Archive for the ‘Manuel Antonio’ Category

Surf’s Up in Costa Rica – Best Beaches to Hang Ten

Friday, May 24th, 2013

Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s no shortage of stellar choices when it comes to surfing in Costa Rica. Straddled by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the country has over 800 miles of gorgeous shoreline, and a slew of surf spots where you can test your mettle on epic point breaks, or learn the basics amid gentle waves. Leave your wet suit at home – the water temps hover around 80 degrees – and get ready for some serious fun and adventure while hanging ten in the land of Pura Vida.

Costa Rica surf with beautiful sunsets

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Planning your vacation: surf seasons

If you’re wondering which months are best for surfing certain beaches, here’s a general summary:

  • Central and Southern Pacific beaches (Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Esterillos, Bejuco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Pavones) peak between May and November, which coincides with the country’s rainy season.
  • Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles) enjoys its biggest swells from November through the end of March
  • Northern Pacific & Nicoya Peninsula including Nosara, Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, Avellanas, Playa Grande, and Santa Teresa/Mal Pais have the most consistent waves, but  December through April are considered the best (more…)

Costa Rica Sportfishing Epic Year Round

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

You don’t have to been a seasoned angler to appreciate Costa Rica’s epic sportfishing. Rain or shine, Atlantic coast or Pacific, the fishing is truly phenomenal any time of year. Cast your line inshore for red snapper, roosterfish and snook, or head into deeper waters for the prize-winning beasts – black marlin and sailfish. Costa Rica sportfishing is rated among the best in the world, and the central Pacific town of Quepos is the frequent site of international tournaments, including the recent 2013 IGFA World Offshore Championship at Marina Pez Vela.

Quepos & Manuel Antonio in the center of all the action

Marlin one of the Sport Fish to go for while in Costa Rica

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Marina Pez Vela has attracted several headlining catch and release tournaments such as the 2012 Quepos Billfish Cup and the renowned 2011 Costa Rica Classic. The world-class facility just hosted the “Olympics of Sportfishing,” which lured more than 200 die-hard anglers from around the globe. Participants fished for marlin, sailfish, and big-eye tuna along with wahoo and mahi mahi (also known as dorado). While trophies were awarded for various categories, the crew that shone brightest was that on the EPIC, captained by Mike Alligood, with Randal Garcia Canales as mate. The team, which is based at Costa Rica’s Los Sueños marina, released 26 sailfish and one blue marlin, earning a total of 5,700 points. The Quepos marina is just five miles from the pristine beaches and diverse wildlife of neighboring Manuel Antonio and its national park. (more…)

This months top pick – Stunning Costa Rica Vacation Rental

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

If you’re looking to get away from it all and escape to paradise, this beautiful Manuel Antonio rental home is the place you want to be in Costa Rica. This 4-bedroom, 4-bath villa is a one of a kind property in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area. It is the most private of all the Manuel Antonio vacation rentals, boasting 4 acres of manicured tropical lawns and botanical gardens that are set amid 10 acres of private property; bordered on one side by a nature reserve and the other by the most famous Costa Rican national park. There are plenty of Costa Rica activities for the whole family.

From the multi-level roof top terraces you will entertain your guests with magnificent Pacific Ocean views, and unforgettable sunsets. The waterfall swimming pool is set in the most beautiful private tropical garden in all Manuel Antonio vacation rentals. A 10-person Jacuzzi spills water over a diving platform into the tile pool, 2 meters below.

Every inch of this Colonial-Moorish style home has been custom designed. From the stone bathroom sinks and countertops to the marble dining room table, each detail has been attended to by the owner who designed one of the premier hotels in the area. For more information please contact Escape Villas on info@villascostarica.com

Life can’t get any better than this! Discover Costa Rica luxury vacationing at Casa Fantastica, Manuel Antonio

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

If you are looking for an unforgettable vacation experience, Casa Fantastica will surely deliver. Living up to its name, Casa Fantastica not only offers some of the best views in all of Manuel Antonio, it also ticks all the right boxes for the perfect Costa Rica luxury vacation rental.

Manuel Antonio vacation rental swimming pool

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Casa Fantastica is a tropical-modern style resort home that was especially designed and built to cater for the premier rental home market. Divided into two wings, Casa Fantastica has an impressive 8 air-conditioned bedrooms along with 8 Full and 3 Half bathrooms that include designer fixtures. Covering over 10,000 foot, this majestic residence Casa Fantastica offers guests 2 spacious Master Suites and 6 comfortable guest bedrooms each with their own bathroom. (more…)

Canadian couple jet in for Costa Rica Destination Wedding in Manuel Antonio

Friday, November 11th, 2011

By the time this article hits the web Amanda Street, and her fiancé Dave Moore will be on their way to Costa Rica. The Ontario couple has been counting down the days for their Costa Rica Destination Wedding. All packed and ready to go they find a few minutes to tell us about why they chose to get married in Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Destination Wedding

Amanda Street and Dave Moore with Isis and Nico

“We both always wanted to travel to Costa Rica because it looked like a beautiful place to visit. We knew we wanted a destination wedding and when it came time to choose, we couldn’t agree on any other place. So we started researching different resorts and then came across Escape Villas and fell in love with Casa de las Brisas and the concept of an all-inclusive villa,” explained Amanda.

Casa de las Brisas is a one of a kind 10 bedroom, 10 bathroom villa with three swimming pools. Escape Villas offers a personalized concierge service that includes a private chef and tour booking assistance.

(more…)

Win a One Week Stay at an Escape Villas Costa Rica Luxury Vacation Rental

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Always wanted to stay in a luxury Costa Rica vacation rental? How about Casa Fantastica or Vista Azul in Manuel Antonio?

Help raise funds for an incredibly important cause this October 22nd and participate in the online auction for a 7 day stay at an amazing Costa Rica vacation rental.

We will receive online bids whilst the auction takes place at the 7th Annual Halloween Bash hosted by VarsityPainting.com. All proceeds raised will be donated to Raise awareness and funds for children’s tumor research and Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) www.advocurenf2.org

The Varsity Painting Halloween Bash kicks off on the 22nd of Oct at 7.30 p.m Pacific Standard Time at the Redux lounge, 1141 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, California. Tickets cost $50 and can be bought on the Varsity Painting website.

What is NF2?

Varsity Painting proprietor, Roland Thoms, who organized the event has a special reason why Advocure NF2 will receive these important funds.  His 14 year old daughter Camille was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), a genetic condition in which tumors grow on the nerves of her brain, spine and ears.

What is Advocure NF2?

Advocure is dedicated to advocacy and to strengthening efforts that expedite research contributing to systemic therapies to treat and eventually cure NF2.

How to participate in the online auction

  1. Escape Villas will receive separate online bids for Casa Fantastica and Vista Azul from 7.30 p.m. to Outdoor Social Areas10pm Pacific Standard time to be submitted to email: bidvacation@escapevillas.com
  2. Bidders must “Like” the Facebook page Experience Costa Rica before they submit their bid.
  3. All bids will be sent to Roland Thoms of Varsity Painting in real time so that the winner of the auction may be announced at the end of the event.
  4. The one week stay can be applied to the following dates: Sat-Sat Apr 14-May 12, 2012 and Sep 8-Nov 10, 2012.

Can’t attend the Halloween Bash but still want to donate?

It’s important to note that all funds raised will go to research being performed by doctors and scientists working on a cure/ therapy to control tumor growth. While we are not close to eliminating NF2, we are extremely close to containing it and preserving the quality of life for Camille and thousands of others affected. The event hopes to raise a total of $100,000 and all donations made will be matched by the Thomas family.

Every donation counts. Visit the Varsity Painting website with details on how to make your tax deductable donation.


Terms and Conditions

The following vacation rentals Casa Fantastica and Vista Azul :

  1. Will be put up for auction under the following terms: 50% off 7 night stay.
  2. Payable within a week of the auction ending.
  3. If the winner of the auction does not pay within a week of the auction the vacation rental will be passed to the second highest bidder who will also have one week to make payment.
  4. A minimum bid of $4950 is required for the Casa Fantastica auction to be valid. (Maid and laundry services are included and as well as the chef at Casa Fantastica)
  5. A minimum bid of $3295 is required for the Vista Azul auction to be valid (Maid and laundry services are included. Chef services are available for an additional fee)
  6. The one week stay can be applied to the following dates: Sat-Sat Apr 14-May 12, 2012 and Sep 8-Nov 10, 2012.
  7. Online bids will be submitted as the auction is taking place during the Varsity Painting Halloween Bash.
  8. Bidders must “Like” the Facebook page Experience Costa Rica before they submit their bid.
  9. Name, address and telephone number should be included in each email bid, submitted to: bidvacation@escapevillas.com
  10. All bids will be sent to Roland Thoms of Varsity Painting in real time so that the winner of the auction may be announced at the event on October 22nd at 10.30 p.m.

Lend a helping hand with the Turtle Rescue Tour in Manuel Antonio

Monday, September 19th, 2011
tortuguero-national-park-costa-rica

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Planning a Costa Rica vacation to Manuel Antonio in the next three months and want to lend a helping hand? During these months hundreds of fledgling turtles hatch and begin their journey to the deep blue. This is a fantastic example of how you can actively participate in Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism initiatives, working alongside dedicated Costa Rican conservationists.

This exciting nighttime tour will give you the opportunity to guide hundreds of these tiny turtles into the Pacific Ocean from the nearby beach of Playa Hermosa, what better way to spend your Costa Rica vacation? (more…)

Manuel Antonio National Park, Rated Among Best in World, According to Forbes Magazine

Monday, September 12th, 2011

 

manuel-antonio-national-park-forbes

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Manuel Antonio National Park has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, according to the highly esteemed Forbes Magazine.

Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have visited Manuel Antonio National Park on your Costa Rica vacation, this news will come as no surprise. With four pristine white sandy beaches, verdant tropical greenery and an abundance of fascinating Costa Rica wildlife, this is a popular vacation destination both eco tourists and sun worshippers.

Of a total of nearly 7,000 national parks around the world, Manuel Antonio National Park was listed as number 11 in the top 12 most dazzling national parks to grace the globe.

 

But why has this National Park won such an accolade?

· Manuel Antonio National Park is made up of 1700 acres of land mass and 135,906 acres of marine reserve home to the rare two-toed sloth, white-faced and squirrel monkeys, soaring hawks, pelicans and kingfishers not to mention the abundance of tropical species. (more…)

Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica: 21st Credomatic Music Festival

Friday, August 12th, 2011
21_festival_musica_credomatic_2011

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Kicking off Saturday, August 13th, the 21st Credomatic Music Festival will bring a wonderful variety of sights and sounds to the streets and theaters of San Jose, Costa Rica. The official opening of the 21 Credomatic Music Festival is this Saturday, beginning with a gala concert hosted at the National Theater by the Camerata Romeu and featuring Cuban string music.  The National Theater will also be presenting the Municipal Orchestra of Carthage on Sunday, August 20th.  Jessel Murray and Trinidad and Tobago will be featured as guests. The Municipal Orchestra will be playing selections of music by Bach, Vivaldi, Gershwin, and Paganini. If you are stopping in San Jose during your vacation in Costa Rica, this would be the perfect activity to please the music-lover in your life. (more…)

Make a Splash! Waterfall Rappeling Tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
manuel-antonio-canyoning-tour-costa-rica

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Grab your water shoes and a swimsuit and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, waterfall rappelling in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! Home to a variety of truly spectacular waterfalls, Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to try this one-of-a-kind eco adventure tour.

Also known as “canyoning,” waterfall rappelling is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping activity that the whole family can participate in.

Feel the Power of a Waterfall

With the cooling and invigorating water rushing over the rocky ledge, you grab your harness and rappel down the cliff along with the falling water. On all sides you are surrounded by the lush, Costa Rican rainforest. As you hang suspended in the waterfall spray, you fellow tour members cheer you on from the ground below. (more…)

Ten Reasons Why You Should Visit Manuel Antonio on Your Next Costa Rica Vacation!

Monday, August 8th, 2011
manuel-antonio-national-park

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If you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica and are not sure which areas provide the best activities, then its time you found out a little more about Manuel Antonio! This paradise beach vacation destination is packed full of exciting eco adventures. Here are ten reasons why Manuel Antonio, should be on your list of places to visit in Costa Rica. 

 

1.      Spectacular Beaches and Tropical Landscape!

If you are looking for the ultimate beach and sun vacation destination, then Manuel Antonio has it all.  This vibrant tropical coastal landscape is abundant with fascinating flora and fauna, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, humming birds. Long stretches of white sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets define this Central Pacific landscape.

(more…)

Parasailing Tour in Manuel Antonio: An Elevating Costa Rican Adventure

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

parasailing-costa-rica-manuel-antonio

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Buckle up your life jacket and hook up your harness, you’re ready for a fearless adventure of incredible elevation, parasailing in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

This adrenalin pumping Costa Rica tour begins on the crescent shoreline of Playa Espadilla Norte, just a few minutes north of the award winning vacation destination of Manuel Antonio National Park.

(more…)

Whale Watching Season Begins in the South Pacific, Costa Rica

Monday, July 18th, 2011
Costa Rica Humpback whale and calf (Megaptera novaeangliae), South Pacific

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Have you always wanted to see a hump back whale? Well here’s your chance.  After travelling an incredible 8000 kilometers, these beautiful creatures of the deep have begun to arrive in the warm waters of the South Pacific of Costa Rica to give birth and raise their calves.

 

An Exciting Whale Watching Eco-Adventure Tour

Exciting whale watching tours are available from July to December, guiding you out to Drake Bay, Caño Island, and the beautiful Costa Rican beaches of Playa Dominical and Playa Bahia Ballena in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.  Spritely resident dolphins will ride the waves alongside you as you head out to the deep blue waters of the South Pacific. (more…)

Costa Rica National Park Funding Approved by Costa Rican Parliament

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
arenal-volcano-costa-rica

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It’s only taken five years, but additional funding to maintain Costa Rica’s National Parks has been approved by members of the Asamblea Nacional, the Costa Rican Parliament, on the 27th June. The $19 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (BID) will be spent on infrastructural improvements and the promotion of tourism projects in the protected areas of Costa Rica.

 

Approved Funding Will Help Maintain Costa Rica National Parks

Receiving more than 2 million tourists in 2010, it is clear that the Costa Rican rainforest is an important asset that the country must strive to protect through the application of sustainable tourism practices. The implementation of (more…)

Reach for the sky with the Flying Boat Tour, in Quepos, Manuel Antonio

Friday, June 10th, 2011
flying-boat-tour-costa-rica

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Is it a bird, is it a plane? No…. it’s a flying boat, in-fact, the only flying boat in Costa Rica.  Buckle up and get ready for the journey of your life with the ultra light flying boat tour in Quepos, Manuel Antonio.

Departing from the Quepos estuary, you’ll speed down a long strip of water before picking up momentum and pulling up into the sky.

Tour Costa Rica from the skies (more…)

Popular British Journalist Enjoys a Manuel Antonio Villa Vacation

Friday, June 3rd, 2011
penny-smith-costa-rica-manuel-antonio

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The British television presenter Penny Smith travelled to Manuel Antonio and Quepos in the Central Pacific, Costa Rica as part of a beach vacation review for the best selling newspaper, The Daily Mail.

In an article published on the 29th of May, Penny Smith details her exciting eco tourist adventure to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where she stayed in a luxury villa in Quepos. Smith opens her review with a reference to the resident sloth, explaining that the Costa Rican pace of life is laid back and that’s not without reason. “Don’t get me wrong – there are speedy animals here, including jaguars, apparently, but the sloths are the ones that do the place justice. It’s a country where it pays to take your time. Stand still and you suddenly spot all sorts of things.”

Smith stayed in a luxury vacation rental close to Quepos which was nestled on one of the many verdant foothills that contour Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. The villa overlooked a deserted beach and included a 24 hour concierge service, “What a wonderful thing to have staff. It means that the mountain of washing-up that accrues with a large party does not become a source of acrimonious arguments.” Smith explained. (more…)

Destination Weddings in Costa Rica—A Growing Industry

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
costa-rica-destination-weddings

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Costa Rica’s growing popularity as a top beach wedding destination was mentioned recently in the Proa supplement of La Nacion, on Sunday the 15th of May. The two page article featured in Costa Rica’s top selling newspaper, titled, “Husband and Wife, Made in Costa Rica,” focused on how the Costa Rica destination wedding industry has continued to grow despite the worldwide economic crisis.

Setting the Costa Rican Wedding Scene

Thanks to Costa Rica’s diverse landscape, Europeans, Americans and Canadians flock to this tropical paradise to get married in front of a volcano, under the palm trees that line a deserted beach, or in the heart of a Costa Rican rainforest, with monkeys, toucans, iguanas and frogs as their witnesses. (more…)

Costa Rica Mountain Biking Tour: An Adventure in Manuel Antonio and Quepos

Monday, May 2nd, 2011
costa-rica-mountain-biking

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Costa Rica mountain biking is an extreme adventure tour for those who want a little more excitement during their tropical vacation.

Not one for relaxing by the pool? Looking for a more intense way to explore Costa Rica? Grab hold of your handlebars and get ready for an off-road, rough terrain Costa Rica mountain biking tour in Manuel Antonio and Quepos.

If you have endurance, good balance, and a great sense of adventure, then this action packed mountain bike challenge is just for you!

Biking in Costa Rica is definitely an exhilarating experience! With stunning mountainous landscapes and dense tropical rainforest, Playa Manuel Antonio and Quepos Costa Rica offer the perfect setting for a mountain biking adventure in paradise. (more…)

Jet Skiing in Costa Rica: An Exciting Adventure Tour in Manuel Antonio!

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
Jet Skiing in Costa Rica at Playa Manuel Antonio

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Tired of floating through mangroves or sitting back on a boating eco tour? If your looking for fast paced, adrenalin pumping things to do during your family vacation to Playa Manuel Antonio,  then how about a little jet skiing in Costa Rica?! A fun-packed combination of extreme sports and eco adventure, this Manuel Antonio jet skiing adventure is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon cruising along Costa Rica’s stunning Central Pacific coastline.

Aside from an excellent full body workout, you’ll get a unique perspective of the pristine white sand beaches, stunning shores and verdant islands that form part of the celebrated Manuel Antonio National Park.  You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling in Costa Rica, as you jump off your jet ski and into the refreshing crystal clear waters, abundant in tropical marine wildlife. (more…)

Costa Rica Tops 2011 Virtuoso Luxe Report for Adventure and Family Travel

Thursday, March 17th, 2011
Costa Rica Adventure Luxury Travel Hot Air Balloon Ride

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The 2011 Virtuoso Luxe Report has confirmed that Costa Rica is the most popular vacation destination for adventure travel in the world! Costa Rica also tops the list for family travel destinations for 2011, coming in at #4 position. For such a small country, there really is something to please every traveler on vacation in Costa Rica. This beautiful nation offers a variety of exiting things to do related to adventure travel, as well as plenty of eco tours and wildlife tours for family vacations in paradise!

The Virtuoso Luxe Report is an annual survey of 6,000 travel advisors in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and predicts luxury travel trends every year. This valuable report collects opinions and tendencies in order to ascertain what motivates today’s luxury travelers. (more…)





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