Rayna and I had a relaxing drive to Manuel Antonio earlier today. About three and a half hours after getting into our car, we found ourselves at the beach again. We love the beach.

Rayna had heard there was a bathing suit shop in Quepos (just twenty minutes from Manuel Antonio) that makes custom bikinis, so we stopped in before checking into our hotel. With about twenty different top and bottom styles to mix and match and about fifty different fabrics to choose from, Ummará is an amazing shop. We had so much fun trying on various styles and in the end I got both a two piece and a one piece and am so excited to pick them up in just three days!

Back in the car, we drove the last twenty minutes to the Manuel Antonio area and found El Byblos Resort & Casino. What a beautiful place to stay. Our room offers us a lovely view of the pacific, as well as cable TV, air conditioning, a private bath, a mini refrigerator, a large closet and lock box. Further, the property itself is beautiful. There are multiple cabanas, a large pool, a casino, a late-night restaurant/bar as well as the main restaurant called the Jungle Bistro & Pizzeria.

After perusing the hotel, Rayna and I hopped back in the car and tooled around Manuel Antonio. The first glimpse I got of the beach was love at first sight. The warm misty air the blue water, the small breaking waves and the islands just off the coast all made for the perfect picture of tropical paradise and all I could say was, “wow!”

We ate dinner tonight at the Byblos’ Jungle Bistro & Pizzeria. Insalada caprice and their filet minion with a mushroom wine sauce capped off the day nicely. Next to the pool, the restaurant was very comfortable and the staff hospitable. After the long drive, we’re calling it an early evening.

El Byblos Resort & Casino: (506) 777-0411, www.bybloshotelcostarica.com

Visiting Manuel Antonio? See our Quepos and Manuel Antonio Travel Guide.