Our group of 5 adults (Mom, Dad, children and girlfriend in their 20s) just spent 5 nights at Villa Rincon and thoroughly enjoyed the place. I didn't realize how much we would appreciate that it is actually on a very good swimming beach but we ended up spending a lot of time at the Villa because it was so pleasant. Each of the three bedrooms we rented had a fabulous ocean view and we could hear the surf pounding all night, That was a good thing. The kitchen and outdoor eating area was so enticing that we ended up eating in more than we had planned. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. The two upstairs share a bathroom and one downstairs has a strange toilet/sink area screened off in the corner of the room. There is another full bath downstairs and a toilet with an one temperature shower accessible from outside. we had the villa to ourselves but we did not pay for use of the last bedroom on the first floor. Luis is friendly and very helpful. If you call him with a problem, he responds immediately. The dog who lives there was a big hit with all of us although he is trained not to enter the house. Rincon had plenty to do and at least when we were there, the surf was not intimidating for those of us who like to swim. We went diving for a day with Taino Divers and were pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the reef. We had two gorgeous dives.

On the backside of the Villa Orleans property, lies La Casita. This is a simple, quaint and restful cottage of a house that affords peace and relaxation. The larger Villa Orleans house is only steps away and can accommodate a larger family(s). La Casita provides the basics: front porch with gas grill, hammocks, WiFi, clean bathroom with shower, full kitchen with stove, fridge, toaster, coffee pot, etc., open den area with couch, bedroom with queen, or perhaps full size bed, closets. All windows open up for ventilation. There is a fan and an AC unit in the bedroom, if you so choose. This place has it all and was perfect for our 1 week stay. You do have to drive to area beaches, town, restaurants, etc. but in Rincon it's all relatively close by. Most hotels and places to stay don't lie directly on the water. However, the Villa Orleans house sits right on the water. There's enough space b/t Villa Orleans and La Casita to where privacy is not an issue. With the lush vegetation, you can't really see anyone from the La Casita porch. Perfect! Louis, the owner, is simply a true hospitable person. His devotion to our questions about Rincon, where to eat, where to catch some sun, knowledge of native plants, etc. was invaluable and added to our appreciation for this place. He is available for whatever you need. If you're looking for a simple place to stay, this is the one.

We stayed in the Casita at Villa Orleans for a week. The tropical setting is magical--the bungalow style one-bedroom cottage is nestled in amongst banana trees, coconut palms, and all sorts of other trees. We grilled out on the deck at night and sat listening to the coqui (sp?) frogs. The private, gorgeous beach is only 100 yards from the cottage and you can swim and snorkel from right in front of the house. Beautiful sunset views over the ocean, and a private wooden yoga/meditation deck. Such a beautiful, relaxing and romantic spot. the owner is super friendly and very close by and on hand at all times for anything you might need. We had the best trip ever and can't wait to go back next year!

I just got back from staying at Villa Orleans last night, and I had to write a positive review.

If you're looking for a place to get away with a large family contingent or group, this is your best bet. We had 12 - 7 kids ranging in age from 15 to 3, along with five adults - and I know that we could have easily stayed another week. Luis is a great provider, and he did everything in his power to make our stay a 11 out of 10. And he succeeded. You can't ask for better customer service.

As far as the location goes, it's right on the water and really sounds, looks and smells great. It's secluded without feeling abandoned. It's homey but still fun. It's exactly what you should head towards if you're into having casual fun with people you know and love.

It's got what you want - cable TV, Wi-Fi, two kitchens (if you rent the second house as we did), towels, sheets, working appliances, room AC, a great dog named Luke that we played with all day, etc. It's clean, well maintained and ready for fun.

The one thing to keep in mind is that Rincon and Villa Orleans are NOT the Four Seasons. The place and town are a tad "off the reservation", so if your party wants the super-high end marble countertopped kitchen counters, or central air, or bidets, or Pottery Barn suburban chic where it's all nice and neat and antiseptic, than I don't think this is your place or town. It's a surfer town, hip and fun but not obsessed with status. It's fun in the sun and the kind of place that you'll love if you bring your sense of humor, sense of adventure and Sense and Sensibility (or whatever book you're reading.)

Michael
New York, NY