An adults-only luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Look no further, Makanda is the place to be

This is my second time at Makanda and I honestly couldn't wait to go back. Ever since the first time, I've been planning my return. We actually toured a few resorts around this area and weren't as impressed. Although there are plenty of other places, I just don't believe that anything compares to Makanda. Its uniqueness, its intentional design, the views, the staff, the quality of food and drinks — simply unmatched. If I could give Makanda 100 stars, I would. My husband and I are already planning our next visit and I just came back this morning. Look no further, Makanda is the place to be!

Our most relaxing anniversary yet

My wife and I make it a tradition to travel internationally every year for our anniversary, and we've been doing so for the last 16 years. Out of all the incredible destinations we've visited, our stay at Makanda by the Sea in Manuel Antonio has become our favorite of all time. The entire property is beautifully designed and meticulously maintained, blending luxury with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. The villas are thoughtfully spaced apart for privacy, the infinity pools offer breathtaking ocean views, and golf-cart service whisks you around the hillside and down to the peaceful, never-crowded beach. We saw more wildlife up close on the resort grounds — sloths, multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, toucans, raccoons and countless tropical birds — than we did in Manuel Antonio National Park itself. We stayed in the Sky Penthouse Suite, and it was spectacular: a walk-in closet, an exceptionally comfortable king bed, a large bathroom with dual sinks, and an expansive private terrace with a plunge pool and incredible views. Thoughtful touches abounded — Bose speakers, robes, slippers, yoga mats, Crocs, and automated blackout curtains. But the service is what truly sets Makanda apart. Candy checked us in and made us feel right at home, and Josh, Heimer and Jorge deserve special recognition — their friendliness, humor and dedication made our anniversary even more memorable; by the end, saying goodbye felt like leaving friends behind. If you're considering Manuel Antonio, stop searching and book Makanda by the Sea. It gave us some of our favorite memories and our most relaxing anniversary yet — we cannot wait to return.

Best Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Without a Doubt

We stayed at Makanda by the Sea during our trip to Costa Rica, visiting from Mexico, and it was honestly the best hotel of our entire trip. The service was excellent from beginning to end. The staff was always attentive and available, whether through WhatsApp or by phone. There was always someone ready to help us with anything we needed, from picking us up and taking us to the beach, to solving any small issue, recommending restaurants for dinner, and even helping us make reservations. We stayed in an Ocean View Room, and it was absolutely beautiful. The room was comfortable, elegant, and had an amazing view. The bathroom was also perfect, with everything we needed and a very thoughtful setup. The food at Arbol was excellent, and the whole hotel is spectacular. From the wild beach below to the pools, every space feels beautiful, peaceful, and very well taken care of. I can honestly say that Makanda is probably the best hotel in all of Manuel Antonio. Everything about our stay was perfect, and it made our Costa Rica trip unforgettable. I would recommend it without hesitation.

Lovely stay in Manuel Antonio

Makanda by the sea is hands-down one of the best resorts in the Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica. My husband and I have visited before, but we only had dinner at the restaurant and this visit we decided to actually spend the night. We loved it so much, we ended up extending an extra night. We were welcomed to check in by the front desk agent Alfredo Peralta, who was absolutely wonderful. He made sure that our rooms were ready for our earlier check-in. He greeted us with fresh coconut water and a cold washcloth. He made sure that we scanned a QR code before we left so we could have direct access to him or any front desk agent for any of our needs during our trip via WhatsApp messaging. All we had to do was send a message and everything was handled quickly and professionally. We were then taken by golf cart to our beautifully decorated, clean and comfortable room. I have a hard time sleeping in most hotel rooms but I was very comfortable here. The resort offers two lovely pools. You can have breakfast or lunch overlooking the Pacific at their poolside restaurant. For dinner we chose Arbol. Our waiter Joshua Smith was such a treat. He made sure that our food came out as requested and had us laughing and enjoying our time the entire evening. The property manager, Leo Carvajal, is friendly and welcoming and made sure that our stay here was everything that we expected and more. Thank you to the exceptional staff at this property. We will definitely be back.

Immaculate service, beautiful place

Makanda is truly your own personal paradise. My boyfriend and I have nothing but positive feedback for Makanda and its staff. Leo the manager was hands on with every accommodation we requested before we even arrived to Costa Rica. He made transportation and modifications to our booking seamless. Each staff member was extremely hospitable, most memorably Elias at the bar — he was friendly and kind. Our room was meticulously kept clean by the cleaning staff, which added a touch of luxury to our already breathtaking view. We were taken away with the attention to detail. The food we will truly miss — best French toast ever! Thank you so much Makanda, we will hold this experience as a core memory forever. Special shout out to Joshua Smith for helping us pick our daily adventures, and Candy at reception — your thoughtfulness and kindness were exceptional. I cannot rave enough about the staff. I am so grateful we chose Makanda.

Floating breakfast in your own pool

If you are staying in one of the private pool villas, do not leave without doing the floating breakfast basket. Waking up and having a beautifully arranged breakfast delivered and set afloat in your own private pool, surrounded by jungle and Pacific air, is an experience that is genuinely difficult to put into words. It is indulgent, it is romantic, and it is the kind of memory you carry home with you. Non-negotiable. From the moment we arrived to the moment we checked out, every single member of the staff treated us like family. Irina at the front desk set the tone from day one, welcoming us with warmth and professionalism that made us feel like royalty. The team at the main pool bar and restaurant went above and beyond — not just in service, but in genuine hospitality. Jennifer and Nubia delivered one of the most relaxing and beautifully executed massages we've ever had. The beach bar guy pointed us toward a seafood restaurant in Quepos that became an absolute highlight. Bayron and the golf cart team were exceptional — they made sure we didn't miss a single animal on the property: toucans perched in the treetops, monkeys swinging through the canopy, colorful crabs, and of course the sloth that stopped us all in our tracks. These were not staged encounters — it's simply what Makanda looks like when a property is genuinely in harmony with its natural surroundings. A heartfelt thank you to the housekeeping team for keeping our room immaculate every single day. To the owner: bravo. The architectural design, the attention to detail, the seamless blend of luxury and nature clearly show that every inch of Makanda was designed with intention and love. We will be back 🙏🏼💚

Stunning views, design and a wild beach

My husband and I enjoyed our 4 night stay last week. The views, architecture, landscaping, and decor were stunning! The rooms were comfortable, spacious, and well insulated from sound, and the resort was not overly crowded. The added bonus of a well appointed gym was fantastic (mats, machines, punching bag, cardio equipment, weights). We spent most of our mornings adventuring off the property and loved returning to the covered saltwater pool in the afternoon to enjoy drinks and watch the rain over the ocean. Our favorite parts were the unique architecture and decor — so many different textures, curves and angles, both in the rooms and on the grounds; Elias at the salt water pool, who gave us great restaurant recommendations and helped my husband practice his Spanish; and the wild beach, which we had almost to ourselves — peaceful and truly "wild" (we walked down but took the golf cart back, as it's very steep). A few things to keep in mind: food options on the property are somewhat limited, and the paths are very steep and can be very slick when wet, so wear the provided crocs. These were minor — in fact, things like that add to the adventure of travel. A wonderful stay.

1000/10 — top-tier service

1000/10. This experience was quite a delight. The entire team provides top-tier, thoughtful service — they are attentive, friendly, accommodating, and fun. It's obvious that the work culture here is positive and strong because the staff radiates joy about their job. Adults only (extremely peaceful), and of course the location nestled into where the jungle meets the coast make this a forever memorable visit. I did not book a room but stumbled into the opportunity to enjoy the day experience through their very convenient day pass — more than worth the cost. I will absolutely be booking my stay in gorgeous Manuel Antonio here in the future. Special shout out to Yoel for his sweet and charming energy, and to Byron, Heiner, Jorge and Luis (and honestly everyone I met) who really helped make this feel like home-meets-paradise. Props to the design team and owner(s) for creating such a mesmerizing experience. — Martin

Luxury in Manuel Antonio — the best views, food and people

As an independent travel agent, I've been fortunate enough to experience some incredible luxury hotels — but Makanda by the Sea truly stood out for all the right reasons. My partner and I stayed in the Penthouse Suite, which I cannot recommend enough. The views were absolutely breathtaking, the amenities were amazing, and every detail throughout the suite and hotel felt thoughtfully designed to create a truly luxurious experience. From the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful, exclusive, and incredibly special. What impressed me the most was the staff — the level of kindness, warmth, and genuine care from everyone at the hotel made this stay unforgettable. A very special mention has to go to Alfredo at the front desk, who helped me organise my partner's birthday and made everything feel seamless and stress-free; he gave us the best tour and trip recommendations and could not have done more for us. I also have to mention Elias from the bar, one of the kindest souls I've ever met while travelling. The food at Arbol Restaurant was another huge highlight — absolutely amazing from start to finish. As someone with a garlic and onion intolerance, I was so impressed with how accommodating the team was. And if you visit, trying "The Rooster" cocktail is a must — Joshua's personal recipe and one of the best cocktails I've ever had. Massive shoutout as well to Roger, Bayron, Joshua, Alfredo and Irina for making our stay so memorable. Makanda by the Sea is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave, and I'm so happy I can now confidently recommend it to my clients in Costa Rica.

Exceptional stay

Incredible hotel, both for its design and the quality of service! We enjoyed the two pools with their very thoughtful decor, the bar and lunch by the water, the delicious dinner, the wild beach, and the helpfulness of the staff. The hotel overlooks the sea while being in the heart of the jungle. Everything was perfect.

Honeymoon dream!

My husband and I visited Costa Rica for our honeymoon, and our stay was magical! We stayed in the Honeymoon Grand Pool Villa and it was even more than we could have expected — beautifully designed, even better than the pictures. Everyone working at Makanda was extremely helpful and made you feel right at home, and everything was kept extremely clean. The view from the room was unbelievable. I cannot recommend this place enough. We will be back!

Service that feels genuinely personal

Our stay at Hotel Makanda was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and genuine kindness that it immediately set the tone for the entire experience. A special thank you to Leo, the manager, who was absolutely outstanding and made sure everything ran seamlessly. Irina and Candy at reception greeted us with welcoming smiles and made us feel at home right away. Bayron and Jonathan were incredibly helpful with the golf carts — always attentive, quick, and friendly, which made getting around effortless. We also want to recognize Heiner and the rest of the team — every single person we encountered had such a warm attitude and went out of their way to make our stay feel special. It's rare to find a place where the service feels this genuine. The entire staff created an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and personal at the same time. We left feeling truly cared for, and that's what makes Makanda stand out. We can't wait to come back!

A special resort in Manuel Antonio

A truly unique and modern hotel. We had a beautiful patio to watch gorgeous sunsets, and in the early mornings we saw monkeys having breakfast. Every detail is covered — even down to the crocs for the pool. The service was exceptional: the staff learned our names immediately and went above and beyond. Braydon was always there to offer a golf cart ride to the beach or another part of the property, and if we needed a meal before the kitchen was officially open, Allen made it happen. The rooms are funky and fun. We really enjoyed our time here and wish we could have stayed longer.

Truly luxurious

From the warm welcome at reception to the kindness of the staff throughout the property, everything felt thoughtful and intentional — exactly what you hope for from a 5-star experience. We stayed in the penthouse with a private pool, and the entire setup was spectacular. The interiors were beautifully designed, and the bathroom was absolutely stunning — spacious, elegant, and one of our favorite parts of the stay. Being surrounded by nature made it even more special, with so many wildlife visitors enhancing the jungle experience. Despite the property having multiple rooms, it never once felt crowded — the design offers so much privacy you'd never guess how expansive it actually is. The service was consistently prompt and seamless. Along with two gorgeous pools (both with bars), the property offers beach access with a golf-cart drop-off and a beachside bar. One of our highlights was the floating breakfast — beautifully presented and just as delicious. This is easily one of those places we'll be thinking about, and recommending, for a long time.

A beautiful resort — perfect for our honeymoon

A beautiful resort, with excellent service. We stayed for our honeymoon in one of the villas and had an incredible time. The room was spacious, incredibly clean and comfortable. We saw monkeys, toucans and other birds, and a sloth within feet of our back patio. The staff were always around to take us down to the beach (accessible by golf cart only) or answer questions. One of the most underrated features is that you communicate with the front desk through WhatsApp — you can text any questions or requests and they respond immediately. They were very accommodating and even sent a list of nearby restaurants when we first arrived (though the on-site restaurant, Arbol, is incredible). We will definitely be coming back in the future.

We hosted our wedding welcome party here

We recently hosted our wedding welcome party at Makanda, and it was absolutely incredible. The space was stunning, beautifully designed and perfect for our event. Everything felt thoughtful and well organized from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond — warm, kind, and attentive, making sure every detail was just right. As we approached the end of our party, they realized we hadn't gone through all of our food and beverage package (their food was amazing, by the way) and graciously offered to host us beyond our allotted time so we could enjoy the evening a bit longer. That kind of flexibility and care meant so much to us. Overall, the experience was seamless and memorable. If you're looking for a venue with a gorgeous setting and exceptional service, this hotel is a wonderful choice — and next time we're in Manuel Antonio we're absolutely staying here!

Warm-hearted luxury

Well, what a fantastic few days we had here! Everything about our stay was just fabulous, from the accommodation to the many meals served up by the Arbol restaurant. We felt very much cared about and looked after, and the service we received was of the highest quality. While all the team were extremely helpful and friendly, the standouts for us were the really friendly Allen, Heiner, Joshua and Jorge at the pool restaurant, where nothing was too much trouble and the food just delicious, and Byron, who lugged our cases with a smile and happily drove us around in his golf cart. Our holiday was intended to be a very special one, and Makanda completely succeeded in making it just that.

Heaven on Earth!

This place is amazing! The unique stylish design is cool everywhere you look. Every little detail feels carefully chosen, like stepping into a magazine, yet it's still very comfortable. It felt like a dream. I was immediately blown away by the most spectacular views. From the moment we arrived, we felt relaxed and welcomed. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. It's evident that they genuinely care about making guests feel at home. The WOW Loft we stayed in was simply amazing! It had a spacious balcony that offered breathtaking views of the jungle and ocean. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and I slept better than I have in months. The bathroom was unbelievable with all the amenities you need and more. The food was delicious, and the service was outstanding. Arbol, the restaurant's decor was impressive, with an incredible view from every angle. The small secluded beach below the property was beautiful, featuring a bar on-site that would serve you. There were also lounging chairs with towels available wherever you desired on the beach. Makanda by the Sea is an absolute gem! I highly recommend this stunning boutique hotel!

Simply a dream stay

Our stay at Makanda by the Sea was simply a dream! We were especially impressed by the exceptional cleanliness throughout — from our room to the entire grounds, everything was always immaculately kept. The beautiful rooms with views over the sea and the jungle are an absolute highlight; waking up to that view each morning was indescribable. The food and drinks were excellent too — high quality, lovingly presented and delicious. A big compliment to the wonderful service team who made our stay unforgettable: Alexander, Roger, Joshua, Yoel, Jorge and Louis. A very special thank you to our ray of sunshine at the saltwater pool, Elias — always incredibly friendly, with a positive spirit that brightened every day. Thank you to the whole team for this wonderful time — we will definitely be back! 🌴✨

Truly a five-star experience

Our experience at Makanda by the Sea was nothing short of fabulous! From the nature, pools and beach, this hotel was truly a five-star experience. Our hosts Alfredo and Karen at the front desk are amazing and helped us arrange tours, reservations and transportation. Elias the bartender at the salt water pool made the most amazing drinks, which we enjoyed while in the jacuzzi. Joshua, at the Arbol restaurant, suggested the red snapper which was absolutely delicious. Dayan and Paola, the housekeepers, are fantastic and every day our room was spotless. We stayed in the WOW Loft and had the best ocean view and enjoyed the two balconies, the beautiful bathtub, and the champagne sent to us for our anniversary. We used the gym every day and it is equipped with the best Technogym treadmill and elliptical machines. Every day we either sat by the pool or went down to the hotel's wild beach. The monkeys, sloths and agoutis made themselves available for pictures and are part of the natural beauty of this hotel. Moreover, this hotel is adults only, which contributed to the peaceful environment. If you go to Manuel Antonio do yourself a favor and stay here!

Simply out of this world

Our stay at Makanda by the Sea was simply out of this world. Nestled in the forest with sweeping ocean views, the property feels beautifully wild, with monkeys and parrots all around, yet remains refined and intimate. The outdoor decor, especially the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, is absolutely stunning and creates a truly magical atmosphere. The service is personalized and incredible from start to finish, with staff who are genuinely helpful and attentive to every need. A special mention to Elias at the bar, who went above and beyond, even helping me find a great place to watch the Super Bowl. Our room was impeccable — spacious, spotless, and thoughtfully designed. The secluded beach below is a wonderful touch for anyone seeking tranquility away from public beaches. This was our second stay, and we will definitely be returning. Makanda remains one of those rare places that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to nature.

An unforgettable jungle-meets-ocean escape

Makanda by the Sea is nothing short of fabulous. It offers the perfect combination of lush jungle immersion and stunning ocean views — truly the best of Costa Rica in one place. The accommodations are luxurious, private, and beautifully designed, making every moment feel special and serene. One of our favorite daily rituals was sitting on our deck each morning with a cup of coffee, watching monkeys play in the surrounding trees while toucans and macaws flew overhead. It felt like living inside a nature documentary — peaceful, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable. The architecture and interior/exterior design are unique, artistic, and thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings — unlike anywhere we've ever stayed. The staff deserves special recognition: ultra-friendly, genuinely warm, and incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive. And the food — outstanding. Every meal was fresh, creative, and delicious. Makanda by the Sea is more than a resort; it's an experience. Relaxing, romantic, and unforgettable. We can't wait to return.

The best hotel we've ever been to

Makanda was the best hotel we have ever been to! From the atmosphere, service, food, views, location, and amenities — everything was top tier and beautifully done. I would recommend any couple looking to visit Costa Rica stop here. The entire hotel is built into the jungle, which melds luxury with nature in a seamless way. Even the gym offers stunning views of the ocean and rainforest. The staff were attentive, warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. Cannot recommend more highly!

The most amazing vacation destination

We stayed for 2 nights at Makanda by the Sea and had an absolutely wonderful time. The staff was so kind and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed and helping us plan what to do during our stay. The room was spectacular, very clean and well maintained. The wild beach below is secluded and peaceful, and the property is 5 minutes from Espadilla beach, which was stunning at sunset. The sunrises from our room were amazing and there was wildlife all around — we saw toucans and monkeys right next to our balcony and could see the ocean right from our bed. The atmosphere was so peaceful and we loved all of our meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The experience was worth every penny and we cannot wait to come back on our next trip to Costa Rica!

Very pleasant and private stay

My wife and I spent 5 nights in December at Makanda and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. There's enough space that it felt private wherever we went — the pools, spa, and beach. All facilities were clean, with staff sweeping up leaves throughout the day without being obtrusive. The front gate is staffed with security, so safety is not a concern. Our accommodation, the Jacuzzi Suite, was very private and spacious with a very comfortable king-size bed, and the unobstructed ocean views were spectacular in both the morning and evening (just expect early wake-ups with the sunshine through the wall of windows). All sorts of wildlife was visible from the suite — we even had multiple white-faced monkeys visit our patio one evening. The staff were very accommodating, with Bayron standing out as exceptionally helpful: always cheery and quick to respond, around enough but never in your face. We booked our excursions through Makanda and enjoyed every one, with transport included and pleasant drivers. Our massages at the spa were calming and exactly what we needed. Communication with the front desk via WhatsApp was easy and convenient — they even arranged a taxi back to the hotel when we were off property. We loved staying there; our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer!

A perfect 10/10 stay

Makanda by the Sea in Manuel Antonio is truly one of the most beautiful resorts I've ever experienced. From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the stunning design. The rooms are spacious and stylish, the pools are breathtaking, and the food is incredible, with views that make every meal unforgettable. The outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with the lush rainforest, ocean and wildlife, creating a magical atmosphere that feels both luxurious and connected to nature. The beach and pools were pristine and relaxing, but what really made this stay exceptional were the people — every staff member I encountered was warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful. Their kindness and attention to detail elevated the entire experience. This resort is the definition of paradise. Between the gorgeous setting, thoughtful design, and outstanding hospitality, my stay was a perfect 10/10. I can't wait to return!

Everything was absolutely perfect — a true paradise

Everything was truly at the highest level. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional — attentive, warm, and genuinely caring in every detail. Villa 5 was absolutely stunning: beautifully designed, very private, and incredibly comfortable, and it was always perfectly clean, with the staff keeping the entire property and grounds immaculate every morning. The restaurant was amazing — the chef went above and beyond by preparing a delicious meal using our freshly caught mahi-mahi, one of the most memorable dining experiences we've ever had. The access to the ocean is fantastic, with a secluded beach below that makes the experience feel exclusive and peaceful. We also visited the spa twice for the couples massage at Kapel, and it was outstanding. We will definitely be coming back again — and not just once. Makanda is a place we truly fell in love with.

Five stars, one jungle, zero regrets

My wife and I just landed back home from Costa Rica this morning, and we're already missing it. A big reason is the incredible stay we had at Makanda by the Sea, which turned an already special trip into something truly unforgettable. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and the staff clearly understood the assignment — from check-in to check-out everything ran seamlessly and with genuine warmth. This wasn't the forced “hospitality smile”; everyone took the time to remember our names and greeted us daily with a cheerful “Pura Vida!” that never felt rehearsed. The property is stunning — you're completely immersed in nature, with the feeling that you're living inside the rainforest rather than just visiting it. On more than one morning we were joined at breakfast by white-faced Capuchin monkeys, arguably the most entertaining breakfast companions we've ever had. Speaking of breakfast: fantastic — do yourself a favor and order the Crunchy French Toast, and the complimentary fruit was unbelievably fresh. Booking activities through the hotel was incredibly easy. And the rooms? Massive and immaculately clean. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, conveniently located near Manuel Antonio National Park and the beaches. We left feeling refreshed, spoiled, and already plotting our return. Pura Vida!

Peaceful escape with great views

We spent the last week of November at Makanda by the Sea. The property is extremely quiet and subdued. The pool area was a highlight — beautiful views, wildlife in the surrounding trees, and plenty of seating. Staff throughout the property were attentive and genuinely friendly. We stayed in the WOW villa: spacious, nicely appointed, and the housekeeping team kept everything immaculate. The amenities were excellent — we especially appreciated the golf-cart rides down to the beach. A note on dining: we ventured off property a few times, and Makanda was consistently better than what we found in the area. This isn't a place for nightlife or constant activity; if you want a quiet place, good service, and a beautiful setting, Makanda delivers.

Fantastic accommodation in an idyllic location

Makanda by the Sea was the end of our trip in Costa Rica. We stayed three days, and I wish it had been more. If the area — Manuel Antonio National Park — is already a real wonder, the right accommodation adds a bonus to your trip. It's a hotel that doesn't look like a hotel, because it's "camouflaged" on a mountainside — hard to see, really. It has a separate reception, with rooms and services scattered throughout the forest, and two separate pool areas — one saltwater, the other freshwater, both with a jacuzzi, bar and cocktail service. The common areas are decorated with great style. It also has a restaurant where you dine wonderfully well, and a breakfast looking at the forest while you probably see monkeys, toucans, other birds, and the Pacific in the background — a delicious breakfast that is hard to forget. There is also an almost-private beach, accessed down a steep slope, but there is always a cart willing to take you down or bring you back up. The room pampers you in every armchair, carpet and piece of decoration — you feel like you're in a very special place. And the surrounding nature is everywhere: you hear the howler monkeys, the cicadas, the birds. During my stay I injured my leg, and all the staff were extremely attentive to our every need. It is not a cheap place, but it is perhaps the recommendation from my travel agency that I value the most. A full hit — I would repeat without hesitation. P.S.: even when it rains, the carts go up and down the ramps and do not slip!

An immersion into relaxation

Everything about the stay was amazing — from the resort grounds to the food to the amenities. 10/10, would recommend to anyone looking to relax in the lushness of the Costa Rican rainforest landscape. All of the staff were very helpful and attentive to anything we needed during our stay, and every recommendation was 10/10 — from the on-resort restaurant (the Snapper was amazing!) to the excursions around Manuel Antonio. The welcome onto the property was second to none. 10/10, undeniably!

Our favorite spot in Manuel Antonio

This was our third stay at Makanda. It is by far the most luxurious and beautiful hotel in the Manuel Antonio area, and maybe even in all of Costa Rica. It's not that we dislike children, but occasionally we do appreciate the ambience of a resort designed exclusively for adults. The various rooms are beautifully decorated and we love that there are so many different options, some with private jacuzzi, some with private pool, all with incredible views. We have tried different rooms each time and each one was a unique and wonderful experience. Amazing wildlife sightings, attentive and polite staff, gorgeous design features, decent spa, delicious food, and an excellent location if you ever actually want to leave the hotel. We will definitely continue to stay at Makanda during future visits to MA.

Most beautiful hotel in Costa Rica

Wow, wow, wow — that was everything I expected and more! We stayed in the luxury Penthouse, Suite 19. The room is beautiful and large, and the bathroom is large too; the living room and bathroom have doors leading to a huge balcony where every evening we enjoyed a perfect sunset view. We enjoyed our friendly visitors each day: small monkeys, an iguana, hummingbirds, butterflies, and red and blue birds. Despite being surrounded by the forest, no bugs disturbed us — we left the doors open for hours. The most impressive feature for me is the WhatsApp communication service: anything you need, whether pillows at 11pm, a taxi, or room service, is one text away, and the response time is literally seconds. The main pool and restaurant area is extremely beautiful, and the staff is friendly and professional. We had planned to do so many adventurous things, but we ended up just relaxing on our balcony and swimming in the private pool attached to it. Thank you, Makanda, for an unforgettable experience.