again. The house is great - everything that you need and Gladys stopped in on our first day to make sure that we had everything.
Thanks, Nancy, for a wonderful spot!
Marfie
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Location, Location, Location!
Just back from a week spent at the upper unit of Casa Tamara. We've been to Puerto Rico many times. This is just a beautiful spot. Fantastic, spacious porch overlooking the ocean (loved the gravity loungers!) Gorgeous sunsets every night where we enjoyed plenty of cocktails (our apologies to our downstairs Canadian neighbors for that off-key sing-a-long that one night ;-)).
The apartment itself is roomy and well-equipped. Beach towels and chairs to carry down to the beach, just yards away from the house. Ample natural shade on the beach. Outside shower to wash off the sand and salt. Nancy Renee is an excellent, very attentive host and it was nice to know that we could call her if we had questions about anything. While we cooked all of our dinners at home, we went out for lunch several times. We highly recommend the fish tacos at the Pool Bar at the Lazy Parrot. Ate there twice. We also had lunch out at El Fogon De La Curva a few times (take a right on Rt. 115 and it's about 3 miles up on the right). They never had enough fish to open the fish market attached to the restaurant but they did have very basic but very good food cheap. ($9 for a piece of fish with two sides.) Try the grouper, red snapper, lion fish and roast pork. One other recommendation is that you might want to consider bringing good ear plugs (I'm a light sleeper so I came prepared). Puerto Rico is an island with lots of roosters and dogs and cats and they begin their symphony in the early morning hours.
We ended our trip Saturday morning by getting up for a sunrise swim in the ocean. I highly recommend this! The water was warmer than it was midday (and midday was a comfortable temperature). It's hard to describe how spectacular it is to wade in the calm, warm ocean as the sky reflects pinks, purples and yellows. Heavenly!
Rachel Rivin
New York City
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"Fantastic Vacation!"
We loved our week-long stay at Casa Serena. The house was perfect for the three of us, and had everything we needed for the week - cooking utensils, pots and pans, a grill, beach towels, sand toys, and a breezy spot for a hammock. The fenced-in grass yard was perfect for our 10-month old daughter to play in when she wasn't taste testing the sand on the beach. The big tree hanging over the beach behind the house was where we spent most of time, it provided great shade for us. The house was very clean and inviting when we arrived, and it was so nice for you to call and check on us to make sure we made it, after driving at night from San Juan. It was also nice to have laundry facilities.
Rincon is a very laidback town, with all the conveniences we needed, along with great restaurants and things to do. We spent almost every morning at El Faro watching the surfers catch waves. We stopped at the local ice cream shop to try the maiz corn with cinnamon we read about - a strange combination, but delicious! We also took day trips to the Guanica Forest Preserve and Ponce, which were easy to reach from Rincon. We are already discussing when we can return! We loved it!
Jenna and Rus, March 2011
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Great Place, Great Proprietor, Great Location
We had a great time at Casa Tamara. We were sent an extensive guide to Rincon prepared by the proprietor, along with everything we needed to know to find the place and get into the unit. We were met by a very nice gentleman who gave us a brief orientation on the area, where the best grocery store was, etc. We got settled in and walked out into the ocean a soon as we were done shopping (even though it was dark when we arrived). The water was so calm and beautiful. Having the calm caribean waters just a few steps from the front door was incredible. The beach is not private but we saw only the residents of our unit and the neighboring houses on the beach the whole time. Once or twice a few people walked by carrying coconut drinks from the beach-side bar about a mile down the beach. It was quite and peaceful.
The first floor apartment we stayed in was great, and the bedroom air conditioners did a great job of cooling the rooms, we are used to having air conditioning all the time at home and we slept in perfect comfort. The wifi was fast. We made frequent use of the blender in the kitchen to make drinks with coconut creme, rum, bananas and mango juice from the supermarket. And there was an ice-maker in the freezer, so we could make all we wanted easily! Our son spent much of the week in the hammock. One day we found 4 starfruit in a bag hanging from the door, a gift from the owner, they are a real delicacy as refreshing as watermelon but with a mild kiwi-like taste. We felt very welcomed the entire time.
Rincon is a great location, with a lot of nice restaurants from beach bars to fancier fare. We visited Ponce, San Sabastian (with huge flea market), and caves around Aricebo (google La Ventana Cave), all are well within reach of a day trip. Try the Hotel Confresi for a great beach bar with entertaining bartenders, Tamboo is another great beach bar, at Rincon Tropical you can eat with the locals, and Cafe Calypso is nice and casual for dinner with a great sunset view.
All-in-all we are extremely pleased with Casa Tamara, and if we are fortunate enough to return to Puerto Rico we will stay there again.
Charles
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"Great vacation at the beach!"
This vacation exceeded my personal expectations. We were very comfortable and at home in Casa Serena. The amenities like the master king sized bed, 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen, internet access, dish TV, nice furnishings, washer and dryer, outside beach showers, outdoor seating, hammock, grill, etc. were well used and appreciated by us. The neighborhood-Stella seems to be composed of a nice mix of locals and some tourists; it has nearby bakeries with freshly baked and delicious quesitos, grocery stores with fresh fruits and the versatile plaintain, local resturants with classic Puerto Rican cuisine, a nice mix of tourist, local and surf shops and also fast food for hungry teenagers who want a pizza or Burger King. Nancy has done a very thorough job detailing the local community in a handy information packet ( a copy is on the coffee table too). I appreciated Nancy's appropriate concern and communications when discussing our desire to stay at Casa Serena wanting to ensure that everyone's (including the other guests') vacations would be enjoyable and peaceful. The other guests at Casa Serena, Mike and Pat from Vermont, were very pleasant. The location seemed ideal with a nicely landcaped tropical backyard that opens directly onto a very nice long stretch of a fine sandy beach; a large almond tree is very conveniently located near the back gate and provides a nicely shaded rest area. The people on the beach were friendly and respectful. The water was interestingly calm enough to swim with my 13 year old son but there was enough surf to boogy board near the shore. In the ocean close to the shore there are large flat shelves of rock covered with a thin layer of vegetation that we would walk on barefoot (waist deep) out into the ocean, then at the ledge (4 to 6 feet deep) we would swim around, snorckle or just float. The water clarity was okay with some brightly colored tropical fish seen around the rock ledges. On the beach there are nearby rentals- long surf boards with paddles, jet skis, group water rides, etc. There are a variety of other nearby beaches in Rincon including some with world class surfing (World Surfing Championships held there in 1968 and 1988, we just missed a Corona sponsored competition there by 2 weeks at nearby Dome's beach in Rincon)), next time I want to include some long board lessons for me. I hope we will be able to return to Casa Serena.
Bernie P.
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It Was Everything We had hoped for and more!
We were looking for a beach front Villa where we could relax and enjoy the beach with our family of six as we were attending a wedding in Rincon.
Casa Tamara, was the perfect location and the perfect home for us. The Villa was well appointed and had all the amenities we needed. As a property manager and past hotel manager I am very particular and I found the Villa to be well equipped, clean and comfortable for a beachfront property. The water pressure was good, the a/c in the bedrooms worked great, there were new appliances in the kitchen and plenty of towels and linens.
We had plenty of beach chairs and great patio furniture.
I appreciated the fact that I could walk out of the Villa and have my coffee right on the beach each morning at sunrise.
Nancy, the owner was wonderful and followed up with us to insure that we had everything we needed, which we truly appreciated.
I would recommend Casa Tamara for anyone looking for a very casual beachfront vacation. We plan on coming back!
Thanks,
Al
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Perfect for our family vacation.
Dear Nancy,
Our accommodations at Casa Serena exceeded our expectations. It truly was a wonderful place to stay with a lovely yard filled with all sorts of trees, places to sit and the great beach to swim, snorkel and explore. We spent hours and hours swimming and snorkeling in the warm water or sitting on the beach in the shade under the trees. One morning we saw porpoises or dolphins not far off shore. We were very happy to have brought a snorkel and mask but next time we will bring one for each of us because the sheer variety and numbers of beautiful fish we saw kept luring us back into the water. The beach at this location is also very clean. Casa Serena was very comfortable with ceiling fans, air conditioning, super comfy beds, on-site laundry, boogie boards and floats, large TV, WiFi, and a kitchen that we used constantly for our family of four. We felt very welcome and thanks for all the information you provided to make our stay easier. Rincon offered lots of activities and we had really great food at the local restaurants. Our two adult daughters also thought this was a great place to stay and just couldn’t believe we were right on such a beautiful beach as well. Thanks so much for thinking of everything.
Hope to visit again soon,
Donna and Kurt Ruppel
New York State
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Beautiful Beach
This beautiful property is located on a fabulous stretch of beach. Walk out the door, cross the yard, and ...aaah! There is also an great view from the patio. Everything was exactly as advertised. This was our 1st experience with a vacation rental, and I was apprehensive at first. I called Nancy and started the rental process. She was great to work with. Nancy sent tons of information about Rincon and the property. Her directions from San Juan were excellent. We had a lot of activities planned, but it was so relaxing at the house, we could hardly tear ourselves away. The house is a duplex, well appointed and spacious, with washer/dryer that really was convenient. Nancy also owns the property next door. It was fun to meet the first set of neighbors, and we never saw the second set, so we felt like we had the place to ourselves. Gladys, the property manager was excellent. She came by to check on us and make sure all was as it should be. The only problem we had was an issue with the alarm due to a power outage. It was promptly taken care of. Nancy also called to make sure everything was okay. This is a perfect place for a relaxing get away. We enjoyed coffee on the patio, eating mangos from the tree in the yard and cooking on the grill. There are plenty of restaurants in walking distance and even more if you have a car. Eduardo's market is a couple of blocks away and great for staples. There is also a larger supermarket close by. There is off-street parking. As nice as the house is, the beach was even better. We spent hours reading, swimming, snorkeling, walking and looking for beach glass. We can't wait to go back.
Thanks,
Deann 2012
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Second time at Casa Serena
We skipped 2011, and returned for our second stay in 2012. Don't think we will skip again. The house is still immaculate, and the kitchen has been upgraded. The location is perfect, walking distance to store and to a new restaurant on corner, short drive to all other restaurants. Spent the day either sitting under the almond tree on the beach, or watching the surf from the patio. We had some wonderful neighbors both in the unit next door, and across the way at Casa Tamara. Have already booked for next year. Would highly recommend as a place for a very relaxing vacation.
Rafe V.
Minneapolis, MN
April 6, 2012
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A Veritable Treat
Casa Serena provides a veritable treat, whether you’re contemplating a week or an extended stay. A cottage
on a beautiful beach is not a unique find, but the “specialness” that characterizes an interlude at Serena is
both “Serena specific” and Rincon related.
With several beach houses “under our belts” prior to our stay at Serena, we were pleased with the ease and
comfort of our indoor/outdoor living. The beds were divine, the kitchen and its accoutrements were plentiful and
spotlessly clean. There were plenty of chaises on which to “catch the sun”, and the plethora of chairs --- both
high and low --- allowed for our creature comforts on the beach. Almond trees hugging the bank separating the
beach from the house, and a variety of water “toys” left in a corner of the outdoor dining portico would be a
pleasing diversion for children and adults. Equally pleasant, the selection of our fellow “renters”--- a skill that’s
rare given this type of commercial enterprise --- was an added bonus. From various locales and backgrounds, all
Serena neighbors were friendly and engaging while maintaining a respect for privacy (ours and theirs).
Rincon enhanced our stay at Serena. Sophisticated water sports are available a few minutes up the beach,
and the town square, similar to many in Spain and Italy, boasts zumba classes nearly every morning (unlike Spain
and Italy). One can easily find a spirited and friendly fishmonger under his colorful umbrella, and a Sunday
morning outdoor market. Good restaurants abound, and two local supermarkets can contribute to one’s dining
pleasure. In fact, the outdoor grill, the fishmonger, and the exceptional interest in the pleasure of every guest
shown by Serena’s proprietress and staff, combine with Serena’s other comforts to provide a blissful stay.
Feb 2012 New York City
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Dear Nancy,
we just returned from our trip to rincon and to your beautiful home, casa tamara - in order of importance i want to tell you first that dealing with you was an absolute pleasure - your home was beautiful and exceeded our expectations - everything was clean - well furnished and well supplied - the bedrooms were nicely air conditioned - the "split system " you use does a great job of keeping the rooms cool - the kitchen had everything we needed and we did a fair amount of cooking - the house was quiet - which we really appreciated - i suspect that the floors must be concrete because we never heard our upstairs neighbors, who by the way were a terrific couple who we socialized with and who eventually joined us at the wedding - the house is well away from the main drag rt 115 and there was no traffic noise at night, your grounds were very nice - the house fronts on the best beach we encountered - the beach is sandy - no rocks - and the water was clear- and very accessible - some of the beaches north of your home where the waves break heavy are rocky - but yours was great - there are some other nice things ,, like walking distance, to the public track - elyse and i used almost daily for exercise and there were classes given in fitness and yoga most mornings - rincon itself was very enjoyable - a nice mix of locals and guests - good restaurants -we walked around town and on th ebeach at night and we always felt safe and secure - so, in all , we will see you again -
-thanks for everything
bill kerrigan,
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Wonderful Vacation Rental
This Casa Tamara was absolutely perfect! I spent a few days with my husband, two teenage children and my parents at this home and it met all of our needs. Especially my parents who are elderly. Plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms to accomodate us all. The home was well kept and had all the necessities to make us feel at home. The beach was literally just feet from the backyard. It was great to have the peace and tranquility of a cup of coffee on the patio in the morning or a nap on the hammock hearing the waves crashing on shore. The owner, Nancy, was great. She was available to help with any questions or concerns and she followed-up with me to make sure our stay was pleasant. Definitely recommend it and will surely be returning.
Laura K
May 2012
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July 10, 2011
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The Perfect Beach Vacation
What a wonderful two weeks we had at Casa Serena in January 2011! The house is an absolutely perfect place for a safe, carefree vacation. The kitchen has been recently remodeled with a new stove, refrigerator and cabinets. Perhaps most importantly, the beds are king size and super comfortable.
But the real joy of Casa Serena is outside. The attached outdoor covered patio is part of a large garden area with trees, lawn chairs and a couple hammocks which we used a lot. You step thru the garden gate right onto the beach. Warm sun, clean sand, uncluttered beach, and ocean vistas that stretch for miles were ours.
Put the welcoming atmosphere of Casa Serena together with the ocean and we had a fun, relaxing, carefree vacation. Thanks to Gladys and Hector, the caretakers, for taking good care of us while we were there and to Nancy Renee for providing this special place in Rincon. We will be back next year for our third vacation in Rincon and for an even longer stay at Casa Serena.
Pat and Rich, Ann Arbor, Mi.
Fabulous Vacation
Dear Nancy,
We couldn't have chosen a better place for our family vacation in Rincon. The house was clean, equipped with everything we needed, beautifully decorated, and best of all, we had a fabulous view of the Caribbean, just steps from our front door. There is a backyard with trees so that I could read in the shade while the others were swimming right in front of the house. The town of Rincon has lots to do and there were too many possible day trips for our short stay of one week. The caretakers were great and very helpful and the owner, Nancy is a pleasure to deal with from beginning to end, but hopefully there won't be an end! Casa Serena is a short walk to the supermarket and restaurants. What more can I say? We already reserved 2 weeks for next year.
Thank you,
Selena
Super Winter Vacation
This is our 4th year and we plan to stay longer next year. As before, swimming in warm waters, walking along the fine sand beach, lunches and dinners in the many great local places as well as on the veranda with spectacular sunsets to
end perfect days at Casa Tamara, and with all the comforts of home-Rincon; a surfing center, restaurants from simple to haute cuisine, a supermarket a few blocks down the road, day trips into the interior rain forest or along the coast-what more could you ask for of a Caribbean vacation?
Jk, Cambridge Mass, January 2011
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Casa Serena is nearly Heaven on Earth
Nancy,
Casa Serena is a slice of heaven on earth. We had a wonderful time in Rincon and greatly enjoyed our stay at Casa Serena. What a delightful spot - right on the beach for watching the sunsets, listening to the waves break, and gazing at the pelicans diving into the water. After a hectic winter work season it was a joy to lay in the hammock for hours just reading and snoozing. I had no idea that such a contraption would be so comfortable.
The home is located conveniently to a variety of stores that for days the car didn't leave the property in favor of walking to Edwards food store or to the Econo or the liquor store or donut shop or wherever.
As a runner I appreciated the proximity to 413 and 4413 and having the opportunity to see the horizon filled with surfers atop the waves.
The western section of the island was perfect for the day trips to the interior. We did make it to Lares for the wonderful visit to the ice cream shop known for its strange but flavorful variety of ice creams.
We want to come back again and again.
The house had the perfect accommodations for us and was pleasantly and comfortably appointed, furnished and spacious. I got spoiled by having two bathrooms. The place was spotless when we arrived (and hopefully we left it in as good order for the next people). You thought of just about every detail to make us feel at home. The kitchen was well stocked with all the dishes, utensils, and appliances that made meal preparations convenient and easy. We hadn't made pina coladas in years - thank you for the blender. Knowing that a washer and dryer would be available made the packing easier - we took far less clothing items than in other times and that made life easier, too.
It was our good fortunate to find Casa Serena.
Until next time,
William Lorentz
Michael Francaviglia
Maplewood NJ
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"Amazing sunsets and so relaxing"
We spent a week at Casa Serena in the middle of March. I had looked at this property two years ago but it was already booked so we stayed elsewhere in Rincon. Casa Serena was really a wonderful relaxing spot. We loved having the yard and the hammock was a hit. Someone was always in it. The beach was beautiful and we swam all the time as well as walked as far as we could in both directions. We only ate out twice as we loved the view from our patio! The sunsets were incredible every night. We found great snorkeling on the other side of town near Taino Divers and took an afternoon trip to Crash Boat Beach where we also went snorkling. It was worth the drive. We loved buying our produce from the vendors along the road including hot sauce that was amazing and delicious honey. The bananas were so sweet. This is definitely a wonderful spot and we will hopefully return again and again. The house is great - everything that you need and Gladys stopped in on our first day to make sure that we had everything.
Thanks, Nancy, for a wonderful spot!
Marfie
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Location, Location, Location!
Just back from a week spent at the upper unit of Casa Tamara. We've been to Puerto Rico many times. This is just a beautiful spot. Fantastic, spacious porch overlooking the ocean (loved the gravity loungers!) Gorgeous sunsets every night where we enjoyed plenty of cocktails (our apologies to our downstairs Canadian neighbors for that off-key sing-a-long that one night ;-)).
The apartment itself is roomy and well-equipped. Beach towels and chairs to carry down to the beach, just yards away from the house. Ample natural shade on the beach. Outside shower to wash off the sand and salt. Nancy Renee is an excellent, very attentive host and it was nice to know that we could call her if we had questions about anything. While we cooked all of our dinners at home, we went out for lunch several times. We highly recommend the fish tacos at the Pool Bar at the Lazy Parrot. Ate there twice. We also had lunch out at El Fogon De La Curva a few times (take a right on Rt. 115 and it's about 3 miles up on the right). They never had enough fish to open the fish market attached to the restaurant but they did have very basic but very good food cheap. ($9 for a piece of fish with two sides.) Try the grouper, red snapper, lion fish and roast pork. One other recommendation is that you might want to consider bringing good ear plugs (I'm a light sleeper so I came prepared). Puerto Rico is an island with lots of roosters and dogs and cats and they begin their symphony in the early morning hours.
We ended our trip Saturday morning by getting up for a sunrise swim in the ocean. I highly recommend this! The water was warmer than it was midday (and midday was a comfortable temperature). It's hard to describe how spectacular it is to wade in the calm, warm ocean as the sky reflects pinks, purples and yellows. Heavenly!
Rachel Rivin
New York City
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"Fantastic Vacation!"
We loved our week-long stay at Casa Serena. The house was perfect for the three of us, and had everything we needed for the week - cooking utensils, pots and pans, a grill, beach towels, sand toys, and a breezy spot for a hammock. The fenced-in grass yard was perfect for our 10-month old daughter to play in when she wasn't taste testing the sand on the beach. The big tree hanging over the beach behind the house was where we spent most of time, it provided great shade for us. The house was very clean and inviting when we arrived, and it was so nice for you to call and check on us to make sure we made it, after driving at night from San Juan. It was also nice to have laundry facilities.
Rincon is a very laidback town, with all the conveniences we needed, along with great restaurants and things to do. We spent almost every morning at El Faro watching the surfers catch waves. We stopped at the local ice cream shop to try the maiz corn with cinnamon we read about - a strange combination, but delicious! We also took day trips to the Guanica Forest Preserve and Ponce, which were easy to reach from Rincon. We are already discussing when we can return! We loved it!
Jenna and Rus, March 2011
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our home away from home
This is our 16th year at this house and it remains as a paradise for us. We travel frequently, all over the world, and we're always happy to return to our three weeks at Casa Tamara on this wonderful stretch of beach, in this lazy town with friendly people. The house is well equipped and beautifully situated, well cared for and as always, we're content.
Vivian and David Brooklyn, NY
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Vivian and David Brooklyn, NY
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Beyond My Expectations
Casa Serena was beautiful, the pictures do not serve justice to the actual home. Location was on the beach . Water was rock free and family friendly.Kichen had 2 of everything, martha steward pots and pans barbeque grill was spotless as were the utensils. A/C in the kitchen as well the rest of the house. New food market 2 minutes away along with local spots to eat out. Beach chairs were comfortable towels were thick and clean. Fruit trees on property just pick and enjoy. Walk on the beach for a few minutes for happy hour .pirates punch in a coconut 5 bucks .Location is spot on for everything, jet ski banana boats fishing all water sports. The house actually had water rafts and floats for our enjoyment..We have visited Rincon for 6 straight years and finally found our home Casa Serena/// CONS::: My wife insists on getting a new mattress the minute we arrived home.ok another 2 thousand dollars..just smile ....
John, New Jersey
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Awesome
Casa Tamara was all we wanted and more.
Conveniently located yet private, with beach at your back door, clean, welcoming, quiet, attractive and ample space. Best part was sunsets from the porch as well as morning times to hear the ocean and see the clear skies. We four had plenty of room for privacy, comfortable beds, good kitchen to work in. Nancy Renee is a wonderful host and owner of this lovely home. We did not want to leave and would come back in a heartbeat. Looking forward to next visit.
· MV from New York City
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Three weeks in Paradise!
Dear Nancy,
We really had the vacation of our dreams! Casa Tamara was super... I don't think there was a thing we needed that wasn't there! Beds were very, very comfortable! The porch, yard, and beach were divine... being back in New Hampshire is such a rude awakening!
Thanks for checking in on us when the power went out. We located the candles and flashlights you told us about, and had a delightful dinner by candlelight!
Hector and Gladys were amazingly helpful. They checked in on us from time to time, always answered our calls -and were so pleasant and nice!
All in all, we loved Casa Tamara and our Rincon vacation. Thank you for sharing your wonderful house with us!
Best,
Marla
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Paradise!
My husband and I stayed at Casa Serena for our honeymoon and came back for our anniversary this past May. The house and beach were just as beautiful as we remembered. And there's AC in every room (that was an upgrade from the last time we stayed) and much appreciated! It's a great location and Rincon is a fun laid-back town! Lots to see and do (you'll want a car). The beach in particular is wonderful. You can wake up in the morning, make a cup of coffee and walk out onto an almost secluded beach. I would highly recommend this rental! We look forward to many more vacations here!
Loved Rincon Washington DC
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Our Carribean getaway, the home away from home!
We had such a wonderful time! It was a great adventure for our family, especially the kids to see/hear/be with all the different surroundings. The house was very well equipped to handle us, even for my very curious 18mth old! We felt very safe at all times and Gladys - she was just so wonderful to us and was so easily available to us. The fruit basket and food that was stocked ahead of time per our request was so wonderful to have available for the kids when we first walked in. We were easily able to use all the kitchenware and had all that we needed for any of our home cooked meals. The high chair and pack-n-play was a lifesaver! The Bathrooms were large and accommodated all 3 kids when we needed to! Closet space was amazing, especially since we stayed for a week and had over 8 bags for 5 people. I also can't tell you how much of relief it was to have 2 washers/dryers!!! It made it so very easy to clean everyone's clothes at once.
You have such a beautiful and wonderful place. It really felt like a home away from home. We look forward to the next time we can take the family there again!
Thanks from the 5Laplantes from Spring Hill, Kansas
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The perfect family vacation house!
Hello Nancy,
I apologize for the delay in sending you a note about our wonderful stay at Casa Tamara. First let me begin by expressing my sincere thanks for your constant help before we even arrived! Our special requests, our large group accommodations, our changes, and most importantly my arrival date miscommunication. I was so impressed with your extra efforts to help us the day before our arrival. You took the stress out of planning a family vacation. Once we arrive, we were overwhelmed to be welcomed in to your beautiful Casa Tamara with the beautiful fruit display Gladys & Hector had arranged for us. It was a beautiful way to end a long day of travel.
The house was perfect for our family. We all enjoyed the ease of walking out the door and stepping directly on the wonderful beach. The beach toys available made playtime fun for the kids. It was nice to have these available to use and not have to buy or pack in a suitcase. The house had everything we needed and we were pleased with everything Casa Tamara had to offer. The yard was perfect too! The boys even found coconuts to open and eat! We celebrated my 40th birthday by ordering traditional Puerto Rican meal to go family style. We used one of the restaurants suggested in your information book (Rincon Tropical). It was fabulous! What a treat to eat delicious food on the upper balcony of the house while watching an amazing sunset. Our entire family will always remember our fantastic stay at Casa Tamara!
Thank you again for such great hospitality!
Carrie Powell & Family
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We Want To Go Back ASAP!!!!!!
To say that Nancy Renee's Casa Tamara vacation house on the beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico is an island of unforgettable relaxation and restful enjoyment would be an understatement!! The 6 adults (three couples)who spent over a week there in April found the local people to be very friendly and helpful(we got lost, ran into a local who knew where we were staying, and said, "follow me!!!" and we made it there!!)
The accommodations at Casa Tamara were more than ample. The spacious kitchen(with large eat-in area) was open to the living room which gave the appearance of openness and spaciousness. The three bedrooms, two with private bath, and the third bath in the hall worked well for the three couples. Air cnditioning? Such, but we did not need it! The ceiling
fans kept us cool, both day and night. The constant lapping of the ocean waves on the beach, which is a 10 second walk from the covered back porch/deck, calmed nerves and helped in the regeneration process. After all, isn't that what vacations are for???
And if you wanted to read your favorite book or two, please do; the covered porch/deck has a very large table on one side and a barbie on the other, making it excellent venue for eating in!! There is plenty to see in the area as well!! From the famed lighthouse where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic,
to the neat little restaurants, there is plenty to keep your mind off the office!!! Of course, nature's symphony was there as well, as could be attested to by the crowing of the roosters and the barking of the local doggies...but that made the lapping of the ocean waves on the beach just that much more welcomed!! Return? You betcha!! The three couples are
already planning their return visit to Casa Tamara next year.
So watch out roosters, you might end up on our barbie one night!!
Skipdel, Thomaston, Ct.
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Just what we needed!
tears, we had such a good time.
The place was perfect for us (and our friends, who stayed in the villa next door). We all loved the proximity to the beach and
the surf was just right for the kids (ages 9, 8, 7 and 4). The big boys boogie-boarded and snorkeled, while the 4-year-old
loved playing on the sand for hours at a time. We really enjoyed being able to make all our meals at "home" and that
everything we needed was in walking distance. We also appreciated all the suggestions made in the binder the owner left
(and sent to us prior to our trip).
We can't wait to come back next year!
DC Family Travelers
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Go to Rincon and Stay at Casa Tamara
Nancy is personable and professional as are her local caretakers.
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Wonderful time, wonderful place, wonderful value
What a delight to spend our vacation in such comfortable accomodations with the beautiful Caribbean at our doorstep. Our plan was to spend a week in Tamara and then, after Greg flew home, for Connie, the kids, and I to move down the beach to a hotel for our last several days of vacation. Nancy knew of our plans and when Serena unexpectedly became available after our stay at Tamara was over, she let us know it was ours if we were interested. We were!!
The kids, ages 4 and 6, schlepped the foodstuffs through the backyard from Tamara to Serena while Connie and I did the heavy lifting and we were resettled in less than an hour. Casa Serena, though smaller than Tamara, was just as nice in every way. The kids had a blast. The ocean waves were just big enough to thrill them and we celebrated my sister's son's birthday on the spacious, Tamara patio (complete with presents, cake, homemade decorations, and pizza (the birthday boy's dinner of choice). The kids were relieved that the Easter Bunny knew of their whereabouts and that he had hidden their Easter baskets in Casa Tamara and scattered Easter eggs in the back yard for them to find. If future renters happen to find any stray eggs, you'll know how they came to be there).
We had such a fun time in both casas - enjoying the tropical surroundings, beautiful beach and sunsets, great meals on the patio - my sister is a wonderful chef - and the peaceful surroundings. We shopped for groceries and inexpensive island clothing (some real bargains) in a little mall just 3 short blocks from the properties and had some great dinners out at The Rincon Inn and Rincon by the Seas. Had we stayed longer, I'd have many more fun adventures to report - Rincon has so much to offer. But our goal was relaxation and great times with the kids and we had both!
Your property caretakers, Hector and Gladys are lovely people. You're fortunate to have such dedicated employees.
Thanks for everything Nancy. You have two beautiful, well-managed places. We will enthusiastically recommend Casa Tamara and Casa Serena to others.
Greg, Connie, Elena, Max, and their Auntie Mae
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An Incredible Find!
RafeVisc, Minneapolis, MN
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location, the sun and sand, the rooster wake up, the shade trees and breeze when too hot (not
often.) Highly recommended. I might add that it is difficult to find a Puerto Rican who does not
speak English. Do not fail to visit a panaderia for b'fast or lunch for a quick, not fast food,
Puerto Rican meal. We'll do it again for sure.
Best regards,
PHIL
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For your Website:
Two friends joined my husband and me for a two-week stay at Casa Tamara in the downstairs apartment which was perfect for us—so comfortable and well-equipped. As two “older” couples we were not so interested in the big surf on the Atlantic side of Rincon so were delighted to find our Caribbean beach much calmer and delicious. Under the shade trees along the shore, we spent most mornings reading, swimming, and snoozing (no mosquitoes!!). Occasionally when the wind shifted (3 or 4 times during out stay), it whipped up the surf and we chose not to go in because of the strong tow.
We also explored some of the nearby beaches which were appealing but not as lovely as ours. We also ventured down to the tip of the southwest coast beyond Boqueron and the salt flats of Cabo Rojo (great birding) to an exquisite beach called Playa la Playeula.
A TIp: if you are planning a trip south of Rincon to Joyuda (with its terrific fish restaurants), Boqueron (with clam and oyster kiosks), or further on to Guanica , avoid the main highway #2 through Mayaguez by cutting over to the shore on Routes 102 and 100 and then east if you want on 101 and 116. Highway #2 is a horror of auto dealerships, malls, and slow traffick to Rincon and Casa Tamara.
Gladys and Hector were generally on hand with advice when we needed it. Gladys and a helper came by once a week for a thorough cleaning. There were plenty of towels and beach towels and an easy to use washer/dryer that we shared with the upstairs tenants. We tended to eat out for either lunch or dinner—and quickly settled on Shipwreck as our favorite restaurant. Flamboyant in Barrio Puntas was also very good as were some of the smaller typical Puerto Rican restaurants nearby. The beachside restaurants and bars (e.g., Tamboo and Calypso) tended to be filled with young people, surfers. We cooked for ourselves several times. We only discovered at the end of our stay the large attractive Edwards supermarket just at the end of Calle 14 in the mall across Route 115. We also found a fish supplier near the restaurants about 7 km on the right going north on 115 toward Highway 2. The villa kitchen is fully equipped (with some condiments and spices as well) and there is a grill outside on the villa’s roomy porch. We spent many a wonderful evening there with our drinks and dinner.
In fact, all four of us agree that our stay in Casa Tamara was a near perfect treat!
Nancy, Leo, Judy, Tician
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Spectacular
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Our family (two adults, three kids ages 9, 12, and 15) had a truly fabulous week at Casa Tamara!! Prior to our arrival, Nancy
provided us with a comprehensive packet of information about the villa, the town of Rincon and surrounding areas, and an
expansive list of places to eat, shop, and entertain ourselves. When we arrived, the villa had everything we could possibly
need, and was cozy, clean and comfortable. Although we did enjoy some local Puerto Rican cuisine, we made good use of our
kitchen and ate many meals there. This saved a little money for us, which we put to good use taking part in some fun island
activities (a deep sea fishing charter, a trip to the Phosphorescent Bay in La Parguara, and a Zip Lining Adventure were
favorites!). The beach by Casa Tamara was incredible - very clean/clear, with beautiful, soft white sand - and literally steps
outside of our door. The water was calm enough to swim, but did get enough waves that the kids could boogie board to their
heart's content! There were many times when we were the only ones in sight on the beach. The location of Rincon and this
rental were ideal for us. We enjoyed the quiet and relaxing surroundings of the villa, but were within easy driving distance of
more things than we could possibly find time to do!
We have vacationed annually for many years - from luxury trips to tent camping - and our week in Puerto Rico at Casa
Tamara provided just the right mix of relaxation and adventure. It is definitely a favorite destination for our family!
Kari G,
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We had our family, our three siblings' families and our parents, 19 people in all.
Each couple had a master bedroom with a private bathroom, quite a luxury, and there were enough bedrooms for all the kids. By the way, the beds were super comfortable. The houses are beautifully furnished, had all the amenities and the kitchens were very well equipped. Since each apartment is totally separate, each family had their privacy, when they wanted it and yet we were all together, when we wanted that. Since Casa Serena and Casa Tamara are right next door to each other, we could wander back and forth easily. We did barbeque twice and had a great time having dinner all together.
That's all about the houses and the convenience for a big group, but since most people don't come in a big group, I want to say that the main attraction of your houses is the location. We found out last year that your houses are on the best beach in Rincon, maybe in all of Puerto Rico! And the beach is right there. We could roll out of bed and jump into the beautiful, clear, calm water of your Caribbean beach. The older kids loved snorkeling right in front of the house and the water was calm enough for the younger kids. And my parents, in the late Fifties, loved the fact that the water was calm and shallow for a good distance. Also, we were all very happy that you have a fenced in grassy back yard so that the kids could run around without running into the water, and some of us older folks could just sun on the lounge chairs in the backyard. And then the hammocks were a great attraction, the teenagers tended to monopolize them
When we weren't on the beach or relaxing at the house, we enjoyed sight seeing expeditions to Camuy Caves and the Bio-Phosphorescent Bay and it was lots of fun just exploring the town of Rincon and eating out at some great restaurants. Oh yes, there is a great beach bar a short distance down the beach, which the teenagers like to go to and we all enjoyed for lunch one day.
All in all a great Family vacation and we will definitely recommend it to everyone we know.
Thanks to Nancy and Gladys and Hector for making this such a great success!
The Russ Family, from San Francisco and Boston
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Dear Nancy,
Thank you
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Your Home Away From Home
Casa Tamara is your home away from home. The only thing that sets it apart is that your backyard is the ocean! The house was neat well kept and the beachfront was awesome. This house is a great place to stay for a great time in Puerto Rico. The bedrooms were air-conditioned and the extra bathrooms are the best for the family. It is close to the major roads and away from the headaches of the major cities. Everything is within a short distance, from food to stores to gas. A place that was enjoyed and loved and it is true, you DO NOT want to leave and looking forward for next year to come again!
Thanks, Eddie
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Thanks for the follow up. Our time in Rincon was fantastic and your home and property are so lovely (great kitchen!!). It was extremely comfortable and really felt like home. Loved the neighborhood, the town and surrounding area, just what I was hoping it to be. Laid back and hardly ever anyone on the beach, amazing. I'm so glad I was able to make this connection with you and will certainly recommend your place to the right people I know would appreciate it as much as Charlie and I. Still adjusting back into NYC, always a bit of a shock to the system after paradise, yes? I want to go back to Puerto Rico now, please.....
Thanks again for doing it just right. Casa Serena was a wonderful find and you are a most thoughtful host. We'll be in touch.
All best to you.
John Williams
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We stayed at Casa Serena for a week and have just arrived home. We had four day trips planned but only took
one to go sailing. Everything we needed was right there at the house. The beach was great for swimming and
snorkeling, the yard shaded enough to enjoy the views all day, my daughter spent most of her time in the
hammock reading and listening to music. We grilled out most nights and the kitchen was well equipped to serve
all of our needs. This was one of the most relaxing vacations we have ever taken. Thank you for sharing your
home with us.
Sandi Garvin
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PERFECT FOR LITTLE KIDS
had a blast! The place was very comfortable, and with the terrazzo floors, easy to keep clean of sand
and dirt.
We used the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunch most days, and went out to dinner at night. There
were plenty of choices around town. And the Econo supermarket is right down the street!
The beds were very comfortable and the furnishings in the living / dining area were very functional.
There was a nice collection of books and games to play with too.
The beach right outside the back door is paradise. It looks as good in real life as in the photo on the
web site. It was perfect for little kids - waves enough for a thrill but actually pretty tame. (We were there
in August - it might be more "energetic" in surfing season.) At night you could see a million stars.
We visited other beaches in the area but truthfully, this one was our favorite!
We would not hesitate to return to Rincon or to Casa Serena!
John and Kathy
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We had a wonderful vacation in Rincon, in part because Casa Serena was perfect for our two young boys (age 5 and 7). They were able to roll out of bed each morning and find their way to the beautiful garden and beach -- securely and completely at their own pace. Our children played in the surf, built castles in the sand and forts in the garden, watched crabs scurry endlessly about, climbed the almond tree, and rollicked in the hammock. As the beach outside was perfect for strolling and swimming, and nearby beaches (minutes away by car) perfect for surfing and shelling, my husband and I had plenty to do, as well.
We were surprised to find that the beach in front of Casa Serena was great for swimming, surfing and snorkeling, since it is rare to find such qualities in a single beach. Perhaps because we were visiting in April, the tail end of the surfing season, water visibility was average. However, there is a low shelf of rock coral at the shoreline which harbors beautiful and abundant marine life (we saw an octopus while snorkeling) in relatively shallow water. This shelf also serves as a terrific base for body surfing/boogie boarding. Boogie boards and kayaks can be rented from Villa Cofresi, a short walk down the beach. Villa Cofresi is a good place to visit if you want a roped-off swimming area -- and more of a social scene.
Casa Serena's beach-side garden is what makes it a unique Caribbean vacation home. The palm and fruit tree-filled garden, together with the beautiful, mature almond tree on the beach provided us the perfect respite from sun and surf.
It was a pleasure meeting Gladys, the housekeeper and her husband, Hector, who were extremely kind and helpful. I enjoyed chatting with them about local culture and tropical plants. We were especially touched by their thoughtfulness in bringing us an assortment of fruits (coconut, starfruit, sapodilla!) from their own garden, as they knew we were passionate about tropical and exotic fruits.
Yes, the beach is beautiful and the sunsets are spectacular. But most importantly, the unique amenities of Casa Serena allowed us to enjoy a truly relaxing tropical vacation with our kids.
Thank you for sharing your slice of paradise, we look forward to visiting again.
Lisa and Paul
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Dear Nancy
We have just returned from a great week on Rincon. Before the glow...and the tan...fades I want to tell you that Casa Tamara was exactly what we were looking for and exactly as you described. We were looking for a quiet week in a comfortable house only steps from the beach and that is just what we found. Perfect. The house was comfortable, spacious, well equipped and could not have been better located. Rincon is low key and funky. In short. Great weather. Great location. Great house. Great week.
Steve
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Nancy,
We had a fabulous time! The view from Casa Serena was great. We especially enjoyed being able to hang out at the beach any time of the day.
Thank you for letting us stay in your home.
Audra
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Nancy,
So sorry for not writing sooner! I look at the photos from our Casa Tamara vacation almost everyday and that was 4 months ago! We absolutely loved our stay! The house was perfect (we stayed downstairs) for my husband and I, our two toddlers, and my mother and her sister. We are a diabetic family and that makes hotel stay a little tricky. Restaurants
are not necessarily equipped for our dietary requirements, however staying in a home with a great full kitchen and a grocery store within walking distance worked perfectly for us!
We did a little shopping for the week at a SAMS Club on our way to Rincon from SJU. Beyond that we found everything we needed at the store at the end of the street (la familia?) It had just opened when we were visiting and we were
treated like royalty by the owners (Jose Luis) and workers there, they were so sweet! They also had lived in CT and RI, so we were practically neighbors at some point in time :)
My husband and I lived on Maui in 2003 and there is a lot of talk about the "aloha spirit" of Hawaiian islands. We found that the locals in Rincon and PR in general had more "aloha spirit" than a lot of Hawaii. We are hoping to make PR our new escape spot, as the 14 hour flight to HI is less than desirable with children! Staying in a house that came with a portacrib, high chair and baby gates meant less to travel with. I didn't have to pack any extra bulk to accommodate our one year old and that was really nice. To be able to sit on the porch, looking at and listening to the waves while my kids played in a fenced in yard was very relaxing, which doesn't happen often for me these days!
A highlight for our daughter was the outdoor shower, we all really appreciated it, but she squealed with delight every time we went in to wash off the salt water. It was so cute. She also spent a lot of time sitting in a dishpan of water that we had set up to dip our sandy feet in! :)
The beach was beautiful and the last weeks of September it was all ours! It was completely empty! The waves at the time were warm and soft and we spent hours and hours splashing and playing. Everything we needed- beach towels, chairs, sand toys were there. It was so nice. It was low season, so the town was sleepy, but adorable. Hector was very kind and checked in with us often which was nice. He brought us star fruit and papaya from his own trees and we also enjoyed coconuts from the property and avocado that landed in Tamara's yard from the neighbors tree! Delicious!
I guess I could go on forever about how much we enjoyed our stay, but what really says what a quality home you provided for us while we were there is that we can't wait to come back. We talk all of the time about coming back and bringing more family, renting out the upstairs and the other house and making a big family vacation/ reunion out of it. We loved it that much!
I attached a collage of some pictures of us enjoying your home!
Thanks so much!
Leslie, Eric, Gabe and Klara
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Dear Nancy,
Just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed Casa Tamara. It was the perfect setting for our dream vacation. Everything in the apartment was more than adequate - so clean, spacious, and nicely furnished. We had everything we needed - plus!
We will never forget the view, pounding surf, coquies and tropical landscape. What a beautiful island.
We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our two week stay. Thank you so much for everything. It was a 5 star experience!
It was a pleasure working with you on reservations et al and please tell Gladys "Thank You" also. She was so helpful and nice!
Sincerely,
Richard and Mary Mcilroy
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We had a fabulous time! The view from Casa Serena was great. We especially enjoyed being able to hang out at the beach any time of the day.
Thank you for letting us stay in your home.
Audra
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Dear Nancy,
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We had a great Thanksgiving Holiday at Casa Serena. My family will always remember having Thanksgiving dinner, sitting outside, by the beach.
Everything was perfect, I can't think of anything that can be improved. The house is so well equipped, at a great beach, conveniently located.
We will definitely contact you for future stays in Rincon.
For your Website:
Casa Tamara was a real island paradise! It was incredibly spacious, comfortable, private, and right on the beach! The villa came equipped with everything one may need when traveling, it a fabulous location for a beach and for going out, and the owner is incredibly sweet, helpful, and responsive to whatever questions one may have.
Vivian,
Brookly, NY
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We had an excellent stay at Casa Tamara. The accomadations were great and the beach was literally "right there".This was our first trip to Puerto Rico and we throughly enjoyed it. We explored the rain forest, went to the caves, kayaked the bio bay, and snorkled Steps Beach. But the best part was the down time spent right at our own beach.The natives are extremely friendly although they drive worst than Bostonians which I didn't believe possibly !!Rincon is a great place and Casa Tamara a gem for a nice family vacation.
We will be back
Greg
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Dear Nancy,
Our time in Rincon was fantastic and your home and property are so lovely (great kitchen!!). It was extremely comfortable and really felt like home. Loved the neighborhood, the town and surrounding area, just what I was hoping it to be. Laid back and hardly ever anyone on the beach, amazing. I'm so glad I was able to make this connection with you and will certainly recommend your place to the right people I know would appreciate it as much as Charlie and I. Still adjusting back into NYC, always a bit of a shock to the system after paradise, yes? I want to go back to Puerto Rico now, please.....
Thanks again for doing it just right. Casa Serena was a wonderful find and you are a most thoughtful host. We'll be in touch.
All best to you.
John Wills
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Dear Hideaways,
My wife and I have recently returned from Rincon, Puerto Rico where we stayed at one of the houses seen in your Hideaway’s Guide and I must say were delighted. (Casa Tamara Villa)
The house sits only 40 feet from the ocean and accommodates two families easily with up and downstairs living quarters. We occupied the upstairs. The place was neat and clean and very well appointed.
We found three large bedrooms, two full baths, fully equipped kitchen, large sitting room with a large balcony for us to watch the sun set directly in front of us each afternoon. Because the ceilings are 12 feet tall and because there are windows everywhere, you have a sense of spaciousness and openness. A family of six would have no feelings of being cramped. There is a washer and dryer on site which is always a plus when traveling. Also provided, were both beach chairs and towels, well prepared, accurate and helpful lists of restaurants and local sites. Everything we needed for a carefree vacation was there for us.
Our stay in Rincon was a great one and we appreciate your guide in helping us find the right house and we thank the owner for her generosity and thoroughness in providing great accommodations.
Sincerely,
J.D.F.
President
J.D.F. and Associate, Inc.
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Dear Mrs. Renee,
The Casa Serena is even prettier than the pictures and it was spotlessly clean. I took a lot of pictures of the beautiful flowers and trees in the surrounding garden. We had breakfast on the patio every morning, walked the beach and spent the rest of the day sight seeing.
Sincerely,
S.M.
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Dear Nancy,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for availing your beautiful and comfortable home to us on such short notice. My family and I truly enjoyed the relaxing week we spent snorkeling, jet-skiing, fishing, sight-seeing, but most of all, watching the absolutely magnificent sunsets from the balcony. The bedrooms were comfortable with ample room for us and the kitchen was well equipped.
I have recommended Casa Tamara to all my friends. When we visit Rincon again, we will be sure to stay at Casa Tamara. Thanks again for a memorable vacation stay.
Sincerely yours,
MaryJane Colón
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For your website,
We have been to Casa Serena three times and we have had a great experience each and every time. First, Rincon is just big enough to have fun options for entertainment: Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Disco, Gambling, Fishing, Sunset Cruises, Horseback riding, etc and yet is small enough that it is quiet and peaceful on the beach. Each time we go we have massages right on the patio, while listening to the surf. Food selection is great, from fast food, to take-out, to elegant dine-in.
The accommodations are clean, well-kept and right on the beach!!! It is great to get up in the morning (to the roosters crowing!!)and walk out to the sea and watch the day start. As the house faces the west on the sea-side, sunsets are the best!! While on the beach you are never crowded. It is great to be able to go from beach to house and back again simply to re-freshen your drink!!
I highly recommend Casa Serena for a great vacation. We also toured Casa Tamara and that's great too!! Both are great places to stay and one can not help but have fun!!
Ricky
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Dear Ms. Renee:
We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay in Casa Tamara in Rincon.
We had hopes of a quiet, restful week and that is exactly what we found. Our most pressing decision was the question of where to go for dinner.
The beach was terrific, not to mention so close, and the weather delightful. We were happy to find that the people staying at your other residences were lovely and, as they had stayed there before, were a great source of information about the area. Our accommodations were more than just adequate, they were very “homey” and the household items were exactly what we needed!
We would recommend a vacation in Rincon to anyone looking for a great “get-away.”
Sincerely,
S.L.
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Dear Nancy,
Swimming in warm waters, walking along the fine sand beach, dinner on the veranda, spectacular sunsets to
end perfect days at Casa Tamara, and with all the comforts of home—Rincon; a surfing center, restaurants from
simple to haute cuisine, a supermarket a few blocks down the road, day trips into the interior rain forest or along thecoast—what more could you ask for of a Caribbean vacation?
JK
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Dear Nancy,
We had a wonderful vacation and came home very relaxed! We went snorkeling out to Descheo with Taino Divers...loads of fun! Also, drove to Cabo Rojo and up in to the mountains. Had a few games of pool down the beach, lots of swimming and sunning! The house was very comfortable for all 4 of us...couldn't figure out the AC unit in the living area the first night, after that worked beautifully.
Thanks so much for all of the information, we used many of the suggestions for shopping and dining out guides. We did find the driving in Puerto Rico in general to be challenging but figured out the rules after a few days...actually there are few rules!!!
We miss the sound of the crashing waves and the beautiful sunsets...also had some very cool thunder storms out over the ocean at night. I would definitely recommend Casa Serena to others!
Thanks again,
.Brian, Linda, Valerie and Corinne
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Dear Nancy:
I just wanted to send you this email ( which you can use on your website's guestbook if you like) to thank
you for providing us with an opportunity to stay in such a lovely beautiful place, as Casa Serena. The
house and the scenery were beyond of our expectations. We loved everything about it. The decor, the
closeness of the ocean and the nice beach, the beautiful trees in the garden, our lovely neighbours, beautiful sunsets and the sea breeze. The pictures do not do your homes justice. One has to stay in those homes
and be able to see everything for themselves. We did and we will recommend your places to everyone
of our friends and family. We really felt at home in such a tranquil beautiful environment. It is quite a
possibility that next year we will rent your bigger house as there will be more of us.
We also wanted to let you know that we were very impressed by your manager. She was always available
and was able to fulfill any of our little requests in a very timely manner. She is a very nice lovely lady and
we enjoyed meeting her.
Take care and I will be in touch for bookings for next year.
Thank you again for everything
Sincerely
Natasha
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Nancy:
We had a great time. The weather cooperated, the beach was beautiful, and your managers were as nice as they could be. We hope to enjoy your hospitality again.
Dale
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Dear Nancy,
On behalf of my husband, Angel, my daughter, Angela, our friend, Ernie, and myself, we experienced what was the best, most relaxing vacation we've ever had. My husband caught the biggest fish he ever caught on Tuesday when he chartered a boat for a half day and was in his glory (actually, he still is). My daughter rode a waverunner, collected sea shells, snorkeled. We all participated in basking in the sun, going for walks, and thoroughly enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Puerto Rico. We went sightseeing, visited El Faro Lighthouse, the Juan A Rivero Zoo in Mayaguez, the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Museum, and the Mayaguez Mall.
Rincon is a beautiful place and will definitely be a repeat vacation spot for us. Ernie, who has vacationed in the Bahamas for over 20 years, is now hooked on Puerto Rico. We truly had a terrific vacation!
Thank you so much,
MaryJane
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Dear Nancy,
I planned on writing to you as soon as we got home, but time has a way of
slipping by so quickly. We had a fantastic time at Casa Serena. I don't
think it could have been any more perfect. Gladys had the supplies we asked
for waiting for us and she came by on Sunday to make sure everything was ok.
It was very nice of your mother to stop by as well. She brought us some fresh Puerto Rican bread and information about some area shops, etc. We talk about
our vacation to anyone and everyone who will listen. We tell them that we
didn't see much of the island because we didn't want to leave our perfect
spot - Casa Serena. The apartment was clean and comfortable. We spent most
of the time outside of course. There were plenty of chairs for the patio,
yard and beach. The water was wonderful. My husband and grandson were happy
with the snorkeling right in front of the house, so they didn't bother to go
on a charter trip.
We only ventured away from Casa Serena one day and we wished we hadn't. We
went all the way to a beach past the salt flats at the Cabo Rojo lighthouse
and although the view was spectacular at the lighthouse, the beach & water
were not nearly as clean and enjoyable as right outside our door at Casa
Serena.
Oh and the sunsets!!!!! We have loads of pictures, but they don't capture the real beauty. When we left early Saturday morning, the moon was shining on the water. That was beautiful too and made it that much harder to leave.
It's not easy to find a vacation spot that our whole family loves. My grandson wants to move to PR. It was his favorite vacation, even topping Disney World!
We found the maps and information about stores and resturants to be helpful.
Your directions were accurate and easy to follow. I also liked the lock-box system for the key. We used it every time we went out of the yard, even on the beach. That way anyone of us could get in the house when we needed to.
Thank you so much for everything. The entire process from finding your web
site to spending the week at Casa Serena was a wonderful experience. I hope
to be able to do it again in a year or two. I'll be in touch!
Thanks again, Judy
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Hello Nancy,
My family and I had an wonderful time at Casa Tamara. Everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was unbelievable. We did not
want to leave. We will be planning our next vacation and would not think of any better place to stay than Casa Tamara.
Warmest Regards,
Don Morales and Family
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Dear Nancy,
Just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had in Puerto Rico!
The week went by too fast. I think our favorite thing was the snorkeling at
Steps Beach and our dinner atop the mountain at La Cima Sunset……and drives
through the forests, and the hike in the rainforest complete with a dip in a
pool at the foot of a tumbling waterfall, the sweet song of the coqui, the empanadillas (the fish and lobster ones in particular!), the caverns and observatory, dinner in Old San Juan complete with belly dancer, mornings on
the beach with a cup of tea, evenings on the beach with a glass of wine…..ok,
we had a lot of favorites! We were all exhausted when we arrived home…..in
a good way. J My oldest son, who is skilled in video editing, put together a
slide show on DVD of our photos. What magical memories we have now! The house
was so nice and had everything we needed. It was a beautiful oasis of our own
from which we could explore the island. Thanks for all your help in making our vacation a success!
Best Regards,
BTW…..where did you get the bedcovers? I loved them!
Rosemary
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Nancy Renee
212-496-7098
800-556-9877
Nancy@RinconVillas.com