Hotel Makanda by the Sea

A group of 8 of us just booked a stay at the amazing Makanda by the Sea. It was spectacular in every way. The rooms are incredibly decorated with the most comfortable beds. The food and drinks were impeccable. The restaurants also have great decor and a great variety on the menu. Breakfast on the terrace by the main pool is a highlight. Service and staff were super attentive, speak both English and Spanish, were at the ready when we needed something and always had a smile on their face. The views of the ocean are made better only by the jungle surrounding the hotel. I highly recommend Makanda when you visit Manuel Antonio. It’s a gem.

Makanda was one of, if not, the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. My wife and I came for our honeymoon in September of 2025 and loved every minute of our stay. While Makanda was a bit quieter at this time of the year it did not dissapoint when it came to service. Gieralyn, Ariana and the rest of the reception staff were incredible and accommodating to every request. Jonathan the driver is a great man we enjoyed talking to, who gave great advice on the area. Security was always nice at the front gate and Joshua gave great room service. We had a wonderful meal the first night and wish we had dinner at Makanda more! We wanted to get around town as much as we could but no dinners met the quality of food at Makanda. We had a couples massage during a lightning storm which was amazing and the views from your rooms or pool terrace cannot be beat. Very active environment as we saw plenty of what Mother Nature and Costa Rica has to offer just from our balcony. Sloths, monkeys, and red macaws to name a few. Would absolutely reccomend Makanda 10/10 as we had the trip of our lives! Thank you to the wonderful staff of Makanda. You made us feel welcomed and special!! Sawyer and Melanie

Eating at the pool terrace was perfect. The views of the ocean and jungle were second to none. Elias was a fantastic bartender. He recommended the octopus and the burger. Both 10/10. He also shared a lot of information regarding the local wild life.

This is the best hotel we’ve ever stayed in. It is beautifully designed and every part is comfortable to relax in. It feels like it is right in the heart of the jungle and we saw multiple sloths and monkeys in the trees. The staff are exceptional. Every single one made us feel welcome and like they were happy we were there. The perfect level of attentiveness and friendliness. They would always go out of their way to help. There are two pools (salt water and normal water) and each has a well designed lounging area. The sun loungers are in pairs and positioned perfectly so that you feel like you have privacy. Our Ocean Club room was stunning. Fantastic view, great design and very comfortable. Exceptionally relaxing to sit on the balcony and watch the view when it rains (we visited in rainy season). We were originally in a different room but asked to move (we felt we were too close to the pool, with music during the day) and the team were so helpful. Leo and his team should be so proud of the exceptional hotel they are running. We will certainly be back one day!

This was an anniversary trip that didn’t disappoint. We had room S19 which was a large suit with its own infinity pool. We were greeted by monkeys during breakfast on our deck and a sloth within a tree 20 feet from our room!! The view of the ocean/jungle was incredible!! Food price was on the higher side but you are rewarded for it! Staff were all very nice and helpful! From booking day trips or help finding local places for traditional meals, the staff went out of their way! On our anniversary we returned after lunch to find champagne, cheesecake shaped like an Apple, and a very nice card hand written from the staff!!! That touch is not found frequently!! We will definitely be back!!!