Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful regions in Costa Rica, as it blends dense jungle hillsides with the scenic coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Many hotels and resorts use the hillside to offer some of the country’s best scenery overlooking the jungle and ocean. Elevate the beauty by staying in one of kimkim’s recommended luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio.
## Luxurious Escapes in Manuel Antonio: A Detailed Exploration
Manuel Antonio, a jewel on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, encompassing lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. To fully appreciate this tropical paradise, selecting the right accommodation is paramount. This guide delves into some of the most exceptional luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio, providing a detailed look at what makes each one a unique and unforgettable experience.
### Los Altos Resort: A Hillside Haven of Comfort and Views
Perched majestically on a hillside, the **Los Altos Resort** offers panoramic vistas of both the sparkling ocean and the verdant jungle. This strategic location allows guests to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Manuel Antonio. The resort’s suites and penthouses are designed to feel like fully equipped apartments, providing an exceptional level of comfort and convenience. Each unit features separate bedrooms, ensuring privacy and relaxation, as well as full kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and snacks. The spacious dining areas provide ample space for families or groups to gather and enjoy meals together.
One of the most appealing aspects of **Los Altos Resort** is the large balconies that grace each suite and penthouse. These balconies offer stunning views of either the ocean, the jungle, or, in some cases, both, creating an idyllic setting for enjoying morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Modern amenities abound, including air-conditioning to ensure a comfortable climate, flatscreen TVs for entertainment, and 24/7 concierge support to cater to every need. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the option for private chef dinners is available, allowing guests to savor exquisite cuisine in the privacy of their own suite.
The accommodations at **Los Altos Resort** are particularly well-suited for families, with some units capable of comfortably accommodating up to eight people. This makes it an excellent choice for family vacations in Manuel Antonio, providing ample space for everyone to relax and enjoy their time together.
Beyond the luxurious accommodations, **Los Altos Resort** offers a wide array of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. The outdoor infinity pool, complete with a bar, provides a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Guests can also indulge in pampering treatments at the full-service spa or maintain their fitness routine at the well-equipped gym and fitness center. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the resort boasts a private beach, where guests can relax on lounge chairs, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tranquility of the ocean. The resort provides all the necessary beach equipment, including towels, drinks, snacks, kayaks, and boogie boards, ensuring a hassle-free beach experience.
In addition to its luxurious amenities, **Los Altos Resort** offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained and engaged. Yoga classes provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, while hiking trails offer opportunities to explore the surrounding jungle and discover its hidden wonders. Cooking classes are also available, allowing guests to learn how to prepare delicious Costa Rican dishes and take a taste of Costa Rica home with them.
Dining options at **Los Altos Resort** are diverse and cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. **Karolas Restaurant & Pool Bar** serves as the main eatery, offering a wide range of dishes, including kosher and vegetarian options. For those seeking a change of pace, the **Samui Thai Restaurant** and **Enso Sushi Restaurant** provide delectable Asian cuisine in a beautiful setting.
### Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: Where Luxury Meets Nature
In the realm of luxury lodging in Manuel Antonio, **Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort** has undeniably earned its esteemed reputation. This exceptional resort boasts a prime location directly on its own private beach, granting guests unparalleled access to the golden sands and azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, it’s conveniently situated just a 13-minute walk from the entrance to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, allowing for effortless exploration of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
With only 38 rooms, **Arenas del Mar** distinguishes itself as an intimate and exclusive luxury accommodation, ensuring personalized attention and a tranquil atmosphere. The majority of the resort’s units offer breathtaking ocean views, while select accommodations boast captivating panoramas encompassing both the ocean and the lush rainforest. Each room is meticulously appointed with modern conveniences, including air-conditioning, flatscreen TVs, and plush bedding, guaranteeing a comfortable and relaxing stay. For those seeking an elevated experience, upgrading to one of the resort’s exquisite suites unlocks a realm of exclusive perks, such as private outdoor Jacuzzis and opulent indoor tiled showers adorned with rainfall showerheads.
The resort’s beachfront location provides an abundance of entertainment options right at your doorstep. **Arenas del Mar** thoughtfully provides a range of equipment, including comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and recreational games, ensuring a delightful day spent basking in the sun and surf. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, surfboards are available for rent. Guests can further enhance their relaxation by luxuriating on the provided daybeds and hammocks, strategically positioned to capture the gentle sea breeze and stunning ocean vistas.
In addition to its idyllic beachfront setting, **Arenas del Mar** features two outdoor swimming pools, one of which is an inviting infinity pool that seemingly merges with the horizon. Guests can indulge in refreshing swims and savor delectable food and drinks, including freshly made smoothies, delivered directly to their wooden or wicker lounge chairs. For the ultimate in pampering, the **Las Brisas Wellness Center** beckons with an array of spa treatments, including rejuvenating massages and revitalizing facials.
**Arenas del Mar** takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. The resort’s organic restaurants showcase the freshest flavors of Costa Rica, with a focus on vegan and gluten-free options. Guests can experience the unique pleasure of dining with their toes in the sand at the **Playitas Beachfront Restaurant**, which features enticing themed nights such as barbecue feasts, tortilla-making demonstrations, and authentic Costa Rican street food. Alternatively, guests can opt for a more refined dining experience at the **Mirador Oceanview Restaurant**, where live music complements the exquisite cuisine.
### Tulemar Bungalows & Villas: An Immersive Rainforest Retreat
For those seeking an escape from the ordinary, **Tulemar Bungalows & Villas** offers an unparalleled retreat nestled within the heart of the rainforest. As you step onto the property’s expansive 33 acres, you’ll immediately understand the allure of this exceptional resort. Home to 34 luxurious bungalows and villas, **Tulemar** provides an immersive experience in the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio.
Each accommodation at **Tulemar Bungalows & Villas** is designed for comfort and relaxation, with climate control ensuring a pleasant environment regardless of the weather. Many of the accommodations also feature rainfall showerheads, adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine. The resort’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including TripAdvisor’s Traveler Choice Award as the second-best hotel in the world in 2018.
For an even more luxurious experience, consider staying in one of the 12 premium villas. These villas offer nearly panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from their octagonal balconies, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your stay. A millennium pool, complete with a waterfall and views overlooking the forest, fronts the premium villas, creating a serene and picturesque setting. For those who want to be as close to the waves as possible, there’s even an offsite beach villa on Playa Espadilla.
**Tulemar Bungalows & Villas** offers a wealth of amenities and activities to keep guests entertained and engaged. If you prefer to spend your time at the beach, the resort provides complimentary transportation, loungers, towels, umbrellas, food and drink services, and equipment like kayaks, boogie boards, and beach balls. On-site, you’ll find four swimming pools (one adults-only), plus a pool bar and a full-service spa.
When hunger strikes, you can enjoy your meals at the resort’s two eateries, **TuleCafe Restaurante** and **Victoria’s Gourmet Italian Restaurant**. For a truly special experience, you can also reserve private dining with a personal chef.
### Gaia Hotel & Reserve: Adults-Only Luxury in a Natural Sanctuary
For a truly luxurious and exclusive experience, **Gaia Hotel & Reserve** offers an adults-only sanctuary nestled within its own private nature reserve. This metropolitan modernist dream seamlessly blends unique architecture with the natural beauty of the Costa Rican jungle.
Located in the heart of the forest, the hotel features 20 luxury units, each with stone showers and king beds covered with 500-thread count sheets. All units are bright and warm, but for a truly luxurious experience, consider upgrading to one of the suites or villas, some of which feature private outdoor hot tubs and sundecks.
**Gaia Hotel & Reserve** offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. **La Luna Restaurant** offers fine dining with seafood dishes like mahi-mahi and tuna, plus a daily happy hour and extensive wine list. Guests can relax in one of the outdoor pools and soaking tubs, including a terraced swimming pool that effortlessly merges romance, style, and functionality. Other features include a fitness center, a full-service spa, a swim-up bar, and nature trails.
### Hotel Makanda By The Sea: Hillside Views and Coastal Charm
**Hotel Makanda By The Sea**, another adults-only option, shares the distinction of being nestled on the hillside, offering those iconic panoramic views that define Manuel Antonio. However, it also boasts a proximity to the sea, granting guests convenient access to a private and secluded beach. Golf carts are readily available to whisk you directly to the shore, where attentive staff will have comfortable beach beds prepared for your relaxation. It’s easy to see why **Hotel Makanda** is a popular choice for honeymooners seeking a romantic escape in Costa Rica.
Beyond its idyllic location, **Hotel Makanda By The Sea** offers a wealth of on-site amenities to enhance your stay. The outdoor pools and lounge areas exude a boho-chic vibe, creating a relaxed and stylish atmosphere. The full-service Shanti Spa provides a sanctuary for rejuvenation, while the **Arbol Restaurant** tantalizes the taste buds with unique and eclectic dishes, complemented by a daily happy hour served in an atmospheric garden setting. As you dine, it’s not uncommon to spot local wildlife frolicking in the surrounding trees, adding a touch of magic to your meal. The **Arbol Restaurant** is also a perfect spot to witness the breathtaking sunsets that paint the Manuel Antonio sky.
Accommodations at **Hotel Makanda By The Sea** range from suites to penthouses and luxury villas, all meticulously designed to offer the utmost in comfort and style. Each unit features king-size beds, LED smart TVs, and private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The rooms are remarkably spacious, with even the smallest exceeding 800 square feet (80 sqm). Select accommodations boast private Jacuzzis and pools, marble bathrooms, sofas, and/or kitchenettes. Regardless of the room you choose, you’ll be treated to a stylish, trendy, and modern ambiance infused with authentic Costa Rican charm.
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