Hotel Makanda by the Sea

Adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park, within a 12-acre sanctuary poised 200 meters above the Pacific Ocean, adults-only Makanda By The Sea captures the magical spirit of Costa Rica. Open-air designer villas are sculpted harmoniously into the natural environment, and boast spectacular views of the 60-mile coastline. In this unspoiled wonderland, you can savor fresh seafood, or drift in the stunning infinity pool, watching monkeys, sloths and raccoons wind their way through the rainforest.

Although the resort boasts spacious viewing decks reaching into the jungle canopy, you will want to venture further out, to raft the Savegre River or take a horseback ride along a rainforest trail. Secluded beaches provide sublime settings for surfing, sunning and sea kayaking. And you might also snorkel or scuba dive off the volcanic reefs of nearby islands. For pure indulgence, request a soothing spa treatment. Then unwind over homemade desert and a cup of coffee freshly roasted at local Cafe Milagro.