Soak Up The Manuel Antonio High Vibes
By Amber Zuckswert
What is it about Manuel Antonio that’s so special? Why do thousands of Costa Rican’s and tourists return again and again to this tiny tropical oasis every year? Perhaps it’s the monkeys swinging in the trees, or the warm rolling waves. Maybe it’s the countless adventures to be had, or the friendly smiling faces. No matter what you specifically enjoy most about Manuel Antonio, we all agree that magic is afoot. The soothing and grounding energy here is palpable. The high vibes rub off on you upon arrival. Below are just a few of the many ways I encourage you immerse in the astounding beauty of Manuel Antonio.
1.) Nourish: Eating healthy delicious food is critical to maintaining abundant energy for all of your planned activities. The freshest, highest quality, and locally grown meals are served up at Cafe Milagro, Z Gastro Bar, The Runaway Grill, Oh! Diosas and Emilio’s Cafe. Craving a superfood smoothie? Look no further than Z at the Marina. Sip on local organic gourmet coffee and taste the plethora of vegan options at Cafe Milagro. Sample the freshest fish of the day with a gigantic salad at The Runaway Grill. Emilio’s Cafe has a view to live for and decadent desserts to dazzle your tastebuds. Grab a vibrant smoothie and nosh tacos galore at Odiosas.
2.) Adventure: Surf, paddle, hike, kayak, sail, and zip line your way through the lush rainforest and aquamarine waves. Manuel Antonio is a haven for thrill seekers. Need to rent a board or higher a guide for a play day in the sun? There are numerous companies that cater to your every need and desire. Stand up paddle board through the mangroves and small coves along the coast, or jump off a waterfall with Paddle 9. Rent a surf board and catch your first wave with Manuel Antonio Surf School. Fly through the tree top canopies on the brand new jungle coaster across from Hotel Costa Verde. The real question is, how much can you fit in?
3.) Rejuvenate: Peace and serenity prevail in the secluded rainforest hideaways and cove beaches of Manuel Antonio. Immerse in nature and relax. There’s nothing like a deep tissue therapeutic massage on the beach to sooth rattled nerves and release stress. You’ll find numerous massage therapists scattered throughout Manuel Antonio main beach. Spa Holis offers several spa services including facials, body wraps, and massage. When in doubt call Todd Pequeen or Silvia Gfeller. They have the most experience in town. Their hands truly heal and they will come to you. Can life get much better?
4.) Connect: Meet new friends and gather your tribe at the vast array of night life venues in town. Lush, a hip and modern lounge with sweeping panoramic views, is the newest addition to Manuel Antonio. Gather for drinks at sunset and gear up for a night of dancing. Just wandering up and down main street you’ll hear live music drifting from Cafe Milagro and Emilio’s. Check their schedules for upcoming performances from local musicians. Ready to tear up the dance floor? Look no further than Karma or Zion. No one is watching, just have fun. If playing pool and tossing back a few beers is your preference head to Byblos for ladies night or Barba Roja’s happy hour.
5.) Awaken: Feeling stuck in your patterns and seeking personal growth? There are many local traditions and holistic modalities to be explored and experienced. From restorative yoga classes in the rainforest, to traditional Tamascal sweat lodges, to shamanic healing with sacred plant medicines, there are ways to awaken deeper levels of you. Posada Natura is our closest premier retreat center dedicated to personal growth, healing, and spiritual awakening set in the old growth rainforest of Londres on the Naranjo river. Check out all of their offerings and upcoming retreats at PosadaNatura.com.
With so much to do and so little time to enjoy thoroughly what will you choose? Just being here is enough. That is a big step in and of itself. Relax, breath, and smile in this moment. You are here. Sync into the local rhythm and follow your intuition. What is calling you most?
Amber Zuckswert is the founder of Epic Living Retreats and EpicSelf.com Online Wellness Coaching. She offers health, fitness and adventure retreats and training programs around the world, but has created her home base in Manuel Antonio. She’s an internationally recognized online/live pilates, yoga, and dance instructor, holistic nutritionist, and lifestyle design expert from San Francisco. Amber loves nothing more then teaching her passions and empowering people to dramatically upgrade their life through mind-body fitness, peak performance nutrition, cultural immersion and adventure. Read about and register for one of her upcoming retreats or events on EpicSelf.com or call (506)-8565-4815.