Living in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – The best of both worlds.
In many ways Costa Rica is an enigmatic destination that overwhelms many visitors with its intrinsic natural beauty, warm hearted people and peaceful way of life.
For many of the early and current visitors the country, exploring the road less traveled and sacrificing many of the customary creature comforts of less inspiring destinations is part of the wonder and excitement of Costa Rica.
In my opinion, the true beauty of the country which is so evident in its iconic natural beauty is also mirrored if not overshadowed by the authenticity of experiencing and interacting with the people of this unique destination.
That said, many visitors and investors to the country have been faced with an interesting predicament…
What is more important, authenticity of experience or comfort?
The answer to this question becomes evident in the tremendous success of some of the major resort developments which exploded onto the scene here on the Pacific Coast over the past ten years.
Many North Americans, Costa Ricans and Europeans, simply do not want to have to deal with what can at times be a more challenging lifestyle, upkeep and experience in what is a vacation or retirement property.
Though the mega projects which have defined and spurred the major development along the coast are overwhelming in terms of their setting, levels of luxury and service, many visitors and investors alike find the experience at these resorts to lack the very authenticity which traveling to Costa Rica is all about.
The perfectly landscaped setting, perfectly decorated buffets, English speaking staff, etc. all make for an easy experience, but many long for an interaction with an un-manipulated natural setting and the chance to meet a real Costa Rica in a setting other than having a $40 daiquiri delivered by their hotel staff.
The other end of the spectrum is that to experience some of the more untouched beauty and real Costa Rica culture, visitors and investors alike had to be willing to live a much more Davey Crocket like existence. That sure is fun for a three night stay, but when faced with investment, full time living or repeat vacation experiences is a much more daunting logistical and comfort issue.
In my experience, you would be hard pressed to find another destination in Central America which is now bringing the fusion of both luxury and authenticity to its visitors, residents and investors.
Though finding distinct parallels is impossible, I see it as comparing Miami and Key West, Honolulu and Lahaina, Los Angeles and Carmel. Manuel Antonio is not only a boutique tourism destination, of which there are many which have been created in their own small oasis, but moreover is a real Costa Rican town with history dating back to the Indians of which Quepos was named.
Manuel Antonio is a place where you can experience that white glove, five star service on one evening, and spend the next eating cerviche and a dollar beer in a local soda without a tourist in sight.
There are investors and visitors alike who have no interest in “mixing” both their luxury with the real culture and flavor of the country, but I have found that many of our most successful clients LOVE this are most because of this duality.
For those of you whose idea of meeting and interacting with the locals is having someone who took an hour bus ride to serve you a drink at the bar, this probably isn’t the place for you…
If you are looking to live off the grid and never see another American or tourist in your life… This probably isn’t the place for you.
However, if you love all that is great about Costa Rica, its natural beauty, no where as evident as in the iconic park at Manuel Antonio, its people, thriving in a town of Quepos with a rich history dating from the local Indians to the banana and coconut plantations of which this area was the administrative hub of the coast, and the duality of both luxury and authenticity…
Look no further! Manuel Antonio is the place for you.
Living in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – The best of both worlds.
Article/Property ID Number 2452
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Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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I am currently US Active Duty military, looking to retire in the next 1-4 years (hopefully sooner than later 🙂 ). My dream is to retire in the Manuel Antonio area, or Costa Rica in general! Please provide me with any information you may have on renting/buying property in the country, and perhaps any properties that are available now, with cost estimates. Thank you so much in advance – I look forward to hearing from you. Email is the best way to reach me. Thanks again!