Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Unknown, Unknown
Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Check rates & availability on Booking.comAn ultra-exclusive adults-only boutique resort with just 20 suites carved into the rainforest hillside above Manuel Antonio. Personalized butler service, world-class dining, infinity pool, and unparalleled privacy define the Gaia experience.
Gaia Hotel & Reserve is a five-star adults-only boutique resort set on a private nature reserve carved into the rainforest hillside above Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast in the Puntarenas province. The property sits adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park and encompasses its own protected forest trail network, allowing guests to encounter monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds from private terraces and jungle walkways without leaving the grounds.
The resort has received multiple consecutive World Travel Awards distinctions, including World's Leading Green Hotel for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Mexico & Central America's Leading Boutique Hotel for 2024 and 2025. A sustainability-first philosophy is integrated into all aspects of design and daily operations, from building materials to locally sourced food programs.
Accommodations total 22 units across four categories: studio rooms, suites, loft suites, and two-bedroom villas, each constructed with natural wood and local materials. All units feature private terraces with jungle canopy views; select categories also look out to the Pacific Ocean. Interiors use neutral tones with wicker and warm wood furnishings that complement the forest setting.
La Luna Restaurant anchors the dining program, serving health-focused, locally sourced cuisine from a terrace with panoramic views of the rainforest and Pacific. The Skylounge complements the restaurant with cocktails, wine, and tapas served beneath a 360-degree open-air canopy. Around-the-clock room service is available for all in-room dining needs.
The Terra Spa features six treatment rooms offering massages, body therapies, and facials within the rainforest setting. Multiple infinity pools serve the property, including a three-level infinity pool exclusively available to suite and villa guests, offering sweeping views over the jungle canopy. Guided naturalist tours within the private reserve are available on-site, and the hotel shuttle transports guests to Manuel Antonio Beach and the national park entrance from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Personalized butler service is standard across all room categories, with the concierge team managing excursion bookings, national park entry, and in-room arrangements. The adults-only policy applies strictly to all areas of the property. With only 22 rooms, availability during peak season — December through April — fills months in advance, and advance reservations of three or more months are standard during holiday periods.
Amenities
- Infinity pool
- Butler service
- Fine dining
- Spa
- Adults-only
- Private terraces
- Naturalist tours
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
9.3900, -84.1700 — View on map
Highlights
- Exclusive and intimate
- World-class service
- Rainforest immersion
Tips
- Reserve at least three to four months ahead for stays during Costa Rica's high season (December through April); the hotel's 22 rooms fill quickly, especially suites and villas.
- The hotel shuttle to Manuel Antonio Beach and the national park runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily — confirm the schedule at check-in to coordinate excursion timing.
- Breakfast is included in most rate plans; confirm exactly what is included when booking, as package content can vary by season and room category.
- The adults-only policy is strictly enforced — guests must be 18 or older. Traveling with minors is not permitted on this property.
- Book Terra Spa treatments in advance, particularly for weekend stays or holiday periods, as treatment room availability fills quickly given the property's small size.
FAQ
Is Gaia Hotel & Reserve adults-only?
Yes, the property enforces a strictly adults-only policy. All guests must be 18 years of age or older to check in, and the policy applies to all accommodations and common areas.
What dining options are available at the hotel?
La Luna Restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine with views of the rainforest and Pacific Ocean. The Skylounge offers cocktails, wine, and tapas with 360-degree panoramic views. 24-hour room service is also available.
How far is the hotel from Manuel Antonio National Park?
The hotel is approximately seven minutes by car from the national park entrance. A complimentary hotel shuttle runs to the park and beach area from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
What spa facilities does Gaia Hotel & Reserve offer?
The Terra Spa features six treatment rooms offering massages, body wraps, facials, and other rejuvenating therapies in a rainforest setting. Advance reservations for treatments are recommended, especially during peak season.
Are nature tours available within the hotel's private reserve?
Yes, guided naturalist tours on the property's own private forest trails are available and can be arranged through the concierge. The hotel can also coordinate off-property excursions including zip-lining, white-water rafting, and catamaran day tours.
Accessibility
Gaia Hotel & Reserve is built on a hillside rainforest property with natural terrain; pathways between accommodations and facilities involve slopes and some steps. The property does not advertise fully wheelchair-accessible suites, and the terrain may present challenges for guests with significant mobility limitations. Travelers with accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the hotel directly at reservations@gaiahotel.cr or by phone at +506 2777-9797 before booking to discuss room placement and route options across the property.