jblech

Wondering if someone can tell me if the beach at Villa Caletas is nice and comfortable to sit by and swim in. Also, we are going in Jan, is the temp during the day very hot, or is it comfortable to sit by the beach and relax? Thanks for your help. This forum is incredible and I hope to add my feedback when we return. Thx.

costaklaus

Hello, I think Villa Caletas is that resort on a hill near Punta Leona. There are a few beaches nearby Playa Manta, Punta Leona, Playa Blanca and Playa Herradura. The max. temperature in January will be 34 Cels.
Saludos
costaklaus - www.costaricaweb.de

faithie

Isn't Villas Caletas just outside Jaco ?? I'm curious now !!

lizag

Villa Caletas is outside of Jaco..maybe 5-7 miles. It is located nextdoor to Punta Leona and they share a beautiful white sand beach. There is also a great little laid back beach bar for good lunches. I think the beach is far better than any in Jaco (more private & quiet plus white sand)The only drawback is that they do not have beach chairs available although there are picnic tables, etc. I understand that Villa Caletas is wonderful. My knowledge of the area is from staying at Punta Leona (which I have enjoyed three different times).

faithie

That looks like a really pretty beach !! Is Punta Leona a resort , big hotel , A.I. , or what ? Thanx ... Faith .

lizag

Punta Leona is a resort and actually has three beaches - white sand, black sand & golden sand. The white sand beach is the best of the three. We like it there because besides the beach, they have many, many trails for birding....Plus many monkeys and the occasional anteater. The rooms are just rooms...nothing fancy. The place is pretty huge - it caters to Ticos who come on the weekends. There are many 2nd homes on the resort grounds. Staff is very friendly. Food is fairly decent - it has a couple restaurants. Depends on how many guests there are as to which are open. They serve a great breakfast buffet. You can go AI or ala carte. The main bar area overlooks the big swimming pools and one of the beaches. They serve a drink called the SelvaMar that is made with lilac liquor. Really yummy. Except on the weekends (when there is a band) nightlife is limited. However, the resident naturalist does take groups out on night hikes through the rain forest (inc in room rate). Also located very close to Carara Natl Park. Good day trips from there - Manual Antonio, Poas, Tarcoles birding cruises. We rarely went into Jaco except to pick up a rental car. It seems like there are a lot of college profs (studying flora/fauna)& small tour groups that stay there. Also a large contingent from Canada. Hope this helps?

faithie

Thank You , that is great info. to have , not so much for myself , but friends who just might take their 3 girls on a first tropical vacation !

poss

jblech: My husband and I stayed at Villa Caletas last January. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Splendid accommodations and very handsome grounds-- and probably the only genuinely good food we had the entire 12 days. VC is high up on a hill-spectacular views, esp at sunset-- and the beach is down a very steep hill. There's a little transport service that goes back and forth many times a day. There are chairs on the beach and good shade and when we were there, the water was quite warm. It's not one of the world's great beaches, but it's fine and quiet and relaxing. The whole place is quite splendid. (The sunset "concert" in the amphitheater is corny as anything-- and wonderful nonetheless! Don't miss it. By the way, the pool is also lovely.)

jblech

Thank you all for your help. This is a very knowledgeable community!