BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA

1.) AUTHENTICITY

The Hotel Costa Verde captures the true Pura Vida essence of Costa Rica. The property itself compliments the nature and life surrounding it, without taking away from its beauty or authenticity. You literally feel like you are staying in the middle of the jungle!

2.) ACCOMODATION OPTIONS

It offers Private Bungalows, family-friendly rooms and suites, an adults-only section, and even a real life airplane FUSELAGE converted into a studio! I highly recommend a Bungalow for families staying with kiddos, and if you’re looking for a more unique experience, try and snag a fuselage room! It’s definitely an uncommon hotel stay experience!

3.) AMENITIES

Hotel Costa Verde boasts three swimming pools (one being adults only) a Wedding Pavilion and helipad sundeck, and beautiful walking paths and grassy knolls. The owner of this Hotel also owns El Avion and El Wagon Restaurante, as well as others in the area (more on those later), and the front desk staff can arrange transportation for you to any of their affiliated restaurants (which, believe me, comes in handy during the wet season).

4.) NATURE/ WILDLIFE:

If you get an ocean view bungalow with a balcony, there’s a good chance you’ll wake up to monkeys playing on your patio, or perhaps spot a sloth and her baby catching some rays high up in the canopy. Every morning a deer greeted us just outside our bungalow as we took a stroll down to the pool where the white-faced monkeys were causing menace in the mango trees. The hotel is 1.9 km from the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park, and lucky for you, the animals are not privy to those boundaries. You wouldn’t even need to leave the hotel to cross off all the Costa Rican MUST SEE animals from your bucket list (although I highly recommend you DO get out and explore!)

5.) LOCATION

Did someone say GORGEOUS OCEAN VIEWS!? The property is located 150 meters above sea level, so there’s no better place to watch an unbelievable sunset. I also prefer staying “up the hill” from the beach, rather than down at sea level, because of the wildlife you can observe in the canopy. It’s a non-stop show! It’s only a 9 minute walk to the beach (albeit a steep walk…), and a nearby stop for the bus that comes around every 10 to 15 minutes that can take you anywhere in the area you can dream of going. There are also a plethora of amazing restaurants right outside your door. Like I said, the hill is steep, and there is no side walk, so you must be vigilant when walking in the dark, but it’s definitely a plus being able to take a short 5 minute walk to and from dinner after a long day of exploring!

1.) LOCATION

The Hotel is located “up the hill” from the National Park and beach (5 minute bus ride in) and is built into the hillside. The balconies open to the canopy of the jungle, and it’s a front row seat every day ALL day to white faced monkey shenanigans. The bird watching is also amazing! You’ll wake to monkeys laying claim to your balcony hammock, and the macaws and toucans soaring. It’s nothing short of spectacular! I wish we had added on an extra day just to sit on the balcony ALL DAY and watch the rainforest come alive! It was an experience I’ll never forget.

2.) ACCOMODATIONS

The studios were a perfect size, offering a cool and comfortable place to sleep, sitting area, kitchenette and amazing sea facing balcony. They also offer double rooms and garden facing options for more affordability.

3.) AMENITIES & EXTRAS

The intimate pool was a perfect place for a dip after a long day exploring! And the airconditioning in the rooms is another huge perk! The property feels like your own private botanical gardens, and there is a front desk staff member available day or night should you need a thing.

4.) BREAKFAST

Vacation is not VACATION, for me, unless I can NOT think about (at least) ONE MEAL a day. And THIS FREE TICAN BREAKFAST may have been my favorite food in Costa Rica. It’s simple and fresh and delicious!

1.) LOCATION

The Tulamar Resort is located 3.2 km from the entrance to the National Park, and boasts gorgeous ocean views from high above the treetops. You will not find a finer resort property any closer to the ocean and National Park in Manuel Antonio!

2.) AMENITIES

The property has 4 swimming pools. One adults only, and 3 family-friendly pools. There is a bar and cafe to order food and drink poolside! In addition to the cafe, they have a fine dining restaurant serving some of the best Italian food in all of Manuel Antonio!

3.) EXCLUSIVITY

Tulemar sits on 33 acres of private property, and in addition to its lush rainforest trails, it has it’s own exclusive beach! Beach chairs, towel and sports equipment are provided, as well as having a full service bar!

Need I say more!?