Makanda by the Sea

Sitting in 11 acres of its own private nature reserve and bookended by the stunning Playa Espadilla and Playitas beach, Arenas del Mar is a superb hotel for enjoying the delights of Manuel Antonio National Park which is within walking distance.

The rooms, of which there are 38, are all well equipped with private balconies looking out onto the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastal islands. As a leader in the trend of sustainable hotels in this country, Arenas del Mar prides itself on its eco-conscious practices and ethos and the service is both friendly and efficient.

The two restaurants at the hotel place a strong emphasis on fresh, wholesome and local food. The menus showcase gourmet Costa Rican cuisine and responsibly-caught seafood. There are also delicious vegetarian and vegan options available.

There are a number of tours and activities to choose from so you can really take advantage of all that the area has to offer (and it offers a lot) or simply relax on the hotel’s private beach, at the poolside or indulge in a spa treatment or two.

Perched on the Punta Quepos promontory, this luxury eco-hotel is just a short walk from the beach, and a 15-minute drive from Manuel Antonio National Park. Surrounded by 12 acres of lush rainforest, the hotel is surrounded by a wide variety of nature trails which take you close to the region’s stunning wildlife and lead to clifftop views.

The resort’s 129 spacious rooms and suites blend a relaxed tropical style with contemporary comfort, and some include private balconies. The décor and grand style of the hotel is more European than Costa Rican with conquistador and Hispanic influences. High ceilings, heavy and ornate wood furniture with a touch of faded glamour does hold a certain homage to the colonial past. The rooms are well-appointed with the modern amenities, although if you are after a spacious, light room with a good view of the ocean or gardens then anything above the category of premium plus is recommended.

Whether you’re craving seafood, Mediterranean specialities or heaty local dishes, you’ll find it at the resort’s three ocean-view eateries. From casual light meals, to private dining, there are a range of options. And at the end of the day, spend some time recounting tales of your Costa Rican adventures at one of the four bars.

While away the hours at the swimming pools, on the tennis courts, or on go exploring through the rainforest. There is also a selection of adventure sports to choose from, like zip lining, white water rafting, horse riding, kayaking and jet skiing. Then treat yourself to beauty treatments or relaxation therapies at the spa.

Nonchalantly set in its own private nature reserve, Gaia stands out in the Manuel Antonio resort area as a very stylish and modern hotel with that intimate boutique twist.

The hotel’s immersion commands wonderful seclusion, tranquillity and uninterrupted rooftop views, making Gaia a perfect hideaway for honeymooners or for those looking for style, privacy and pampering. Its minimal design and luxury are in stark contrast to the tangled jungle packed around it. The 20 rooms fall into four categories of which the suites (Deluxe and Gaia) or the two-bedroom villas are highly recommended, in particular, the deluxe suite has a rooftop terrace with fantastic vistas and its own pool.

At La Luna, you can indulge in local and international flavours for breakfast, lunch dinner, and every evening they host a Tapas Time. Enjoy the panoramic views of the tropical rainforest and the Pacific Ocean while you savour the fresh, healthy dishes.

The size of the hotel means it manages a high level of bespoke service, with your own personalised concierge, room service at any time, and a free shuttle minibus into town or to the airport.

Head out in Manuel Antonio National Park on guided tours, go hiking and horse riding, and spend time in the water snorkelling and scuba diving.