If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio, you probably already know about the area’s exceptional beaches. Don’t miss a moment in the sand and surf by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with beach access, a surprisingly unique amenity for the area.
## Detailed Explorations of Manuel Antonio’s Premier Beachfront Hotels
Manuel Antonio, a jewel of Costa Rica, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Finding the perfect place to stay can significantly enhance your experience in this tropical paradise. The region boasts an array of lodging options, but some truly stand out for their beachfront locations, exceptional service, and unique amenities. Let’s delve deeper into some of the best beachfront hotels in Manuel Antonio, offering a more comprehensive look at what makes each one special.
### Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
When considering luxury accommodations in Manuel Antonio, Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort undoubtedly earns its esteemed reputation. This resort is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an immersive experience where luxury seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Uniquely positioned on its own pristine private beach, Arenas del Mar offers guests unparalleled access to the Pacific Ocean’s gentle waves and golden sands. Imagine waking up to the sound of the surf and stepping directly onto the beach from your room.
Beyond its beachfront location, the resort boasts a convenient 13-minute stroll to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. This proximity allows guests to effortlessly explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, encountering monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and a plethora of other wildlife.
The intimate setting of Arenas del Mar, with its 38 thoughtfully designed rooms, ensures a personalized and exclusive experience. The majority of these accommodations offer breathtaking ocean views, while select units provide the added allure of both ocean and rainforest panoramas. Each room is meticulously appointed with modern conveniences, including efficient air-conditioning to keep you cool and comfortable, flat-screen TVs for entertainment, and plush bedding that invites restful sleep.
For those seeking an even more indulgent stay, upgrading to one of the resort’s suites unlocks a realm of luxurious perks. Imagine soaking in your own private outdoor Jacuzzi while gazing at the stars, or refreshing yourself in an indoor tiled shower complete with a rainfall showerhead. These added features elevate the experience to new heights of relaxation and pampering.
The resort truly understands the importance of providing guests with everything they need to enjoy their beachfront location. A wide array of equipment, including comfortable lounge chairs for soaking up the sun, umbrellas for shade, fun games for entertainment, and surfboards for riding the waves (some equipment rentals may require a fee), is readily available. In addition, daybeds and hammocks are strategically placed for ultimate relaxation.
Guests can choose to take a dip in one of the two inviting outdoor pools, including a stunning infinity pool that seemingly merges with the ocean. While lounging by the pool, enjoy the attentive service of food and drinks delivered directly to your wooden or wicker lounge chair, including refreshing fresh smoothies. For complete relaxation, the Las Brisas Wellness Center provides spa treatments like massages and facials.
Arenas del Mar takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence. The resort’s organic restaurants are dedicated to sourcing local ingredients, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful dishes. Moreover, the menus cater to a variety of dietary needs, with ample vegan and gluten-free options available. At the Playitas Beachfront Restaurant, you can dine with your toes in the sand while savoring themed nights that showcase the best of Costa Rican cuisine, including barbecue, tortilla making, and local street food. For a more refined dining experience, the Mirador Oceanview Restaurant offers fine dining accompanied by live music, providing a sophisticated and unforgettable atmosphere.
### Hotel Makanda By The Sea
Hotel Makanda By The Sea offers an adults-only sanctuary perched gracefully on the hillside, providing breathtaking panoramic views that capture the essence of Manuel Antonio’s beauty. What distinguishes Hotel Makanda By The Sea from other hilltop resorts is its exceptional proximity to the ocean, granting guests exclusive access to a secluded and private beach. A convenient ride via golf cart transports you directly to the shore, where attentive staff members await to set up comfortable beach beds for your relaxation. It’s easy to see why this haven is such a beloved destination for honeymooners seeking romance in Costa Rica.
Beyond its alluring private beach, Hotel Makanda By The Sea features inviting outdoor pools and lounge areas adorned with a trendy, boho-chic aesthetic. Relax at the Shanti Spa, which offers a variety of treatments, and dine at the Arbol Restaurant, where unique, eclectic dishes and daily happy hour specials are served in a beautiful garden setting. The hotel’s design and location attract wildlife, so you may see monkeys and other creatures as you dine. The setting is ideal for sunset viewing.
A variety of suites, penthouses, and luxury villas are placed throughout the property, each offering spacious accommodations with king-size beds, LED smart TVs, and private balconies overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. The smallest rooms boast over 800 square feet (80 sqm), providing ample space to unwind and enjoy your surroundings. Select accommodations feature private Jacuzzis and pools for ultimate relaxation, as well as marble bathrooms and convenient kitchenettes. Each room is a luxurious blend of style and comfort, with authentic Costa Rican charm.
### Tulemar Bungalows & Villas
Escape to Tulemar Bungalows & Villas, a secluded paradise nestled within 33 acres of lush rainforest. The resort’s 34 luxurious bungalows and villas ensure an intimate and exclusive experience. Each accommodation is climate-controlled for your comfort, and many feature rainfall showerheads for a refreshing touch. The resort has earned TripAdvisor’s Traveler Choice Award as the second-best hotel in the world in 2018.
The resort’s 12 premium villas offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from octagonal balconies. A millennium pool fronts the premium villas, complete with a waterfall and views overlooking the forest. For those who desire to be as close to the ocean as possible, an offsite beach villa on Playa Espadilla is also available.
Complimentary transportation, loungers, towels, umbrellas, food and drink services, and equipment like kayaks, boogie boards, and beach balls are provided to help guests make the most of the beach. On-site, you’ll find four swimming pools (one adults-only), plus a pool bar and a full-service spa. Indulge in meals at the resort’s two eateries, TuleCafe Restaurante and Victoria’s Gourmet Italian Restaurant, or arrange for a private dining experience with a personal chef.
### Parador Resort & Spa
Parador Resort & Spa offers an intimate atmosphere due to the expansive grounds on the hillside. The 129 rooms have modern amenities like air-conditioning and minifridges, and the premium rooms have private balconies with sea views. The suites offer a private Jacuzzi. Families might like the Penthouse, Family Suite, or La Casita options, which function more like apartments with multiple bedrooms, seating areas, and kitchens or kitchenettes.
The hotel is near two of the area’s most beautiful beaches: Biesanz Beach and Espadilla Beach. A short walk takes you to the quiet and secluded Biesanz Beach. To visit Espadilla Beach, you can take the resort’s direct shuttle service.
You can enjoy the beautiful outdoor pools with ocean views, tennis courts, walking paths, and mini-golf. Dine at La Galeria, the main restaurant, or stay casual with snacks at the lounge bar or swim-up bar. Other options include a wine cellar and private dining.
### Igloo Beach Lodge
Igloo Beach Lodge provides a unique lodging experience in igloo-shaped huts with a trendy hipster vibe. The eco-friendly domes are small and minimalist, but you’ll find warm wooden accents and decor on the inside. Each igloo offers one or two double beds, and all have private bathrooms, an outdoor sitting area, smart TVs, minifridges, air-conditioning, and digital home features.
Igloo Beach Lodge is a short path away from public access to Playa Espadilla. The property is within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park and several cafés and restaurants.
Casa Planta, the on-site restaurant, serves all different foods but steps up with its plant-based menu. The restaurant offers beachside service. There is also a small outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas, plus live music and other entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
### Karahe Beach Hotel
Karahe Beach Hotel is one of the few hotels in Manuel Antonio set directly on the beach. The property has been around since 1980. Manuel Antonio’s central (and busy) road splits the property, so part of the grounds is in the hills and the other on the beach. The hotel offers hillside villas and beachfront rooms. If you opt for a hillside villa, you’ll enjoy jungle privacy and incredible ocean views. If you’d rather stay beachfront, you can wake up to the sound of the waves and relax on patios or balconies with hammocks or in the property’s gardens.
The open-air restaurant, Canto del Mar, and the outdoor pool are both right on the beach and provide a relaxed spot to have a drink while watching the sunset. Enjoy your daily breakfast or other meals featuring Costa Rican and Peruvian food here.
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