Hotel Makanda by the Sea

Our stay at Makanda by the Sea exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome and went above and beyond to ensure our experience was unforgettable. The property itself is absolutely stunning! It is beautifully designed, impeccably maintained, and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The room was spacious and comfortable. The views from the room were amazing and unforgettable. The pool was relaxing and the restaurant was delicious! This was one of the most memorable places we have ever been to! We will be back, hopefully soon!

Makanda by the Sea was exactly what we had hoped it would be! All of the facilities and staff were world class, the kindness and level of detail were second to none from the time we checked in until we checked out. Upon arrival, the manager Leo was beyond helpful and accommodating. Candy booked several excursions and dinner reservations for us, and Bayron was always available with a smile and kind words to make our stay the absolute best. All of the servers at the poolside restaurant were enjoyable to chat with and became friends. Our room was absolutely gorgeous, we loved the monkeys and other wildlife right outside our balcony. One of our favorite things to do there was sit on the balcony and watch the monkeys and the gorgeous view. We highly recommend this resort and we look forward to returning.

No detail overlooked. Perfect

My wife and I make it a tradition to travel internationally every year for our anniversary and have been doing so for the last 16 years. Over the years we've been fortunate enough to visit some incredible destinations, but our stay at Makanda by the Sea in Manuel Antonio has become our favorite vacations of all time. From the stunning property and luxurious accommodations to the incredible staff and unforgettable wildlife encounters, every aspect of our experience exceeded expectations. The Property Makanda by the Sea is one of those rare places that feels like paradise from the moment you arrive. The entire property is beautifully designed and meticulously maintained, blending luxury with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. The villas are thoughtfully spaced apart, creating a sense of privacy and tranquility that makes you feel as though you've discovered your own secluded retreat. The infinity pools offer breathtaking ocean views, and there are countless places throughout the property to sit, relax, and soak in the surrounding rainforest. While the resort is built into the hillside, transportation is effortless thanks to the golf cart service that whisk guests around the property and down to the beach. The beach itself feels like a hidden gem—peaceful, beautiful, and never crowded. What impressed me most about the property were the little details. A covered waiting area near the entrance protects guests from Costa Rica's frequent tropical showers while waiting for transportation or tours. The security staff consistently tracked arrivals and departures, creating an added sense of safety and care that made us feel completely comfortable throughout our stay. And then there's the wildlife. Makanda is truly immersed in nature. During our stay we regularly spotted sloths, multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, lizards, toucans, raccoons, and countless tropical birds. In fact, we saw more wildlife up close on the resort grounds than we did during our visit to Manuel Antonio National Park! The Room We stayed in the Sky Penthouse Suite, and it was absolutely spectacular. The suite was spacious, beautifully appointed, and designed with comfort in mind. Having a dedicated walk-in closet was a luxury we didn't realize we'd appreciate so much. The king-sized bed, pillows, and linens were exceptionally comfortable, and for the first time in a long time, we slept just as well on vacation as we do at home. The large bathroom featured dual sinks and plenty of room for two people to get ready comfortably. Outside, the expansive private terrace quickly became one of our favorite places to unwind. Between the plunge pool, comfortable seating areas, and incredible views, spending time in the room was an experience all by itself. The thoughtful amenities elevated the experience even further. Bose Bluetooth speakers, umbrellas, robes, slippers, yoga mats, wine glasses, and even Crocs for walking around the property or down to the beach were all provided. My personal favorite? The automated blackout curtains that allowed for a peaceful night’s sleep, and inviting you back to the beauty of the rainforest and the sea with just a touch of a button. The Service As beautiful as the property is, the service is what truly sets Makanda apart. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for. We were greeted immediately, transported directly to reception by golf cart, and checked in efficiently by Candy, who made us feel right at home. Our luggage was delivered to our room, and we were given a personal tour of both the property and our suite so we could settle in effortlessly. What followed was several days of some of the best hospitality we've ever experienced. Every member of the staff was warm, attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in ensuring guests had an exceptional stay. They seemed to anticipate needs before we even had to ask. While everyone was fantastic, Josh, Heimer, and Jorge deserve special recognition. Their friendliness, humor, and dedication made our anniversary trip even more memorable. Whether during breakfast, happy hour, or simply passing through the property, they consistently went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. By the end of our stay, seeing them each day had become one of the highlights of our trip, and saying goodbye felt like leaving friends behind. Final Thoughts If you're considering a trip to Costa Rica—especially Manuel Antonio—stop searching and book Makanda by the Sea - NOW! This resort offers an extraordinary combination of luxury, privacy, natural beauty, wildlife, safety, and world-class service that is increasingly difficult to find. Out of all the places we've traveled together, Makanda by the Sea gave us some of our favorite memories and our most relaxing anniversary yet. It is truly a special place, and we cannot wait to return soon.

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 get 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!!!