Gaia Hotel & Reserve—Adults Only, Manuel Antonio Hotels
Eco-friendly boutique resort featuring terraced suites, fine dining, a spa, and outdoor infinity pools
The Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve, a distinguished adults-only sanctuary, presents a unique blend of contemporary luxury and rustic charm, all while embracing eco-conscious practices. Nestled in close proximity to the world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, this exquisite resort features 22 meticulously designed suites and villas, distributed across a trio of elegantly constructed three-story buildings. The architectural design philosophy prioritizes harmony with the surrounding environment, incorporating natural materials that echo the lush Costa Rican landscape.
From the exterior, the Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve appears to gracefully cascade down the hillside, a vision of white structures contrasting beautifully against the vibrant greenery. This deliberate layout respects the natural contours of the land, fostering a profound sense of integration with the encompassing forest. Inside, the rooms are thoughtfully appointed with hardwood floors, rich dark wood furniture, an array of tropical plants, and captivating colorful artwork. The atmosphere throughout the hotel is generally tranquil, enhanced by its secluded setting amidst the tranquil coastal forests.
One of the significant advantages of staying at the Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve is its unparalleled access to Manuel Antonio National Park. Guests are virtually guaranteed to encounter a diverse range of wildlife directly on the hotel grounds, creating unforgettable moments of connection with nature. Furthermore, the resort boasts multiple outdoor infinity pools, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing escape. The in-room amenities are equally impressive, featuring luxurious 500-thread-count sheets, state-of-the-art LED Smart TVs equipped with Netflix access, and a selection of organic bath products, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay.
However, prospective guests should be aware of certain considerations. The property’s design, characterized by staircases and multi-tiered infinity pools, makes it unsuitable for children under the age of 13. Additionally, rooms situated closer to communal areas such as the pool or dining facilities may be subject to some noise. Finally, past guests have offered varied opinions regarding the resort’s food and beverage offerings, suggesting that individual experiences may differ.
The Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve demonstrates a strong commitment to authenticity. The architectural design incorporates local features that significantly contribute to the overall ambiance, including the use of natural materials and designs that beautifully complement the tropical environment. The hotel is deeply immersed in nature, enveloped by a thriving forest reserve, providing guests with an exceptional opportunity to connect intimately with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Originally established as the Gaia Garden, a dedicated sanctuary for the preservation and restoration of native species and orchids, the site was carefully preserved in its mostly natural state during the hotel’s construction in 2005. To this day, it continues to serve as a vital refuge for the area’s wildlife.
Perched high within a private nature reserve, the hotel offers a secluded and peaceful environment, far removed from the more heavily touristed areas. This tranquil setting provides stunning panoramic views overlooking the rainforest and the vast expanse of the ocean. Manuel Antonio National Park, celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, is conveniently located just 2 miles (3.2 km) from the hotel. While the hotel is not within easy walking distance of many attractions, it compensates by providing a complimentary beach shuttle service, facilitating convenient access to nearby destinations such as ADR Adventure Park, Biesanz Beach, and the idyllic Manuel Antonio Beach.
The resort’s beautifully appointed, terraced suites and villas are each individually decorated, showcasing unique styles and offering captivating views of the surrounding lush landscape. Each room is equipped with modern amenities designed to enhance the guest experience, including MP3 docking stations, well-stocked minibars, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, high-definition LCD TVs, and complimentary WiFi access. The private bathrooms are equally well-equipped, featuring designer toiletries and convenient hair dryers.
One of the most captivating aspects of a stay at the Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve is the opportunity to observe and appreciate the incredible wildlife. The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing a wide variety of animals, including playful white-faced monkeys, boisterous howler monkeys, and curious squirrel monkeys. Guests may also encounter both two-toed and three-toed sloths, docile iguanas, mischievous raccoons, and a multitude of bird species, including the vibrant scarlet macaws, thanks to the hotel’s successful reintroduction program. Guests have frequently reported wildlife sightings while swimming in the pool, enjoying meals, or simply taking a leisurely stroll around the beautiful property.
The hotel’s amenities are designed to provide a comprehensive and relaxing experience. The Terra Spa offers a wide range of rejuvenating treatments. The resort features several outdoor infinity pools, a tranquil sauna, and a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center. A poolside bar serves a tempting array of food and drinks, and comfortable sun loungers, beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels are readily available. For guests with mobility challenges, the hotel provides an elevator, accessible bathrooms, and wheelchair-accessible pathways.
The Gaia Luxury Boutique Hotel and Reserve primarily caters to adults, including teenagers aged 13 and older. Children under 13 are generally not accommodated due to safety concerns related to the property’s design. However, for families with older children or teenagers, the hotel offers a selection of suites, deluxe suites, and spacious two-bedroom villas, capable of accommodating up to four and eight guests, respectively. The hotel also provides entertainment options that may appeal to families with teenagers, such as engaging board games, challenging puzzles, interesting cultural classes, and various local tours. A dedicated kids’ menu is available for dining, featuring familiar and comforting options like fish and chicken fingers, mac and cheese, burgers, and fries.
La Luna, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a diverse menu featuring both international and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of breakfast options, including fresh fruits, tropical juices, freshly baked breads, fluffy pancakes, creamy yogurts, savory beans, eggs prepared to order, and a selection of coffee and tea. The lunch menu includes refreshing soups, crisp salads, satisfying sandwiches, and juicy burgers. For dinner, guests can choose from a selection of pasta dishes, flavorful ceviches, and fresh seafood. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, La Luna offers a special 5-course wine-pairing dinner menu, which requires advance reservations. The Ambar Bar and Lounge serves a tempting selection of cocktails, including refreshing sangria, frosty frozen daiquiris, classic margaritas, and a curated wine list. Guests can dine and drink in a delightful open-air pavilion, enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park.
Hotel Information
Wifi – Check On RequestCosta Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream travel destination. Hike to hidden waterfalls, fly through the rainforest on a zip line, raft amazing white-water, or catch a wave on one of the many epic surf breaks.
When is the best time to visit?
Due to Costa Rica's location in Central America, near to the equator, it enjoys just two seasons annually as opposed to four. The dry season lasts from mid-November through April, and the rainy season lasts from May to mid-November. The latter is also referred to as the "green" season due to the brilliant vegetation that thrives during this period.
Travelers often opt to visit during the dry season. Peak crowds hit in December, with folks continuing to come during January and February and (for many North Americans) during spring break. However, there are advantages to visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season, from less crowds to lower prices. Read our travel guide for visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season to find out more.
Still not sure when to go, read our guide on the best times to visit Costa Rica.
Where to go in Costa Rica?
The people of Costa Rica are happy to welcome travelers and teach them about adventure and the pure life, or 'Pura Vida'. This country relies on the eco and adventure tourism that put it on the map, read about the main regions of the country to decide where you want to visit. Visit a baby sloth rescue, get to know Manuel Antonio National Park, see Arenal Volcano, and explore the Osa Peninsula Rainforest.
How many days do I need?
Costa Rica is a small country (size of West Virginia), with many sights situated fairly close together. With great roads (mostly), throughout the country, makes it easy to get around. In one week, you can explore a number of sights and get a great sense of the country if you are ready to be on the go. With 2 weeks, you have a bit more time to relax in each destination or explore more of the country. Still not sure how many days you need, read our guide to help you decide.
Getting around Costa Rica
Shuttles or private transfers are great options to get around in Costa Rica. Driving is not always straightforward, but still a great choice if you feel comfortable driving on curvy or unpaved roads. For longer transfers, Costa Rica has a network of domestic airports that connect the main locations in the country
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