Makanda by the Sea

Most of the staff was amazing! Roger, Jorge, Jonathan and Elias were all fantastic! The property was very steep and when it was wet it was slick. They do have golf carts to take you around which helped. Bring some ones for tips. The views were outstanding. Monkeys and sloths everywhere. The only complaint is the drink prices are unnecessarily high and we were not impressed with the food from Arbol for the prices they charge. We had an issue with getting park tickets and reception was zero help and didn't upgrade our room with VIP access even though the hotel wasn't full. September is their off season which was nice that it wasn't that busy. Can't say enough about the staff mentioned above. They went above and beyond! Would absolutely stay here again.

I had a great experience. The hotel staff was awesome, and I enjoyed the food and pool.

The hotel was basically half empty when we stayed here. It’s generally okay but not worth the price tag it comes with. The floors are made with tile and the hotel is on an very hilly terrain so the tiles become extremely and dangerously slippery when it rains which is basically every day in costa rica. They provide you with crocs to borrow and wear during your stay and golf cart rides to address this. The staff were okay. There is a “beach access” to a small beach with about 4 lounge chairs but you either have to take a golf cart or walk down a very hilly wall through a jungle terrain to get to it. No one was at the beach during our whole stay. If you go to watch the sunset or fall asleep at the beach and stay past 4pm, the staff will not pick you up with the golf cart. This happened to us and we ended up walking the very hilly trail up through the jungle in complete darkness. It was quite terrifying with bats flying across our faces and giant spiders all over! We also got drinks during happy hour which was buy one get one free. However because we ordered a nonalcoholic version of the drinks, they didn’t apply the happy hour deal to our order which is odd because we ended up paying more for nonalcoholic drinks than we would have for the alcohol. The restaurant at the hotel is good but pretty overpriced for the small portions you get. Overall we felt like every experience involved them trying to upcharge us in some way. I would stay at another hotel.

The food and hotel was incredible. The staff was so kind and helpful with anything we needed.

The property was beautiful! The ocean front room was amazing. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The Spa is a must

Beautiful property full of amenities. Staff is the friendliest and a quick phone call away at anytime. From getting you a taxi, to room service, the front desk is a text away from whatever you need. We will definitely be back.

Makanda by the Sea exceeded our expectations in every way. Our suite was spacious, beautifully designed, and offered breathtaking views—pure luxury and comfort. We loved the boutique hotel atmosphere: intimate, stylish, and thoughtfully curated. The welcome treat was a lovely touch, setting the tone for a relaxing stay. The infinity pool and poolside bar were highlights—perfect spots to unwind while soaking in the stunning jungle-meets-ocean scenery. Although golf carts were available for transportation around the property, we didn’t use them, as we enjoyed exploring on foot. A truly magical part of the experience was the connection to wildlife—hearing and spotting monkeys right on the grounds added such a special, natural charm. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a romantic and luxurious retreat immersed in nature.

This was an absolutely magical experience! We chose this place for our honeymoon and couldn't have picked a better destination! From the moment we stepped foot on the grounds, we felt like royalty. The ambiance was spectacular - everywhere you turn you are witnessing beauty, lush forest backgrounds, playful animals in the trees and stunning Pacific Ocean views. Every single staff member here knew our names and were eager to help. They were so friendly and made our stay that much better. Our Ocean Suite room was immaculate and so beautiful. The balcony and view of the ocean made every morning so special! The bathroom was spacious and spa-like, and the bed was very comfortable. Having Netflix on the TV was a nice touch for a night-in with delicious room service after a long day of adventuring. The breakfasts on the pool terrace were amazing and the best way to start our day. The fresh fruit, coffee and juice, along with the high-end meal options were something we looked forward to. Our favorite pool, the saltwater pool, and our favorite bartended Elias, was such a nice way to unwind while enjoying the breathtaking views or the playful monkeys. The water was just cool enough to feel refreshed against the warm balmy air. The swim up bar was so convenient and a fun little party in an otherwise serene and calm setting. We can't recommend this place enough for a truly special experience. We WILL be back someday!

Property, room, and service were exceptional. Adrian the bartender makes fantastic drinks. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. We saw more wildlife on the hotel grounds than in the park. Also got a free upgrade to room with a pool. On the other hand,food was mediocre and the walkways are slippery and felt less than safe in this hilly wet enviorment. We were under the impression that the breakfast was included, however we were told during checkin that as we booked through expedia we only got the fruit plate not the breakfast. So that was an additional $20 + per person if you wanted the breakfast.

Beautiful location and nature.