You’re driving up a ridiculously steep, winding road in Manuel Antonio, sweating a bit because the Pacific humidity doesn't play around, and suddenly you hit this gate. It feels like you’ve accidentally stumbled into a billionaire’s private jungle compound. That’s the first impression of Hotel Makanda by the Sea in Quepos. It isn't just another beach resort; it’s a specific kind of vibe—high-end, adults-only, and slightly pretentious in a way that you kind of end up loving by day two.
Costa Rica is full of "eco-lodges" that are basically sheds with mosquito nets. Makanda is the opposite. It’s "Jungle Chic." We're talking infinity pools that seem to drop straight into the mouths of howling monkeys and villas that cost more per night than my first car. But does it actually live up to the Instagram hype, or are you just paying for a fancy view of the rocks?
The Location Reality Check
Let’s get one thing straight about Quepos and Manuel Antonio. People use the names interchangeably, but they aren't the same. Quepos is the gritty, authentic fishing town at the bottom of the hill. Manuel Antonio is the winding road (Route 618) lined with hotels and restaurants leading to the national park. Hotel Makanda by the Sea in Quepos sits right on that ridge.
Location-wise, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. You’re tucked away from the main road’s noise, which is great because the local buses in Costa Rica sound like jet engines. However, you aren't "on the beach" in the traditional sense. You’re on a cliff above the beach. To get to the water, you either take the hotel’s shuttle or brave a hike that will leave your calves screaming. If you’re looking for a place where you step out of your room onto the sand, this isn't it. But if you want to see toucans while you eat breakfast, you’re in the right spot.
The Design: When Brutalism Meets the Rainforest
The architecture here is wild. It’s heavy on glass, local wood, and stone. It feels permanent. Most people go for the villas, and honestly, if you're going to splurge, don't half-measure it with the lead-in rooms. The Honeymoon Villas are the flagship. They have these private infinity pools that overlook the Pacific, and because the property is terraced into the hillside, the privacy is actually decent. Usually, "private pool" in a hotel means "the neighbors can see your bald spot," but Makanda does a better job than most at shielding you with vertical gardens and clever angles.
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The interior design is... bold. It’s got a bit of a retro-glam feel. Think velvet, animal prints, and gold accents. Some people might find it a bit "much" for the jungle, but in a sea of beige Marriott-style rooms, it’s refreshing. It feels like a boutique hotel in Berlin decided to relocate to the tropics.
What Nobody Tells You About the Wildlife
Everyone talks about the monkeys. Yes, the squirrel monkeys (Titi) will probably try to steal your sugar packets at the Sunspot Pool Bar. But it’s the macaws that really steal the show. Scarlet Macaws were reintroduced to this area years ago, and now they fly over the Makanda property in pairs, screaming like dinosaurs. It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s awesome.
You also have to deal with the humidity. This isn't a criticism of the hotel, just a reality of Hotel Makanda by the Sea in Quepos. Even with the AC cranking, the air is thick. Your clothes will never truly be dry. The wood in the rooms might have that slight "jungle scent." If you can't handle a lizard on your balcony or the sound of insects that sound like high-voltage power lines, maybe stick to San Jose.
The Food and the "Sunspot" Scene
Eating at Makanda is an event. The Sunspot Bar & Grill is the main hub. The ceviche is legitimately good—fresh catch from the Quepos marina, lots of lime, not too much fluff. But be prepared for the prices. You’re paying "California resort" prices in Central America. A dinner for two with drinks can easily clear $150.
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Is it the best food in Manuel Antonio? Maybe not. You can go down the hill to El Avion for the novelty of eating in a Fairchild C-123 plane, or hit up Falafel Bar for something cheaper and arguably more delicious. But for the convenience of staying on-site and watching the sunset melt into the ocean, Sunspot wins.
The Privacy Factor: Is it Truly "Adults Only"?
They are strict about the 18+ rule. This makes a huge difference in the atmosphere. There are no kids splashing in the infinity pool while you’re trying to read. It makes the whole place feel like a sanctuary. It’s popular with honeymooners (obviously) and the LGBTQ+ community, partly because Quepos/Manuel Antonio is one of the most welcoming spots in Costa Rica.
One thing to watch out for: the stairs. This hotel is built on a literal mountain. Even with the internal shuttle service (golf carts), you will be walking up and down steep inclines. If you have mobility issues, this property is a nightmare. Honestly, even if you’re fit, you’ll be winded after a trip to the gym.
The Service: "Pura Vida" with a Polish
Service in Costa Rica can be hit or miss. There’s a concept called Pura Vida which usually means "chill out, it’ll happen when it happens." At a 5-star price point, that can be frustrating. Makanda tries to bridge that gap. The staff is incredibly friendly, but they operate on "Tico time" occasionally. If you ask for a refill on your drink, it might take ten minutes. But they’ll do it with a genuine smile that makes it hard to be annoyed.
Comparison: Makanda vs. Gaia vs. Tulemar
If you’re researching Hotel Makanda by the Sea in Quepos, you’re probably also looking at Gaia Hotel & Reserve or Tulemar.
- Tulemar is better for families and has a much better private beach.
- Gaia is more clinical and modern, maybe a bit more "corporate luxury."
- Makanda is the "sexy" option. It’s for couples who want to feel like they’re in a music video.
The Environmental Impact
You can't build a massive luxury hotel in the middle of a biological corridor without some impact. Makanda participates in some local conservation efforts, but let's be real: it's a high-energy-consumption luxury resort. They do use biodegradable products and have tried to keep as many old-growth trees as possible during their various expansions. You’ll see "monkey bridges" (ropes) strung across the property so the primates don't have to touch the ground or power lines. It’s a start.
Dealing with the Quepos Logistics
If you’re flying into San Jose (SJO), you have two choices to get here.
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- The Small Plane: Take a Sansa flight to the Quepos airstrip. It takes 20 minutes. It’s terrifyingly beautiful.
- The Drive: It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours on the "Costanera" highway. The road is paved and easy, but traffic leaving San Jose can be a disaster.
Once you're at the hotel, don't just stay in the room. Even though the Hotel Makanda by the Sea in Quepos experience is designed to keep you inside the "bubble," you’re five minutes from the Manuel Antonio National Park. Go early. Like, 7:00 AM early. If you go at noon, you’ll be walking in a line of 500 people looking at one sloth.
The Verdict: Who is this for?
Makanda isn't for the budget backpacker or the family of four. It’s for the person who wants to feel insulated from the world. It’s for the couple that wants to spend three days in a bathrobe looking at the ocean.
The biggest misconception is that it’s a "beach resort." It’s a "jungle canopy resort" that happens to have a view of the beach. If you go in with that mindset, you won't be disappointed.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
- Book the "Arbol" or "Honeymoon" Villas: If you get a standard room, you’re missing the point of the property's unique architecture.
- Check the Moon Phase: If you’re there during a full moon, the reflection on the Pacific from your balcony is genuinely life-changing.
- Download WhatsApp: Everything in Costa Rica, including the hotel concierge and local tour guides, runs on WhatsApp.
- Pack Bug Spray with DEET: The "natural" stuff won't stop the midges (no-see-ums) at dusk.
- Reserve Park Tickets in Advance: You cannot buy tickets at the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park anymore. You must buy them on the SINAC website weeks before you arrive, or you’ll be stuck at the gate.
Beyond the Gates
When you finally leave the property, turn left and head toward the beach. There’s a spot called Biesanz Beach. It’s a "secret" cove that locals love. It’s much calmer than the main Manuel Antonio beach and perfect for paddleboarding. You’ll have to hike down a rocky path, but it’s worth it to get away from the crowds for a few hours.
Ultimately, staying at a place like this is about the silence. After the sun goes down and the tourist buses have left the main road, all you hear is the ocean and the weird, clicking sounds of the jungle. It’s expensive, it’s a little flashy, but there isn't much else like it in the country.
Next Steps for Your Trip Planning:
- Verify your travel dates on the official SINAC website to secure Manuel Antonio National Park entry before booking your room.
- Arrange a private transfer or a domestic Sansa flight from SJO to Quepos to avoid the potential three-hour traffic delays on Route 27.
- Request a villa on the higher tiers of the property for the best unobstructed sunset views and maximum privacy from the communal pool areas.