Guest reviews Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio National Park

by jepatrick

Wonderful location & perfect wedding

This is a long, long overdue review for our December 2019 stay at Arenas del Mar. We stayed four nights in early December and got married (a low-key, elopement-style ceremony) on the beach at this lovely resort. The location is perfect: you're surrounded by lush jungle but also right on a private beach. Our room was not huge but had an expansive deck where we could enjoy the ocean views and watch the monkeys play. The resort was incredibly clean and everyone who worked there seemed genuinely kind. Arenas del Mar is not in the middle of town or within walking distance to much, so if that is what you are seeking you might look elsewhere. But the resort has two very good restaurants and a bar, so we did not feel the need to go into town to dine. If you do, they are very helpful in arranging for cabs. The best part was of course our wedding. The event planner (at the time it was Elaine, but not sure if she's still there since so much time has passed) was the best! She made the planning process super easy and stress free -- I arranged the perfect little wedding with just 6 emails or so. Elaine provided recommendations on a photographer, officiant, hair & makeup people, and the resort provided flowers and food. The pricing of our elopement package was extremely affordable, and the whole wedding went off without a hitch. That is, until the day after the wedding, when my new husband went swimming in the ocean with his wedding band on -- and lost it! Guys -- your fingers will shrink in cold water, and the tides are strong enough to pull a ring off! Don't wear jewelry in the ocean! Anyway, after we looked for the ring the best we could, we informed both the lifeguard and the front desk, and asked that they keep an eye open in case anyone found a missing platinum wedding band. We then left the beach for a couple of hours, really disheartened by the loss of the ring. When we went down again later that afternoon we saw a young man swimming and looking around in the ocean. It was the young lifeguard looking for the ring for us! We thanked him and asked him to please not risk his life in a strong current to find our ring :) . It blew me away that he would go out of his way to do that for us despite the fact that it would be almost impossible to find. So even though we never found that lost ring -- our gift to the ocean! -- our hearts were so warmed by the kindness of everyone at Arenas del Mar. Thank you so much for an incredible stay!

by ft6260 London, United Kingdom

MUST STAY!

We absolutely loved this place having stayed here for five nights as we wanted some luxury and pampering after a week of hiking and yoga. It was worth every penny and we have some beautiful memories of this place including spotting a sloth on the grounds where it had come down to defecate (very rare!); free mini bar fully stocked every day with healthy snacks and kombucha as well as alcohol; sitting by the pool enjoying the views across the ocean; planting your own tree; hikes on the grounds; burger day. The service was flawless and we spoilt by the friendliest staff where nothing was too much trouble and they were always smiling! Go and spoil yourself.

by 31112345 Alexandra, New Zealand

Making beautiful memories

Our first resort holiday and we picked a fabulous one. Staff were so helpful and friendly, resort spotless and food fabulous. Beautiful surroundings in bush but on the beach, wildlife to die for all around us, fascinating guides that taught us heaps, warm sea to swim in - just paradise for couples and families.

by spenceleysUK

Lovely setting and staff

We stayed here for six nights, following time in La Fortuna, and were very glad that we had chosen this hotel. Suite 302A was very good, with a huge balcony overlooking the ocean, with a jacuzzi. We were able to spot iguanas, monkeys, and many birds, including a scarlet macaw, from here. The room was spotless, and the air conditioning, which was vital in temperatures of 30 degrees, and more, was quiet and very efficient. The room overlooks the beach restaurant, which sometimes had music, but this never went on past 9pm, so did not intrude at all. Breakfast was cooked to order, and was always very good. As were meals we had in the restaurant. Our travel agent had already booked tours for us, and although these were not through the hotel, everything worked extremely well. The hotel is on a very steep hill, and although we did walk up and down from the reception/restaurant occasionally, the heat meant that most times we used the super-efficient golf buggies. The grounds had a couple of short walks, which allowed us to encounter wildlife, including sloths. Indeed we even had lunch one day at the beach restaurant under a tree, in which a sloth was resting! The staff were all superb, always polite, helpful, and went out of their way to highlight any wildlife in the area. A couple of small things to consider: Firstly, this beach does not have nice, gentle, lapping waves, but large waves, which crash on to the shore. If you are a light sleeper, this is something, which you may want to consider. Secondly, with two pools, it might be an idea to designate one as a 'quiet' pool, as at times both had children playing in them - just a thought. Overall, however, this did not distract from a really lovely hotel. We would like to wish all the staff all the best with their health, and for the future in these difficult times.

by kidcardiac

7 stars

We would give 7 stars if we could to Rodbin and his entire staff of the most friendly and knowledgeable people. Everything was perfect:service superior, beach gorgeous, food and tours great,room spotless. We particularly enjoyed lunch on the beach and delicious hearty breakfast. The provision of frequent tasty free treats is very much appreciated. We went on four excellent tours. Three were led by Esteban (who has encyclopedic knowledge): Manuel Antonio national park (lots of critters especially monkeys),Big Day bird watching with lots of birds, and Nayauca Falls where you can swim under the falls. Maria Theresa led us on the fourth tour around the property, showing us toucan and motmot among others. She also has encyclopedic knowledge. Also, they were very considerate guides, using cellphone and spotting scope to get great pictures of wildlife. Finally, we must mention our very friendly considerate and knowledgeable driver Rupert. On the way from the airport to the resort, he stopped along the way on several occasions to show us Crocs macaws and other wildlife. Thanks again to all of you for a perfect visit. Cairy and Rene.