Hotel Arenas del Mar

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.