Especially when traveling with kids, booking a vacation rental, private home or villa is always the best accommodation option.
By renting a home or other vacation rental, as opposed to a traditional hotel, you don't have to worry about keeping the kids quiet, your days don't revolve around finding the next meal and I believe renting a home offers an opportunity for a better sense of place and to gain a better, more intimate understanding of a destination while traveling.
Of course, this all unfolds as planned when you book the RIGHT vacation rental.
If you're heading to Costa Rica with your family and plan to explore the Manual Antonio coastal area (and this should be on your itinerary for sure!), Casa De Paz is the best Manuel Antonio vacation rental option for families.
Casa de Paz near Manual Antonio National Park Costa Rica
This home is one of the most unique I've ever seen. The main living area of Casa De Paz is completely open air and surrounded by jungle. However, this doesn't mean comfort is sacrificed.
The clean, white wraparound sofa under a soaring covered area with ceiling fan, television, grill, dining area and bathroom is the main area to hang out.
This main living area overlooks the pool, making for a most perfect area for your family to play and relax. This infinity pool is an absolute necessity during the heat of the day. Or for my kids, as soon as they wake up until the moment they go to bed.
The kitchen is located in a separate building, fully enclosed with an adjacent air conditioned office. Prepare meals using a 6-burner gas cook top, two ovens and oversized stainless appliances. The windows all open to a spacious seating area surrounding the kitchen, including counter-height stools and a large, round dining table.
Again, this space is perfect for spending time together as a family group whether you're swimming, reading, watching television or preparing a meal.
And most importantly, you are surrounded by jungle with stunning views of the lush, green mountainside with the ocean just beyond.
Comfortable and Cozy Sleeping Quarters
A second, separate building houses the sleeping rooms. Rooms include one master bedroom with attached bathroom, and two rooms, each with 2 Queen beds joined by a shared bathroom. A massive verandah is open to the view, and a small refrigerator and sink area located down in this area as well.
While the main living area is open air and no locked doors at all, the bedroom building does lock from the inside, and includes a large metal door that can be locked when everyone goes to bed for the night.
However, security is not a problem in this area. The sleeping structure is raised well off the ground and locks securely, and the entire area of Portasol is gated and can only be accessed by approved vehicles.
Enjoy the little community of Portalon
I love getting off the main road and seeing local communities, anywhere in the world. En route to Portasol, you'll drive through the village of Portalon.
Getting here from Quepos, the nearest city and the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, is easy. Casa De Paz is located about 30 minutes south of Quepos town. This is an ideal location away from the crowds of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and closer to the beaches of Dominical.
If you plan to book Casa De Paz, be sure you have a 4×4 vehicle. While the roads are all in fine condition, the mountainside home is accessed via a gravel road at a steep grade.
Bonus Tip: Don't miss the on-property waterfall! Follow the signs to Cazuela Park. Here you'll find a sweet little park where you can walk down a short trail to find your own private waterfall and refreshing swimming hole. When we stayed in Manuel Antonio town at Parador, one of the activities was to visit this waterfall. Instead of paying to come here with a guide, head here on your own for free while staying at Casa De Paz in Portasol! You'll likely have the place to yourself! If you want more waterfall action, drive to the nearby town of Uvita for another great waterfall experience.
Have you spent time in theManuel Antonio area with your family? Where did you stay?