9th and smoothest trip to Costa Rica, planned by kimkim

Costa Rica | Jun 9 - Jun 23, 2024

This is by far one of the finest stays we have ever enjoyed!!! The amenities, grounds, food, staff could not be improved upon. We are extensive travelers and never give full 5's or 10's because we feel there is always room for improvement. Not true at Manoa, we could find no recommendations for improvement. Hats Off to Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs.

The location and lay out of this resort was phenomenal. The cottage atmosphere of the room was welcoming and cozy yet large and well appointed. We were so remote that all our meals were included at their on- site restaurant. The food was all delicious and plentiful.

This is a lovely resort, with a few exceptions. We were given the room with a view and balcony of the beach right above reception. This room's bathroom was on a step -up platform right in the bedroom. NO Door. So, that means that the toilet is in the bedroom. We've never encountered this before and hope we never do again. One of us, and we've been married 28 years, left the room to provide privacy to our spouse each time nature called. It was also too far from the town to walk. If we return to this area we would look for something closer to town.

We were so disappointed here. Most likely because, it was a choice we made and not kimkim or Serendipity Tours. We had stayed here many times over the past 20 or so years, but it had different ownership and was The Canciones Del Mar, (Songs of the Sea) as it is directly on the Pacific Ocean. This small hotel with a lovely private swimming pool and ocean offers plenty of water everywhere. BAD hotel for morning coffee drinkers. Not included and charged us $9 usa for 2 paper cups to go and no refills, from the Hotel Restaurant that is privately leased out and not run by the hotel. BAD move. Also, it is the only hotel of the 7 we stayed at the didn't include breakfast. There was a coffee maker and bag of small bag of Costa Rican coffee in our suite but they charged us $9.00 for that also. The help tried to accommodate the guests the best they could, but the USA owner has their hands tied, when it comes to both service and amenities. We will find a new place to stay When and If we make our 6th trip to Jaco.

We were amazed to stay at two resorts on the same trip that met our every need, beautifully. Cristal Ballena did that. The staff, room, grounds had it all. Our balcony was spacious and overlooked the huge pool and the pacific ocean. The breakfast included was off the menu. I should mention that we traveled off season so for 1 of our 3 nights there, only one other couple were staying there as well, therefore no breakfast buffet. Ballena was pretty far out from any town activity so be prepared to read, relax, hike and maybe get some much needed rest.

We are still awaiting settlement on a dispute there and prefer to not rate this hotel at this time.

We have stayed here several times over the past 24 years and never been disappointed. The atmosphere and team that work there are all terific.

We didn't expect to boat out into the Pacific Ocean in the smallish Mangrove Tour boat. It took the captain 3 tries to ride through the surf to get out to open water heading back to the Adventure Center. It was very tough on our backs, but it was both a bit scary and exciting.

The village had lots of shops and eateries. As Costa Rica has grown, so have the made in China tags on things to purchase. Having traveled to this country many times over the past 24 years, we browsed but did not buy. The beach is there and if we had more time I would have left the waterfront main street and explored more around the fringes. Worth visiting if you are in the area.

Great boat ride on the large open river and through the canals.

We enjoyed these 2 excursions, but I think mostly due to our wonderful guide. Sorry I can't remember his name as he is from an original aborigine tribes. His long black hair and appearance were authentic. He spoke 8 languages including local native. We were introduced to many medicinal plants and drank cocoa at under the shad structure at the end of our walk.

The ride was challenging and fun. There were lots of laughs and sharing among the participants. Six passengers and a guide in each raft. We went out as a group of 6 rafts from our tour. The rafting company was Wave Rafting. There are many choices in the area, but this group did a fine job. I'm sure they all do.

This never took place. We told them we knew Jaco...

The weather was rain and thunder so we canceled and rescheduled for the next night but the tour company cancelled the tour that night.