Hotel in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Arenas del Mar
This beachfront eco-resort in Manuel Antonio combines luxury with sustainability, holding 5-Leaf certification. Two pristine beaches, naturalist-guided tours, and gourmet dining complement elegant rooms with private terraces. The property protects extensive rainforest with wildlife corridors.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort holds a unique position on the Pacific coast of Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica: it is the only luxury property with direct private access to two separate beaches, Playa Biesanz and the main Playa Manuel Antonio, both within a short walk from the resort grounds. The property holds the highest level of Costa Rica's Certificate for Sustainable Tourism — five leaves — reflecting a comprehensive commitment to ecological stewardship across biodiversity conservation, water management, waste reduction, and community engagement.
The resort is built on a forested hillside, with its accommodation distributed across four distinct building clusters connected by shaded forest walkways and nature trails. Guest rooms range from deluxe garden-view suites to private beach suites, all featuring private terraces, premium hardwood furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling views into either the rainforest canopy or across the Pacific. Many rooms include private plunge pools or hammock decks, and all are air-conditioned with high-quality linens throughout.
Wildlife is abundant on the property without any need to enter the national park. Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, sloths, agoutis, and more than 180 recorded bird species inhabit the resort's private 30-acre reserve, which functions as a wildlife corridor directly connected to Manuel Antonio National Park. Resident naturalist guides lead daily wildlife walks and sunset bird-watching sessions included in the stay.
Dining is anchored by two distinct venues: Ronco de Mar, the main beachfront restaurant with a panoramic ocean terrace specialising in fresh Pacific seafood and Costa Rican dishes; and Playitas, a casual open-air spot adjacent to the smaller cove beach. Both restaurants are consistently praised. Breakfast is included with most room rates and features locally sourced produce, tropical fruit, and housemade pastries.
The spa offers a full range of treatments including volcanic mud wraps, hot stone massage, and rainforest botanical facials. The infinity pool is positioned at treetop level with broad Pacific views. Concierge services specialise in coordinating dolphin tours, white-water rafting, custom wildlife photography outings, and whale-watching trips during the July–November season.
Amenities
- two beaches
- spa
- restaurant
- pools
- nature tours
- sustainability certified
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +506 2777-2777
Location
Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas Province
9.3833, -84.1333 — View on map
Highlights
- Only luxury resort in Manuel Antonio with private direct access to two separate beaches within walking distance of the rooms
- Five-Leaf Sustainable Tourism certification operating within a 30-acre private rainforest wildlife corridor adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park
- Daily naturalist-guided wildlife walks through grounds hosting sloths, monkeys, and over 180 bird species
- Ronco de Mar beachfront restaurant offering fresh Pacific seafood on a panoramic ocean terrace
- Treetop infinity pool overlooking the Pacific, with a spa offering volcanic mud wraps and rainforest botanical treatments
Tips
- Book whale-watching tours between July and November when humpback whales migrate along the Manuel Antonio coastline.
- Request a room with a private plunge pool in the Casita del Río section for maximum privacy and forest immersion.
- The resort's naturalist guides offer early-morning wildlife walks starting around 6:30 am when animal activity peaks.
- The green season (May–November) brings lusher canopy, lower rates, and the best whale-watching window — a strong value season.
- Dining reservation at Ronco de Mar is recommended; evenings on the ocean terrace are popular and fill up quickly.
FAQ
How does Arenas del Mar compare to other Manuel Antonio hotels regarding wildlife?
The resort's private 30-acre reserve functions as a direct wildlife corridor with Manuel Antonio National Park. Guests regularly encounter monkeys, sloths, and diverse birdlife simply by walking the resort grounds, often without any need to purchase park entry.
Is there a minimum age requirement for children?
The resort welcomes guests of all ages. Family-oriented beach suites include private plunge pools managed with safety in mind, and the team provides cribs, child menus, and beach toys on request.
How credible is the five-leaf sustainability certification?
The CST five-leaf rating is the highest achievable in Costa Rica and is independently audited on an annual basis. Arenas del Mar uses solar energy, composts organic waste, employs predominantly local staff, and funds ongoing community environmental programs.
Is parking available at the resort?
Yes, the resort provides secure on-site parking for guests arriving by rental car. The front desk recommends parking on arrival and using the resort's internal shuttle to reach the beaches and trailheads during the stay.
Accessibility
The resort offers limited accessible rooms with widened doorways and modified bathrooms. The hillside rainforest terrain and forest-path connections between building clusters make full wheelchair navigation difficult throughout the property. Guests with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the resort directly to arrange the most suitable accommodation cluster and discuss path conditions.
When to visit
The dry season from December to April provides the most reliable beach weather with clear skies and calm Pacific surf. July through November brings the humpback whale-watching season alongside greener, more dramatic forest scenery. Wildlife activity on the grounds remains excellent throughout the year.