A terrific little guest-home to return to each night after a day of adventure. Laurie and Barbara were fabulous hosts, making us feel welcome immediately. Lucy, the mastiff, came by each day to check on us and play for a bit. We drank coffee on the patio gazing out to the lake and listening to birdsong every single morning, rain or shine. We spent 7 glorious nights at Casa Barbara, venturing out each day to experience as much of the area as we could. We zip lined through the cloud forest, went on a guided tour through the rainforest via trails, tram and hanging bridges, kayaked Lake Arenal, visited the butterfly conservatory, soaked in Hot Springs at Termalitas, walked on the black sand beach and received massages at Hermosa beach, visited the Puma Rescue and enjoyed typical food and drink at the little soda shops all along the way. For us a rental car with GPS was necessary and we didn't find a road we couldn't navigate, even with all the previous rains causing so many mud slides and potholes. The guest house was the perfect place to return to each night for a restful night of sleep before heading out for the next day's adventure. Thanks Barbara and Laurie for the homey accommodations and your helpful recommendations that made my birthday trip all that we imagined it to be.