When I first set foot on Villas Jacquelina property with the intention of staying for a month, I had no real preconceived notion about what my stay would be like. Admittedly, the photos made the place look very welcoming, and the rave reviews inevitably elevated my expectations of the place to an extent. However, I have learned to manage my expectations prior to checking into a hotel I have never been to. You just never know.
The latter proved especially true for me at Villas Jacquelina. I truly did
not know what I was walking into. From the moment I made my way up the steps to the first terrace, I knew I was home. With the chill music playing at reception when you walk in, and the relaxing mood lighting on the terrace - this place is immediately a vibe.
I also get the sense I am not the only one who has felt this way about Villas Jacquelina, as I quickly learned that many other guests were staying for extended periods of time as well. Without any real reason to leave a place that feels so welcoming, many guests during my time there continued to extend their stays.
While there are many guests who stayed just a few nights and carried on with their travels, I spoke to many who wished they hadn’t had pre-set plans and could have stayed longer. There are so many qualities about the place that make it perfect for a long-term vacation rental.
To start, the two fully-equipped kitchens are perfect for making home cooked meals as opposed to eating out. Many hotels simply don’t have the facilities to accommodate a long-term stay, and this is something that is important to me when looking for a place to stay. While I didn't stay in one of the fully-furnished apartments, Villas Jacquelina also has apartments with their own private kitchens.
Also, remote workers and digital nomads can make use of the variety of working spaces. The downstairs terrace is the perfect place to settle in and feel like you are working in the jungle. There are also multiple indoor areas to set up camp and get some work done. Villas Jacquelina has the work space and WiFi to support a handful of remote workers and students during my time here. With 200 MBPS wifi speed and google nest routers throughout the property, there is rarely any problems with WIFI connectivity.
The location of Villas Jacquelina is another reason this place is an ideal spot to settle in longer term. While it is only a 10 minute walk into town and the nearest grocery store, it is tucked away in the jungle, with a handful of other homes around, giving it a slightly more residential feel while still being steps away from the liveliness of Quepos. The serenity of the surroundings are just what you need for a good night’s sleep.
One of the quickest things to go when traveling long term is an exercise or workout routine. Without the proper space to exercise, it can be oh so easy to make excuses and push its importance aside. One of my favorite things about staying at Villas Jacquelina for a month was the ability to keep my workout routine on track. The upstairs terrace is perfect for working out and even has resistance bands, gymnastics/suspension rings, and a barbell. This terrace is also commonly used for yoga - and if you don't travel with a yoga mat, Villas Jacquelina has some available for rent. I loved using the space for a morning or late afternoon HIIT workout, followed by a swim in the pool. Organized rooftop stretches were part of the activity offerings at the hotel as well; these were a great addition to my workout routine and a great way to meet other guests.
Villas Jacquelina occupies its own particular niche; while it is far from being a party hostel, the common areas are perfectly conducive to socializing. As cheesy as this sounds, it feels like the hostel somehow emits an energy that attracts only respectful, friendly guests. As someone who was staying long-term, I loved how many fantastic people I was able to meet from all over the world; I truly didn’t encounter anyone I didn’t enjoy speaking to. The fact that there were other long-term dwellers at the hotel as well gave it a very familial feel. When staying in a hotel or hostel for an extended period of time, it feels important to have sufficient privacy but also to be able to socialize. Villas Jacquelina did just that. So many great evenings were spent with friends and other travelers hanging out and chatting over a few drinks on one the common terraces, and everyone respectfully quieted down after 10pm to allow for a great night’s sleep.
Every minute of my time here felt like a home away from home. Being able to work, relax in the beautiful common areas and hammocks, socialize, and make wonderful connections for life with both the staff and the guests made Villas Jacquelina the perfect hotel to settle in for my long-term stay in Quepos/Manuel Antonio.