“A luxury hotel offering a spectacular cliff-top location and glorious ocean views. Minimalist interiors draw focus to the beautiful natural surrounds. Set beside Manuel Antonio National Park and just minutes from the beach, there's plenty to explore.”

Hotel review

A five star resort set on a cliff top in eleven acres of jungle. The airy reception has by its side an infinity pool at the top with a shape that blends with the length of the beach below. Buggies go up and down the steep slopes as guests divide between the upper section for the main pool area and panoramic views and below for Playitas beach. The beach’s length is a 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive, at the end of which is the Manuel Antonio National Park which at $16 entitles you to spend the day taking any number of trails. The architecture is unobtrusive, respectful and harmonious with the environment. The décor is subdued. With an ‘indoor-outdoor’ feel no pictures are needed as it’s all about the view and constant pounding of the Pacific. There are wooden floors, cream and green tiles in the bathrooms and white linen on king-sized beds.The food is sublime and very stylish. Lots of fresh fish and tropical fruit. Beach breakfasts are on a table on the sand in toe-touching reach of the ocean. Paradise.

Adam Jacot de Boinod
Adam Jacot de Boinod Review published: 11/04/2018

Recommended for

  • Beach Life

    • Boasting spectacular ocean views and easy access to a beautiful stretch of white sand beach
  • Other Activities

    • Dive from the top of an impressive waterfall or zip across treetops
  • Great walks

    • Wander through the rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Surfing

    • Find perfect waves for surfing on the nearby beaches
  • Kayaking

    • Kayak through the surrounding unexplored mangroves
  • Total relaxation

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Romantic

  • Romantic Break

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Views

  • Luxury

  • Disabled access

  • 5* Luxury

  • Child friendly

  • Sea Views

  • Restaurant

  • Spa

Facilities

  • Rooms

    38 rooms in this hotel
  • Swimming Pool

    Outdoor pool
  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Airport transfer

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Wifi

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Parking

  • Views

  • Air conditioning

  • Concierge

  • Disabled access

  • Room service

  • Child friendly

  • Garden

  • Restaurant

  • Spa

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • Dive from the top of an impressive waterfall or zip across treetops
  • Great walks

    • Wander through the rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Surfing

    • Find perfect waves for surfing on the nearby beaches
  • Kayaking

    • Kayak through the surrounding unexplored mangroves

Map & Location

Other reviews

Hotel Arenas del Mar

This five-star resort is set on forested cliffs close to the popular Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Two pools, two restaurants and 38 well-appointed rooms, all with a balcony or terrace, make it an enjoyable place to relax beside the pounding Pacific.

Originally published by The Telegraph

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.