Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Unknown, Unknown
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
An award-winning eco-luxury resort set on a private beach cove adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park. Each room has ocean or rainforest views, private terraces, and butler service. The resort is renowned for wildlife — monkeys and sloths visit the grounds daily.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort occupies a private 12-acre reserve adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park along the central Pacific coast of Puntarenas province, Costa Rica. The resort sits on a forested hillside descending to two private beach coves — Playa Biesanz and Playa La Macha — making it the only luxury property in Manuel Antonio with direct beach access on both sides of the headland. Guests reach the beaches via funicular tram or forest paths, with tram schedules posted at reception.
The architecture integrates local hardwoods and stone with cantilevered terraces designed to draw the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rainforest into every room. Accommodation ranges from ocean-view junior suites and deluxe rainforest rooms to the private Arenas Tres suite, all featuring outdoor terraces, premium furnishings, and dedicated butler service. The resort holds Certification for Sustainable Tourism Level 5 from the Costa Rica Tourism Board, the highest available designation, and has received multiple international eco-certification awards.
Dining centers on two venues: El Mirador, an open-air ocean-view restaurant serving contemporary Costa Rican cuisine emphasizing local seafood and organic ingredients, and the Pool Bar for lighter fare and tropical cocktails. Breakfast is included and delivered to guest terraces, featuring fresh tropical fruit, local cheeses, and made-to-order preparations.
The spa offers jungle-canopy treatment rooms, and the infinity pool overlooks the Pacific. Resident wildlife guides lead morning and evening tours of the property grounds and adjacent national park. White-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws, and coatis are regularly observed directly from room terraces without entering the park. The concierge arranges national park guided tours, kayaking, snorkeling, sport fishing, dolphin and whale watching cruises, and canopy zip-line excursions throughout the Manuel Antonio area.
A member of the Cayuga Collection of luxury eco-properties, the resort maintains strong environmental practices including solar energy systems, graywater recycling, and a no-single-use-plastics policy. Airport transfers from San José Juan Santamaría International Airport are bookable through the resort, with the drive taking approximately 3.5 hours along the Costanera Sur highway. Playa Biesanz, one of the calmest swimming beaches on the central Pacific coast, is accessible directly from the resort grounds.
Amenities
- Infinity pool
- Spa
- Two restaurants
- Private beach
- Wildlife guides
- Airport transfers
- Ocean-view rooms
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
9.3920, -84.1690 — View on map
Highlights
- Direct national park access
- Wildlife viewing from rooms
- Sustainable eco-certified
Tips
- Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the December–April dry season and holiday periods; humpback whale season (July–November) also fills the resort quickly.
- Request a beach-level room for direct funicular access to Playa Biesanz; upper rainforest rooms offer more wildlife sightings from private terraces.
- Bring binoculars for terrace wildlife viewing — three-toed sloths and scarlet macaws are frequently visible in the canopy without entering the national park.
- Confirm funicular tram schedules at check-in before planning beach outings or national park visits, as the tram runs on a fixed timetable.
- Airport transfers from San José are bookable through the resort and are recommended over renting a car for a first visit to the Manuel Antonio area.
FAQ
Is Arenas del Mar located inside Manuel Antonio National Park?
No. The resort sits on private land adjacent to the park boundary. Guests enter the park through the official ticketed entrance, which the resort concierge can arrange. The resort's private beaches are separate from national park territory.
Are children welcome at Arenas del Mar?
Yes. The resort accommodates families with children. Butler service extends to family groups, and the concierge arranges babysitting, child-appropriate wildlife tours, and family dining options on request.
Which beaches are accessible from the resort?
Two private coves — Playa Biesanz and Playa La Macha — are accessible via the funicular tram and forest paths. Playa Biesanz is one of the calmest and safest swimming beaches in the Manuel Antonio area.
What sustainability certifications does the resort hold?
Arenas del Mar holds Certification for Sustainable Tourism Level 5 from Costa Rica's national tourism board, the highest designation available, alongside multiple international eco-certification awards for environmental operations and wildlife stewardship.
Accessibility
The resort's steep hillside terrain presents challenges for guests with limited mobility. A funicular tram connects the upper reception area with the beach level, providing assisted transport for guests unable to navigate the forested paths. Guests with wheelchairs or mobility impairments should contact the resort prior to booking to discuss room placement and accessible facilities.