Everything about the four-and-a-half pearl Makanda by the Sea offers a wow-factor that eclipses almost any other hotel in Manuel Antonio. The lush rain forest surroundings and prime location high above the Pacific Ocean create the feeling of sleeping in a luxurious treehouse village. All 27 rooms are chic and spacious. They come with premium minibars, flat-screen TVs, and panoramic balconies. Villas upgrade to kitchenettes and ocean-view plunge pools. Guests are spoiled with a well-reviewed gourmet poolside restaurant, a swim-up sushi bar, and an intimate spa. Although, the 20-minute walk to Playa Biesanz, sky-high restaurant prices, and hilly grounds could dissuade some. Overall, the Makanda is the kind of place that's going to attract celebrities and influencers -- no kids allowed. While it lacks the same panache, The Preserve at Los Altos offers similar amenities and a kid-friendly atmosphere for around the same rates.
Everything about the four-and-a-half pearl Makanda by the Sea offers a wow-factor that eclipses almost any other hotel in Manuel Antonio. The lush rain forest surroundings and prime location high above the Pacific Ocean create the feeling of sleeping in a luxurious treehouse village. All 27 rooms are chic and spacious. They come with premium minibars, flat-screen TVs, and panoramic balconies. Villas upgrade to kitchenettes and ocean-view plunge pools. Guests are spoiled with a well-reviewed gourmet poolside restaurant, a swim-up sushi bar, and an intimate spa. Although, the 20-minute walk to Playa Biesanz, sky-high restaurant prices, and hilly grounds could dissuade some. Overall, the Makanda is the kind of place that's going to attract celebrities and influencers -- no kids allowed. While it lacks the same panache, The Preserve at Los Altos offers similar amenities and a kid-friendly atmosphere for around the same rates.
Oxygen Jungle Villas is a luxury 12-villa jungle property with a zen-like atmosphere and Balinese decor. The all-glass villas allow for views from every angle while still upholding privacy, either overlooking the ocean or jungle. Also standard are AC, rainfall showers, private terraces, and king-sized canopied beds, but no TVs or telephones. Guest favorites include the small but serene infinity-edge pool, sunsets from the pool and dining deck, and run-ins with wildlife such as monkeys and toucans. Organic spa treatments, a paved hiking path to a private waterfall, and tours are also available. An on-site restaurant serves three meals a day and the bar slings fresh juices and cocktails. The seclusion and exclusivity here are big draws for couples. Travelers wanting a beachfront setting should consider Alma del Pacifico beach Hotel & Spa, though it's not as elegant.
Oxygen Jungle Villas is a luxury 12-villa jungle property with a zen-like atmosphere and Balinese decor. The all-glass villas allow for views from every angle while still upholding privacy, either overlooking the ocean or jungle. Also standard are AC, rainfall showers, private terraces, and king-sized canopied beds, but no TVs or telephones. Guest favorites include the small but serene infinity-edge pool, sunsets from the pool and dining deck, and run-ins with wildlife such as monkeys and toucans. Organic spa treatments, a paved hiking path to a private waterfall, and tours are also available. An on-site restaurant serves three meals a day and the bar slings fresh juices and cocktails. The seclusion and exclusivity here are big draws for couples. Travelers wanting a beachfront setting should consider Alma del Pacifico beach Hotel & Spa, though it's not as elegant.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is a four-pearl hotel located on the outskirts of Manuel Antonio National Park. This remarkable location is combined with impressive eco-conscious practices and upscale amenities. It’s almost impossible not to spot exotic wildlife while dining at one of the resort’s restaurants or lounging by the pools. Not only is it one of the few hotels in the area located on the beach, it has access to two different beaches. The resort’s 38 guest rooms are subtly stylish, offering minibars stocked with generous supplies of Costa Rican treats. For a more luxurious stay, travelers might want to check out Los Altos Beach Resort, which offers huge three-bedroom condos, but the beach is rocky.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is a four-pearl hotel located on the outskirts of Manuel Antonio National Park. This remarkable location is combined with impressive eco-conscious practices and upscale amenities. It’s almost impossible not to spot exotic wildlife while dining at one of the resort’s restaurants or lounging by the pools. Not only is it one of the few hotels in the area located on the beach, it has access to two different beaches. The resort’s 38 guest rooms are subtly stylish, offering minibars stocked with generous supplies of Costa Rican treats. For a more luxurious stay, travelers might want to check out Los Altos Beach Resort, which offers huge three-bedroom condos, but the beach is rocky.
In an area beset with modest hotels and traditional guesthouses, the four-pearl Preserve at Los Altos stands out. The sheer number of resort-style amenities outnumbers the competition. There's an ocean-view restaurant, free breakfast, a sparkling infinity pool, and a hillside spa. The 28 condo-style units are the largest in Manuel Antonio, and include gourmet kitchens, multiple bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, and panoramic ocean views from all the balconies. But the rocky beach, hilly grounds, and pricey room surcharges for more than two guests may push some to look elsewhere. Tulemar Resort is the area’s only comparable lodging, offering similar amenities plus a full-featured beach for around the same rates.
In an area beset with modest hotels and traditional guesthouses, the four-pearl Preserve at Los Altos stands out. The sheer number of resort-style amenities outnumbers the competition. There's an ocean-view restaurant, free breakfast, a sparkling infinity pool, and a hillside spa. The 28 condo-style units are the largest in Manuel Antonio, and include gourmet kitchens, multiple bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, and panoramic ocean views from all the balconies. But the rocky beach, hilly grounds, and pricey room surcharges for more than two guests may push some to look elsewhere. Tulemar Resort is the area’s only comparable lodging, offering similar amenities plus a full-featured beach for around the same rates.
Hotel Pumilio is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located just outside downtown Jaco. Its 10 guest rooms are delightful and modern, and all include outdoor kitchens. These cozy rooms, along with a picturesque pool and a peaceful spa, give the hotel the feel of a relaxing retreat. The only thing Hotel Pumilio doesn’t have going for it is location -- it’s about a 10-minute drive to downtown Jaco and its beach. Guests interested in vacations focused on nightlife and the beach may prefer Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, which is set right on Playa Jaco, but its rooms are less stylish and it doesn’t offer free breakfast.
Hotel Pumilio is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located just outside downtown Jaco. Its 10 guest rooms are delightful and modern, and all include outdoor kitchens. These cozy rooms, along with a picturesque pool and a peaceful spa, give the hotel the feel of a relaxing retreat. The only thing Hotel Pumilio doesn’t have going for it is location -- it’s about a 10-minute drive to downtown Jaco and its beach. Guests interested in vacations focused on nightlife and the beach may prefer Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, which is set right on Playa Jaco, but its rooms are less stylish and it doesn’t offer free breakfast.
Tambor Tropical Beach Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort in Tambor, a sleepy Costa Rican fishing village. The hotel’s 10 air-conditioned suites are made of gorgeous hardwoods and come with platform queen beds, full kitchens with free coffee, and wraparound patios or balconies with pool or ocean views. The sand and rocky beach is a one-minute walk from the resort and a family of scarlet macaws lives in the lush canopy grounds. Hotel amenities include a big freshwater pool with a cold-water whirlpool, a tasty open-air restaurant, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Freebies include a welcome cocktail, daily afternoon surprise dessert, continental breakfast, and airport transfers from the nearby Tambor Airport. For a beachfront all-inclusive stay with two pools, a golf course, three restaurants, and lots of activities, compare rates at the nearby Barcelo Tambor Beach.
Tambor Tropical Beach Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort in Tambor, a sleepy Costa Rican fishing village. The hotel’s 10 air-conditioned suites are made of gorgeous hardwoods and come with platform queen beds, full kitchens with free coffee, and wraparound patios or balconies with pool or ocean views. The sand and rocky beach is a one-minute walk from the resort and a family of scarlet macaws lives in the lush canopy grounds. Hotel amenities include a big freshwater pool with a cold-water whirlpool, a tasty open-air restaurant, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Freebies include a welcome cocktail, daily afternoon surprise dessert, continental breakfast, and airport transfers from the nearby Tambor Airport. For a beachfront all-inclusive stay with two pools, a golf course, three restaurants, and lots of activities, compare rates at the nearby Barcelo Tambor Beach.
This off-the-radar getaway for couples may not be on the beach, but those seeking secluded luxury will love the location high up in the hills, neighbor-free. Ten stylish villas -- all stand-alone and individually decorated -- have private pools with flora, fauna, and ocean views beyond. Most of the focus takes place in the villas themselves, but the hotel has a great home-base where guests come together for food and drink. Meals are often prepared one-on-one from the personable chef, and a chic lounge serves quality cocktails. Four additional villas will be added by the end of 2015, and the group also manages other rental properties like Mel Gibson’s vacation house. But travelers who prefer direct beach access could consider Florblanca Resort.
This off-the-radar getaway for couples may not be on the beach, but those seeking secluded luxury will love the location high up in the hills, neighbor-free. Ten stylish villas -- all stand-alone and individually decorated -- have private pools with flora, fauna, and ocean views beyond. Most of the focus takes place in the villas themselves, but the hotel has a great home-base where guests come together for food and drink. Meals are often prepared one-on-one from the personable chef, and a chic lounge serves quality cocktails. Four additional villas will be added by the end of 2015, and the group also manages other rental properties like Mel Gibson’s vacation house. But travelers who prefer direct beach access could consider Florblanca Resort.
Byblos Resort & Casino is a mid-range pick drawing both families and couples. Rooms range from seven cute freestanding Bungalows tucked into the jungle grounds to 10 slightly dated Deluxe Rooms that overlook the parking lot and street, with the ocean in the distance. Whiteface monkeys are often seen, and howler monkeys are heard, by the outdoor pool. There's an adjacent family-friendly restaurant that serves a free breakfast and offers poolside service. Closer to the hotel entrance is the now closed casino and a lively sports bar that hosts karaoke nights and broadcasts U.S. sports on flat-screen TVs. Expect a five-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Byblos Resort & Casino is a mid-range pick drawing both families and couples. Rooms range from seven cute freestanding Bungalows tucked into the jungle grounds to 10 slightly dated Deluxe Rooms that overlook the parking lot and street, with the ocean in the distance. Whiteface monkeys are often seen, and howler monkeys are heard, by the outdoor pool. There's an adjacent family-friendly restaurant that serves a free breakfast and offers poolside service. Closer to the hotel entrance is the now closed casino and a lively sports bar that hosts karaoke nights and broadcasts U.S. sports on flat-screen TVs. Expect a five-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park.
For those who want fast access to both Manuel Antonio National Park and Manuel Antonio public beach, it doesn't get any closer than three-and-a-half pearl Hotel San Bada, built directly next to the park's entrance and a two-minute walk from the sand. The hotel is large enough to provide separate facilities for families and couples. There's a wonderful adult-only rooftop bar and small pool that provides a sunset happy hour and food service, and a family pool with a waterslide and swim-up bar. Rooms, though spacious and clean, are a bit of a letdown style-wise.
For those who want fast access to both Manuel Antonio National Park and Manuel Antonio public beach, it doesn't get any closer than three-and-a-half pearl Hotel San Bada, built directly next to the park's entrance and a two-minute walk from the sand. The hotel is large enough to provide separate facilities for families and couples. There's a wonderful adult-only rooftop bar and small pool that provides a sunset happy hour and food service, and a family pool with a waterslide and swim-up bar. Rooms, though spacious and clean, are a bit of a letdown style-wise.
Hotel Villa Roca is the place in Manuel Antonio for the LGBT set. Rates are competitive at this small, mid-range property, and the location is convenient for walking to restaurants and bars in the area (though it is a 40-minute trek to Manuel Antonio National Park -- most will prefer to take a taxi). Slightly bland rooms have private balconies with ocean views and flat-screen TVs. Freebies include a solid make-to-order breakfast, easy parking, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests are generally gone during the day but reconvene at the infinity-edge, clothing-optional pool for cocktails and sunset views. The party doesn't last long, as the bar closes early.
Hotel Villa Roca is the place in Manuel Antonio for the LGBT set. Rates are competitive at this small, mid-range property, and the location is convenient for walking to restaurants and bars in the area (though it is a 40-minute trek to Manuel Antonio National Park -- most will prefer to take a taxi). Slightly bland rooms have private balconies with ocean views and flat-screen TVs. Freebies include a solid make-to-order breakfast, easy parking, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests are generally gone during the day but reconvene at the infinity-edge, clothing-optional pool for cocktails and sunset views. The party doesn't last long, as the bar closes early.