Manuel Antonio National Park has it all: rainforests, coral beaches, and wild rivers. Make the most of your time in this exceptionally scenic and diverse area with a mix of relaxation and active excursions. To this end, we’ve compiled a list of the best boutique hotels and ecolodges, all offering unforgettable views and close proximity to the park.
## Exploring the Luxurious Havens of Manuel Antonio: A Detailed Guide
Manuel Antonio, a jewel on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. To complement its natural wonders, Manuel Antonio offers a collection of exquisite hotels and resorts, each providing a unique and unforgettable experience. Let’s delve into some of the finest accommodations this captivating destination has to offer.
### Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Nestled between the verdant rainforest and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, **Arenas del Mar** stands as a testament to luxurious eco-tourism. Unlike many lodging options in Manuel Antonio that claim the “resort” title, Arenas del Mar truly embodies the essence of a resort experience. Its prime location on a private beach, coupled with its proximity – a mere 13-minute stroll – to the entrance of the famed national park, makes it an ideal base for exploration and relaxation.
With just 38 rooms, **Arenas del Mar** maintains an atmosphere of tranquility and intimacy, a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of larger resorts. Each room is meticulously designed with modern comforts in mind, including the ever-essential air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant stay regardless of the tropical climate. However, the true allure lies in the breathtaking views. Many of the accommodations boast stunning ocean vistas, while some offer the added charm of both ocean and rainforest panoramas, creating a visual symphony that delights the senses.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the suites at **Arenas del Mar** are the epitome of indulgence. Imagine unwinding in your private outdoor Jacuzzi, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, or refreshing yourself in the spacious indoor tiled shower equipped with a luxurious rain showerhead.
Beyond the opulent accommodations, **Arenas del Mar** offers a plethora of activities to keep guests entertained. Being situated directly on the beach means that the ocean is your playground. The resort generously provides beach essentials such as lounge chairs for soaking up the sun, games for playful competition, and surfboards for riding the waves (rental fees may apply for certain items). For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, daybeds and hammocks beckon, inviting you to relax and immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings.
Cool off from the tropical heat in one of the resort’s two outdoor pools. The infinity pool offers an illusion of merging with the ocean, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. While lounging by the pool, indulge in the convenience of having food and drinks, including revitalizing fresh smoothies, delivered directly to your comfortable wooden or wicker lounge chair. For the ultimate pampering experience, venture to the **Las Brisas Wellness Center**. Here, skilled therapists offer a range of rejuvenating treatments, including soothing massages and revitalizing facials, designed to melt away stress and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
**Arenas del Mar** is committed to sustainability and culinary excellence. The resort’s organic restaurants prioritize sourcing local ingredients, including the freshest catch of the day. The menus cater to diverse dietary needs, with a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free options. For a casual dining experience with your toes in the sand, head to **Playitas Beachfront Restaurant**. This vibrant eatery hosts themed nights, such as barbecue extravaganzas, tortilla-making demonstrations, and tantalizing Costa Rican street food showcases, providing a taste of local culture. If you prefer a more refined ambiance, the **Mirador Oceanview Restaurant** offers fine dining accompanied by live music, creating a memorable sensory experience.
### Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Stepping into the **Gaia Hotel & Reserve** is like entering a sophisticated oasis amidst the lush wilderness. This modernist architectural marvel seems more at home in the trendy districts of Soho or Santa Monica, yet it seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. Nestled within its own private nature reserve, the **Gaia** provides an exclusive and immersive experience.
The hotel boasts 20 luxurious suites and villas, each meticulously designed with comfort and elegance in mind. Sink into the plush king-size beds adorned with silky 500-thread count sheets, and refresh yourself in the elegant stone showers. The **Gaia** is an experience in sophisticated tranquility.
Indulge your palate at the property’s **La Luna** restaurant, where fine dining takes center stage. The menu showcases exquisite seafood dishes, such as succulent mahi-mahi and flavorful tuna, prepared with the freshest ingredients. The culinary team is also adept at accommodating various dietary restrictions, ensuring that every guest enjoys a satisfying dining experience.
The hotel’s terraced swimming pool is a masterpiece of design, effortlessly blending romance, style, and functionality. Take a refreshing dip while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. Additional amenities include a fully equipped fitness center for maintaining your workout routine, a tranquil spa for rejuvenating your body and mind, and a swim-up bar for enjoying refreshing cocktails without leaving the water.
It’s important to note that the **Gaia Hotel & Reserve** is an adults-only sanctuary, catering to couples, solo travelers, older families, and small groups of friends seeking a peaceful and sophisticated retreat.
### Tulemar Bungalows & Villas
Escape the ordinary and embrace tranquility at **Tulemar Bungalows and Villas**. This exceptional property has garnered accolades from both travel experts and discerning guests. Kimkim raves about **Tulemar**, and it earned TripAdvisor’s Traveler Choice Award as the second-best hotel in the world in 2018, a testament to its unparalleled service and exceptional amenities.
As you step onto the property’s 33 acres nestled within the heart of the rainforest, you’ll immediately understand the buzz surrounding **Tulemar**. The property houses 34 luxurious bungalows and villas, each thoughtfully designed to provide the utmost comfort and privacy. Each accommodation is climate-controlled, ensuring a pleasant temperature regardless of the weather, and many feature invigorating rain showerheads.
For an even more indulgent experience, consider the 12 premium villas, each offering breathtaking 320° views of the Pacific Ocean from their unique octagonal balconies. A millennium pool, complete with a cascading waterfall and panoramic views overlooking the rainforest, fronts the premium villas.
**Tulemar** goes above and beyond to cater to its guests’ desires. The concierge service can arrange a wide array of adventure tours and excursions, from thrilling ATV rides through the rainforest to exhilarating sport-fishing expeditions on the Pacific Ocean. For those who wish to be closer to the waves, **Tulemar** even offers a rental option for an offsite beach villa located directly on **Playa Espadilla**.
### La Mariposa Hotel
If you crave breathtaking panoramic views, look no further than **La Mariposa Hotel**. Perched on the highest point in the region, this hotel offers unparalleled 360° vistas of the surrounding rainforest jungle and the vast Pacific Ocean.
As one of the best mid-range hotels in Manuel Antonio, **La Mariposa** boasts 65 well-appointed rooms, making it one of the larger hotels in the area while retaining a sense of intimacy. Each accommodation, with the exception of the standard rooms, features a private balcony overlooking the mesmerizing Pacific Ocean. For larger groups or families, spacious apartments with ocean views are also available.
Guests can unwind and soak up the tropical ambiance while sipping refreshing cocktails by the pool or savoring the delectable fresh seafood at the open-air **Le Papillon Restaurant**. **La Mariposa** also offers comprehensive wedding and honeymoon packages, providing an unforgettable setting for romantic celebrations. The breathtaking views serve as a stunning backdrop for matrimonial pictures, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
### Parador Resort & Spa
The **Parador Resort & Spa** is another of the larger hotels in the area, but its strategic location on a verdant hill and its expansive grounds contribute to a surprisingly intimate atmosphere. The property boasts 129 meticulously designed rooms, each equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning and minifridges, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. For an elevated experience, the premium rooms offer private balconies with captivating sea views. The suites take luxury to the next level, featuring all the aforementioned amenities plus a private Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation.
One of the standout features of the **Parador** is the variety of package deals that cater to diverse interests and preferences. For a romantic getaway, opt for a shorter stay in a suite that includes a candlelit dinner, champagne, and a rejuvenating couples massage. For adventure enthusiasts, the tropical adventure package offers an action-packed itinerary, including a thrilling canopy tour, snorkeling excursions, and exhilarating whitewater rafting adventures. For those seeking an eco-conscious experience, the eco-friendly package encompasses nature tours, spa treatments, and a captivating mangrove boating excursion.
The **Parador** is also renowned as a family-friendly destination, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children. The resort offers a range of activities and amenities designed to keep younger guests entertained, ensuring a memorable vacation for the whole family.
### Hotel Playa Espadilla
For travelers seeking a prime location, **Hotel Playa Espadilla** is an exceptional choice. Situated just steps away from the pristine shores of **Espadilla Beach** and the entrance to the national park, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience and access to the natural wonders of Manuel Antonio.
The property is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, creating a harmonious and tranquil ambiance. The outdoor pool area features private cabanas covered in beach grass, providing a secluded and relaxing space to soak up the sun. The open-air restaurant and bar feature rustic wooden tables nestled under towering trees adorned with twinkling lights, creating a magical setting for dining and socializing. The highlight of **Hotel Playa Espadilla** is its outdoor spaces, where guests can savor delicious meals under the shade of lush trees. The restaurant serves a variety of tasty international dishes infused with authentic Costa Rican flavors.
The rooms and suites are spacious and functional, housed in lodges with charming wooden accents and wraparound balconies that connect all the units on the second floor. Each accommodation features colorful art, warm details, cable TV, air conditioning, minifridges, and coffee makers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
From luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels, Manuel Antonio offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, an adventurous getaway, or a family-friendly vacation, you’re sure to find the perfect haven in this captivating destination.
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