This past weekend I ventured back to Manuel Antonio for a weekend celebration in honor of a friend that is leaving Costa Rica.   We were a group of five young twenty-something’s that were looking for an escape from the city but on a budget that we could handle.  After taking the bus to the popular tourist zone, which cost around $5, we had intended to stay at a hostel or cheap cabinas. 

Well after walking around looking at our options we decided although the hostels would do the job, we were willing to spend a bit more.  To our luck there was a hotel right next door to a hostel we were looking at that had vacancies.  The Villa Prats looked like a great place for our group.  We were the only ones to check in all weekend, it had a pool with a waterslide that was great fun after a long day at the beach, it was a five minute walk to the beach, and the rooms were clean with hot water.  The hotel was family run and the staff was very friendly and accommodating, especially when we would return after a late night to be let in. 

Our first night we ate at a restaurant on the main road across from the beach.  I can’t remember the name but it was decent food and had a 2 for 1 happy hour.  The second night we ventured up the road to El Avion.  The restaurant/bar has a great atmosphere and an affordable menu.  To live up to the name of the bar there is an airplane inside the restaurant that is actually the bar.  It provides great views of the ocean and would host a picture-perfect sunset setting. 

The nightlife in Manuel Antonio is always bustling with young tourists and locals alike.  The first night we hung out at Mambo Jambo or something like that. It had a live band and was very lively and crowded.  The second night we checked out Byblos but were pulled away to the more lively and young crowd at Barba Rojas.  This is a really fun outdoor bar with a large dance floor and two bars to accommodate the large crowd. 

Don’t get me wrong, Manuel Antonio is a destination for all ages.  It is offers tons of activities for all ages and restaurants to suit all budgets and taste buds.  Overall the weekend was a success and loads of fun. If you are traveling to Costa Rica, I highly recommend this area. 

This post's rating:

Related Stories

Filed under: Travel on September 5th, 2007