Why get a tiny hotel room when you can get an entire condo for the same price? Club del Sol Luxury Condominiums are the perfect getaway for a romantic interlude, a business retreat, or a family vacation. Their sixteen spacious one and two bedroom residences are located at the south end of Jaco, only a block from the ocean and just across from Carton Surf Shop.  At night it is far enough away from the center of town to enjoy a tranquil evening and during the day you can relax by the pool and look up into the mountainous rainforest, catching glimpses of scarlet macaws and toucans in the trees while deciding which of the many adventures to do in the area.

It was remarkable to see the high level to customer service that the staff showed throughout my stay. When I arrived the security guard helped me with my bags and the manager gave me a tour of the condominium. I was shown the new washer and dryer and the spare bedroom with two twin beds, taught how to work the LCD screen TV and DVD players, and how to access the free wireless internet. The manager explained they offer daily maid service and during the day can help arrange any tours or transfers needed. Some options they gave were guided visits to Manuel Antonio National Park, surf lessons, ATV tours, and zipline canopy tours.

As for the inside, it was designed for a corporate CEO – with his or her friends and family in mind as well. The beds were enormous and the rooms almost soundproof, making for ideal sleeping conditions. Each room was appointed with custom made furniture designed for comfort and relaxation. In the living room they had an extensive DVD collection with many recent hit features and comedy classics, and a small selection of books as well. The kitchen was fully equipped with a full size fridge and freezer, gas stove, microwave, and tastefully decorated with wood cabinets, ceramic backsplashes, and marble counters. All of the rooms had ceiling fans and air conditioners, and the living room and master bedroom had beautiful wooden French doors which opened on to a private patio and tropical garden.

Beyond the garden in the main courtyard was a free form pool with two mini-waterfalls in the center. The falling rivulets gave just the right amount of pressure for massaging my shoulders and neck after a long day in the water surfing.  The staff provided oversized plush cotton towels for the pool and the deck furniture allowed for sunbathing and socializing in the shade. If I wanted a little extra treatment for sore limbs, I could have asked for one of their healing spa treatments, the therapist coming right to my residence.

Overall, it was the service and serenity that made Club del Sol so special. Their rates were affordable too, starting at $85 for a one bedroom condo in the Green Season  or  $130 for a two bedroom. To make your own reservations, just visit – www.clubdelsoljaco.com or call 1-877-679-7134. Check back to their website often since they are promoting some Spring Break and Easter holiday specials.

 By Greg Gordon – travel@crsurf.com