Does drinking margaritas under the stars in front of a roaring fireplace with something tasty sizzling on the BBQ sound good? How about gazing out from your secluded terrace across a breath-taking vista while hummingbirds dart among the lavender? Or working up a sweat in your private gym before a refreshing dip in the infinity pool and maybe a well-earned nap in your king-size Heavenly Bed?
Well, to me it sounds like heaven on earth… AKA Casa Bella Verde.
My (then) fiancé and I combed Airbnb for the perfect honeymoon destination. We’ve both been lucky enough visit some nice places on our travels and, for a once-in-a-lifetime trip like our honeymoon, we were always going to be a tough crowd. Expectations were sky-high as we turned off the main road and started up the private drive towards CBV. What we found took our breaths away. From our first glimpse, we knew neither of us had ever stayed in a more breathtaking place.
You’ve seen the pictures and read the reviews but nothing can prepare you for how spectacular CBV really is. From its location to the accommodation, the facilities and hosts Briana and Nick, the entire experience is simply delightful.
Spacious, luxuriously appointed, completely private accommodation? Check. Infinity pool overlooking mountains? Check. Outdoor kitchen and poolside fireplace, complete with sofa for starlight lounging? Check.
The cherries on top of this delicious confection are CBV’s hosts. From the moment we arrived, Briana and Nick made us feel completely welcome and pampered, while at the same time letting us know our privacy was paramount. The couple live on site (CBV is their self-built dream home) but their sensitivity and discretion mean anyone wanting to do a Greta Garbo and be alone will be well catered for. However, if you’re open to more interaction, you’ll discover your hosts are the loveliest people you could wish to meet.
Even before we arrived (it took about 2.5 hours of very laid-back driving from SFO) we were already texting with Briana and had received a lunch recommendation for locals-only taquerÃa en route, which was super tasty and excellent value. Briana made it very clear that no question or request was too small and that they were there to make our holiday absolutely perfect. CBV gave us the honeymoon of our dreams with the unexpected bonus of amazing new friends!
On a practical level, CBV’s secluded location means having a car is a must. It’s a scenic 25 minute drive down the hill into town, where you’ll find great restaurants and top-quality grocery shopping. The area also boasts some outstanding wineries, hiking and white water rafting, although I have to admit we couldn’t bear to leave CBV long enough to check out these other attractions. Next time! Oh yes, there will be a next time.
It was hard not to feel very sad leaving this amazing place. It’s a true paradise. If you’re able to, book CBV right now… before we beat you to it!
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
From the moment we booked the reservation to the morning we had to leave, our experience at Casa Bella Verde was truly remarkable. Briana's attentiveness to detail and commitment to serving the needs of her guests far surpasses that of any hotel/resort that I have ever stayed. This loving atmosphere, combined with one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced homes I have ever been in, made for an unforgettable experience. We will certainly be returning in the future :)
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
It's very hard to describe this place because it’s so amazing and beyond words. So quiet you can hear the hummingbirds’ wings and the view from the deck and the pool is absolutely stunning and makes you feel like a Hollywood celebrity in a top 5 star resort! We loved swimming in the pool and sitting on the deck while enjoying the cascading waterfalls and the panoramic view of sierra mountains.
The house is also indescribable - especially the spa and the beautiful views from every place in the house - the kitchen, living room and the bedroom! We didn't get a chance to go to the outstanding gym as we were overwhelmed by the beauty on the deck and didn't want to leave it for a second. We even canceled our dinner plans so we could stay and enjoy every minute of the evening in this special place. We have both traveled internationally and we have never been to a place that's so luxurious, but private, quiet and surrounded by breathtaking nature at the same time.
Nick and Briana are delightful and pay attention to the smallest details to make your stay unforgettable. You truly are the kindest and warmest people we have ever met.
Thank you for sharing your magical place with us!
P & J
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
We will remember our stay at Casa Bella Verde for the rest of our lives. Even though we will be getting married shortly after our stay at Briana's beautiful and luxurious eco-friendly home, we feel like we had an early honeymoon.
The home itself is a true masterpiece of artisanship and style. It's no wonder why it is internationally renowned. I could go on and on about how pristine and aesthetically brilliant the home is and I also can't say enough about Nick and Briana.
When we first arrived, a bit later than we'd hoped due to traffic, we were greeted so warmly by this splendid couple. Both my partner and I were in complete shock and awe of their home and we were so grateful that they offered us a grand tour. Briana and Nick have dedicated theirs lives to sustainability and their collective knowledge just flows out of them. We left that weekend feeling so inspired to live a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.
We found that we just loved conversing with Briana and Nick, even though they very thoughtfully made sure they weren't taking away from our private time together. Truly, we could have chatted with them all night long, what fascinating and intelligent people.
Our home had a fruit basket with chocolates waiting for us when we arrived with a hand written card. Briana inquired before our arrival about what type of food we liked for breakfast and she stocked the fridge for us. They made it abundantly clear that if we needed anything at all, day or night, it would be of no inconvenience to them to help us out. We didn't need a single thing, every minute in the house was perfect.
We had plans to leave the house and explore Folsom Lake or nearby towns but once we settled in, we couldn't bring ourselves to leave.
We 100% recommend Casa Bella Verde to everyone. The summer would be lovely by the pool, the autumn would be gorgeous with the changing foliage in the surrounding hills, and winter was awesome listening to the rain falling while cuddled up near the fireplace. You will not regret your stay!
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Older travelers |