Forbes Magazine declared Manuel Antonio National Park one of the most beautiful national parks in the world in 2011, and it comes as no surprise. With its paradisiac beaches, a myriad of mangroves, and outstanding mountain ranges, the beauty of this eclectic town is unmatched. This has brought a diversity of visitors to experience the charms of this coastal town in first person; everything from backpackers, retirees, and of course, savvy investors.
The divergent topography offering rainforest coupled with hills and beaches give you everything can think of; lively nightlife, quiet and serene communities, and the most beautiful beaches. Manuel Antonio and Quepos have made it a priority to adjust to the continuous demands of travelers and visitors, with the municipality investing in its infrastructure by building new streets and giving maintenance to existing ones, the domestic airport helping to shorten the two-hour drive from San José to Quepos to a 25-minute flight, and the efforts of ensuring public transportation reaches every corner of this charming small town.
But more than a haven for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, Manuel Antonio and its diverse offer of entertainment and scenic beauty have investors from all over the world seeking the best opportunities with the highest return on investment; some look for hospitality businesses that can be managed from afar, others look for a place where they can retire and receive a passive income, but more than anything, investors are looking for a safe bet: properties with solid profit potential.
Naturally, there are a variety of options out there from which to choose from. So, let’s start by overviewing some of the most diverse opportunities currently on the market:
Hotel Byblos
A boutique hotel and resort in Manuel Antonio, Hotel Byblos is a lucrative operation that includes lodging and casino services, with plenty of room to be expanded into something bigger if the owner wishes so. It is nestled amidst the jungle but still offers astounding views of the ocean. It also includes an impeccable maintenance record, a sophisticated system featuring online reservations, inventory management, and reporting, and an administrative team boasting the best of the Costa Rican talent; meaning, customer-service-oriented attitude, friendliness, and talent. Something important to mention is that even though the business possesses a license to operate a casino, it is not being exploited currently, which means that aside from being a reliable income generator, it has the potential to produce more. The clincher? Its location! Right at the heart of Manuel Antonio, it offers walking distance to beaches and restaurants, as well as easy access provided by its commercial frontage road. However, your guests are sure to enjoy the best of Manuel Antonio without having to leave the premises, as its own sports bar gathers a myriad of visitors at night, all sorts of wildlife sightings are often reported, and the two restaurants on the grounds offer the best of local and international food.
Located only 10 minutes off the road that connects Quepos and Marina Pez Vela, this compound of ten luxurious condos, including the restaurant, have been managed as a hotel despite its nature. This means that if you’re interested in purchasing a property like this, you get the opportunity to choose whether you want to continue renting the condos in the form of villas, sell them individually, sublet the restaurant or integrate it into your service, or do a combination of all of the above. The distribution of the villas is also very favorable; the first level offers garden-view villas that can sleep up to 6, very popular amongst families with children because of its spacious nature. The pool villas are set up with dual sleeping areas which allow for a larger lodging capacity, and the top level hosts two spacious condos fully equipped with kitchen, living areas, and stunning views of both the rainforest and the mountains. If you’re looking for solid returns, and flexibility in ownership in one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations, then this is it.
Wide Mouth Frog
This hotel/hostel is one of the most successful lodging operations in Manuel Antonio, with a myriad of accommodation options that range from private suites to dorm rooms. This business has proven to be successful thanks to its diversity, where affordable rooms have managed to keep the business profitable even amidst a world pandemic. Currently, the owners manage it from afar, allowing a property management company to fully oversee the operation while they receive more of a passive income. Of course, the potential for higher income is always present, as new owners can decide whether to manage it themselves for higher profits. Its location is also privileged, as markets, restaurants, and the world-known Marina Pez Vela are all within walking distance.
Manuel Antonio’s boom in real estate is more than justifiable, its beauty, diversity, and access to amenities have made it a world-known tourist destination but also a haven for investors. As a result, the real estate market in Manuel Antonio is just as diverse as its topography: bound to satisfy the needs of even the most critical buyers. So, if you think none of the options discussed before call your attention, contact us to give you more personalized guidance. The opportunities that this small town has to offer are unsurpassed, and we can guarantee you’ll find the investment opportunity you have always dreamed of.