Villa Roca Boutique Resort & Suites-ADULT ONLY

We wanted somewhere in Costa Rica where we could relax but still get out for activities like zip lining and ATVing, and Manuel Antonio was perfect for that. It’s close to beautiful beaches, the national park, and other activities. We stayed at the Villa Roca for a week and loved it. The property and grounds are beautiful, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We’d definitely return.

We stopped by from down the road just to check out the pool, and ended up having such a great time that we’ll definitely be back as long as Alberto is around. The day pass cost $25 per person and came with a $25 food and drink voucher, so it felt like free pool access. The pool has an incredible jungle and ocean view. We saw parasailers, which inspired us to go parasailing that afternoon. There was plenty of shade, plus sunny pool chairs if you wanted to tan. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were fantastic, but Alberto really made the visit. He was kind and funny, made us incredible drinks, recommended parasailing, and even called the scores while judging my husband and me messing around with synchronized swimming in the pool, ha ha. He really embodied the Pura Vida lifestyle we love about Costa Rica.

The people running the hotel are very nice, the views are incredible, and the location is convenient for restaurants and bars. We booked thinking it was LGBTQ+, but it isn’t anymore, and that really changed the vibe of our whole vacation. The place is barely hanging on and needs a major renovation. The rooms are very dated, the bathrooms tiny, the shower leaked all over the floor, and our toilet barely flushed. Our towels had hairballs on them and the drawers were broken. The pool area is tiny too, with missing tiles and broken chairs, and the gardens need tending. The included continental breakfast was just a plate of fruit and a piece of toast, so we had to order and pay for breakfast. I would never stay here again.

The hillside layout means there are steps if you get one of the lower rooms, but we thought the privacy and view made it worth it. The pool staff were friendly, the views fabulous, and our included continental breakfast was great. They also had the best non-alcoholic piña colada I’ve had anywhere, made with fresh coconut. Yum!