Learning to Surf in Costa Rica

Surfing lesson at Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

It’s been a long day learning to surf in Costa Rica. I can barely lift my arms above my shoulders. My knees are red raw. As are my ribs. My back feels like I’ve been bent over breaking rocks with a chain gang. I can taste salt and I still have sand in my hair. … Read more

Monkey Business – Our Friends in Manuel Antonio

Monkeys in Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Monkey Business — Our Friends in Manuel Antonio. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

How open to the elements were the holiday rental properties we stayed in at Manuel Antonio? Susan, our brilliant concierge suggested we leave a light on at night on each floor of Casa Elsa “so the bats don’t think it’s a cave”. She wasn’t joking. But there certainly was plenty of monkey business. At the second … Read more

Our Home Away from Home in Costa Rica #2

Manuel Antonio Beach Holiday House Rental. Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Our second home away from home in Costa Rica is called The Beach House. Now, there are plenty of resorts in this neck of the jungle that attach the name ‘beach’ to their title as often as they do ‘spa’. Some may well have a spa, but most are generally not on the beach. The Beach House couldn’t … Read more

A Sweet Spice Tour to Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation in Costa Rica

Spice tour of Villa Vanilla, Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Copyright © 2022 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

It doesn’t take long after starting our sweet spice tour of the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation, just 10 miles east of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, before we see spices hanging out to dry and we’re inhaling the heady aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa. Aaahhh. These two food lovers are in spice heaven. Our lovely … Read more