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Makanda by the Sea

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2 outdoor pools, free pool cabanas, pool umbrellas
Creator video
Private beach, free beach shuttle, sun-loungers, beach towels
2 outdoor pools, free pool cabanas, pool umbrellas
Property grounds
Luxury
5.0 star property
9.4

Exceptional

Tranquil jungle luxury with stunning views

Paradise-like atmosphere envelops you in a tranquil jungle setting with stunning views and unique wildlife encounters. Delight in exceptional dining experiences and unwind by serene pools, making every moment unforgettable.

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
1 Kilometro al Oeste de Centro Comercial, Plaza Vista, Quepos, Puntarenas, 60601
  • Place, Biesanz Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa Espadilla
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Pará Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Quepos (XQP)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Ocean Club Suite

Ocean Club Suite

Ocean Club Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 67 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tropical Suite

A modern living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a mural of tropical leaves.

Tropical Suite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed, Private Pool

Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed, Private Pool

Luxury Villa, 1 King Bed, Private Pool

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 130 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Villa 4 People

Luxury Villa 4 People

Luxury Villa 4 People

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 75 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Pacific Jacuzzi Suite

A couple sitting in a pool with red rose petals, surrounded by greenery and a view of the ocean.

Pacific Jacuzzi Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Honeymoon Grand Pool Villa

A modern room with a wooden ceiling, a sofa, a bed, and a green wall with a floral mural.

Honeymoon Grand Pool Villa

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 92 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Honeymoon Junior Pool Villa

Honeymoon Junior Pool Villa

Honeymoon Junior Pool Villa

  • Ocean view
  • 65 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for WOW Suite Premier Suite

WOW Suite Premier Suite

WOW Suite Premier Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 80 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Sky Penthouse Private Pool

Sky Penthouse Private Pool

Sky Penthouse Private Pool

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 130 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Quepos

With a stay at Makanda by the Sea in Quepos (Manuel Antonio), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Biesanz Beach and Playa Espadilla. .This beach hotel is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Manuel Antonio Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge and 3.6 mi (5.8 km) from Marina Pez Vela.

What's nearby

  • Biesanz Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Playa Espadilla - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Playitas Beach - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Zip Coaster - 7 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Pará Beach - 8 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 173 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Avión Restaurant - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Namaste - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Cerdo Feliz - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪El Patio de Café Milagro - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Marlin - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Makanda by the Sea

Makanda by the Sea offers 33 accommodations with minibars and espresso makers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. 55-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include safes and phones. Housekeeping is provided daily.

2 outdoor swimming pools and 2 hot tubs are on site. Other recreational amenities include a private beach, a sauna, and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves with a trip to the onsite spa, which has 1 treatment room. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna and a hot tub.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Make yourself at home in one of the 33 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and espresso makers. Your bed comes with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets. 55-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 2 outdoor pools or 2 hot tubs, you can spend some time at the private beach. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services. The complimentary beach shuttle makes getting to the surf and sand a breeze.
Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at Arbol Restaurant, a restaurant which specializes in international cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). When you are in need of a refreshing drink, visit the swim-up bar or one of 2 bars/lounges, or 2 poolside bars. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
Arbol Restaurant - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Pool Lounge - This cocktail bar is located by the pool and specializes in local and international cuisine. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: USD 30 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar
  • Couples/private dining

Restaurants on site

  • Arbol Restaurant
  • Pool Lounge

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Ecotours
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Yoga classes

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • On a private beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor treatment areas
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Assistive listening devices
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Renovated entire property - June 2023
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Espresso maker
  • Limited room service
  • Mini-fridge
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Living room
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in fee
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children younger than 16 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 16 and older are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 200 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 30 per person
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 170 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Late check-in fee

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services, spa treatments, and private bath/onsen; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests under 16 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa

Property is also known as

Hotel Makanda
Hotel Makanda Sea Adults Only
Hotel Makanda Sea Adults Only Manuel Antonio
Makanda Hotel
Makanda Sea Adults Only
Makanda Sea Adults Only Manuel Antonio
Makanda Sea Hotel Manuel Antonio, Quepos
Makanda Sea Hotel
Makanda Sea Manuel Antonio, Quepos
Makanda Sea
Hotel Makanda By the Sea Adults Only
Makanda Sea Hotel Manuel Antonio
Makanda Sea Manuel Antonio
Makanda By The Sea Hotel Manuel Antonio National Park
Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica/Manuel Antonio National Park
Makanda by the Sea Hotel
Makanda by the Sea Quepos
Makanda by the Sea Hotel Quepos

Makanda by the Sea Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 458 out of 570 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 68 out of 570 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 570 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 570 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 570 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jessica

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The grounds are beautiful and the staff is really exceptional. However for the price, the hotel is lacking in some amenities that would make it a 5-star stay. Also, everything was about twice the price of what they reasonably should be charging. For example, the burger was USD$45, which as a New Yorker and frequent traveler, is one of the most expensive burgers I’ve ever seen!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Erik, Treasure Island

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Makanda by the Sea is exceptional—pure luxury in paradise. The staff makes every moment magical, and I’m deeply grateful for their warmth and care. Jorge is an outstanding Spanish teacher, patiently guiding me with enthusiasm. Jessica, though new, excels and shines brightly. Alfredo at the front desk is the most helpful person alive—always going above and beyond. Andrew and Joe greet you with genuine smiles that instantly lift your spirits. Alexander bounces around with endless energy and a big “pura vida” smile, handling everything swiftly. Branden takes incredible care of our room, keeping it perfect. Elias at the pool bar is as friendly as can be. Roger, looking like a movie star, pops up everywhere with his infectious smile. Bayran provides excellent driving service. Johnathan and Samuel zip us around effortlessly from beach to pool and beyond. Thank you all—the heart of Makanda. Pura vida!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

David Christian, Long Beach

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
One of the best boutique hotels in the world. Nothing like it. I will keep returning
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Juan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is really nice, it’s not big by any means, but nice. They have a salt water pool with a bar, and another regular pool. They have one restaurant (you can order food to the pool) and the food is amazing. The beach was rough and had a lot of rocks, but they have nice beaches that aren’t far. The employees are mostly nice, a few of them need to be fired, but most are good. The place is on a mountain, so you walk on inclined around the hotel. The spa was terrible, it’s over priced and you will not relax, we left more tense than we went in. You will see monkeys and nice birds on the property, so if you are a fan of wild life you will be happy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

BENJAMIN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent facility Perdonal friendly and very professional.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely stunning!! The staff was amazing, amenities, food and location were perfect. They booked excursions for us with local tour companies …again, the best. They were there for any request. The grounds are well maintained and the pools were superb. We will be back!! ❤️
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darion

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They go above and beyond definitely worth a trip
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room, pool, and staff were amazing. Food was too lux for my liking so we ate offsite a lot
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Amazing s
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Alejandro, Rancho Cucamonga

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked the proximity to the National Park. Food and drinks are overpriced at this property. For the level of hotel should at least offer water in the rooms. Other than that its a nice Hotel, I would recommend it for people coming to Manuel Antonio Park.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Medjeena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff were amazing I will be back again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

parwinder

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a great experience. The hotel staff was awesome, and I enjoyed the food and pool.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Xiao

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The food and hotel was incredible. The staff was so kind and helpful with anything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lorna

Travelled with partner
The property was beautiful! The ocean front room was amazing. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The Spa is a must
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Oana

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Magdiel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Couples massage at the spa. Two sloths hanging in the trees right outside our room!
The pool terrace.
Entrance to paradise.
Ocean Suite balcony hanging chair.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Ben

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Traci

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025