My Renew Tours experience was stress-free and a pleasant experience despite a major surgery. I feel I made friends for life and changed my life with the care I experienced at Clinica Biblica and Che tica. My husband was greatly relieved to know I was going with someone who "knew the ropes" and gave him a call to reassure him all was well. The family at Che Tica is the best and I wish I could've brought them all home with me. You gave me sound advice and well planned itineraries which allowed me to heal quickly with minimal after effects. I would do it all over again since I know you would be there. Sincerely, KT…

I wanted to add my thanks to your care and guidance for KT. I was a bit concerned because I know she can be a bit headstrong when it comes to being off her feet. You really impressed her with your caring and the professional quality of the staff in CR. I can't wait to go down and meet everyone myself. Thanks again for taking care of my KT. B…

What a ride! what started out as a routine face lift and breast lift turned into me becoming a certificated Spanish dancer. Without you, by myself, I would not have made it. You were my "Mama Angel" here on earth, taking care of me through all the bumps and lumps. You have become a friend, a confidante, a soul sister, and a guide by which I want to live "the beginning" of my new life. Che Tica (everyone), Dr. Da Cruz, Dr. Rodriguez, and Dr. Wu were with me every step of the way. This is to thank you simply for being your wonderful self! We will meet again soon, and share more fun times. I love you, L…

Thank you so much for all your help and care. I am so blessed to have met someone who has so much love in her heart for people. I have had a great experience. You made something scary a Breeze!! I could not have done this without you. Thank you for being there with me, taking care of me and just being a good person. I wish you all the success in the world and may God Bless You! Love, J.…

Thank you for your care of my wife, and thank you for keeping me in the loop. I appreciate your professionalism in what you do.…

Had a few thoughts...My cosmetic procedure in Costa Rica went fairly smoothly. I did my homework, researched the physician and facility where the procedure was to take place and my recovery facility. This all was much easier since I was living and working in Costa Rica at the time. Even with ALL my planning, there are a few comfort features I had forgotten. Actually I did not think of these seemingly non-essentials because I did not have the experience you have at preparedness...YOU MY EXPERIENCED FRIEND have. Looking back I realize my anxiety level was high just because I was not in familiar territory, a COSMETIC VIRGIN and having ANY surgery can put one on edge. Wish I had you from the very beginning. To travel from the US to Costa Rica, to relieve fears and answer questions. I would have had more minor procedures and maximized my time. Lorie, I would like to thank you so very much for your, kindness, patience and all the time you spent with the little things. Like all health and healing, there are no simple formulas or one procedure for recovery but a combined knowledge WHICH YOU HAVE. I am not sure how one could place a value on this!!! Research shows healing comes from several sources such as diet, pre and post procedure. Specific supplements along with targeted exercise and massage therapies. There are so many elements to the healing process. One of the most important is our mental health in healing which you are very aware of and offer much insight. My conclusion..... HOW DOES ONE PLACE A VALUE ON ALL YOU BRING TO THE TABLE? MY next visit....I am packing my toothbrush AND YOU before I leave or have ANY procedure. Thanks again, G.…

To be honest, not sure where to start. This has been one of the more memorable and fabulous experiences of my life! Words cannot express how much it has meant to have you next to me and supporting me through the whole experience. I would do it 100 times over. The staff at CheTica was wonderful. I enjoyed so much the new friendships that I have made--life changing ones at best! Most of all thank you for being at the hospital with me and also staying with me for two nights--words could never describe the support!! I have needed and enjoyed the weeks away from family and friends, but feel as if I am returning home with a new perspective on my life as a whole! Love always, S. K.…

It has been great to be together after so long since Idlewood and SLC. I am so glad you have this career. My teeth are beautiful, and I'm sure they will feel that way soon. What a wonderful experience at CheTica! Ruben and Lorena are more than warm and caring, and all the staff I fell in love with--fun and gracious girls. Beautiful countryside and fascinating culture. Except for the pain, it was a wonderful time and vacation and meeting all the guests there was a highlight of the time there. Your expertise in handling everything and translating the language--couldn't have and wouldn't have done it without you. Enjoyed meeting and developing warm friendships with P. and S. -looking forward to spending time together at home. Until next time, I love you, A. J.…

Most importantly, I would not have had this surgery anywhere in the world except that you and J. could so glowingly recommend Dr. Precious. Both my well-placed confidence in Dr. Perfect and in you gave me total peace of mind before the trip--and it is wonderful to have my confidence proven correct. I really wanted to do this. This is the right way.…

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are perfect for this--what a calling!! Every aspect was delightful--so much, no, too much to compliment you on. Just a fortunate woman to have "family" like you. I am blessed--and I'm lookin' great!!! Love you, L. PS I'm going to be laughing for a long time! K. and B. are wonderful.…

Lorena, It was geat to have someone to communicate with the staff at the hospital. You did a great of job of preparing us for the experience and the days to follow. The staff at Che Tica was fabulous, and the meals were wonderful. It was great to have your best friend along and I also made wonderful new friends. The key is to rest and bring candles; that is the one thing I missed was candles. Thanks for everything. B.…

Lorena, Well as predicted--I was bored--and it seemed like the longest two weeks of my life, away from family and the comforts of home and America, but I expect the results WILL BE WORTH IT! Lorena and Che Tica made the overall experience much easier to endure. Bring a friend or two--it really helps to laugh through it all! K. PS Thanks for all your assistance and expertise with this project. We could not have done this without you. We will all have to meet for lunch in a few months and show off our new looks! I think I am going to be very pleased!…

I've read all these testimonials. I agree with everything said. The difference in my case is that I may not have had ANY plastic surgery if I hadn't heard about you. I had so many things that I was unhappy with--with my body--that I couldn't get a handle on where to start or how to budget. My husband would also NEVER have considered letting me go to Costa Rica on my own--add that that to the fact that you came highly recommended by our daughter--made my dream a reality. We did all 5 surgeries (what was I thinking?) within the first 5 days and then started recovery. My budget wasn't shot and--I'm DONE!Recovery was easier than expected and I'm glad we did it all at once. I really had such minimal swelling and bruising--no complaints-- Really! Also want to add my kudos to Dr. Da Cruz--appreciate his honesty, skill and humor--to Victoria and Sue at his office and the loving staff here at Che Tica. Thanks, Lorena, N.S.…

It has been a year this month since I visited Dr. Da Cruz and I am so glad I did! I used to say that when you get past fifty that “coloring inside the lines” takes on a whole new meaning. Not any more. It’s fun to put makeup on again. I still get compliments all the time, and with a son that will be forty on his next birthday, I am very glad to get them. I still reminisce about my trip, I am most ready to go back and have more done. It was a wonderful trip, the scenery is breath-taking, the care is more than excellent, Che Tica is a beautiful place, I didn’t want to leave. Ruben and Lorena and the whole staff make you feel like you are a part of their family. I still continue to recommend Renew to everyone. It was wonderful. As time passes, the results get better and better. Thank you , Lorena, for encouraging me and convincing me that I could do this. I will forever be grateful. S.C.…

Hiring you was one of the best investments I have ever made. How do you thank a person for being a best friend, advisor, teacher? Because of you, I had a perfectly beautiful experience. I never had any fear. You did the thinking for me. All I had to do was show up, relax, and take in the experience. Thank you for hovering and repeating over and over what to expect, what I would feel. After all, you've been through the entire experience yourself. Anyone thinking about having work done, there is a formula: Lorena Heydenburk--Dr. Da Cruz--Che Tica Ranch. Get ready to let your world go; all the control and order you have at home--leave them at home! After surgery, prepare for more downtime than you've had in a long time. Lots of rest, including lots of naps. Repeat. Prepare your brain to move slowly. Thank you, thank you, Lorena for opening all doors, translating, being with me at surgery, sleeping in my room after surgery (you looked more uncomfortable than me) and being with me for these two weeks. Thank you for all the goodies/amenities you provided, for all the reassurances I was doing fine, no matter how many times I asked.You are the ultimate care/love giver. How does your family ever let you out of their sight? Sorry to sound mushy, but I love you so much. Love, M. T.…

I always believed the saying "money can't buy happiness" but I have found an exception. The money we spent on your services gave my husband the peace of mind that I was safe! (Thanks so much for your patience with all his phone calls!) I received such wonderful care from you in so many ways--the small things like warm fuzzy socks for cold feet, the perfect big comb for matted, post-surgery hair-- small things that make a huge difference when you're not feeling so good! Then, of course, there are the big things--translating questions, medications, what's normal and what isn't, help with Dr. appointments, making transportation simple, finding the "perfect" recovery center--Che Tica; and, of course, help in choosing the experienced and talented Dr. Da Cruz as my surgeon. Because of you, this experience was amazing. You helped me overcome the physical challenges of surgery, the emotional challenges of being in a different country, and the potential feeling of loneliness and isolation into an opportunity to change physically for the better, grow stronger emotionally, and most importantly, turned what started as a professional relationship into an opportunity to gain a new, kind, compassionate, and caring friend! Thank you, Lorena, I truly could not have done this without you; and at the risk of sounding like a commercial, I wouldn't recommend anyone contemplating this experience to pass up the chance to have Lorena accompany you. Believe me, your money will buy you a happier experience. Love, J.…

I can't emphasize enough the benefits of traveling with Lorena. All the footwork was done. The typical worries of out-of-country travel were nonexistent. Waiting for me when I arrived in Costa Rica, was a ride to wonderful home-like accommodations at Che Tica Recovery Ranch, appointments set with Dr. Da Cruz, and caring staffs at his office, the hospital and especially at Che Tica. How nice it was to have everything arranged and ready for me so all I had to do was show up! I can't imagine doing this without Lorena. Seeing the fabulous results that she has had from her surgery with Dr. Da Cruz helped alleviate anxiety I may have had in trying to blindly seek out a surgeon. Though many of the professionals with whom I came into contact were English-speaking, it was a great comfort to have Lorena there to converse in Spanish or translate when needed. I never had to worry about how to get from one place to another or about the next step because she knew what we were doing, where we were going, and how to get there. It was an entirely different experience with her than it would have been if I had tried to do this all on my own. The language barrier, details, and worries could have made it a very stressful experience had I not chosen to use her. Honestly, I probably never would have considered an option like Costa Rica without her and may never have had the nerve to jump in and have the surgery at all. I'm so glad I did do it and I'm glad I did it with Renew Tours, Dr. Da Cruz and Che Tica. My results have been great and I now recommend this option to anyone considering plastic surgery.…

One year ago I trusted Lorena Heydenburk-Renew Tours International and followed the doctor's recommendation to "renew" myself. I was widowed five ears before that and it seemed like the right time to move ahead with a new life. Lorena was amazing and took such wonderful care of me and everything went exactly as planned. Upon returning home I learned to relax, read books, watch movies until it was time to return to work. It is human nature to want healing to occur sooner than our bodies will allow, but it does happen. Four months after surgery I was feeling better, six months later I was feeling great. By eight months after I was feeling awesome and noticed a definite change in myself both physical and emotional. A new sense of confidence began to emerge. I was actually asked to produce proof that I was eligible for a senior citizen discount at a local retail store. People remarked that I didn't look old enough to have grandchildren. This summer one year later my last child was married. At the wedding reception I reported to friends who I have not seen in years that I now feel that I have come "back into the sunshine". A big part of that new sense was accomplished because of Renew Tours and I will always be grateful to Lorena. Making the decision was scary to say the least but Lorena was wonderful and completely faithful to meet my needs for the entire trip. I am socializing and enjoying life again and I can honestly say the decision impacted the rest of my life. I hope these words will be an encouragement to someone else who is contemplating changing their future. Lorena was introduced to me by a mutual friend who said, "I know Lorena can be trusted to take the very best care of you." Dr. Da Cruz, his entire staff, all those at the hospital and Che Tica were also top-notch in every way. I could not have been more pleased. M. F.…

Hello Lorena, Wow! What a whirlwind it has been here at Che Tica during the last 2 weeks. Thank you so very much for being a great support system and encouraging me as well as comforting me along the way to finally do something for me. I don't think that I could have done it without your care and support. Lorena, you are such a special person. You have genuine warmth and love for everyone. You are such a great liaison between two cultures. Dr. Da Cruz, Che Tica, and all patients involved are so very blessed to have you working with them. It is very clear that you love what you do and that you most obviously have two very loving homes--one in the US and one in Costa Rica. I highly recommend that anyone interested in having surgery in Costa Rica contact you to be that perfect blend of US/ Costa Rica to ease any uncertainties or concerns. Many blessings in your future! Love, J. H.…

Dear Lorena, People ask me what you do, and I emphasize the extras, like all the niceties, but I really emphasize that you understand the culture and have great favor with the doctor and the hospital. I always say, “the waters part when Lorena walks in”, and how you and your clients are “moved to the head of the line”, and that the doctor is booked far in advance, but gives you select dates, and that you don't pay him and he doesn't pay you, but that you have mutual respect and a great deal of it. He knows you will answer the patients' questions and that makes his job more efficient. He knows his patients never feel alone. I emphasize your relationship with the hospital, the staff and the doctor, and that all the patients' needs are addressed BEFORE they arise. At the hospital, they all KNOW you and LIKE YOU. You have a RELATIONSHIP with the staff that no one else can top. Fees almost become secondary to that. I tell people, “I would trust Lorena with my life, matter-of-fact, I did.” Love, S.C.…

Dear Lorena, Thanks for being my friend, my support, and strength during my surgery! You kept me calm, assured and hopeful all would turn out fine--as it did! Che Tica was great too, as they were like a 5 star hotel, with great service and "Johnny-on-the-spot" help, fabulous food. I can't believe how wonderful the food was as there. I never ate like that before. I think that is why I recovered so well, so soon. I respect you for your wisdom and understanding. You are just great in taking care of me in every way during our 14-day stay. Love, M.A.O.…

Dear Lorena! We once again have experienced another great adventure! CheTica is such a lovely place, just perfect! Ruben and Lorena Martin make you feel like family. The food is wonderful. They were so gracious and attentive, I hate to leave. Lorena, you have been so wonderful to me. So calm and prepared all the time for my questions; you were always able to assuage my fears and nervousness. The dr. is wonderful; such a kind and gentle man. You chose very wisely for us. Each day was a new adventure, with breathtaking scenery, so many nice people, a lovely place to stay. I would love to come back. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime. God bless you, S. C.…

Thank you for all your help during my surgery. It really helps to have someone who knows the language and their way around the country. Che Tica was wonderful--so unique. The food was wonderful and the staff delightful. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I healed well and felt very confident in Dr. Da Cruz and the hospital. I will probably be back again...…

Lorena just has a very special way of knowing what you need before you realize it yourself. Her assistance, along with the care and concern of the kind people at Che Tica were so important at a time when I needed it the most. There aren't enough words to express my appreciation for what they all did. From the time we met at the airport until I returned, and even afterwards, Lorena was in action making sure I felt comfortable. The wonderful people at Che Tica demonstrated kindness and caring hour by hour. Delicious and nutritious food was lovingly prepared and served. Meals and between meal snacks were provided. My comfort was definitely their main goal. I will always hold a special place in my heart for all these wonderful people and also for Dr. Da Cruz, Sue, and Victoria. Their care and concern have been matchless.…

I first met Lorena last summer during a church mission to Costa Rica. She was our interpreter and a strong stabilizing force in the group. I immediately liked her and was impressed with how she handled the demands of the project with such a calm and sweet demeanor and at the same time keeping a refreshing sense of humor. I also saw that she had a way of putting people at ease with her warm, nurturing nature. Several months after I saw her after she had been to Costa Rica for plastic surgery herself. She looked beautiful. She told me of her personal experience with the surgery, Dr. da Cruz, the hospital, and hospital staff. That very day I knew I wanted to go. I had wanted a facelift for some time but never thought it could be something I could afford. After Lorena told me what the pricing would be, I immediately asked how I could sign up. Lorena explained the travel arrangements and advised me about what to expect with the surgery and the recovery. I was glad that I did not have to wait long to get the surgery scheduled. In fact, I was scheduled the very day I requested. In Costa Rica, the patient stays the first night after the surgery in the hospital. To me, that is far superior to having day surgery, going home, and then coming back the next morning for a follow-up visit. Lorena was there with me, every step of the way. She was with me during the consultation with the doctor; with the hospital admission process and throughout the full time I was in the hospital. The hospital rooms are quite large and accommodate a visitor's bed in each room. That was where she was the entire night. Anytime I woke up, she was right there to ask if I needed anything. Everything went well, but it was comforting to know that she was there. She even called my husband back in Texas to let him know the surgery went well and I was doing fine. The nurses at the hospital were great, but some were not fluent in English, and Lorena was there to interpret for me. After my initial stay in the hospital, Lorena accompanied me a wonderful recovery retreat. The Che Tica is a recovery facility on the edge of a rain forest. We had our own cottage and had our choice to have our meals in the cottage or to go into the main lodge for the meals. For the first few days, I chose to stay in the cottage and have the meals brought to me. The food was excellent. Lorena continued her watchful eye to ensure I was doing well. She accompanied me to the follow-up doctor's visits and ensured that I had everything I needed at the retreat. The cottage was fully equipped with all the extras that anyone could ask for: a wood-burning fireplace, TV and DVD player, fresh flowers, and beautiful views of the surrounding terrain. Being bruised from the surgery, I didn't care to be seen and just wanted to relax and heal. Che Tica was just the place for that and Lorena was a wonderful companion. To sum it up, I'd say that my plastic surgery experience was much more than I ever expected it to be. The doctor was professional and exacting, and one who I would certainly recommend to anyone. Being at the recovery retreat was like being on an exotic vacation. With Lorena's help I was able to have a facelift I had wanted for years. I'm not sure I would have ever gone through what I thought at the time would be an overwhelming journey without her help and guidance. I am so happy I did make the journey, and in the process feel I have also made a friend. Lorena is a true professional and caregiver. I'm sure your journey will be just as rewarding as mine.…