Isla Magotes & the Beaches of Manuel Antonio

The iconic Isla Magotes proudly sits in the Pacific and watches over the  beaches of  Manuel Antonio and Parque Nacional.

This uninhabited island is a protected sanctuary for birds. The rocky island jumps up from the Pacific. In 1519 ( over 100 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock) Ponce de Leon "discovered" Quepos and Manuel Antonio. He was looking for the infamous "Fountain of Youth". I actually believe he may have found it!  The nearby Nicoya  region in Costa Rica is known as a "Blue Zone" by National Geographic. Blue Zones are areas in the world where people live long lives, often  into their 100's.

There are several beaches in Manuel Antonio. The main beach stretches from The National Park ( a protected preserve) to the horse shoe bay of "Playitas". The main beach is long (1.5 km) with dramatic tides.

On the main beach there are concessions where you can rent chairs and umbrellas.  We rented a chair and umbrella everyday. Even though it is  9 degrees above the equator, Costa Ricans call  January, February and March summer. It's the warmest time of year, and there is less rain.  Strong sun block is recommended, you can burn sitting in the shade!

The jungle stretches from the mountains and empties into the Pacific. Wildlife preserves, thick rain forests and the National Park ensures that there is an abundance of wild life and biodiversity. We saw three different breeds of monkeys, two different breeds of sloths and countless birds in the jungle and on the beach.

The waves are wild. Surfing is big in Manuel Antonio and there are many small surf schools. Other recreational activities are: para sailing, sailing, and  horseback riding.  There are stores, small hotels and restaurants near the beach.

Sunsets are amazing over the Pacific. I am use to seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic. So, it was nice to spend a few late afternoons on the beach and watch the sun sink into the warm waters of the Pacific, and watch nature paint the sky red.....Pura Vida.....

Back to Costa Rica-2013

Since 1999, Michael and I have travelled to Manuel Antonio/Quepos Costa Rica.

(Greg & Michael, 1999, first trip)

It is simply one of our favorite places in the world to go! This is my ninth trip and Michael's twelfth trip to this remote resort area in the Pacific region. Going back to Manuel Antonio is great, it's like visiting an old friend: warm, comfortable and always welcoming.

Since 1999 We have stayed at Villas Nicolas. Villas Nicolas is a collection of warm self catering "hotel villas" that are situated on the top of the "hill" in Manuel Antonio overlooking the jungle and Pacific ocean. These units are rented daily/weekly or by the month.

Most of the "villas" have a small kitchenette, a well appointed bed room, sitting area and out side terraces. Units are decorated with art work from local artists. There is a wide variety of units from budget to deluxe. The grounds are a mix of native tropical plants, with three different types of monkeys that travel through the thick jungle canopy everyday. Everyday we see and hear a variety of primates at our door step!

Villas Nicolas also has a nice pool, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long hard day at the beach!

Chef Pato, a well known chef in Manuel Antonio holds court everyday (except Sunday) at El Rancho, a gourmet boutique restaurant located on the grounds of Villas Nicolas. The open air restaurant is casual, and very affordable.

The Details:

Villas Nicolas

Located at @ km 4 on top of the hill next to "Si Como No"

Manuel Antonio

High Season is Christmas to Easter

Phone directly: 011.506 2777 0481

 sales@villasnicolas.com

http://www.villasnicolas.com

That time of year~ the winter journey begins!

Yes, its that time of year. It's when we say goodbye to our last guest. It's that time when we put the B&B to rest and "set sail" for our winter retreat.

We pack the Subaru along with the spaniels for the arduous 1565 mile trek to Wilton Manors, Florida.

We usually pack a couple of heathy meals to eat on the road as we tailgate in trucker parking lots. It's quite a challenge to eat healthy on the road. For most of the year, we live in the "bubble" that is Ogunquit Maine.  Ogunquit is unique because there are no "formula restaurants" of franchise fast food ( McDonalds, KFC etc).


As we stopped on the Garden State Parkway to get gas and grab a cup of caffeine at the Burger King, I noticed how large the patrons are. It's no big surprise that American's are over weight, but it was quite a sight to notice how large the patrons are as they were ordering bags of take-out fast food for their journey.

We needed to fill up again in Virginia at the Flying J Truck Stop. These truck stops are amazing: large parking lots for your rig, clean bathrooms, restaurants and a store that features a wide array of items for your truck, camper or NASCAR event. I wanted a small cup of coffee, however the only small they had was 16 ounces. Yes thats right 16 ounces, almost a half litre. I didn't bother to see what a large or extra large looked like ( maybe a Big Gulp?). But if this is small, we Americans have a problem with portion control.

It is a challenge to eat in the road, a challenge with lots of distractions and easy-way-out fast food joints. So its best to plan ahead, and think carefully about what you eat.

Arrival to Wilton Manors,  and the start of our winter adventures!

Goodby Fort Lauderdale; Hello Ogunquit Maine

Goodbye Palm Trees; Hello Pine Trees!
Goodbye Cuban Sandwiches; Hello Clam Rolls!
Goodbye Egrets; hello Chickadees
Goodbye Florida;  Hello Maine!
The journey of a thousand miles (or 1553 to be exact) starts with the first step! Mike packs the Subaru for the annual migration!

The journey is about 24 to 27 hours of driving time. We take Route 95, which hovers the east coast. It's a journey I've been doing since I was a kid in the 70's with my parents for our annual trip to Florida. Many things have changed: vehicles, telecommunications, entertainment, etc. However, one thing has not changed: finding a clean restroom, its still a challenge!

Like all migratory birds, we arrive back to our home for the start of another season of Ogunquit Beach Inn
Like many returning birds, I am eager to get to the beach and comb the white sands of Ogunquit beach!