Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort - Five-Star Manuel Antonio

About Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is an award-winning five-star boutique resort that occupies one of the most extraordinary locations in Costa Rica — where pristine rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. Perched on 11 acres of private tropical forest overlooking two white-sand beaches, the resort offers an experience that is simultaneously wild and luxurious.

The property was designed with sustainability at its core, earning multiple environmental certifications including Costa Rica's CST Five Leaf rating and Green Globe certification. Every structure was built to minimize environmental impact, with buildings elevated on stilts to preserve wildlife corridors and native trees left standing throughout the property.

Arenas del Mar has been consistently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic as one of the finest eco-luxury resorts in the world. It represents the gold standard of what sustainable five-star hospitality can achieve in a tropical setting.

Location

The resort is nestled on a forested hillside at the southern end of the Manuel Antonio area, just steps from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. The property has direct access to both Playitas Beach (a semi-private cove) and the long sweep of Espadilla Sur Beach.

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's premier destinations, combining world-famous wildlife viewing with beautiful Pacific beaches. The resort is approximately 170 km from San José, reachable in about 3.5 hours by car or 30 minutes via domestic flight to the Quepos airstrip.

The unique position of Arenas del Mar — surrounded by primary and secondary rainforest with direct beach access — means that guests enjoy an immersive nature experience without ever leaving the property.

Rooms & Suites

With only 38 rooms and suites, Arenas del Mar offers an intimate, exclusive atmosphere:

• Ocean View Rooms – 47 m² rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean and forested hillside. Natural materials, premium bedding, and organic bath products.
• Rainforest Rooms – Nestled among the canopy, these 47 m² rooms offer views of the lush tropical forest, with frequent wildlife sightings from the private balcony.
• Ocean View Suites – 70 m² suites with separate living areas, oversized balconies, and sweeping views of the ocean and coastline.
• Penthouse Suite – The resort's premier accommodation spanning 100 m² with a private rooftop terrace, jacuzzi, full living room, and 270-degree views of ocean, forest, and mountains.

All accommodations feature air conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, Wi-Fi, minibars stocked with local beverages, Nespresso machines, and the resort's handmade organic amenities.

Things to Do

Arenas del Mar offers an exceptional range of activities centered on nature and wellness:

• Two Private Beaches – Direct access to Playitas Beach, a secluded cove perfect for swimming and relaxing, and Espadilla Sur Beach, a longer stretch ideal for walks and surfing.
• Rainforest Trails – The resort's private trail system winds through 11 acres of protected forest where guests regularly encounter monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful frogs.
• Infinity Pool – A stunning pool perched on the hillside with panoramic ocean views, surrounded by tropical gardens and attended by poolside service.
• El Alma Spa – A tranquil wellness sanctuary offering treatments using organic local ingredients — volcanic clay, coffee, cacao, and tropical botanicals. Open-air treatment rooms overlook the forest canopy.
• Yoga & Wellness – Daily yoga classes on the ocean-view platform, plus meditation sessions and personalized wellness programs.
• Manuel Antonio National Park – Just a 5-minute walk from the resort entrance, this world-famous park offers pristine beaches, well-marked trails, and extraordinary wildlife including three species of monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species.
• Kayaking & Snorkeling – Sea kayaking along the coastline and snorkeling in protected coves arranged through the resort.
• Cooking Classes – Learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes using fresh local ingredients.

Dining

The resort features two outstanding dining venues:

• El Mirador – The signature restaurant perched high above the forest canopy with panoramic Pacific views. Chef-driven menus celebrate Costa Rican cuisine reimagined with contemporary techniques, featuring locally sourced seafood, organic produce, and grass-fed meats. The sunset dining experience here is unforgettable.
• Playitas Restaurant – A casual beachfront restaurant on Playitas Beach serving fresh seafood, tropical salads, ceviche, and refreshing cocktails with sand between your toes. Open for lunch and afternoon dining.

Both restaurants emphasize farm-to-table dining, sourcing ingredients from local organic farms and the Pacific waters just offshore.

Why Stay at Arenas del Mar

Arenas del Mar represents the finest expression of eco-luxury in Manuel Antonio and arguably in all of Costa Rica. The combination of a pristine private beach, untouched rainforest, intimate boutique atmosphere, and genuine five-star service creates an experience that is difficult to match anywhere in Central America.

The resort stands as a model for sustainable luxury tourism — proving that world-class hospitality can coexist with environmental preservation. For travelers who care about both luxury and the planet, Arenas del Mar is the definitive choice.

The property is featured in our guide to where to stay in Manuel Antonio and is one of the top picks among Costa Rica's best eco-lodges. It ranks consistently among Costa Rica's top hotels. For travel planning, consult our Costa Rica airport arrival guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the beach truly private?

Playitas Beach is a semi-private cove accessible primarily to resort guests due to its location. While Costa Rican law designates all beaches as public, the access path through resort grounds means it remains secluded and peaceful.

What wildlife can I see without leaving the resort?

White-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, two-toed sloths, three-toed sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, agoutis, coatis, and dozens of tropical bird species are regularly spotted on the property.

How far is Manuel Antonio National Park?

The park entrance is about a 5-minute walk from the resort. Guided tours can be arranged through the concierge.

Is Arenas del Mar family-friendly?

The resort welcomes families, though the atmosphere is geared more toward couples and adults seeking tranquility. Children are welcome and the beach and pool provide natural entertainment. The resort does not have a kids club.

What sustainable practices does the resort follow?

Arenas del Mar holds CST Five Leaf and Green Globe certifications. The property preserves 11 acres of rainforest, uses buildings on stilts to protect wildlife corridors, operates a comprehensive recycling program, uses solar water heating, and sources locally to reduce carbon footprint.