Dee Murphy

Our August trip to Nayara Gardens in Costa Rica was the best family vacation so far! Located in the rainforest, Nayara offers abundant ways to indulge in its beautiful environment. It began with a genuine and generous greeting that made us feel uniquely welcomed. Past vacations with our two daughters always came with the goal of rest mixed with fun. Yet, too many times, we returned home more exhausted than we had been at the beginning of travel after enduring crowds, long lines, average food, poor planning, a rush to move at a fast clip to keep things moving, endless waiting, rudeness and a feeling of being cattle herded.

From the first 5 minutes, Nayara felt like being warmly greeted into a unique, respected retreat. Every encounter was funny as we practiced our non-impressive Spanish on our ever-patient guides. While we indulged in the rain forest by hike, zip lining, rafting, outdoor spa treatments, hot springs, and dining, we were surrounded by a universal dedication to the environment that was contagious.We also saw and learned about the natural and rare wildlife surrounding us. This retreat also treats all as individuals making plans and accommodating tastes specifically!

Leading us to our holiday was Dee Murphy. Dee was also a refreshing new way of working with a travel coordinator. She planned our trip with the care and enthusiasm she would bring to her own. Always one or ten steps ahead in thinking of and working out details, nothing was overlooked. Ideas were plentiful and her outlook; ever cheerful. I had left an important medication at home and Dee was key to helping me work out how to replace it. She was also very conscientious of our girls age and what would be a good time for them. We blissfully basked in solo time, family time, hotel time and activity time. Dee has a clear desire to spread her generosity and whimsy to any family combination.

It was a five star trip on every level. We can't wait to hear Dee’s ideas for our next trip or perhaps just return to this first one she found for us. Instead of this experience being a family trip it was elevated to a marvelously dreamed up holiday. We just kept passing the cheer around.