Hotel Makanda by the Sea

My wife and I desperately needed to get away from the cold and stress of New York City. Makanda was exactly what we needed. The hotel design and vibes are both equally immaculate. The staff and management provided some of the best service we have experienced. While the drive to the hotel was long, the driver kept us entertained, sharing his knowledge of Costa Rica. Checking in was smooth, and when our flight out was canceled the hotel manager Leo made arrangements early in the morning to allow us to continue staying in our room at the price of the tropical suite. We stayed in the wow suite, and as the name indicates you can’t help but saying “wow!” When you walk in. The balcony provided majestic views and entertainment from the monkeys. I do suggest that you follow staff and avoid feeding them and keep your doors locked as the wild life will engage if given the opportunity. We enjoyed the fanciest dining experience of our trip at Arbol for the Christmas Eve dinner. But when we wanted local casual fare we had no issues getting around via Uber and Taxis. We do suggest checking out a soda in Quepos and of course Manuel Antonio National Park. We took the hotels tour but you can also just go to the park by buying a ticket online ahead of time. The beach at the park was beautiful but we preferred the secluded beach at Makanda and the golf cart service made getting around the hilly terrain a breeze. We normally work out on vacation but found that walking around was sufficient in getting some good exercise. We will definitely come back. We travel often and this trip will stay forever in our memories as one of the best experiences of our lives. I will never forget Makanda and the wonderful people who make this country so inviting. Makanda forever! Pura Vida is mantra we now hold in our hearts.

My wife and I spent 5 nights in December 2025 at Makanda and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Makanda has room for everyone and enough space that it felt private regardless of where we went, the pools, spa, and beach. All facilities were clean wi the staff sweeping up leaves or debris throughout the day, but not being obtrusive about it. The front gate is staffed with security and gates so safety is not a concern. Our accommodations, the Jacuzzi Suite, was a very private and spacious room with a very comfortable king size bed. The unobstructed views of the ocean and surroundings were spectacular in both the morning and evenings! Just expect early wake up times with the sunshine coming in the wall of windows. All sorts of wildlife was visible from the suite, even having multiple white faced monkeys visit our patio one evening! The staff was very accommodating to our requests with Bayron standing out as being exceptionally helpful; always cheery and quick to respond. The staff was around enough but not constantly in your face to give you space to relax, but were there to meet you needs. We did book our excursions through Makanda and the external service providers were good and we enjoyed every one of them. Transport was included and the drivers were pleasant. My wife and I did have massages at the spa which were calming, relaxing, and what we wanted/needed! The spa facilities are wonderful. Communication with the Makanda’s front desk and the staff was easily done via WhatsApp; very convenient even if we were not on the property but needed a taxi back to the hotel, which they arranged for us. We loved staying there. Our only regret is we could not stay longer!

My wife and I just landed back home from Costa Rica this morning, and we’re already missing it—hard! A big reason for that is the incredible stay we had at Makanda By The Sea, which managed to turn an already special trip into something truly unforgettable. We were there celebrating our wedding anniversary, and the staff at Makanda clearly understood the assignment. From the moment we checked in to the moment we checked out, everything ran seamlessly and with genuine warmth. This wasn’t the forced “hospitality smile” you sometimes get—everyone took the time to remember our names and greeted us daily with a cheerful “Pura Vida!” that somehow never felt rehearsed. The property itself is stunning. You’re completely immersed in nature, with the feeling that you’re living inside the rainforest rather than just visiting it. On more than one morning, we were joined at breakfast by White-Faced Capuchin monkeys—arguably the most entertaining breakfast companions we’ve ever had. Speaking of breakfast: fantastic. Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted even better. Do yourself a favor and order the Crunchy French Toast—it deserves its own standing ovation. The complimentary fruit was unbelievably fresh and juicy, the kind that makes you realize grocery store fruit back home has been lying to you. Booking activities through the hotel was also incredibly easy, removing any stress from planning and letting us fully relax. And the rooms? Massive. Immaculately clean. I joked that the bathroom alone was bigger than some NYC apartments—and honestly, I stand by that statement. Overall, it was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, conveniently located near Manuel Antonio National Park and the beaches. We left feeling refreshed, spoiled, and already plotting our return. When we’re back in Costa Rica—and there will be a next time—Makanda By The Sea will absolutely be on our itinerary again. Pura Vida! 🌿

Our stay was amazing! You couldn't asking for anything more. The room, staff and scenery were beyond my expectations. Definitely worth the price and visit.

Our Makanda stay was fantastic in every respect. the beauty and cleanliness of the resort was excellent, the location and view was magnificent and the food was fabulous. however, the very best part of our stay was the people of the Makanda team. every single person was dialed in to make our stay a truly 5 star experience. Makanda has my highest recommendation for a great Costa Rica vacation!!