FAQs

How do I get to the villa from the airport?

You have three options: van pickup in San Jose, car rental, or a local flight.

Airport pickup and dropoff: Ground transfers from San Jose airport to Manuel Antonio cost $180 each way for up to 8 people, $240 each way for up to 10 people, and $300 each way for up to 15 people, $350 each way for up to 20 people, and $380 each way for up to 25 people.

Pickup can be at the San Jose Airport or at your hotel in San Jose. If you have any questions please call us:
1 888-818-2097 Toll-Free
506 2777-5258 in Costa Rica

Car rental: We will be happy to arrange a rental car that you can pick up either in San Jose, in Manuel Antonio, or to be delivered to your villa. 4x4s and SUVs are available and rates vary depending on the type of car and the time of year. If you are driving yourself before you leave home be sure and print out our driving instructions, which also include information about contacting us once you arrive.

Local flights: You can fly using one of the small local airlines or we can charter a private flight for you. There are no flights available after 1 pm in the rainy season.

We can make any of these reservations for you so your arrival runs smoothly.

Are maid and laundry services included in the rental fee?

It depends on the house rented. In most homes the maid service is included daily except Sundays, at some, it is every other day. Laundry services are available at a per load fee.

Is there an off-season?

There are 3 seasons and 4 holiday weeks. The high season is Jan-Apr, mid-season is May-Aug, and the low season is Sep-Dec. Holiday weeks are Holy week, Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and New Years’ week. Special Last-Minute Deals are available all year round and depend on availability.

What size are the pools?

The pools are plunge pools and range from 15 to 25 feet and 4 to 6 feet deep.

How’s the surfing in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise. Quepos and Manuel Antonio do not have a great break since there is a bay that partially blocks the ocean, but there are excellent conditions every day of the year for beginners.

For the more experienced surfer, there are several nearby areas that are recommended. One hour north is Playa Hermosa, which is the most popular surfing area in Costa Rica. About 30 minutes north are Bejuco and Playa Esterillos, which are good but less crowded. Dominical is 30 minutes south and also has good conditions. The very best waves in the area are in Pavones, a 4 1/2 hour drive south near Panama.

To check current conditions go to this report.

I don’t know the language of the area, will someone be around to help me?

Our hosts and concierges all speak fluent English, most are from the USA and will be available to help you with anything you need.

From booking a sport-fishing trip to getting groceries, they are there to help. Also, many of the locals can speak English, so you shouldn’t have any problems with the language.

Do you have any houses with handicap access?

Yes, we can accommodate our guests with handicaps, with sufficient prior notice.

Are children and pets welcome?

Children are welcome, but please remember that there are Jacuzzis, plunge pools, and high balconies on the premises; toddlers and infants must be watched carefully.

We can also accept one small pet with a refundable pet damage security deposit.

Is smoking allowed in the house?

Smoking is not allowed inside the houses.

How far is the beach from the house?

The villas are located throughout Manuel Antonio which is a relatively small area and easy to get around. All are within a 5-7 minute drive to the beach, some are within a 25-30 minute walk. All are within a 10-minute walk to the main road. It is very easy to get around the area with plenty of taxis and a bus along the main road. Our host and concierge can assist you with taxis, transfers, car rentals, and all of the activities that will pick you up at your house.

What about safety?

Overall, Costa Rica is very safe, with less crime in a year than what occurs in one week in US cities. The houses are secure, some have alarms, and others have nighttime guards. There are also programmable steel safes in all of the houses to secure your valuables.

What about food and restaurants?

Manuel Antonio has a number of very good restaurants to satisfy most tastes. A list of recommendations is provided in the houses and your host can make reservations at the most popular places for you. Take a look at our restaurant page to see a few of your options.

Many of the homes include a private chef who can shop for and cook 2 meals a day, the cost of food is additional. For the homes that do not include them, your concierge/host can arrange for the services for you.