Utsikt från boendet

Recensioner av Enchanted Monkey House med bedårande havsutsikt


Recensioner

10

Enastående

10 - Fantastiskt i betyg. 61 av 65 recensioner" "
8 - Bra i betyg. 4 av 65 recensioner" "
6 - Okej i betyg. 0 av 65 recensioner" "
4 - Dåligt i betyg. 0 av 65 recensioner" "
2 - Väldigt dåligt i betyg. 0 av 65 recensioner" "

10/10

Renlighet

Recensioner

8/10 Bra

Ashley C., Rocklin, CA

Gillade: Renlighet
Beautiful view
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at your property. The only downside was that Ubran didnt speak or understand English very well. But, overall this was a very relaxing stay! Thank you for allowing us to stay here!
Bodde här 7 nätter i april 2024

10/10 Fantastiskt

Ericka P.

Gillade: Renlighet
Everything you hope it will be!
This was our first trip to Nicarauga and although we've spent lots of time in other countries throughout Central America, we weren't sure what to expect. All I can say is absolutely believe all of the wonderful reviews. This house, this property, the cuidadors, and SJDS are absolutely magical. The house is one of the nicest VRBO's we've ever stayed in. (And by far the best value!!) Spotlessly clean, beautiful, and had literally everything we needed for our week long stay. The cuidadors also helped to make the experience flawless (they even humored my feeble attempts at conversational spanish). The pool is the perfect size and the outdoor area was wonderful for enjoying the indescribably beautiful view and amenities. The house is close enough to town that it feels easy to pop in for food, shopping, or services, but far enough away that you you feel like you're in your own private beach resort. The instructions aren't lying though when they say you need a good vehicle. We were there in the dry season and still wouldn't have wanted to be without our 4x4 SUV. The owners were also great with communication and sent tons of helpful information prior to our trip. Last thing - while traveling in Central America is certainly a very different experience than say, an all inclusive in Cabo or Waikiki, our whole family agreed that SJDS is the safest we've ever felt anywhere in CA. We had the time of our lives and can't wait to go back!
Bodde här 6 nätter i april 2024

8/10 Bra

Ana R.

Gillade: Renlighet
SJDS May Trip
The house is beautiful, amazing view, great location and outstanding local service by Yubran the property caretaker. Yubran made our stay pleasant. He cooked a few authentic Nicaraguan meals for us for a price not included in the rental fee. He provided excellent and superb service. The house has breathtaking views. We walked down to the pebble beach. We spent most of our stay at SJDS on tours across Nicaragua. Therefore, we did not enjoy the house to the fullest. The one thing we would do different is spend more time at the house. Our first night, the AC in one room was not working. The AC was fixed and replaced the next day upon notifying the property caretaker. The house states max occupancy up to 8 guests. The house has 3 bedrooms which accommodate 6 people/guests comfortably in air-conditioned rooms (two guests per room). Two guests can sleep in the living room for a total of 8 guests. It is noteworthy to mention the living room does not have AC and it does get warm/hot. You are in San Juan Del Sur and the weather is warm. The service and hospitality rendered by Yubran “caretaker” is one of the main reasons we will come back to this amazing house. Through the booking process Dan the owner was extremely responsive and provided detailed information relevant to our stay.
Bodde här 5 nätter i maj 2023

10/10 Fantastiskt

Joy B., Campbell River B.C. Canada

Gillade: Renlighet
Fun in the Sun!
Our stay was excellent, the upper deck was the spot to watch the sun set. The Ocean view was ever changing, we even spotted some whale spouts even though we did not see them, and it was exciting to see. While our stay was great, there were plenty of spaces to sit, yet no place to relax meaning, lay back to read a book! (Sorry I have had skin cancer so sun is not my friend.) The house was spacious, nicely planned, decorated, very privately located and an easy drive into town. We did have Yubran, cook a fabulous meal for us! Yubran cared for the wonderful grounds and pool was kept perfect (we never saw him) yet always available to answer our silly questions. Yuban’s English was by far better than our attempt at Spanish. Yubran made us feel very safe, if he was on days off he made sure he had someone there for us. We would defiantly recommend this home!
Bodde här 48 nätter i januari 2024

10/10 Fantastiskt

Marcia G.

Gillade: Renlighet
Lovely home
We enjoyed the hospitality of this vacation home which is located in a safe, gated community. The kids loved the infinity pool and we enjoyed the outdoor rocking chairs. The caretaker, Yubran, is a spetacular chef and did a great job of shopping for us. We enjoyed trips into town, lunches at Play Hermosa and Tree Casa. We took a day trip to see Granada and the Volcanos. It was a wonderful vacation for our family and we hope to get back there some day. I definitely recommend travel to San Juan del Sur and a stay at this home, Casa de Mono Encantado.
Bodde här 9 nätter i mars 2023
Svar från VrboOwner 14 apr. 2023
Marcia, thank you for the kind words in your review and for your excellent comments and recommendations offline. We are happy we could share our casa with you and very pleased that you and your family enjoyed your stay and found Nicaragua to be welcoming. Please stay in touch and come back to see us again. Sincerely, Dan and Donna

10/10 Fantastiskt

steve s.

Gillade: Renlighet
Paradise
As advertised, amazing property with a fantastic staff! Would highly recommend.
Bodde här 9 nätter i februari 2023
Svar från VrboOwner 16 mars 2023
Steve and his group were great guests and are welcome back any time.

10/10 Fantastiskt

Sylvia d.

Gillade: Renlighet
Beyond expectations!!
First off, just want to say, Dan & Donna’s place is so beautiful! One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed at! (& we’ve stayed at different places in Costa Rica, Jamaica, puerto rico, Mexico, Peru)The view from the infinity pool with drink in hand was amazing! You definitely have to go down the stairs to rocks & beach below & enjoy all what nature has to offer! Went into San Juan del sur for a couple of dinners (which were good) but honestly, our best meals were prepared by Yubran the friendly & kind caretaker. (& we got him to join us for one of them. He was so nice!) Each room was beautiful, all beds were comfortable kings. Kitchen was stocked with everything you would need, including a cooler that we used on our daily excursions. The wind was crazy there some times, even at night. Not sure if that’s normal or not. There are some pretty steep roads getting to the villa, but we were able to do it in a “short bus”, except the night it rained & then got stuck trying to get up a hill & so walked up the last hill to the villa. Pride of ownership is apparent in this house! We loved looking through their photo book on the whole building process. & we loved when Willy the dog came over for rubs or to join us on our walks! This place is definitely value for money, was nicer than we even imagined & we were so happy to have found it on Vrbo!
Bodde här 4 nätter i februari 2023
Svar från VrboOwner 16 mars 2023
Hi Sylvia, thank you for your great review! Donna and I can tell from your comments that you enjoy the same things we do when we visit our casa. We love hearing that from our guests - we truly appreciate it! Please tell your friends about us and consider Casa de Mono again in the future. You are welcome any time! Sincerely, Dan W

10/10 Fantastiskt

Ian B.

Gillade: Renlighet
Perfect stay
Great view. Fantastic dinners. Will be back
Bodde här 4 nätter i december 2022

10/10 Fantastiskt

APRIL P.

Gillade: Renlighet
We had a wonderful stay, and you couldn't ask for a better view!
Thank you for the opportunity to stay in your beautiful home! The house is beautiful, the view is stunning. Yubran was always friendly and helpful, and your suggestion for Gaby Transport was much appreciated! Richard was super friendly and gave us some contacts (Mario for fishing, Rudolfo as a tour guide in Granada) that really enhanced our experience. We loved, loved, LOVED the pool and spent many evenings out there. Sadly, we only saw 2 sunsets that weren't impeded by clouds, but it was lovely nevertheless. Thank you for allowing us to spend our vacation in your home!
Bodde här 14 nätter i oktober 2022

10/10 Fantastiskt

elmer m.

Gillade: Renlighet
Everything that was written about this property is on point, just beautiful!!! Needed to relax a few
I miss my first day and Dan emailed me ask if I was still coming, will definitely be going back to casa de mono.
Bodde här 4 nätter i september 2022
Svar från VrboOwner 28 sep. 2022
Elmer and his family were great guests. I hope they will return many times.

10/10 Fantastiskt

David G.

Gillade: Renlighet
What a trip
We had the most amazing time in Nicaragua. The amt of things to do were endless and the people were amazing. We loved the Enchanted Money House and everything it had to offer. Yubran and Yolanda made our time care free and so pleasurable. My husband and I work long hard hours so we really needed this vacation to vacate. Yubran really made that happen for us by cooking such wonderful meals, even food my daughter would not eat prior to visiting!!! That was a score in and of its self. Yolonda was a champ by doing our laundry so I would not have to worry about doing it when we got back. I highly recommend staying here. Everything was carefree and easy, also the view didn't stink lol! We hope to visit again soon to visit. We loved the people and truly loved the home
Bodde här 8 nätter i augusti 2022
Svar från VrboOwner 17 okt. 2022
David and his family were awesome guests, laid back, independent and communicative. We appreciate you and are very happy you enjoyed your stay. You're welcome back any time!

10/10 Fantastiskt

Joslyn B.

Gillade: Renlighet
Wonderful Stay at Casa de Mono!!
My family and I had an amazing stay at Casa de Mono for just over 3 weeks. One of the best properties we've ever stayed at with spectacular views and pool area. Also, the house is conveniently located just a few minutes from SJDS town and many surrounding beaches. Great property!
Bodde här 19 nätter i juli 2022
Svar från VrboOwner 17 okt. 2022
Jocelyn and her family were great guests. We appreciate your kind words and welcome you back any time. Best of luck to you and your family!

10/10 Fantastiskt

Andrew Y.

Gillade: Renlighet
Simply Perfect!
We absolutely loved staying at Casa de Mono Encantando The house itself is stunning with a welcoming 2nd story porch and infinity pool both overlooking the ocean and Gorilla Head rock. The surrounding landscape further adds to the beauty. There are steps down to the ocean and a where you can access a beach as well. The location is absolutely perfect. No spoiled views and surprisingly only a couple minutes from town, talk about best of both worlds. The caretakers were fantastic and very helpful. Heck of a chef as well. We would return to Casa de Mono Encantando in a heartbeat !
Bodde här 7 nätter i juli 2022

10/10 Fantastiskt

Colleen G.

Gillade: Renlighet
Can’t Wait!
Sadly, we were not able to go on our trip to this beautiful home because our daughter tested positive for Covid. We were very disappointed, but have rescheduled and are counting the days down (again) until we can go. Dan was so gracious and accommodating for us. He gave us the option to reschedule or be refunded even though we got her results just days before we were to have arrived. We also found him very responsive to messages and helpful with our questions leading up to the expected trip. Thanks Dan! We are so excited to spend our vacation at your beautiful home.
Bodde här 7 nätter i april 2022

10/10 Fantastiskt

Josee R., Collingwood

Gillade: Renlighet
Piece of Paradise
Absolutely loved every second spent at this beautiful home. The views and ocean crashing below are some of the best I’ve ever witnessed at a rental. They took great care to make sure you have everything you need. Very well appointed kitchen too. The master bed feels like you’re sleeping in a cloud and when you wake up to those views, you feel like you are in heaven. Yubran is a killer chef, so make sure you ask him to cook for your group a few nights. He rivals any restaurant in San Juan. Town is nearby if you need anything as long as you have a 4x4 which doesn’t come cheap… that’s about the only negative in my opinion and it’s certainly not the hosts fault. Hoping to stay here again in the near future. Don’t hesitate to book! Also, might be one of the quieter spots near SJDS too which is a HUGE PLUS!! 10/10
Bodde här 63 nätter i januari 2022
Svar från VrboOwner 18 maj 2022
Thank you Josee for your kind words. We really enjoyed having you and Kevin at Casa de Mono and obviously would love to have you back any time since you are without a doubt the most fun guests we have ever had stay with us. It was a blast messaging and interacting with you. Yubran and Yolanda miss you too!

10/10 Fantastiskt

Ryan S.

Gillade: Renlighet
Excellent Stay
Beautiful house, insane views and location, close to town and we were well taken care of. The internet was spotty at times, but that is to be expected and is common in Nicaragua.
Bodde här 3 nätter i december 2021
Svar från VrboOwner 15 feb. 2022
Thank you Ryan, we appreciate your comments. Please keep us in mind if you are ever in Nicaragua again. Best wishes to you and your family!

10/10 Fantastiskt

Greg G.

Gillade: Renlighet
Breath taking views
This property is absolutely amazing and it is quite obvious the owners were very meticulous with every detail while they crafted this incredible home. From the views looking out from the amazing Infinity Pool and bar to the fantastic set up of the interior of the house. This place was meant to accommodate 3 adult couples with ease. The support staff was friendly and very accommodating and even cooked us an authentic local meal on our last evening. The only difficult part of the trip was the hyper inflated cab rides to and from town costing on average $15-20 USD each direction. This is due to the very difficult 2km hike Into town, with a hill or two that are quite difficult for most taxi cars. Would recommend renting a side by side or 4x4 truck if staying here.
Bodde här 4 nätter i januari 2022

10/10 Fantastiskt

curtis s.

Gillade: Renlighet
Amazing!
This house was amazing. Perfect location with stunning views. The care taker Jubran is the best and always puts you in a good mood. He is also a great cook. He is simply amazing. Can not say enough good things. Thanks for having us. We will definitely be back.
Bodde här 6 nätter i oktober 2021
Svar från VrboOwner 11 feb. 2022
Curtis and his group were awesome guests. We welcome you guys back any time. Best wishes...

10/10 Fantastiskt

Bonnie H.

Gillade: Renlighet
Get staycation for our family during Covid 19. House was perfect for us! Home away from home!
We had an amazing little vacation during Covid 19. We live in country and needed a getaway. This house was perfect for us. We were 4 adults, a teen and a tween. We enjoyed our stay immensely. The House is beautifully decorated, but very conducive to making you feel at home. We enjoyed the pool everyday as well, as some walked down to enjoy the rocky beach. Such beautiful scenery. We ate all our meals at the house in the fully stocked kitchen. The staff is always available and very willing to help. There is a beautiful terrace to enjoy our morning coffee or afternoons just chatting. The owners and manager were quick to respond for any questions and concerns. We ended our trip driving to Playa La Flor where we were able to help release baby Turtles back into the ocean. An unforgettable experience for an unforgettable trip. We can’t wait to go back!

10/10 Fantastiskt

Shannon F.

Gillade: Renlighet
What a Blessing
This is a beautiful home that provided a wonderful, relaxing time for our family. We are so thankful for the opportunity!
Bodde här 7 nätter i april 2020

10/10 Fantastiskt

Matthew B., Lake Lure

Gillade: Renlighet
What an AMAZING place to stay for a week in San Juan Del Sur! Gorgeous House with a beautiful beach!
This property was one of the nicest homes we've ever stayed ANYWHERE, let alone in central America. Let me start with the bed: they rival any Beautyrest and it wouldn't surprise me if they are Beautyrest mattresses. The beds are TRUE king beds (not 2 twins pushed together). I normally sleep about 5 hours per night, but this bed had me sleeping 7-8 hours every night. The VIEWS! If you are an avid outdoor photographer or just love to wake up to amazing views, this place has it in spades. Gorgeous views from the house balcony, both the Master Suite and the kitchen/great room as well as the two lower bedrooms and the pool. The beautiful POOL was kept IMMACULATE by the wonderfully thoughtful cuidor (sp?), Jubron---the young man who was the caretaker of the home. It was a beautiful infinity edge overlooking Gorilla Rock! The design of the outdoor living space is phenomenal and very user-friendly, including a swim-up bar and a grill. We cooked most nights and on one of our last two nights, Jubron (sp?) actually came over to the house and made a lobster and shrimp dinner for minimal including clean-up! He went to go and get all the seafood that day (about 2 lbs of shrimp and 3 lbs of lobster) as well as side items and as soon as we arrived back from our excursion to Ometepe, he was cooking that fresh seafood. The BEACH! You walk down a series of well thought out steps (wear comfortable water shoes with thicker soles) from the top floor down to an incredibly beautiful beach that is essentially private. There are perhaps 3 other houses around the cove that may utilize it too, but on the 3 days we played on it, we had it to ourselves! I went snorkeling all 3 times and saw different species of fish, including puffers. Visibility was only about 15-20 ft, but it was still a joy to take underwater photos that were enabled from a beach entrance because we were in a cove. The other 2 days we went to two other beaches: Playa Madera, a great surf beach with surf schools, and Playa Hermosa ($3 entrance fee, but well worth it); a child-friendly beach which was wonderful because you had a cabana (no charge for its use as long as you're ordering drinks and/or food). The prices of food, drinks, and beer were very reasonable: about $1.50 for a beer and my wife had mojitos for about $4.00. Safety: The cuidors place is a separate structure near the entrance of the house and we always felt very safe. We never felt unsafe anywhere we went around San Juan Del Sur.
Bodde här 7 nätter i december 2019

10/10 Fantastiskt

Heather M., Homer, NY

Paradise !
This house is amazing, pictures are spot on and as described. The rooms are large, the house is spotless, the pool and view are amazing. The walk to the beach is a must do and we did it daily. We loved sitting on the deck listening to the ocean, sitting at the swim up bar enjoying the view, and watching the sunset from the beach. The kitchen is well stocked with everything needed for preparing meals, the outdoor grill is large enough to cook for a large group, and the fridge in the swim up is an added convience. Our two week stay was not long enough! We enjoyed every minute of it and would go back again. The caretakers are wonderful, and take excellent care of the house and grounds. The location of the house made for a peaceful and secluded trip away from town but still close enough to stores, beaches, and restaurants. All of our questions during the booking process, before our stay, and during our stay were answered in a timely manner. There is a book on the counter with all kinds of information about the house, the area, and local activities. We utilized this book for trips to town and planning excursions. We enjoyed every minute of our trip and would go back again. Thank you Dan and Donna for an amazing vacation experience.
Bodde här 12 nätter i juli 2018

10/10 Fantastiskt

Judy w.

Wonderful Escape
If you're looking to step away from it all, soak in sun with sweeping views - Enchanted Monkey House is the perfect place to do it. The pictures and all descriptions are all accurate - you will not be disappointed. Dan and Donna are incredibly warm and gracious. They provide an extensive breakdown before arrival - what to expect at the house and surrounding area - i highly recommend reading through carefully as it's very informative. Definitely rent a 4 Wheel Drive to tackle the steep hills and unpaved roads, and to get yourself to surrounding areas like Playa Hermosa. Spent 5 nights with three friends and we all wish we had more time at the house - just means we'll have to visit again.
Bodde här 5 nätter i mars 2018

10/10 Fantastiskt

Christine M., Near Ottawa

a beautiful home with a stunning view
My husband and I stayed at Casa de Mono March 5th -19th 2018. Two full weeks of perfect weather and accommodations. The house is exactly as depicted with 3 large bedroom suites, each with their own ensuite bathroom. There are 2 additional powder rooms for shared use. The floor plan is well laid out and obviously thoughtfully designed to maximize the use of the shared spaces, the private bedroom areas and the view from every room. The view. The view. The view. (Because we were only one couple, we used the upstairs space and kept the downstairs rooms closed. This house would be ideal for three couples if you like to share your vacation. We don't. This house was still perfect.) We have been renting vacation homes for approx. the last ten years and this was probably one of the best equipped and laid out houses we have had the pleasure of renting. The kitchen has everything you need to cook great meals at home, which we did often, and a BBQ located in the pool bar. Yep, there is even a sunken pool bar with an outdoor beer/wine fridge. The infinity pool is a good size with bar stools to "belly" up to the bar. The pool is cleaned daily and is spotless and a refreshing but pleasant temperature. Not sure how they manage to keep that water from heating up. The property is spotlessly maintained by onsite caretakers who are absolutely lovely and accommodating. All of the outdoor spaces are wonderful, both upstairs and down. You will be mesmerized by the view (did I already mention the view?) and watching folks fish from boats and the rocks below. In March (dry season) there were no bugs, day or night. You can access the beach using easily managed stairs. Be prepared for a bit of a hike/drive into town. It is just a couple of kms. but the roads are steep. There are lots of restaurants and stores/markets in San Juan del Sur where you can eat out or purchase groceries to eat at home. Both are very affordable options. This is the perfect spot for the laid back type of vacation that we enjoy, but would also be perfect for a group that wants the perfect place to return to at the end of a day of site seeing or beaching. Dan makes the rental process easy and provides useful and detailed information about car rentals, taxis, restaurants and food. Our first morning we watched monkeys playing in the trees nearby. This is indeed an enchanted monkey house. You will not be disappointed.
Bodde här 14 nätter i mars 2018

10/10 Fantastiskt

Dana L., Minneapolis

Spectacular!
Monkey House is the most perfect place to spend your vacation! I don't think it can get much better than this. The house itself is beautiful, comfortable and clean and the views of the ocean and sunset are spectacular. During low tide my friends and I went hiking along the rocks out to the monkey head. It was such a fun activity and allowed us to get some exercise while on vacation. You will not be disappointed if you book this house for your stay in Nicaragua!
Bodde här 4 nätter i mars 2018
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thank you Dana, we are happy you enjoyed yourselves and welcome you back any time. The best of luck to you and yours in all of your future endeavors! Dan and Donna

10/10 Fantastiskt

Brian G.

Beautiful Spot
Great house for 3 couples in their 50's & 60's. The area is spectacular, the house is beautiful and very well equipped and has the pool bar I want at home. Mario and Yolanda do a wonderful job keeping the grounds and house and both are extremely helpful. Dan and Donna are easy to deal with. Had a lot of fun exploring the area right around the house. Head about 2/3's of the way down the pebble beach and there's a little path that starts off a little steep but turns into a nice easy 500 yard path that takes you to a small dramatic beach where they filmed exile island for Survivor San Juan Del Sur. As a bonus there were little beach bar shacks there with cold beer. We walked into town...once, just to say we did it. A car is needed but it's a quick easy drive to town and you'll want one to explore the beautiful area and spectacular beaches. We did have a couple of power outages for 3-4 hours, but it's Nicaragua and we were prepared with our emergency power out plan. Put the beer in the cooler and head to the beach. Managua is a really bad introduction to the country. It's a dump...literally...there is garbage everywhere for about 10 km out. We were a little worried at first but Once you get past that, the country is beautiful and dramatic. Nicaragua is also very easy on the budget. We figure our group of 6 spent about 1/2 of what we did in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica last year. I would go back to San Juan Del Sur and the Monkey house in a second.
Bodde här 10 nätter i februari 2018
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thanks Brian, Happy that you guys enjoyed yourselves and impressed that you made it into town by foot - the locals do it all the time, but I would likely expire somewhere along the way if I tried. Also glad you found the trail leading to Pina' Rota beach - we've hiked it a couple times in years past, but there was no beer joint when we went - good to see that as well. Really sad to hear the road outside of Managua is trashy again. We had seen a huge effort along that stretch and many others over the past several years, to clean up trash and keep the side of the road trimmed. Hopefully efforts to clean up and educate will continue. I think they will because the Nicas understand how important their young tourism industry has become and are pretty logical and pragmatic, but it may take many years to change these types of cultural norms. Take care, you guys are welcome back any time!

10/10 Fantastiskt

Dennis F., Ivins

True Paradise at Paradise Bay
We enjoyed our stay at the Enchanted Monkey House very much. It is clean, modern and well equipped and maintained. The location could not be any better. It is an easy walk down to the beach with steps built into the steep hillside to make it simple to get up and down from the beach. We enjoyed the pool with extra amenities to make our stay even more of a delight. It is absolutely beautiful! Our limited Spanish and the housekeeper's limit English was enough to get us by. Anything you need can be provided if you don't find it in the house. For instance, I didn't find a hair dryer as listed in the house information but, as promised, one was produced when I asked. Everything you need is there, just ask. You feel completely safe because the caretakers are on site all the time, although they somehow manage to be invisible most of the time. I loved this location and the people and town of San Juan Del Sur. This was one of my favorite locations and we have rented houses all over the world, so that is not a small statement. They have definitely found a wonderful home in Paradise with the Enchanted Monkey House. We appreciated the purified water from the small tap in the kitchen. That was a plus when you want to be careful not to mar your trip with illness. While it was not an ideal snorkel location, this is a wonderful place to enjoy, relax and explore Nicaragua. The people of Nicaragua made it one of our favorites trips ever. TIP: We made the trip to La Flor further down the coast and had the most fabulous experience with turtles you could ever hope for in a natural setting. We were allowed to help release 30 hatchling turtles after dark. Be sure to take RED or GREEN flashlights since white lights are not allowed because they confuse the baby turtles. Then we found a turtle on the beach digging her nest and watched as she laid her eggs. We hired a guide (Irvin Chevez email: chevezguianic@gmail.com) for$15 per person which included entrance to the reserve. We can recommend him. All in all, we give The Enchanted Monkey House our highest recommendation. Thank you for sharing your beautiful dream home.
Bodde här 7 nätter i januari 2018
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Dennis, We sincerely appreciate your kind words and are happy you could experience some of the same feelings we have been blessed to experience with the Nicaraguan people. Please let your friends know about us and we hope to see you again. Dan and Donna

10/10 Fantastiskt

John K., Lake Livingston, TX

One of the best
I've rented from VRBO in Bonaire, Belize, Paris, Fiji, Palau, Panama, Roatan, St. Thomas, Punta Cana, Turks & Caicos, Yosemite, Key West, Aruba, Los Cabo & now SJDS. This property was one of the best, great location, great furnishings, great floor plan. I was a little concerned about the condition of SJDS as tropical storm Nate went thru 1 week before our stay. Dan was very commutative and updated me on the condition of the area and availability of resources, in the end all was good the friendly people of SJDS are great. If you drive out of MGA don't miss Masaya Volcano National Park. We enjoyed a day of surfing Playa Hermosa and a sunset cruise out of SJDS and a trip up to Cristo de La Misericordia, but the best excursion was to Playa La Flor to see the turtles. If your there during season don't miss it, arrive around 2045 you wont regret it. We assisted in releasing hundreds of baby turtles. Just enjoying the view, crashing waves, beachcombing, the pool with the outdoor bar & grill could occupy you for days. A 4 wheel drive is highly recommended as everyone points out the roads are steep but once you've done it a time or two its fun.
Bodde här 6 nätter i oktober 2017

10/10 Fantastiskt

Mare B., Austin Texas

Fabulous Beachfront Home
We stayed 6 nights at this home with our friends (another couple). Everything was as expected! The home is absolutely gorgeous with fine furnishings, a beautiful view, outstanding services provided. We could not have asked for a better place to stay. Every need was addressed by the owners. The cuidador was attentive and efficient. This was one of the BEST trips we have taken! Thank you so much!
Bodde här 6 nätter i september 2017

10/10 Fantastiskt

Kathryn B., Santa Cruz, CA USA

Stunning Home and Amazing View
There is not a whole lot to add to the other very thorough and descriptive reviews! We were charmed by this property, loved the location and had an amazing vacation. We found visiting in the rainy season to be delightful as it only rained in the evening for short periods, cooled the breeze a bit and saw some great lightning which we don't experience often at home. The positives of this house far outweigh the only negative I found; the tiled floors are quite slick with the humidity, and definitely when wet and with bare feet! There is no stair rail going down to the first floor and I had to take it very slow and cautiously. Though we didn't have a need for it, I loved that this house is actually accessible for all with a ramp at the side of the house to the lower level. Thank You for a memorable vacation home!
Bodde här 4 nätter i september 2017
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Kathryn, Thank you for your kind words! We enjoyed having you and your group and welcome you back any time. We hope to have handrails installed on the stairs very soon. This has actually been on our to do list for several months, but has taken a while to get completed (working on Nica time). Thanks again!

8/10 Bra

byron a.

Family Vacation
I have been traveling to San Juan Del Sur for several years, I stayed in several areas of Nicaragua. When I decided to rent La Casa Del Mono, I was very impress with all the good review and all pictures of the property. When I arrived to the house, it was very clean and the house looks better than the pictures, the couple that care for the house are very nice and they are available anytime to make your stay very comfortable. There is one things that I did not like about the house: I understand that having security cameras are very important to protect the property and security of guesses but there are two cameras that made my family feel very uncomfortable, the first is on a tree very close to the outdoor shower and the second is directly over the swimming pool and sunbathing area, my wife felt very uncomfortable having a camera looking over them at all time with no privacy. If you do not care been watch by a security camera this house is a great house for the fee that you are paying.
Bodde här 6 nätter i juni 2017
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thank you for visiting Casa de Mono Encantado. We are happy you enjoyed your stay and delighted to hear our caretakers were accommodating and made your stay comfortable. We regret that we initially had to ask your additional guests and his dog to leave the property, but as indicated on vrbo and in our rental contract, we have very strict guidelines regarding the maximum number of guests allowed on the property. It also states that no pets are allowed, in order to protect the integrity of the home for future guests. Yes, as advertised on vrbo, we have multiple levels of security to help protect and ensure our clients’ safety. As noted in our welcome letter, it also protects our home and our caretakers, both when clients are present and not present. Our home offers some things that most homes do not, including proximity to the amenities of SJDS only a mile away, but also a feeling of seclusion that most clients prefer; however, this level of privacy increases the need for robust security systems. The first level of safety incorporates laser barriers which alarm our caretakers if barriers are breached. Second is four security cameras – one directed at the front door, one pointed down the path to the beach below, one directed at the back downstairs door and one pointed toward the cuidador house. Having stayed at our casa, it should be easy for you to visualize the general direction of these security cameras aiming toward the most obvious areas of ingress and egress. In the event of a breach in security, a client would likely request all available information to assist in an investigation and this would be highly valuable information. One other important level of security includes security guards who make nightly motorcycle rounds of our development and property. Further, our caretakers have 24/7 Motorola radio contact with this armed security service to summon help in the event of any emergency, including fire, police, medical care, etc. We take the security of our clients very seriously. It is one of our highest priorities. Prior to building our casa, we stayed in over 30 area rental properties and the seeming lack of security at many of these locations became one of our major concerns, especially after an incident of theft of our cell phones and electronics. Again, we are pleased that the security measures taken allowed you and your family to have a safe and pleasant stay in our home.

10/10 Fantastiskt

Steve E.

Spectacular!! Gorgeous home and breathtaking views!!!
Wow! Where do we start?! Well, it all started as we were first driving up and down the steep hills through the Paradise Bay neighborhood and after driving to the top of the last hill, there was THE VIEW that I don't think we'll ever forget ! And then driving up to the beautiful home! The cuidadors (caretakers) met us as we drove up. Very friendly and accommodating. Opening the gorgeous wood front doors and then seeing that view out the back was awesome! Not only was the view amazing, but the house and property were equally amazing! Beautiful and unique interior decor, gorgeous & unique granite in the kitchen, beautiful woodwork throughout the entire home (tables, chairs, doors, cabinets, & even lighting), beautiful sinks throughout, gorgeous infinity pool with swim up bar & awesome outdoor kitchen, gas grill, beautiful plants & landscaping around the home, winding concrete walkway all the way down to the breathtaking rocky beach, cable rail on the back patio/balcony, gas oven, well equipped kitchen with everything you need, gorgeous wood rocking chairs on back balcony and also by the pool. We could go on and on. The caretakers (Yubron & Yolanda) don't speak much English but they were extremely friendly and very accommodating- such as cleaning in and around the house each day, making the beds, even bringing us battery powered lanterns one time when the power went out for a short time. We had a blast doing various activities in and around San Juan Del Sur: zip-lining at Parques de Aventuras, off-road ATV tour, surf lessons, night tour of the Masaya volcano (lava!), day trip to Ometepe Island!, and just exploring the beautiful and very private rocky beach coastline behind the home. Just an overall outstanding experience that my family will never ever forget. Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous home & property with us. You can certainly tell you take tremendous pride in your home as well you should. Absolutely amazing!! Sincerely, Steve, Torrey, Noah, Luke Esham
Bodde här 8 nätter i juni 2017
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Steve, Thank you guys for staying with us and for the very kind words. We love having guests like you and your family who appreciate what Nicaragua has to offer. Please tell your friends about us, and know you are welcome back any time! Dan and Donna

10/10 Fantastiskt

Bruce B.

The House was Wonderful, perfectly situated in a ideal perch with a commanding view of the Bay!
Yes the drive in was a little sketchy, but we managed without any problems. What awaits at the end of the road is a Glorious Home. Unbelievable views of the ocean and surrounding jungle. The House was very clean and well put together. The care keepers were there and help with Every need! We could barely pull ourselves away from the pool and the lush sound of waves or the hum of the jungle. We did however go to town for food and some dinners. Also we were able to drive to many close beaches...but the house kept us close by. We loved walking down along the beach and rocky shoreline. The House keepers made many trips into town for lunches and cooked Wonderful meals for us when asked. The Owners were always just a text away, and as Helpful as anyone could hope for! We can't wait to go back and Enjoy this Perfect Eden. Loved the outdoor shower too. Crazy Electrical storms and refreshing rain and even a few power outages all added to the unique bliss. The Enchanted Monkey Bay House will be a Fond Memory Always! Thanks again Dan and Donna for sharing such a gem with us! WE LOVED IT!!
Bodde här 14 nätter i maj 2017

10/10 Fantastiskt

Traylor R.

Premium Venue
This villa is situated on a private cove with a "suitable for framing" view. The location is quiet and private. All 3 bedrooms have air conditioning (which was much needed due to 95+F temps), and ocean breezes provide good air flow in the common areas. Great place to land and stay, and just unwind, although the village of SJDS is just over the other side of the ridge. We are already planning a return visit with our two girls. Thank you Dan and Donna for sharing.
Bodde här 5 nätter i april 2017

10/10 Fantastiskt

Kary S.

I wouldn't change anything about this amazing place
We absolutely love this place. The beach, the view, the house, the drive in all are perfect. Sitting in the pool all day enjoying the view was serine. If they will have us we will definitely be back. Thanks again Casa De Mono.

10/10 Fantastiskt

Alice J., Lake Tahoe, CA

Amazing views....beautiful house!
This was the first place we stayed in Nicaragua...besides the airport hotel so we were just beginning to immerse ourselves in the Nicaragua culture. I can tell you that this house is just as beautiful in real life as it is in the pictures. You can tell that the owners take a great deal of pride in their house and décor as they should because it is amazing. Not just in terms of Nicaragua but even compared to the nicest places we have ever traveled. I have never stayed in a rental property with such nice furnishings. The rooms are so comfortable and luxurious and the air conditioning is quiet and works well. The walk to gorilla rock at sunset is amazing. There are so many little crab on the beach and the sun setting over the rocks is so beautiful. The town of San Juan del Sur is nice and you could buy delicious seafood and ceviche on the pier. The restaurants were hit or miss....one really good night and one really not so good place on the beach. We found that the fish from the fish market was so delicious. As is normal in Nicaragua, certain things worked sporadically...the internet was hit or miss, the upstairs shower didn't have enough water pressure or hot water, and the gas grill didn't work. But you have to expect that not everything will work in Nicaragua. The drive is steep and will test your stick shift driving skills but the road was mostly paver stones and was well maintained. We rented a 4x4 but it was dry season so not necessary what is more necessary is a car with some power and a stick shift. I could see wanting a 4x4 in rainy season. The house could use more towels. I understand not wanting to clean so many towels for each guest but we only had one towel per person (we are a family of four) and no bath mats. The tiles get very slippery when wet so I had to use a hand towel to step on after my shower and then we had no hand towels because there was only one per bathroom. Finally, on our third day we asked Yolanda for pool towels and she brought us four large fluffy towels. I wish I would have asked sooner. Yolanda and Yubran were so sweet. They are hard working and super nice. Generally they tried to stay out of our way and I'm not sure they speak much English. The owners were great at communicating and were accommodating when we had to change our reservation due to a change from the airline. I would love to stay there again sometime in the future!
Bodde här 4 nätter i april 2017

10/10 Fantastiskt

michelle k.

Where can I begin, but to say the home is absolutely beautiful!!
After doing lots of research of areas we would consider taking our three teenagers for Spring Break, we decided on San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Our kids speak a decent amount of Spanish, which I would highly recommend. It is not a highly commercialized area where Americans have over taken yet, therefore you will get a true experience of a Central American culture. The Winkler's have spent great effort to make this home feel welcoming and have everything you could possibly need. The filtered water from the kitchen sink is a real treat right down to the outdoor shower. The ability to wake up to the ocean views from every bedroom is something you'll never get sick of. There are plenty of amazing restaurants that serve delicious food and happy hour drinks. We fished, saw whales from the home's deck and visited several beaches. We ziplined through the Parque de Adventura Las Nubes. Highly recommend this if you can pull yourself away from the pool. We spent countless hours floating on our rafts and reading in the private quietness of the Pacific Ocean views. I highly recommend this home and the owners are readily accessible if you have any questions or concerns. Great trip!!!
Bodde här 7 nätter i april 2017

8/10 Bra

Marjorie G.

Perfect location! Gorgeous, private and super comfortable
We have stayed at several houses up and down the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. This is probably my favorite, because of location, location, location. Just minutes away from the town of San Juan del Sur, you have the option to spend the days or the nights in town, and you don't feel stranded like some of the more remote ocean view homes. Forgot milk, no problem, town is nearby. Also nearby is Remanso Beach, which is the perfect place to swim, a beautiful cove with a soft sandy beach, gentle waves and two beach-side bistros. The house is very comfortable, new, and the furnishing and finishings are lovely. The kitchen is exceptionally well-equipped. And the owners have organized everything beautifully with labels and instructions for everything. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, the beds are large and comfortable, and the air conditioners in each room work very well. We were three couples and we fit perfectly. There is a short walk down stairs to the gorgeous secluded cove, the water is an emerald color, in the afternoon you can fish jumping and pelicans diving. It is serene and priceless. This house has a very privileged location, privacy and views to die for. We spent most of our time relaxing in the pool around the swim-up bar, drinking flor de cana rum with lime, watching the waves crash against the rocks. I highly recommend this house.
Bodde här 3 nätter i januari 2017

10/10 Fantastiskt

Raquel M.

Great Experience
My family and I recently stayed in this beautiful home, it was an unforgettable experience. I strongly recommend staying here as the views are fantastic and you can enjoy an intimate vacation with loved ones. The home is on a secluded area but the local town is not far away if groceries or other items are needed. The housekeepers stay next door and are very friendly and respectful. Owners of the home are extremely nice and surprisingly reachable if you need to e-mail or call them. The rooms are all nice sizes with comfortable beds and all have wonderful showers. The pool and its view are hard to get away from, my family spent most of the time outside and around the pool. Some of us got to explore the beach at the bottom of the home, water was clean and we could see fishes, crabs, and sea urchins. This home greatly enhance my family's vacation time in Nicaragua.
Bodde här 4 nätter i december 2016
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thanks Raquel, We are happy that you and your family enjoyed our casa. We appreciate your kind words and welcome you back again.

10/10 Fantastiskt

Mark s.

Wow. What can I say . This was an amaizing experience. Like being on your own private island.
So, I can't say it enough! What a truly wonderful experience . I highly recommend it . So close SJDS but so far away . The view to the bay below was divine . The house had everything one could need . The caretaker and her family were also nice . Overall a great experience . the bay below the was protected from the larger waves and made for decent swimming. Getting in and out depending on the tide can be tricky though. Espescially at low tide as there are spiny sea urchins between you and the water . At high tide it's a simple swim out from the gravel beach. The water in the cove is littered with rocks and boulders of all sizes with fish swimming all around . We wore goggles and were able to see fairly well. Although it was not that clear we enjoyed it . Be very mindful of tidal changes . This is no place to go into the water without a real awareness for the tide and only go in high tide to play it safe. We loved the gravel beach below, hearing the waves and feeling the breeze up above in the house. The pool area was nice and the house was clean and well appointed . Never could get the smart TVs to work but oh well. We weren't there to watch TV. They did have a large library of dvds on hand . All in all, I'd say it's a great place to stay and SJDS and it's main strip are literally 5 minutes drive but you'd never know that when your at the house. It's true that driving up the roads and to the house is a bit tricky . Espescially if you don't have 4 wheel drive . But it's part of the charm in a way too. We loved it!
Bodde här 3 nätter i december 2016
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thank you Mark and thanks for staying with us. We welcome you and your family back any time.

10/10 Fantastiskt

Gary N.

Far exceeded expectations
My wife, three daughters and I stayed here for a week in August. The house was so much better than we hoped for. The views are just unbelievable. The pool a delight for sunset. We found everything we needed and the on-site (but different building) helper was always at the ready. We will definitely stay here again if we find ourselves returning to Nica. We found a car to be absolutely essential. We loved having it anyway since we were able to explore amazing nearby beaches. It takes a little courage to get up and down those hills but it is well worth the effort.
Bodde här 7 nätter i augusti 2016

10/10 Fantastiskt

Albert G.

Perfect vacation
The house is in Paradise Bay a few minutes away from San Juan del Sur on a gorgeous hill, beautiful house, awesome world class view, extremely well equipped. One of us is in a wheelchair and the house is completely accessible with a set of concrete ramps and a portable wooden ramp at the front door. A great place to get away from it all. Looking forward to visiting again real soon.
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thank you Albert! We look forward to you staying with us again also.

10/10 Fantastiskt

michael m., Houston

Casa de Mono Encantado is everything and more that the words and pictures suggest!
We almost did not make it to Casa de Mono. We had been in Nicaragua for 1 week and a half before flying back to Managua to drive to San Juan del Sur. The Owners helped us book transport from the Managua Airport via Gaby Transport. We had the choice of a compact or a Land Rover. We chose the Land Rover and glad we did Pedro picked us up and we began our 2.5 hour drive. Beautiful drive. The house is fabulous. Beautifully decorated throughout. We were only two so the other 2 bedrooms were locked. The kitchen is amply stocked with every gadget.. The tv area has a large screen with dvds, games, and books. Netflix and You Tube included. The master bedroom and bath are more than comfortable. The outside shower is to die foor. The best we have ever seen. A wraparound balcony on the main level with plenty of rocking chairs and tables. No need for ac, leave the sliding doors open, screens shut and enjoy the breeze. The downtstairs level has an additional bathroom, 3 total. The real draw down here is the infinity pool. We lived in it. Drink in hand, leaning over the edge looking out at the Pacific. The place to be! Plenty more rocking chairs and tables on this level two. A couple of loungers, also. We used the grill a few nights in the outdoor bar and kitchen area to grill fish. What a treat The cimb to the beach below and Minkey Rock is doable. Do not wear flip flops. Its very cool to fish out on Monkey Rock. Good shell hunting also. We brought back many. The walk to town not so much doable. Tried it one morning. Dont suggest it. Rent a 4 wheel or do as we did and have Mari Elena call a cab. Trust me! We cannot say how much we loved Casa de Mono. We have rented from VRBO all over the world and this house is the winner. Be prepared to be spoiled! It is a beautiful vacation home. The pictures and description are amazing, but once your here and after you pick your jaw up it is over the top. We did not want to leave. We will return and we will recommend Casa de Mono to all our friends. Do not hesitate to book Casa de Mono. It is the only place in San Juan del Sur to stay. We loved it so much, we are considering buying property on Paradise Bay. Beautiful property, great town, friendly people, and a vacation you will never forget! Book now!
Bodde här 8 nätter i juli 2016

10/10 Fantastiskt

Kyle Z., Atlanta, GA

Amazing vacation house
A group of four of us had a fantastic week at the house. Perfect for relaxing and also getting around to some of the Nicaragua sites. The photos are exactly as advertised and create a perfect oasis at the beach. No neighbors. Additionally, getting into town was quite easy as well. The caretaker at the house helped to arrange a taxi the first day and after that we would call as needed for a lift into the city. Speaking fluent Spanish helps quite a bit, but isn't a full deterrent. You can get by with average Spanish at least until the point you can find an English tour guide. San Juan del Sur is a small beach town and has some decent restaurants, but we really just enjoyed shopping for local food and then cooking at the house. The house was very well equipped for all of our needs and we hope we have a chance to return in the future.

10/10 Fantastiskt

mark v.

Amazing house with a view!
Our family of four (Mom, Dad, and our two sons in their 20's who still like to travel with their parents) stayed at the Enchanted Monkey house, a beautiful home perched on a hilltop just a few minutes outside of San Juan del Sur. You definitely need a four wheel drive vehicle to get there, but once you get there, you will not be disappointed. The view is beautiful from every room of the house. Our favorite area during the day was the the infinity pool and the surrounding patio area. At night, we would move up to the the large balcony and enjoy the ocean winds. The house is very private and we always felt safe. We took our music docking station and we never had to worry about waking the neighbors with country or rock and roll music! Make sure you visit the grocery store (Pali) for all of your food needs as well as beer (Tona) and the best Nicaraguan rum, Flora di Cana. The local bakery is also very good. We ventured into town several times for happy hour and dinner at the local restaurants and bars. We enjoyed ice cream at the Eskimo a couple of times. We went to Playa Hermosa (a 30 minute drive) after Sunday morning Mass. We also took a guided ATV tour to the Jesus statue (a beautiful view of SJDS) and on to ride on the beach at Playa Marseilles and then a beer break and to watch the surfers at Playa Maderas. The owners are great to work with and Maria Elena is there on site for anything you need. We were lucky our boys remembered a lot of Spanish from school or we would have been "lost in translation". Check out the Enchanted Monkey house when planning your trip to Playa del Sur! You won't be disappointed.
Bodde här 5 nätter i maj 2016

10/10 Fantastiskt

Verifierad resenär

Ten Days of Lifes Greatest Moments
My wife and I (in our mid 50's) just came back from the most amazing time in Nicaragua! The owners are fantastic to work with and will answer any questions you may have before your trip. We have never been to a nicer place from the moment we arrived at the airport and met our driver. We always felt safe and could not get enough of the view with the constant peaceful sound of the waves. The house was spectacular. The view from every room was breathtaking. The house is beautifully furnished and there are windows everywhere. You get to see the most stunning views while just walking from room to room. All the bed rooms had comfortable beds, A/C, and large bathrooms. A private shuttle can be scheduled for airport pick up and drop off. Reliable, experienced and secure . Available also for day tours . Driver available upon request. We highly recommend this place for a family or a group of friends for luxury vacation. We don't have anything negative to say only take in consideration that you might need a vehicle seeing as the house is little outside of town.
Bodde här 10 nätter i januari 2016

10/10 Fantastiskt

Kenneth F., Ponce Inlet FL

Exceptionally beautiful!
Our experience was outstanding from our arrival until our departure. The staff, Maria and Rudy, met us upon arrival, showed us around the house and are just wonderful. Please note they do not speak English but we did just fine communicating. The house is incredibly decorated, the kitchen is a chefs dream, furnishings lovely and the views breath taking. The pool and swim up bar with a refrigerator sure made life convenient. The 177 steps to the cove are challenging but worth the walk. SJDS is a wonderful town. Our driver, we made arrangements with the property manager Maria for a driver, took us to the Super Pali, the fresh fish market and a great butcher. The restaurants on the beach are fun and the food was excellent. Take an afternoon and hire a driver to take you to Granada as it is fun, exciting and treat yourself to dinner at Cuidad Lounge. We have traveled extensively to Costa Rica which we enjoyed BUT....our new travel spot will be Nicaragua and Casa De Mondo Encantando.
Bodde här 9 nätter i februari 2016

10/10 Fantastiskt

bobbi k.

All in all, a great vacation rental!
Casa Mono was fantastic! The house literally has everything you could possible want: marble counter tops, an infinity pool, views of your own private lagoon, an open air shower, cable, internet, air conditioning, a private house caretaker and more. It’s a five star accommodation and we didn’t want to leave. We ended up staying for a week and had a great time. The “Cuidador” aka the caretaker was very sweet and cleaned the home every day when we were out and about. His English wasn’t great, but that forced us to practice our Spanish more. He also did our laundry and left it folded neatly in the house and was very attentive to our needs. His mother also cooked a traditional Nicaraguan meal for us one night, which was quite special. The only complaint or issue we had was accessing the home. It’s on the backside of a hillside in a gated development that isn’t full developed. The houses that are complete are beautiful—Casa Mono included—but the roads to the house were a challenge to navigate. You should definitely get a four-wheel drive vehicle and one with power. We had a four-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser (brand new) and in the lowest of gears it was a struggle to get up and down the driveways. It didn’t prevent us from having a good trip, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you don’t know how to drive a manual car or have a powerful automatic. Oh and make sure you plan to get to the house during the day when the sun is still out. We landed in Managua and took our time to get to San Juan Del Sur and the gated complex where the house is dark at night and we had some trouble finding the house.
Bodde här 6 nätter i december 2015
Svar från VrboOwner 25 mars 2020
Thanks Bobbi, We really enjoyed you and your family staying with us, and appreciate the level of communication throughout your stay. On property access, along with the Google Earth maps provided, we have added detailed directions into our welcome email which give accurate distances between turns to the tenth of a kilometer. This should help future guests avoid any wrong turns at night. On the need for 4-wheel drive, I am really surprised the Land Cruiser had that much difficulty. On our last trip driving a Prada with six people, I had to put it into high 4-wheel drive because the low gear was too powerful, slow and jerky. Donna and I always rent a Hi-Lux when just the two of us, and I never even use the 4-wheel drive because it is not needed. I wonder if the 4-wheel drive was not functioning properly – I don’t know. Anyways, thanks again - wishing the best of luck to you and your family. We look forward to sharing our casa with you again in the future!