Testimonials
thank Michael
We moved to Cotacachi in the middle of the pandemic - November 2020 - we are now in our 3rd year of our 5 year lease and we don’t see that changing in the future - we have found our home in Ecuador!
Michael was gracious and extremely helpful throughout our move-in process.
Michael is an encyclopedia of local knowledge - he gave us recommendations for translators, notaries, lawyers to help with Visa and Cedulas, local drivers as well as banking introductions.
Special touches are the norm - each time we have returned from our trips to the US or Europe Michael and his staff have placed fresh cut flowers on the Dining Room table, or bought fresh croissants and juice since our flight arrived late and they knew there wasn’t much in the fridge. This kind of attention to detail and thoughtfulness is extremely hard to find!
Unpack your suitcases and boxes - everything else is taken care of. Everything is included - high speed internet, water/sewer, cable tv, wi-fi, landline for local and US calls included, only pay for gas and electric (~$60/month).
Michael’s well trained staff perform detailed weekly housekeeping. Additionally they do an outstanding job maintaining the lawn and landscape. The staff even change the propane tanks and take the garbage out to the gate for you. Speaking of maintenance - maintenance issues and addressed quickly and efficiently - not the norm in Latin America or US for that matter.
Our home is comfortably furnished with everything you need to live your life in Cotacachi. We have outstanding views of both Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes - with beautiful lawns and manicured gardens all around us.
If your overseas adventures take you to Cotacachi you can not find a better place to land than Parque Shambhala.
Gary A. Scott
As to Parque Shambhala, well it is wonderful. It is for people who like to not be in town(it is noisy in town!) and like to walk or take a short taxi...(which we love and those people who have moved to) Ecuador also love to brag about their health/body/weight they have gained due to walking to town, etc.! And of course the views are magnificent there and it is so nice to have a house with garden!
The project was originally created by one of our best friends, a Spanish aristocrat, who is a superb builder and designer...so therefore the placing is excellent and buildings are beautiful, setting very nice. Michael has finished this project beautifully and this is important in a country like Ecuador... sound building and excellent layouts.
We like the fact that Michael has all these amenities which of course brings up the price...BUT it is worth it, There are times in all of our lives when we Just want to have NO responsibility! And isn't it nice that this is possible in a land so beautiful, with such Perfect weather? To have amenities and services of course are priceless as you know!
So, yes this is a very delightful project..and we do know a number of people who have thoroughly enjoyed themselves there. I don't know about cats there but I would think that if you really wanted to live there long term, you could work something out with Michael! Gary and i heartily endorse this Property.
You can't go wrong renting in Shambala.
I have rented in Shambala for almost a decade, It's the best rental location in Cotacachi, in my estimation.
The properties, and landscaping, are all very well maintained.
The landlord is friendly and amenable, and always promptly takes care of any requests.
I will recommend
I want to thanks you for the hospitality, kindness and ease I experienced staying at your house #3 at Shambhala Parque, Cotacachi.
The houese is spacious and well equipped and the views, spectacular.
I will recommend it to anyone who wants to stay in Cotacachi at a lovely home surrounded by flowering gardens knowing you will respond to their needs promptly and graciously.
All the best
Exactly What I Need
We moved into Shambhala on September 16, 2010.
Michael had everything ready for us including groceries so we would be all set in the morning.
Michael has educated us on where to go to get certain things and even has gone with up at time. Whenever I need help whether it be to find something or help in Spanish he has been there for me. I have not had a landlord for quite awhile but I lucked out with Michael. I could not have asked for a better landlord. Thanks Michael for everything.
Sincerely
Totally Impressed
Michael D´Addio´s Shambhala nestled between two spectacular volcanoes is a showcase of completely furnished, tastefully decorated, and fully equipped houses; and I was fortunate to have lived in one.
Surrounded by a wall that communicates privacy and safety from the outside to exotic flowers and trees native to Ecuador that enhance the beauty of the living space on the inside, my house provided a secure and breathtaking sensory experience each morning I awoke.
Additionally, because the superintendent lives on the property and since the owner is only a “gate away”, I had Access to help and an immediate response to any concerns.
Although my transition to Cotacachi was not without its challenges, where I lived was not one ot them.
If I can answer any further questions you may have about life in Shambhala, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I will recommend
It is my pleasure to provide this letter of recommendation for Michael D’Addio, my landlord when | was an occupant in one of his homes in Parque Shambahla, from May 2010 to August 2010.
I have been renting various furnished properties for several years now, and | have to say Michael D’Addio was, quite literally, the best landlord I have ever had. His property was immaculately maintained, and was furnished with all of the necessities one could want. The quality of the unit and the furnishings were high and his taste was quite discriminating. Overall, it was a very lovely unit and a very pleasant experience living there.
Interacting with Michael was easy, and was always a very pleasurable experience. He was very approachable, accommodating to any special requests, and Michael went out of his way to make living in Parque Shambahla a wonderful experience. While living there, I only had 2 special requests, one for wireless internet and a second for a safe in the master bedroom. Both requests were graciously fulfilled and fulfilled in a timely manner.
Michael was always respectful of my privacy, while at the same time he added his personal touch is a very conscientious manner. Fresh roses awaited me upon my return from a 3 week trip to the US, and a delivery of homemade risotto, from his own kitchen on another occasion. These are just two examples of his thoughtfulness.
Thanks, Michael, for everything
My wife Claudia, and I, decided in mid 2011 that Ecuador was going to be our new home. Cotacachi was to be our destination. We traveled to Cotacachi in October of 2011, fell immediately in love with everything, looked at one possible rental, signed a one year lease, enjoyed the rest of our three week visit, returned to the US to get our act together to get moved. We arrived at our new home on December 31, 2011 and have never looked back.
We feel so blessed to have met Michael D'addio on our visit in October. Shambhala, rarely having an available rental, had Casa #1 becoming available January 1st - Who woulda thunk?
Shambhala is a walled, gated community of six homes, each home having its own special character. We were here less than one week and decided this is where we would live forever! Our home is fully furnished, very nicely. We have two nice sized bedrooms, each with it's own bath; a nice sized living/dining room; a large well equipped kitchen; an additional half bath off the living room; a wood buming fireplace; the home is the best. The yard surrounding our home is maintained by our on-site gardner/managerifix-it guy/etc. He does a great job.
Michael is a great landlord and friend. He cares much about Shambhala and is always willing to hear of ideas that will make Shambhala even better.
Oh, I almost forgot the greatest thing about Shambhala. We have perfect views of both Cotacachi and Imbabura Volcanoes. Of course, this is for those of us who smile every day at the beauty of this country. Blessed, yes we feel very blessed to have found Shambhala.
Comfortable home
I personally extend my heart felt appreciation to you and you're staff for the prompt service and attention to making Casa 3 a comfortable home for me. I cannot thank you enough for the professionalism and character that signs through. As a property owner I realise it´s good business practice to accommodate a tenants needs; however "it´s a breath of fresh air", to experience you´re hospitality.
thank you for allowing us to be part of your Parque Shambhala
Richard and I want to thank you for allowing us to be part of your Parque Schambhala community for the past eight months. You have been an exemplary landlord addressing our every need promptly and to our satisfaction. The houses in Parque chambhala are nicely furnished and artfully decorated. The yards and gardens are colorful and expansive, We just can't imagine a more perfect place to have rented while we awaited the construction of our condo.
We count ourselves fortunate to have met you and to have been included in your circle of friends. We won't lose contact with you even though we are moving up the mountain.
Warm regards,