Reviews of Beachfront Paradise
Barrio Cocal, casa negra el frente mar juntos casa Gena, 60601 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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Reviewed: 1 February 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewNone
Beachfront paradise is a misnomer and very far from reality. The accommodation is basically a tent, in a bad condition. Everything was dirty, I think they don't clean it at all, just rent. The bed is very uncomfortable, it is very close to the door, since there is not much space in the whole tent, accessible to all animals or anyone, does not feel cozy nor safe. Bathroom is horrible, with a shower next to the toilet without any separation. The whole neighborhood is far from touristic, you can approach the tent on a bumpy sand road and walk to it among broken houses with chickens and scratching dogs all around. The area is stinky and in the evening people make campfires from coconut leaves all around the coastline, hence smoke covers the whole beach. I attached some photos that illustrate conditions. While payment is due much earlier than check-in, we actually left it immediately upon arrival and booked another hotel in Quepos loosing the money. I would also not dare to leave the rental car on the road.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We genuinely appreciate all comments as they help us improve and ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. It's important to remember that what may be heaven for one person might be different for another. We do our best to be transparent in our property description, including the local practice of recycling, which sometimes involves burning coconut leaves at night, creating a unique ambiance. Our accommodation is not a tent, but a glamping experience designed to be aerodynamic and cool. The entire site was refurbished just a month ago, with new carpets and plush bedding. Cleanliness is a priority, and our glamping site is very clean and well-maintained. The fishing village nearby might not match the expectations of all travelers, but it is a genuine representation of the local culture in Central and South America. Safety is also a top concern, and we have CCTV cameras installed. We've been here for years, and we have not encountered any safety incidents. Our place is intended for those who appreciate a bohemian lifestyle and enjoy the company of animals, insects, and the beach. It's one of the most affordable options in Manuel Antonio, catering to nature lovers. We offered secure parking at Parqueo de Gustavo, as described in the profile and letters, as well as street parking. We're sorry to hear you chose not to stay at all and canceled and therefore did not fully experience what we have to offer. Reviews should ideally reflect a fair chance to experience the accommodation, and we provided a turtle hatching tour and other activities that could enhance your stay. We encourage guests to read the property description thoroughly to ensure it matches their expectations. We hope you find the perfect spot for your next visit and wish you safe and happy travels! 🌴🏖️ Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We genuinely appreciate all comments as they help us improve and ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. It's important to remember that what may be heaven for one person might be diff… Show more
Reviewed: 27 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewThe wifi was excellent, toilet and shower both worked really well and the beach was really beautiful at sunset. We appreciated the tap water being high quality. The netting did a fine job at keeping bugs out and there was ample shade over our place with a nice wind blowing from the ocean. Our neighbors were nice as were the dogs that hung around the property.
The property address is listed as Manuel Antonio and I feel important to say it is certainly not and should be corrected. "Surf shack in Quepos" would feel far more approriate of a title. It is in a more remote place called Cocal which is accessed through ferry, our taxi refused to drive down the rough dirt road which is the only car access. The area is underdeveloped and I didn't feel particularly safe as a girl walking through the street alone at night as there seems to be a lot of drunk men starring and making comments. I saw hardly any other tourists and there was an overall sense of unease walking around. At night there was a rooster directly behind our place (next to our heads) crowing nonstop from 3am-7:15 (I wore noise canceling earplugs with music and still had trouble sleeping. The mattress was one of the worst I've slept on, it felt like sleeping directly on springs
Yes the view of sea is beautiful. So glad you got so much beautiful drone footage of the sea, it is a travel influencers dream. Regarding the location, each hotel is put on map according to its distance from Manuel Antonio center and ours is actually one of the closest to the center in kilometers. Totally this is a place for surfers it has one of the best beaches. People especially come here because they do not want to be surrounded by tourists, sellers vending products on beaches. They want peace and quiet and to be alone, romantically in their private bungalow, private tiny pool. You are right, the sea breeze is so cool. This area is actually an animal sanctuary and therefore has been preserved so there’s not much activity here on purpose, it is part of the sustainability/ conservation laws. There is car access via road, we suggest 4x4 as over the majority of Costa Rica are secondary roads. Another option is via ferry, 3000 people access the ferry daily which is more like a boat over a tiny river that takes 30 seconds as is described above on the website, but cars cross daily too, open all 24 hours. It is on a partial island, which makes the trip enjoyable as it is so pretty and Island Damas is an island paradise for exploration. There are also baby turtle release, alligator tours and mangrove animal, eg sloth, owls tours and chocolate, herbal, fishing, whale, dolphin, paragliding helicopter, catamaran, waterslide, beach horseback riding, butterfly tours, the longest zip line in Central America, exclusive to the island or nearest to and we have produced a list for budget inclined backpackers. It can be a culture shock the men, women inequality, in Central America it is common for men to make passes but it is far more so in India and Africa in my opinion and others, which some people like and some do not …I found my charismatic handsome husband here…This is a fishing village, farm area and in fact the MAJORITY of Costa Rica is farmland, conservation land and with that comes roosters, monkey, parrot sounds, hence we write in automated letters…tell people to bring noise canceling headphones or sleeping pharmaceuticals pills….which is essential for international travel, planes, busses too… although most often the sound of the waves creates lovely, peaceful, white noise for sleep…and most of the time the roosters do not crow or very little…and advise re animals on this profile as well, which is the reason people come here, to learn about animal sanctuaries, permaculture, how to live off grid, on farms, engage in other peoples cultures, learning about how they live so long, their healthy diet, pura vida approach. I actually like the sound of the roosters, animals, which roam freely, aren’t trapped. When the birds sing in the morning they open the soma in the leaves via frequencies and that grants us the ability to breathe, so when I hear the beautiful sounds of parrots and other birds chirping, I find myself so grateful for the beauty of this earth and all included, that bind us in this amazing tapestry we call life. We could have swopped you to another room mattress wise if you had asked us, some like soft, some hard, you prefer foam over orthopedic. Yes the WiFi is extremely good as we work in the computer industry too so we need super fast access for remote work. Glad you liked the private toilet, shower, netting, the shade, the sweet neighbors and the high quality tap water. It is the best in the world. We love the sustainability practices, energy conservation, animal preservation, fishing sustainability that our kind community offers us and the world. Plus as an added bonus most food here is Nicaraguan, Costa Rican fusión, so it is half or less than half the price of everywhere else but equally delicious…Pura Vida…Happy Day..
Yes the view of sea is beautiful. So glad you got so much beautiful drone footage of the sea, it is a travel influencers dream. Regarding the location, each hotel is put on map according to its distance from Manuel Antonio center and ours … Show more
Reviewed: 16 December 2023 · Stayed in December 2023
Verified reviewSite
Nothing
Reviewed: 9 December 2023 · Stayed in December 2023
Verified reviewLocation at the beachfront was amazing. Empty beach in the morning doing my morning walk. Simple place to stay but Nice glamping feeling
Reviewed: 2 May 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewThe location. On the beach and in the adorable City of Cocal, the location was amazing!
Everything else. It was not as advertised and then the property said we canceled.
Reviewed: 30 April 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewThe village of El Cocal is just lovely. The bungalow is right on the beach, the view is just speechless. It's so peaceful, gives you the impression of being alone on an island, I loved it. Of course it is very essential and you have to deal with some bugs and animals, but that's part of the experience if you love nature and want to live for a couple of days on a Costa Rican beach. It was also really easy to find, you just have to walk on the beach. Andrey was amazing, he really took care of me in the best way possible and helped me with everything I needed. He was so precious. I loved spending some time chatting with him and playing with his lovely dogs and cat. They really made my stay even more pleasant. I highly recommend this experience to all of you nature and beach lovers. Pura vida!
Reviewed: 21 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 17 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewI was there for a week and really enjoyed the incredible location. The hostess Vanessa was incredibly friendly and helpful when I had any questions. The beach is really great and only about 40 metres from the bungalow. I definitely recommend it to others!
Reviewed: 11 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewI felt immediately home
Reviewed: 6 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewGreat spot away from the tourist areas to experience the Costa Rica vibe. Beautiful beach that feels like you've nearly got it to yourself. Surf shack type room has everything you need including a small pool to dip in to cool off. Glad we experienced this place.
Reviewed: 26 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewNeesha and Bryan were amazing hosts, the constant view of the the beach and the sunsets. We’ve never seen anything like those sunsets before. The people in the area are also amazing, Larry brought us food in the morning and we’ve spent some great nights at the bar. 10/10 would recommend to anyone and we can’t wait to come back. Thank you, Alex and Deeanna
n/a
Reviewed: 22 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewI loved the location and the price. Right on the beach. Neesha and Brians hospitality and warmth was more than I ever expected! Chef Larry's food is great. I had a small pool and a fan to circulate air.
Really nothing.
Reviewed: 20 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewVery unique accom with beautiful sunset.
It is not easy to find it..
Thanks Pavlina I love your traveling photos! Great suggestion GPS and internet are essential in finding the place via the booking.com map as Costa Rica does not have a numbering street system. The sunsets are our favorite part especially when swimming in the sea, so much color. Luckily theres only one road on the beach... and only one place with a big black fence so even without a map one should be able to find it if using photos as the taxis and locals know it is the one with pools.
Thanks Pavlina I love your traveling photos! Great suggestion GPS and internet are essential in finding the place via the booking.com map as Costa Rica does not have a numbering street system. The sunsets are our favorite part especially wh… Show more