Arenas del Mar

Top choice in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around


This visually arresting hotel and resort complex is consistently shortlisted among Costa Rica's finest upscale hotels. The earthy, luxury rooms with large rain showers have been designed to incorporate the beauty of the natural landscape and to great effect, especially when you’re staring down the coastline from the lofty balcony of your sumptuous digs. The top-tier accommodations feature ocean-view Jacuzzis.

The golf car service whizzes guests around the property and to a 'private' beach (only accessible to the public when the tide is out). A dreamy pool overlooks the ocean. Boons include roaming wildlife, and nature-spotters can enjoy the property's short 10-minute trail into the surrounding jungle. Expertly prepared dishes and seafood can be sampled at the large tiki-thatched Mirador restaurant, also with great views and an inviting pool. Happy hour at the bar runs 5:30pm to 7pm, with US$6 cocktails and vino.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around attractions

1. La Playita

0.17 MILES

At the far western end of Playa Espadilla, beyond a rocky headland (wear sandals), this former nude beach remains one of Costa Rica's most famous gay…

2. Playa Espadilla

0.58 MILES

This wide stretch of white sand is found just outside the park entrance, in front of Manuel Antonio village. It's a popular place for families and beach…

3. Greentique Wildlife Refuge

0.63 MILES

Biologist Jimmy Mata leads magical one- and two-hour sojourns through the Butterfly Atrium, Reptile & Amphibian Water Gardens and Crocodile Lagoon, as…

4. Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

1.38 MILES

Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park (1680 acres/680 hectares) absolutely brims with wildlife (and often…

5. Playa Espadilla Sur

1.4 MILES

A half-hour hike from the park entrance, the exposed Playa Espadilla Sur is to the north of Punta Catedral and gorgeous with pinch-me scenes of white sand…

6. Punta Catedral

1.49 MILES

Geography fun fact: this isthmus, which is the centerpiece of the park, is called a tombolo and was formed by the accumulation of sand between the…

7. Turtle Trap

1.65 MILES

At the western end of Playa Manuel Antonio you can see a semicircle of rocks at low tide. Archaeologists believe that these were arranged by pre-Columbian…

8. Playa Manuel Antonio

1.65 MILES

With its turquoise waters, this lovely forest-backed beach fronts a deep bay, sheltered by the Punta Catedral on the west side and a promontory on the…