Facilities

Meeting rooms
Full-service spa
Boat tours nearby
Fitness facilities
Nature reserve
Free beach shuttle
Free WiFi
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Beautiful property
Incredible food
Cons:
Overpriced
Slippery floors
Limited beach access

Categories

Cleanliness
8.9
Some concerns about the slippery floors and overall safety.
Service
9.9
The staff was generally kind and helpful, though there were issues with golf cart availability.
Location
9.4
Beautiful but challenging terrain for beach access.
Room Quality
9.9
Ocean front room was amazing.
Amenities
9.9
Beautiful property with a lot of amenities, including a spa.
Value for Money
8.4
Many felt it was overpriced for the offerings.
Food and Beverage
8.9
Food was incredible but portions were small and overpriced.
Overall Experience
9.9
Great experience despite some drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 12:11

Property Description

Welcome to your tropical oasis at Makanda by the Sea, where luxury meets relaxation.

Indulgent Spa Experience
Pamper yourself at our exclusive spa, offering a range of rejuvenating massages, body treatments, and facials, designed to revitalize your senses.

Breathtaking Amenities
Take a refreshing dip in one of our two outdoor swimming pools or unwind in one of our hot tubs. Enjoy easy access to our private beach with a complimentary beach shuttle, allowing you to soak in the sun effortlessly.

Culinary Delights
Savor exquisite international cuisine at Arbol Restaurant, or unwind with a drink at our swim-up bar. With room service available during limited hours, culinary satisfaction is just a call away.

Elevate your getaway and book your stay with us today at Makanda by the Sea!

Important information:

  • Reservations are required for massage services, spa treatments, and private bath/onsen. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel 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.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SJO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • Accessibility

    No elevators

  • Guest type

    Caters to adults only

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

9.4
Based on 114 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.9
Service: 9.9
Location: 9.4
Room Quality: 9.9
Amenities: 9.9
Value for Money: 8.4
Food and Beverage: 8.9
Overall Experience: 9.9
M
Melissa partner
8
Pros:

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.

2025-09-30 via Nuitee
P
parwinder partner
10
Pros:

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

2025-08-22 via Nuitee
X
Xiao partner
6
Pros:

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.

2025-08-16 via Nuitee
H
Heather family
10
Pros:

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

2025-07-29 via Nuitee
L
Lorna partner
10
Pros:

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

2025-07-13 via Nuitee
V
Victor family
10
Pros:

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.

2025-07-09 via Nuitee
O
Oana partner
10
Pros:

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.

2025-07-07 via Nuitee
E
Erin partner
10
Pros:

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!

2025-06-27 via Nuitee
A
Alvin partner
8
Pros:

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.

2025-06-04 via Nuitee
J
Jesus partner
10
Pros:

Beautiful location and nature.

2025-05-08 via Nuitee
D
Del partner
10
Pros:

Staff were very accommodating. Properly was beautiful.

2025-05-07 via Nuitee
K
Kayla
2
Pros:

The room was nice so I thought until I flipped pillows and seen makeup and the sheets were dirty… something tore me up in the room I have bug bites … the food is trash… it just wasn’t a nice experience for me

2025-04-26 via Nuitee
B
bernard
10
Pros:

Beautiful retreat, beach not so great

2025-04-24 via Nuitee
A
Anthony partner
10
Pros:

Wow, wow, wow! That was everything I expected and more! We stayed in the luxury Penhouse, Suite 19. The room is beautiful, large, and the bathroom is also large. The living room and bathroom have doors that lead to the huge balcony. Every evening, from the balcony, we enjoyed a perfect sunset view. We enjoyed our friendly visitors each day: small monkeys, an iguana, humming birds, butterflies, and red/blue birds. Despite being surrounded by the forest, no bugs or insects disturbed us. We were able to leave the doors open for hours. The monkeys would walk by a few occasions, but never entered lol. Cool experience.

The most impressive feature for me is the WhatsApp communication service. Anything you need, weather it be pillows at 11pm, a taxi ride to and from the hotel or anywhere, room food service, etc, it's only one text away, and the response time is literally only seconds!

The main pool / restaurant area is extremely beautiful. The staff is friendly and professional. We had planned to do so many adventurous things such as zip lining, jet skiing, visiting waterfalls, etc, but we didn't do any of those things because we enjoyed just staying in our large room and relaxing on the balcony and swimming in the private pool attached the balcony.

Thank you, Hotel Makana, for an unforgettable experience.

2025-04-18 via Nuitee
T
Todd
10
Pros:

This hotel is amazing. Bayron, Leo, Nielson, Jonathon!! We miss them, they were so awesome! The hotel staff is incredibly helpful and kind. I would give this hotel 10 stars if I could. Beautiful, relaxing and very luxurious.

2025-03-28 via Nuitee
A
Asa family
10
Pros:

Absolutely amazing, far exceeded expectations. Very quiet and relaxing, safe and secure, best staff we have ever experienced. Would definitely recommend a stay. No need to leave property other than for excursions.

2025-03-25 via Nuitee
B
Bharati partner
10
Pros:

Peaceful resort, perfect after a stressful period of time.

2025-03-24 via Nuitee
J
Jose Adrian Bolaños
10
Pros:

Ok

2025-03-13 via Nuitee
D
Dmitry
8
Pros:

Good place. Stunning views, friendly staff, luxury room interiors and exteriors.

However, the expectations for a 5 star resort are high.

For example, when a particular dish is missing on the high-end restaurant menu, you'd expect a waiter to share that in advance. Then 2 days later, 2 dishes are missing...

The beach is at the bottom of a steep hill. There are gulf carts which take down and up. However, the service stops at 4 p.m. ??? Why not at least 6 or later?

2025-03-05 via Nuitee
T
Tracey
10
Best Hotel in Costa Rica
Pros:

An absolutely amazing resort with some of the friendliest people I have ever met. The room was beautiful, the drinks are amazing, and the pool is to die for. I cant wait to come back.

2025-03-03 via Nuitee