Arenas del Mar is the Manuel Antonio hotel for couples who want both the rainforest and a real beach. Most hotels in the area sit high on the ridge with big views and a shuttle down to the sand. Arenas del Mar runs from the forest canopy all the way to Playitas Beach on an 11-acre private reserve beside the national park, so you can walk from your suite to the water.
There are about 38 rooms and suites, most with ocean views. The honeymoon picks are the one-bedroom suites, which have a private jacuzzi on the balcony looking over the forest to the Pacific. Breakfast is included. Sloths, capuchins and squirrel monkeys move through the trees around the rooms. The naturalist-led walks on the property are a highlight.
The resort is part of the Cayuga Collection, a group of Central American hotels known for sustainability. That shows in the details, from the dock-to-dish fish program to the reusable bottles. It suits couples who want comfort and nature in the same place, with a good restaurant on the beach and a spa for the afternoon rain.
Highlights at a glance
- Direct access to Playitas Beach
- 11-acre private reserve next to the national park
- Suites with private balcony jacuzzis
- Breakfast and naturalist walk included
- Two restaurants, one right on the sand
Why Couples Love Arenas del Mar
Beach access is the deciding factor for many. Few hotels in Manuel Antonio let you walk to a beach this quiet. Playitas sits at the foot of the property. The resort provides loungers, towels, daybeds and hammocks, so you can spend the afternoon by the water without hauling gear down a hill.
The second reason is the wildlife. The reserve is thick with trees. Animals use the property as a corridor to the national park next door. Waking up to howler monkeys or watching a sloth from your jacuzzi is normal here.
Couples also mention the balance. The resort is upscale but relaxed, with friendly staff, golf carts to carry you up and down the hill and enough space that it never feels crowded, even in high season.
Rooms and Suites to Book
All rooms have king beds and a balcony or terrace.
- Rainforest Rooms (about 49 square meters) face the trees only, the best value if views of the ocean matter less.
- Ocean View and Ocean Breeze Superior Rooms (about 45 square meters) add Pacific views.
- Ocean Breeze Suites (about 90 square meters) have a separate living area and a private balcony jacuzzi with views over forest and sea.
- Ocean View Premium Suites (about 98 square meters) are the top one-bedroom choice, with a private jacuzzi and views of both the ocean and the national park.
For a honeymoon, book an Ocean View Premium Suite. The balcony jacuzzi at sunset, with the Pacific turning gold and monkeys moving through the trees, is the experience people come for. An Ocean Breeze Suite is a strong second choice for less money.
Food, Drink and the Spa
There are two restaurants. Playitas Beachfront Restaurant sits on the sand and is the place for long lunches, fresh ceviche and a cold drink after a swim. Mirador Oceanview Restaurant sits higher on the property, with views across to the national park. It serves a more polished dinner menu.
The resort's food philosophy centers on local suppliers, including a dock-to-dish program that brings fish straight from local fishermen. Breakfast is included and served à la carte. Lunch, dinner and drinks are charged to your room.
Las Brisas Wellness Center handles massages and treatments. A couples massage on a rainy afternoon in the green season is a good use of time. Yoga and exercise classes are included, along with a tortilla-making class and a painting workshop if you want a change of pace.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Manuel Antonio National Park is next door. A guided morning walk is the essential outing. Go early with a certified naturalist guide, who will spot sloths, monkeys and birds you would miss on your own.
- Join the resort's included Easy Being Green tour, a naturalist walk around the reserve.
- Take a catamaran trip along the coast with snorkeling and dolphin spotting.
- Kayak through the mangroves of Damas Island.
- Try a surf lesson on Playa Espadilla, using the resort's boards.
- Watch the sunset with a cocktail from the beachfront restaurant.
Watch for rip currents on open beaches and swim only where it is calm or where lifeguards are present. Keep food out of reach of monkeys, who are bold and quick.
Getting There
The quickest route is a domestic flight from San José (SJO) to Quepos La Managua (XQP), about 25 to 30 minutes in the air, then roughly 20 minutes by car to the resort. Driving from San José takes about three hours on good roads. Private shuttles are easy to book. Liberia (LIR) is farther, about five hours by road.
Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses occur in Costa Rica, especially in the wet season. Pack repellent and light long sleeves for evenings. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Costa Rica. Entry and visa rules depend on your citizenship and can change at short notice, so check the official government website before you book.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, if beach access and wildlife are top priorities. Arenas del Mar is not the cheapest hotel in Manuel Antonio, but it offers something the ridge-top hotels cannot: suites in the forest with a quiet beach at the bottom of the hill. Included breakfast, beach service and activities add value.
Couples who want a strictly kid-free hotel should look at Gaia Hotel and Reserve, which takes guests 13 and older. Those who want the biggest views and a more boutique feel may also prefer Gaia. For a lower price with plenty of character, Hotel Sí Como No is a good alternative. The resort recommends at least five nights, which is generous; three or four is enough for most couples combining Manuel Antonio with another region.
Insider tips
- Book an Ocean View Premium Suite for the best combination of jacuzzi and view.
- Visit the national park at opening time with a certified guide.
- Ask about the dock-to-dish catch of the day at dinner.
- Plan pool and spa time for the afternoon showers in the green season.
