A place to unwind

Dan and Nancy Zintsmaster

Founders, Best Costa Rica Vacations

Dan and Nancy Zintsmaster, an American couple from Key West, Florida, found El Castillo out of a desire to explore the areas off of the beaten path. “Upon arriving in El Castillo 15 years ago, and seeing the majestic Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, they fell in love with the area. "After traveling all over Costa Rica looking for a place to retire, we arrived here and immediately knew that this was it...our special spot on the planet! The people are gracious and kind and always very helpful and accommodating. There are around 440 people in El Castillo and the other tiny villages that make up this amazing village. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know and love our neighbors who welcomed us into their village and their lives. This is a place we are proud to call home.”

Nancy and Dan began managing vacation rental properties in El Castillo in 2009 and  have been very successful in placing our guests in the perfect place for their needs. They are more than property managers and booking agents, as they love planning vacations for people and helping others make the most out of the time they have here. They have found that being American in Costa Rica has helped their  guests immensely. Knowing what people expect and want in a vacation in a foreign country is what they do best! 

Dan is a real estate broker who always dreamed of retiring in Costa Rica! Making his dream his reality  he has retired in a place where he can still enjoy selling real estate and working with tourists booking vacation rentals, as well as planning their dream vacation! "This area of Costa Rica is so special that I want everyone to be able to see the beauty in this tropical rainforest, a place that  I am fortunate enough to call home"

Nancy is an avid horse lover and has rescued numerous horses since moving to Costa Rica. In order to care for these amazing, sentient beings, she founded Kindred Connections, as business that hosts equestrian, yoga and wellness retreats in El Castillo. Nancy is also a Certified Liberty horse trainer and instructor in the Carolyn Resnick Method. Throughout the year Nancy has all inclusive retreats at her place in Costa Rica and also  travels the world teaching clinics in The Carolyn Resnick Method, The Waterhole Rituals. It is Nancy's goal to be the voice of the horse and to share with others what she has learned about communicating with horses.

Wondering Why You Should Book Through Us?

It is simple! We live here! Being here full time allows our guests to communicate with us in person, long distance while planning their vacation and also once they arrive. We only showcase homes that belong to people that we know and trust and properties that are tried and true, no second guessing! We will place you in the best suited home for your needs and help you choose the activities that best suit you and your family. We concierge for our guests and are happy to book all of your local activities, rentals cars or private transport. We are available 24/7 for all of your vacation needs and we put you first. We do not over book and have a 10 year history of NO, that is correct, no over-bookings. We specialize in customizing your vacation to suit your individual needs and will help you plan the vacation of a lifetime so that all you have to do is show up, relax and enjoy!!