This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
Croc's Resort & Casino is a four-pearl resort located on the northern end of Jaco Beach. The hotel’s 152 rooms are subtly stylish, and include mini-fridges, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs, but some guests report outside rooms can suffer from nightclub noise and/or musty smells. True to its name, Croc’s showpiece is its casino, but the resort also includes a lagoon-shaped pool with arched wooden bridges, multiple restaurants and bars, a lovely spa, and a modern conference center. It offers little in the way of local character, but guests seeking an upscale resort with plenty of on-site entertainment will likely be satisfied. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities with the nearby all-inclusive Best Western Jaco Beach, which is one of the area’s only other large resorts, but it's less polished overall.
Open since 1980, Hotel Condovac la Costa is one of the oldest time-share properties in Guanacaste. With 107 one- and two-bedroom apartments, multiple pools, a kids' club, and an optional all-inclusive meal plan, Condovac attracts a lot of families, many of whom are locals. Though the beach isn’t within walking distance, the hotel’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Playa Hermosa. The infinity-edge pool is gorgeous and kitchens are well-equipped, but room decor is dated, the restaurant receives mixed reviews, and the property shows signs of age throughout. Another drawback is the steep hill that separates rooms from the public areas, though there are shuttles that make trips around the property. Nearby Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel is completely flat and has better food, but nightly rates are more expensive.
Open since 1980, Hotel Condovac la Costa is one of the oldest time-share properties in Guanacaste. With 107 one- and two-bedroom apartments, multiple pools, a kids' club, and an optional all-inclusive meal plan, Condovac attracts a lot of families, many of whom are locals. Though the beach isn’t within walking distance, the hotel’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Playa Hermosa. The infinity-edge pool is gorgeous and kitchens are well-equipped, but room decor is dated, the restaurant receives mixed reviews, and the property shows signs of age throughout. Another drawback is the steep hill that separates rooms from the public areas, though there are shuttles that make trips around the property. Nearby Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel is completely flat and has better food, but nightly rates are more expensive.
These four three-pearl villas (plus outdoor pools!) are a stylish alternative for laid-back groups and families in the surf mecca of Santa Teresa. Tucked peacefully in the hills, the contemporary, Southeast Asian-inspired villas range from two- to four-bedroom units, and have full kitchens, patios, and barbecues. Guests don't need a car as they're a five-minute walk to Playa Carmen's waves, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. Charismatic owners Soraya and Trent, go out of their way to provide personable service and will gladly arrange transportation and activities. Not to be missed: Trent's guaranteed-to-get-up surf lesson.
These four three-pearl villas (plus outdoor pools!) are a stylish alternative for laid-back groups and families in the surf mecca of Santa Teresa. Tucked peacefully in the hills, the contemporary, Southeast Asian-inspired villas range from two- to four-bedroom units, and have full kitchens, patios, and barbecues. Guests don't need a car as they're a five-minute walk to Playa Carmen's waves, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. Charismatic owners Soraya and Trent, go out of their way to provide personable service and will gladly arrange transportation and activities. Not to be missed: Trent's guaranteed-to-get-up surf lesson.
This intimate, Balinese-inspired resort has 10 villas (one- and two-bedrooms) on the north edge of Santa Teresa. It's no wonder that Pranamar specializes in yoga and surfing -- it has, arguably, the best yoga studio in town (with daily classes), and is within walking distance of some of the area's best waves at Playa Hermosa. Between these activities (hiking and horseback riding are also possible) there is a peaceful pool and breezy beach for hanging out with a drink from the tiki bar. Guests can dine on healthy fare at Buddha Eyes (à la carte breakfasts are included), which turns romantic at night, before heading back to authentic villas made mostly of local wood -- just make sure to close the shades. Couples seeking more privacy should consider neighboring Florblanca Resort.
This intimate, Balinese-inspired resort has 10 villas (one- and two-bedrooms) on the north edge of Santa Teresa. It's no wonder that Pranamar specializes in yoga and surfing -- it has, arguably, the best yoga studio in town (with daily classes), and is within walking distance of some of the area's best waves at Playa Hermosa. Between these activities (hiking and horseback riding are also possible) there is a peaceful pool and breezy beach for hanging out with a drink from the tiki bar. Guests can dine on healthy fare at Buddha Eyes (à la carte breakfasts are included), which turns romantic at night, before heading back to authentic villas made mostly of local wood -- just make sure to close the shades. Couples seeking more privacy should consider neighboring Florblanca Resort.
Situated on the low-key downtown strip in the center of Manuel Antonio, the three-pearl Hotel Mandarina is central to essential services and the town’s most popular restaurants and bars. The hotel offers a number of common amenities, including an outdoor pool and an open-air space where free hot breakfast is served daily. All 12 rooms are designed with a distinctly tico (Costa Rican) decor, plus come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. However, the walls between some rooms are paper thin and the lack of reliable in-room Wi-Fi can prove frustrating. The nearby Hotel Colina offers lusher grounds, a larger pool, and a happening restaurant/bar for lower night rates.
Situated on the low-key downtown strip in the center of Manuel Antonio, the three-pearl Hotel Mandarina is central to essential services and the town’s most popular restaurants and bars. The hotel offers a number of common amenities, including an outdoor pool and an open-air space where free hot breakfast is served daily. All 12 rooms are designed with a distinctly tico (Costa Rican) decor, plus come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. However, the walls between some rooms are paper thin and the lack of reliable in-room Wi-Fi can prove frustrating. The nearby Hotel Colina offers lusher grounds, a larger pool, and a happening restaurant/bar for lower night rates.
Kalapiti Luxury Jungle Suites is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens, a nine-minute drive from Montezuma. There are only two suites, both are infused with Moroccan elements like arched doorways, Arabian windows, and baby-blue paint-washed walls. Expect king or twin beds, cedar accents, paintings of Moroccan streetscapes, and amazing bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and open-air showers. The hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool has a waterslide, a cold-water whirlpool, and lots of lounge chairs. Hotel amenities include a shared chef’s kitchen, an outdoor grill, a steam room, and naturalist trails full of blossoming fruits, herbs, and flowers. The free breakfasts include home baked bread and pastries. There’s nothing like this hotel nearby, but for an oceanfront stay with gorgeous villas and a tasty restaurant, it might be worth the higher rates at Santa Teresa’s (a 35-minute drive) Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.
Kalapiti Luxury Jungle Suites is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens, a nine-minute drive from Montezuma. There are only two suites, both are infused with Moroccan elements like arched doorways, Arabian windows, and baby-blue paint-washed walls. Expect king or twin beds, cedar accents, paintings of Moroccan streetscapes, and amazing bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and open-air showers. The hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool has a waterslide, a cold-water whirlpool, and lots of lounge chairs. Hotel amenities include a shared chef’s kitchen, an outdoor grill, a steam room, and naturalist trails full of blossoming fruits, herbs, and flowers. The free breakfasts include home baked bread and pastries. There’s nothing like this hotel nearby, but for an oceanfront stay with gorgeous villas and a tasty restaurant, it might be worth the higher rates at Santa Teresa’s (a 35-minute drive) Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.