Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio

rooms

The suites, designed in harmony with the rainforest they are surround by, are located in blocks and all spread out along the winding path that stretches from the reception down to the beach (where there is another swimming pool and bar).

There are 38 rooms and suites, all very stylish and elegant but also warm and welcoming, with practical layouts and lots of thoughtful touches. Beds are dressed in high quality white sheets, walls are neutral and there are smart polished wood floors. In-room amenities include king-size beds, hair dryers, organic locally-sourced toiletries, cable television, Tico-bar, safety-deposit box, coffee-maker, iron and ironing board and there is the added benefit of complimentary Wifi and free calls. Outside, guests appreciate the private decks where they can enjoy breath-taking views and the sounds and sights of the rainforest and crashing waves below.

The Ocean Breeze Suites (which mostly sleep up to 3 people) offer a bedroom and large living area with air-conditioning and ceiling fans, a full size pull-out sofa-bed and a large bathroom. The private hot tub on the deck of the suite is the perfect spot to relax.

For couples, the Ocean View Superior Rooms (which sleep 2 guests) have an air conditioned bedroom with ceiling fans, a spacious bathroom and offer the best ocean views along with the Premium View Suites.

Premium View Suites offer a personalised Tico bar, microwave, wireless phone, DVD player and iPod docking station. The main feature is most definitely the private deck with spectacular ocean views.

facilities & activities

Arenas del Mar enjoys access to two blue-flag beaches, each with a different feel. There are also two beautifully situated pools for swimming - the beach-side pool is particularly suitable for families, who can also take advantage of the informal restaurant and bar located alongside. For relaxation and pampering, Las Brisas Spa offers sumptuous treatments and relaxing massages.

If you are looking for presents to take home, there is a charming little gift shop on site and the hotel regularly gives access to local craftspeople to come in and exhibit their wares.

Clearly, the highlight of a stay here is a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel has an extremely friendly and knowledgeable resident guide and naturalist who has an uncanny ability to seek out animals, birds and insects that you would otherwise fail to spot. The hotel also offers guided walks through its own stunning 5-acre nature reserve. Early morning bird watching is a particularly popular activity as are the treks to Villa Nueva waterfall. For the more adventurous, opt for canopy tours, mangrove kayaking, horse-riding, fishing or one of the range of water based activities on offer.

dining

The chic and sophisticated restaurant is a wonderful space with open-sided walls, and trees left in-situ to grow, giving a feeling of being immersed in the jungle. There is an excellent menu featuring locally produced and inspired foods, complemented by an excellent wine list. There is a more informal restaurant-bar down by the beach - perfect for lazy family lunches.

family

Arenas del Mar is the perfect base for families looking to mix relaxation with wildlife and soft adventure. The family pool is next to a pretty beach and next to the ‘connecting rooms’ which work brilliantly for families. Offering more than 150sqm of living space with spectacular ocean, rainforest and beach views, there are two air-conditioned bedrooms with one king-size bed in each room, spacious decks, as well as a large air-conditioned living area with ceiling fans, a full size pull-out sofa bed, Tico-bar and three full bathrooms - all with a shared main door. They host up to 5 people comfortably.

location

Arenas Del Mar is on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just a short distance from the port of Quepos in Manuel Antonio, and about 4 hours' drive from San José.

 The nearest airport is Quepos and there are daily scheduled domestic flights there from San Jose and Liberia.