We are planning our first trip to Costa Rica. We would like to be near the beach and nature. We do not like noisy crowded hotels or cities and are thinking of renting a house (Casa El Mango) in Samara, Guanacaste, near Playa Samara. Would appreciate advise on the area or any other suggestion.
Thanks, Jose and Susan

I spent a week in Manuel Antonio. The National Park is absolutely beautiful and the town (although a bit touristy) is nice. It's right on the Pacific Ocean and the sunsets were absolutely amazing. Not sure whether you can find a house to rent there but there are some really nice ecofriendly lodges. I stayed at the Blue Monkey (Mono Azul) which actually gives money to keeping the wildlife in the area thriving. The people are absolute sweethearts too.

We are going to the Manuel Antonio are in July and rented houses at Buena Vista Villas. Tulemar Bungalows are also in the same area. Both have access to a small private beach, with Manuel Antonio nearby for the nature fix.

jands, have you looked into the Osa Peninsula and Bosque del Cabo at all? If you don't like noise and crowds, but love nature, it's a beautiful, uncrowded spot where you can hike and see all 4 kinds of monkeys, wild scarlet macaws, toucans, etc. They have cabins perched on top of a cliffside that overlook a beautiful ocean view. You might check it out. We loved it. We liked MA too, but the fact that the Osa is less developed seemed like a real treat.

I think you'll like Samara. We like Manuel Antonio as well, but it sounds like you prefer a more laid-back environement. Mal Pais might also be a place to think about staying.

Dana_M - we've stayed at Tulemar / BVV twice...great place. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask.

airwayz -- We're booked for the lower unit of Mot-Mot in March, so anything you can tell me would be great!

Thanks.

Sure thing...Tulemar is a great property. We enjoyed hiking down to the beach each day, but I'd take the shuttle back up. Make sure you have at least one caipirinha at their little beach hut bar.

There's a great restaurant right next door to the Tulemar entrance called Cantina Salispuedes - it's a nice bocas type place, with great sunsets.

Also, there's a 24 hour ATM about 100 yards from the Tulemar entrance that we've always used w/ no problems, so don't worry about having to bring too much cash with ya - it dispenses colones or US dollars.

Do ya have any specific questions about the place?

Thanks airwayvz. Good info on Tulemar.

airwayz -- Are the bungalows, villas fairly spread out and private? Do you know where is Mot-Mot in relation to pool/restaurant/views or did you stay there or check out the rooms at all?

Thanks!