My boyfriend and I (both in our 40's...divorced...with kids..need a break!) are coming to Costa Rica in January for what we hope to be a fun, romantic and relaxing vacation. We need advice where we can find beautiful beaches, great food and nightlife....not crazy nightlife but enough to keep us entertained for 5 or 6 days. Recommendations for romantic hotels/resorts (not all inclusive) preferably on the beach...with an awesome pool would be appreciated. Willing to pay $250.00 or less per night for us both. I'm hoping someone can help!

Thanks!

I've stayed at Tulemar in Manuel Antonio twice. There are the Tulemar Bungalows and the Buena Vista Villas at Tulemar, both the same place. There is a good restaurant, 2 very nice pools, and a wonderful private beach for Tulemar guests only. Manuel Antonio, south of Tulemar, is a cute little touristy town with lively nightlife and the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. Jaco, to the north, is similar without the park. Quepos, the nearest larger town, has pretty much everything you might want, like a bank, supermarket, pharmacy, lots of stores, etc.

A lot of people love and recommend Si Como No. It's pretty, and has a couple of decent restaurants and shops, but it's very "Disneyesque" and the only things real there are the plants and lizards.

The main thing you need to know about that part of Costa Rica is that it's one of the most important tourism areas and therefore home to a lot of petit thievery. If you are sensible and pay attention to what's going on around you and your stuff you will be fine. NEVER leave anything valuable in sight in your car when you leave it.

Spike