Arenas del Mar Resort, Manuel Antonio

Pros

• The resort has a privileged location on an 11-acre private rainforest reserve with direct beach access and Pacific views.
• Rooms range from studio-like kings to spacious suites, all with modern interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces. 
• You can take your pick between two infinity pools, explore the grounds with a naturalist guide, or head to the spa for body wraps and massages.
• The property is home to diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, and scarlet macaws.
• There are two on-site restaurants, both featuring sustainably-sourced menus based around fresh seafood and local produce.
•  The resort runs a calendar of fun, interactive events like tortilla making classes, yoga sessions, barbecues, rum tastings, and a popular "street food" night on the beach. 

Cons

• It can take time time to navigate the expansive property, though eco-friendly golf cart shuttles are on hand whenever you need them.
• This is a popular spot and can get busy sometimes, especially around the pools.

Authenticity

Arenas del Mar's "lobby" is the perfect first introduction to the luxury eco-resort—a welcoming open-air space set under a traditional thatched palm roof. Paths and trails wind through the 11-acre (4 ha) nature reserve, and rooms are spread throughout three-story concrete buildings tucked into the tropical foliage. The ocean and the rainforest are the themes here, and everything from the decor to the food celebrates the resort's biodiverse surroundings. Even the complimentary in-room "Tico" minibars are stocked with local drinks and snacks, including organic coffee roasted just up the road.

Location

You'll be situated directly on the Pacific Ocean, with easy access to popular beaches like Playitas and Playa Espadilla. You're also close to the rainforest and about a 10-minute drive from the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. Downtown Manuel Antonio is a 5-minute drive or cab ride away, or you can reach its shops and restaurants in under 30 minutes with a stroll along the beach. The nearest international airport is San José, about a 3-hour drive north. There's plentiful parking at the resort, and golf cart shuttles are on hand to help you get around the large property.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The resort's 37 air-conditioned rooms and suites are spacious and modern, with cool tile floors, muted color palettes, organic cotton linens, and custom wood furniture. Nature-inspired artwork and pieces from local Costa Rican artists dot the walls, and the large bathrooms include rain-style showers set with glass-block tiles. Most units include private terraces with views of the ocean or the rainforest, and suites add Jacuzzis, living rooms, and kitchenettes. Larger groups should opt for the Playitas Suite, which sleeps up to eight across two bedrooms. 

Amenities

You can hop between two large infinity pools, one with ocean views, and you'll find plentiful loungers, hammocks, and umbrellas around both. The on-site spa offers luxurious wellness treatments like facials and massages, and there's a modern fitness center and a games room for rainy days. You'll have two options for dining, with breakfast (included in the rate) and dinner served at El Mirador in a cliffside perch with spectacular views. The more casual beachside Playitas has seating right on the sand (they'll also deliver a cocktail or a fruit smoothie straight to your beach chair). Both feature menus based around organic and sustainably sourced ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.

Family-Friendliness

Arenas del Mar welcomes families. You'll find thoughtful details like kid-friendly menus, hiking excursions customized for little legs, and several in-house tours and activities specifically geared toward younger ages. The staff also includes Family Vacation Specialists who can plan trips or recommend activities and outings. Ocean View Premium Suites and Ocean Breeze Suites are good choices for families, and there's also a selection of adjoining rooms for larger groups. Golf cart shuttles are available throughout the property to help little ones navigate the extensive and sometimes hilly grounds.

Wildlife

The resort's protected 11-acre (4 ha) reserve is home to mammals like howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, anteaters, and sloths. You're likely to spot iguanas and basilisk lizards sunning themselves along the paths, and the treetop canopies are frequented by colorful and diverse birdlife, including toucans and scarlet macaws. Two on-site naturalist guides are also on hand to help you make the most of wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Sustainability

Arenas del Mar is deeply committed to sustainability. Beyond the conservation and preservation of the surrounding property, the resort uses solar panels to heat hot water, avoids single-use plastic, and hires its staff from the local community. The on-site restaurants source their ingredients from the area's farmers and suppliers, and their Dock to Dish program engages Manuel Antonio's fishermen to provide sustainable seafood.