I just wanted a take a moment to say what a wonderful stay we enjoyed at Villas Nicolas. We had 12 Up from Feb.10 to Feb.24. It was beautifully appointed, the housekeeping staff were excellent, Paul's breakfasts, at the Rancho, were superb and Julio, at the reception, was most helpful and attentive.( We also loved the cats and basset hound - Ellie ). Thanks to all and we hope to visit again,. Barbara Andreoli and Donald Brown. We recently spent a wonderful five days at the Villas Nicolas. Everything contributed to the experience being relaxed and comfortable. Everyone who worked there helped to make it a memorable and special visit. The three people we worked with at the front desk were very helpful and friendly. Grieta provided a friendly focus at the bar. The housekeepers added a spark with the towel sculptures, and the night watchman always greeted us with a friendly smile when we returned from dinner. Please wish all of these people a very Happy New Year from us and a heartfelt Thanks. Barry Gorman, Susan, Rachel, and David. Hi. I've just returned home to cold and snow and am longing to be back there in one of your hammocks. I had a lovely visit to your beautiful place and will definately recommend you to friends. Hopefully I'll see you again one day. Wanted to say thank you to all at the Villas Nicolas from the Graham McCutcheon families after our wonderful, wonderful sunny south vacation at your facility this past week. We have arrived home safely and now it's back to the old routine! We missed saying our good-byes to all as we left so early in the morning. Guess that just means we will have to make a return visit! We either left the keys in the room or with the security guard - I hope that was suitable. Thanks again for your hospitality. Review appearing on The Tico Times January 14, 2000. Villas Nicolas is Practically Perfect. ONE of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio has a glut of hotels, from the inexpensive to the high-end luxury accommodations. Considering the natural beauty of the environment, it is hard to go wrong with any of the available choices. Stick a tourist in a room by the beach, with four walls, a bed and bathroom, surrounded by the rainforest and flying monkeys, and there wont be many complaints. But a few hotels elevate the experience. Instead of a standard building on the side of the road or a five-story monstrosity, these blend seamlessly into their surrounding while providing beautiful accommodations. In Manuel Antonio, one such hostelry is Villas Nicolas. Unassuming and quiet, it is nestled between the famed Si Como No Resort and the sprawling Villas el Parque. Villas Nicolas consists of several condominiums directly on the edge of the rainforest. Many have spacious balconies that give one the sensation of actually sitting among the trees, from which packs of rust colored mono-titis, or squirrel monkey, hurl themselves from branch to branch. Included in this startling experience is a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean. The interiors of the condos vary, though all are large, beautifully laid out, have an open-air feel to them and provide a complete sense of privacy. They come with fully equipped kitchens and spacious bathrooms with hot-water showers. The layout of the hotel is such that the only time you are inside is when you are in your condo. There are no lobbies or hallways to pass through to reach the sun the condos are connected by stone pathways and stairs. The receptionists desk is in a small house by the entrance. THE hotel does not have a restaurant, only a small bar next to the gorgeous pool. But this works to the advantage of the guest. Many people, when staying at hotels or resorts, become married to them, rarely venturing outside for their meals. Visitors at Villas Nicolas have two choices: Cook their own meals or discover one of the many restaurants in Manuel Antonio or nearby Quepos. Directly across from the hotel is Byblos, a fine Italian restaurant connected to a huge sports bar with pool tables. Si Como No has a swim-up bar and grill with a menu featuring seafood dishes as well as standard bar fare like sandwiches and nacho, which are especially delicious. The cocktail menu includes a drink called the Rainmaker, an unholy concoction of various liquors. If more than five are consumed, a team of scientists will be needed to piece together the remainder of the night. The nightlife in Manuel Antonio revolves around the beachside Mar y Sombra, a restaurant by day and a blasting disco on the weekends. The restaurant at Hotel Costa Verde also features nightly live music. MANUEL Antonio is famous for its national park and the surrounding ecosystem, including the endangered mono-titi, white faced and howler monkeys and many birds, reptiles and flora. But massive development is slowly eroding the natural beauty of the area. As more time passes there will be less to see. A visit to Villas Nicolas provides the opportunity to see how this small beach town is supposed to appear environmentally breathtaking and completely peaceful. There are 10 full-sized suites with kitchens and 20 individual rooms. For two people, depending on the time of season, rooms and suites range from US$50 to US$90 plus tax. For more information call 2777-0481. ON the main road in Manuel Antonio the hotel is about a 20-minute walk to the beach, or five-minute cab or bus ride. From San Jose, by car, its a four-hour drive starting on the General Canas Highway west, to Orotina, then southeast past Jaco, follow signs to Manuel Antonio. Buses for Manuel Antonio depart regularly from the Coca Cola Transportes Delio Morales, 2223-5567.

Our larger suites feature living and dining rooms as well as fully-equipped kitchens for those looking to experiment with the fresh local produce. Each villa borders a lush tropical garden and the sparkling pool, over looking Manuel Antonio beach the Pacific ocean, creates a tranquil enclave perfectly situated for indulgent relaxation. For those seeking a taste of the local activity, popular restaurants, cafes and galleries are within a 5 minute walk. Please click on the pictures to enlarge. Partial Ocean / Jungle views One queen size bed Bathroom with hot shower Partial Kitchenette No Balcony. Ocean / Jungle views. One queen size bed Bathroom with hot shower Hammock Bar Fridge Large Balcony. Two double beds or One Queen bed Bathroom with hot shower Full kitchen Large Balcony Hammock. Ocean / Jungle views Two queen size beds Large enclosed bedroom 2 day beds in living room Large bathroom with hot shower Full kitchen Large balcony Hammock. (combination of one TYPE 1 room and one TYPE 3 room). * 2 Floors connected by an EXTERIOR staircase. Two bedrooms on two separate floors Two queen size beds Two bathrooms with hot shower Full kitchen One balcony Hammock. (combination of one TYPE 2 room and one type 3 room). Two bedrooms on two separate floors One queen size beds and two doubles beds Two bathrooms with hot shower Full kitchen Two balconies Two hammocks. BREAKFAST NOT INCLUDED IN THESE RATES. TAXES OF 16.4% NOT INCLUDED IN THESE RATES PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Breakfast available in HIGH SEASON ONLY. Discounts are available for extended stays (1 week or more) in low season in select jungleview rooms only. Type 3 suites feature split level, open floor plan studio designs. A fully enclosed bedroom is only available in the type 4 suite. * Children under 6 (six) years of age are not permitted. sales@villasnicolas.com. Villas Nicolas Apartado 236 Quepos, Costa Rica. (direct from the United States or Canada, simply dial 011 506 2777 0481, other countries please check with operator for international access to Costa Rica)

The Manuel Antonio/Quepos region is an outdoor adventure lovers mecca. In addition to the National Park and its extensive walking trails primed for wildlife viewing, the area also boasts world renowned sportsfishing charter services, white water rafting, sea kayaking, dolphin watch tours, sunset sailing cruises and horseback rides to remote jungle waterfalls. We can arrange an activity to suit your time and interests or direct you to the beautiful white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio and the surrounding area. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us (. Miscellaneous Services. If you are interested in sports fishing for sailfish, dorado (mahi mahi), marlin, yellow-fin tuna, snapper, rooster fish, or any other of the great variety of fish common to our waters, then Quepos / Manuel Antonio is just the place for you. The silvery blue warm waters are teeming with the kind of sea life all fishing enthusiasts can only dream about. The boats listed herein will, each with a resourceful skipper at the helm, will help you make the most of your deep sea adventure. Please contact us to sales@villasnicolas.com for all the information on availability of boats and prices. Boat sharing available. Fun for the expert and beginner alike, rafting in the Quepos / Manuel Antonio area offers all kinds of fun and excitement. Experienced guides lead you safely down some of the most beautiful mountain rivers in the world. Challenge the rapids or float lazily aboard, we have packages to suit every taste: Rio Savegre Class II III River Full day $95, ¾ of day $75 per person Six person rafts Includes transportation, food, equipment, And experienced guides No rafting experience necessary. Rio Naranjo Class III IV Half day $70 per person Four and six person rafts Includes transportation, food, equipment, And experienced guides Some rafting experience needed. Quepos / Manuel Antonio is a perfect place to experience this unique form of water sport. Kayak through the mangroves and explore the abundant local wildlife or, for a more serious challenge, kayak along the pacific coast while viewing Manuel Antonio from this incredible vantage point. Coastal Paddle $65 per person, one or two person Kayaks in open ocean Includes transportation, lunch, snacks, equipment, And experienced guides. Appropriate for ages 15 and up. Isla Damas Paddle $65 per person, one or two person Kayaks in protected water ways Includes transportation, lunch, snacks, equipment, And guides Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Treat yourself to a relaxing half-day or sunset cruise while enjoying warm ocean breezes, abundant wildlife, and the exquisite beauty of the Pacific coastline. Cast anchor and swim in a secluded bay or set out to find dolphins frolicking in the open ocean. Isla Damas Estuary Cruise $60 per person Great for the whole family Includes transport, food, beverages and guide. Ocean Cruise / Dolphin Watch $70 per person Ocean transport aboard Catamaran or Sail Boat. Swimming and snorkeling in the bay Includes transport, food, mini research / Snorkel equipment. For an experience you wont soon forget, see the area in traditional Costa Rica fashion: on a horseback. Experienced guides lead you to the mountains where you´ll ride through the jungle and swim under beautiful waterfalls. Mountain Ride Full day $65, Half day $45 per person Includes transportation, experienced guide, Breakfast and lunch (included on full day packages). Be sure not to miss any of the diverse plant of animal life that thrives within Manuel Antonio National Park. Tour the park with a knowledgeable guide. Give yourself the opportunity to see the many species of birds, animals and plants that are part of this complex ecosystem. Half day park tour beginning at 7:30 A.M. $40 per person. Includes park entrance fee, transportation, fruits, beverages, and experienced guide. Full day of gliding across the lush rain forest canopy Via a series of aerial platforms and cables. Includes 4x4 drive into the rain forest, transportation to and from your hotel, breakfast, lunch, snacks and experienced guide, and all equipment. After a full day of fun and excitement, treat yourself to a relaxing massage of European facial. Let our healing arts therapists pamper you during your stay in Costa Rica. Full body massage in the privacy of your hotel room $60 per hour. Experienced masseuse / masseur specializing in various forms of massage and aroma therapy.