Hotel in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Tulemar Bungalows & Villas
Perched on a hillside overlooking three private beaches near Manuel Antonio, these spacious bungalows offer privacy and ocean views. The property features multiple pools, a restaurant, and easy access to the national park. Monkeys and sloths frequently visit the grounds.
Tulemar Bungalows & Villas is a hillside eco-resort situated within a private 28-acre nature reserve immediately adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. The property occupies a forested ridge above the Pacific coast near the village of Manuel Antonio, with the national park entrance approximately 2–3 km away by road. The resort's forest connects directly to park habitat, making wildlife encounters a routine feature of daily life on the grounds.
The property encompasses more than 50 privately owned bungalows and villas available through the resort's rental management program. Units range from oceanfront bungalows with kitchenettes and private terraces to full multi-bedroom villas with plunge pools and jungle panoramas. Construction uses local hardwoods and natural materials to blend each structure into the rainforest canopy. Many bungalows offer direct Pacific Ocean sightlines through the treetops.
Wildlife is consistently present throughout the property. Mantled howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, two- and three-toed sloths, and diverse tropical birds regularly pass through the bungalow grounds. A resident naturalist leads guided wildlife walks each morning through the private reserve, providing context on Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity in the Central Pacific zone.
The resort maintains three swimming pools — including a main pool with an ocean-view terrace — and the La Cantina restaurant, which serves three meals daily with an emphasis on fresh local seafood and traditional Costa Rican dishes. Guests have exclusive access to Playa Tulemar, a private Pacific cove reached by resort shuttle, with calm waters well suited to swimming and snorkeling. The tour desk arranges kayaking, sportfishing, whale-watching excursions, and guided tours of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Amenities
- private beaches
- pools
- restaurant
- kitchenettes
- ocean views
- wildlife
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +506 2777-0580
Location
Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas Province
9.3833, -84.1333 — View on map
Highlights
- Hillside resort bordering Manuel Antonio National Park with three private beaches
- Over 50 bungalows and villas ranging from studios to multi-bedroom private properties
- Daily wildlife encounters including monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds on the grounds
- Three pools including an ocean-view terrace and exclusive private beach access
- On-site naturalist-guided walks through the connected private forest reserve
Tips
- Book the private beach shuttle early in the day — capacity is limited and demand is high
- Arrive during dry season (December–April) for the best beach and snorkeling conditions
- Howler monkey sightings are most reliable at dawn and dusk near the forest-edge bungalows
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching from bungalow terraces; the reserve hosts over 100 bird species
- Manuel Antonio National Park limits daily visitors — buy park entry tickets online in advance
FAQ
Does Tulemar have its own private beach?
Yes, the resort provides exclusive guest access to Playa Tulemar, a sheltered Pacific cove reachable by resort shuttle in a few minutes from the main property.
Are the bungalows and villas at Tulemar individually owned?
Yes, most units are privately owned and listed through Tulemar's rental management program. Décor varies by unit, though all properties meet the resort's quality standards.
How close is Tulemar to Manuel Antonio National Park?
The resort's private reserve borders park habitat directly. The main park entrance gate is approximately 2–3 km away by road, a short drive or shuttle ride.
Is Tulemar suitable for families with children?
The resort welcomes families. Multiple pools, private beach access, and abundant wildlife make it a strong choice for families, though steep paths between some bungalows and amenities require attention with young children.
Accessibility
The hillside terrain at Tulemar involves sloped pathways and stairs between most bungalows and the pool and beach areas. Some flatter bungalow units are available; guests with mobility concerns should contact Tulemar directly when booking to identify the most accessible units and routes.