Susan is our wonderful concierge at Manuel Antonio Vacation Rentals.  She is the primary person who will assist you during your stay at our Manuel Antonio beach vacation rentals.

How did you come to live in Costa Rica?

I traveled to Costa Rica in 1993 on a student work visa after graduating university.  I tried to leave three times, traveling for up to 6 months at a time, but could never find any place that I liked better than this!

As a concierge, what are your main responsibilities?

Catering to guests’ needs onsite, custom fitting vacation plans and activities to each group’s special needs, trying to make the traveling process as smooth and easy as possible.

Some of the specific responsibilities that I attend to on a daily basis include: Airport transfers, chef services, tours, spa services, car rentals, shopping and dining recommendations, emergency contact for guests families, organizing special activity requests, etc.

I try to fulfill all of the guests wishes…such as flowers, champagne, party decorations for special occasions, extra beds, specialty baby equipment, etc.

What are the favorite parts of your job?

Meeting inspirational and interesting people when they are at their happiest and most relaxed – on vacation!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Juggling timing and details to make everything appear seamless.  Being on call 24/7 for months at a time.  I’m so grateful to have an extended family here.  It is a huge asset in helping with child care in moments of emergency, when I have to unexpectedly run out the door to attend to a guest’s need.

What are some of your favorite memories of working with clients?

Being able to share such a special experience with so many families, being a small part of the memories that will likely be some of the happiest moments people have, as they experience new things…this is what makes my job so special.

A few of my favorite memories…

–A vow renewal ceremony for a couple who had been married for 40 years.

–The glow in the eyes of an 81 year old man as he tells me about fighting a single sailfish for one whole day!

–Monkeys dancing on the balconies during check in, sloths in the trees, iguanas running around the forest floor – it’s all real and so very special!

There’s also something so special in seeing how so many people feel right at home immediately.  It’s easy to “get” Costa Rica, in a way that many other foreign places are not.

Do you have clients that return every year? 

Yes, and it’s great.  Like having friends visit without having to make up the guest room.  It validates the feeling that I have that this is a special and wonderful place, unlike no other.

What is your typical day like? What types of requests do you normally handle?

Nothing is typical.  My phone can start ringing at dawn, and keep ringing all day, or it can be silent for days in a row.  I prefer it ringing, so that I know what’s happening.  Requests for taxis, coordinating menus and shopping with chefs, an occasional delay on a tour pick up, restaurant recommendations,  occasional doctor’s visits or pharmacy runs, playing “what’s this species” with the guests as they see more new birds and animals every day.  Every day is different and I love it!

Do you have a favorite rental? 

I can’t play favorites.  Each of our Manuel Antonio Vacation Rentals have something unique and endearing.  Beach House’s beachfront location, Elsa has an amazing modern tree house feel with no fourth wall, Colibri’s extensive playground and pool rancho area, Casa de Agua’s cool, peaceful ambience, Bellamar’s quiet seclusion and great use of space, and Casa Anjali’s over the top elegance and view – they are all awesome!

Each one offers something different.

I’m so very grateful that I get to work in such a beautiful place and meet so many great people.  It truly is one of the best jobs to have and definitely the best place for a Costa Rica vacation!

Featuring some of the most impressive landscapes of the world, including several coves with many white sand beaches, Manuel Antonio attracts surfers, swimmers, birders, and ecotourists.

The post Meet Susan, our Manuel Antonio Vacation Rentals Concierge… appeared first on Manuel Antonio Vacation Rentals.