Archival
10/10 Excellent
19 January 2012
Great place for a group gathering
My family of 22 stayed at Encatada for 1 week for a family reunion December 2011.
It is great place for a group as you have the entire resort to yourself! We spent mornings jumping the waves and body surfing in the ocean. We used the boogie boards and took some surfing lessons with Alfredo. The beach is amazing for long walks and collecting shells, beach volleyball and soccer. The sunsets are beautiful. Most afternoons were spent in the pool talking and laughing and having a few cervesas. Evenings we gathered in the large dining area (covered and open air). We listened to music, played our annual chess tournament and cards. Anyone needing to stay in touch could access their WiFi.
Katrina and her staff prepared most of our meals. The food was absolutely amazing and we wished we had arranged for her to do all our meals. The other meals we ate at the local restaurants. They were good but Katrina's were better.
The cabins are basic. They were clean and the sheets and towels are clean and there was daily housekeeping. The air conditioner in one cabin could not keep up to the heat, the showers were older and one did not have hot water. That being said, the only time spent in the room was to sleep and that we all did well. I want you to know that the cabins are basic and rustic. Not to put you off but so that you know what to expect.
Katrina was extremely helpful during our stay. She booked 2 excursions and made reservations for our restaurant dinners. Everyone loved the zip lining and seeing the monkeys in Manuel Antonio park. We had a half hour break at the park to swim but all of us said we would rather be back at our own beach (Encantada) because it was so much better! Being a large group for the excursions, Katrina arranged for transportation to come to pick us up right at Encantada. Katrina was always available to assist with anything we needed and answer any questions we had. We felt we had a local friend to help us. Last but not least about Katrina, we had a medical emergency and Katrina was very knowledgeable and helpful in getting us the emergency care needed. For those concerned about the medical system, the emergency care in Jaco and the medical care at the hosptial in San Jose were A1.
Book Encantada if you are looking for a beautiful beach, amazing food, great pool and a relaxed environment where you can enjoy vacationing with your friends and/or family group. We would not hesitate to return.