Our trip was absolutely lovely.
Costa Rica | Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2022

A
Abby S.
New Orleans, LA | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2022

Our trip was absolutely lovely. Olman did a great job of working with us during the planning process. He listened to our needs and found just the right properties. We did not get a final itinerary until 36 hours before we left. I am not used to such a short timeline. I have used KimKim before and have gotten our final itinerary at least a week in advance. It made me very nervous and did not allow me to look at the day trips to know what to pack etc. Makanda by the Sea (which Olman had highly recommended) was one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in. My son had the most spectacular room, all glass looking over the Pacific Ocean with monkeys and sloths traveling bye all day. The pool was blissful! The Lost Iguana was very nice but paled in comparison to Makanda. Olman did a great job and we had a great time.

Hotel Reviews
Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
Fortuna

The hotel is on beautiful grounds. The pool is lovely with a heated part that is a swim up bar. The swim up bar was over run with kids on our second day. The lighting in my son's room was very odd. Just one dim overhead light and a tiny LED by his bed with n o windows to speak of. Fortunately the amazing outdoor shower made up for it. The view from our suite was spectacular. The food was fine.

Authenticity & Character
The grounds were beautiful
Location
It was very secluded which was nice but a little far for in town dining.
Staff
We didn't have much interaction. But the ones we met were very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The outdoor shower was spectacular. The lighting in the rooms could definitely be improved upon.
Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only
Manuel Antonio

The most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed at. The pool was beautiful with a spectacular view. The staff were extraordinary. The food at the restaurant was delicious. We enjoyed the private beach. There were more animals around the pool than we saw anywhere else during our entire trip (monkeys, iguanas, sloths, toucans, macaws). Whatever we wanted all we had to do was ask. Our villa was absolutely breathtaking. My son's room was a glass cube with an amazing view of the pacific and sloths and monkeys swinging by all day.

Tips for future travelers

Don't hesitate.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
El Silencio Volcano Hike & Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall
El Silencio Volcano Hike & Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

We al learned a lot. The view form the top was spectacular.

Quality of Experience
Food
Loved the local restaurant that we went to. It had authentic Costa Rican fare.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very personable and knowledgeable.
Transport
Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline
Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline
Arenal/La Fortuna

The zip lines were very cool and fast. We had a great time. We would have liked to learn a bit more about the animals and area from the guides.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It would have been nice if they would have told us more about the animals and rainforest.
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on May 21, 2022

Hello Abby,

Thanks for your 5-star review!
I am so happy to read your family enjoyed our country.

Regarding Makanda, it is my favorite hotel, immerse in the tropical forest, with great amenities and unique service, there are not many hotels like Makanda around the world.

Best,
Olman