Hotel Makanda by the Sea

I went with my wife for our honeymoon and we had a great first time experience in Costa Rica. The location was amazing, atmosphere was very quiet and natural. The rooms were high-end, properly maintained, with great amenities. The staff kept the hotel and rooms very clean and were welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable during our stay. Highly recommend Makanda to anyone wanting a quiet, relaxed vacation with their spouse or significant other.

My wife and I had the most amazing time at Makanda. We’ve traveled abroad for years but this place was special. It’s was the best hotel that we have stayed at. From the moment we met the staff (Luis, Roger, and others), we knew we wanted to come back. On our trip home we planned a visit for March. Please don’t miss out, if you have the opportunity to visit Manuel Antonio stay at Makanda.

Our stay in the Honeymoon Grand Pool Villa at Makanda by the Sea was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, every detail exceeded our expectations and made this one of the most memorable hotel experiences we've ever had. The villa was absolutely stunning—private, spacious, and beautifully designed with incredible attention to detail. Being surrounded by the rainforest while enjoying luxury accommodations created the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We loved watching monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife from our terrace without ever leaving the villa. The entire property is immaculate, and the staff consistently delivered warm, genuine hospitality. Everyone went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect, anticipating our needs while giving us complete privacy. Makanda by the Sea is truly a world-class destination for couples looking to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply enjoy an unforgettable escape together. If you're considering the Honeymoon Grand Pool Villa, don't hesitate—it is worth every penny. We left feeling completely refreshed and already planning our return. This is one of those rare places that actually surpasses the photos and lives up to every five-star review.

This was my last hotel in Costa Rica for 4 days. It is beautifully situated on a hill looking onto the sea. My room was close to the main pool and restaurant which was practical. The room had a modern feel, but felt a bit gloomy due to the dark décor. It had a balcony with views towards the sea, a big bed and stunning bathroom. There were vanity mirrors built into the mirrors in the bathroom but they were a bit high up, not taking into account shorter women. In contrast to my previous hotel the minibar was not free, nor was laundry service. I booked the Manuel Antonio Tour with the hotel which was great as we saw many sloths. On the hotel grounds I was also able to spot an Aguti, Capuchin and Squirrel monkeys by the pool and even 2 Scarlet Macaws, which I never managed to spot on my previous trips to Costa Rica. The food was very good, all a la carte. You could lounge nicely by the pool, have lunch and drinks and enjoy the day. The staff I encountered at the restaurant were all very nice. I had a massage which was fine. However, what I found strange was, that the massage therapist simply walked out of the room without a word when she was done, leaving me on the bed with a towel on my face. Usually, the therapist tells you the massage is done and asks how you feel. There was also no tea or refreshment offered after the massage. The room cleaning was also done a bit late. On the day of my Manuel Antonio Tour I came back in the afternoon and my room had not been cleaned. I called reception, which at times was difficult as the lines did not work and the phone just rang and rang, and asked them to come clean my room. Then I went for a long lunch and when I went back to my room, the room was just being cleaned. But this is a stylish hotel, perfect for relaxing.

We had an amazing stay! Without a doubt, this is the best hotel in Manuel Antonio, especially for couples looking for a relaxing getaway. The staff was exceptional—everyone was so warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making our stay perfect. The food was absolutely delicious, and every meal exceeded our expectations. We also treated ourselves to a massage at the spa, and it was one of the best we’ve ever had. The private beach is definitely one of the highlights of the property. We truly enjoyed every moment of our stay and are already looking forward to coming back in September. Highly recommended!