Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort

What We Think

We’re pretty sure if Beyonce were reincarnated as a Costa Rican resort, she would look something like this—because it has it all, including two beaches and two pools for all your chillaxing needs. Every single guest room is tricked out with luxe amenities: king beds swathed in downy bedding; organic toiletries; rainfall showerheads; zippy wifi and international calls; plus twice-daily housekeeping. Ocean View Premium Suites are arguably the ones to book, with their 1,055-square-foot floor plans and overlooks of both the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park (plus two full bathrooms, a kitchenette and a private hot tub on your balcony). Don’t miss at least a few meals at Playitas Beachfront Restaurant; you can tuck into shrimp and mango ceviche with your feet in the sand.

What It Is

The only seafront resort in the area, with 37 plush rooms, in-house naturalist guides and 11 acres of rainforest.

What It Isn't

Nickel and dime-ing you. Your stay includes a-la-carte breakfasts, gratis yoga classes, local drinks and snacks in your mini-bar, and only in Costa Rica perks, like surf lessons, guided tours of the rainforest, tortilla and bracelet-making classes, and more.

You're Here Because

The resort has a “full board” option that includes lunches at Playitas Beach restaurant and dinners at El Mirador Restaurant & Bar, which has a view of the ocean so jaw-dropping it was featured in “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”—and where the menu includes plantain-crusted yellowfin tuna.

The Moment

Sure, you’ve seen sloths before—on YouTube. So you were ecstatic when one of the resort’s four in-house naturalists pointed one out through their telescope, sleeping in the nook of a treetop branch and giving new meaning to the term “self care.”

Restaurants & Bars

Playitas Beachfront Restaurant - Beach Eats, Cocktails and Your Toes in the Sand Mirador Oceanview Restaurant - Regionally-inspired dishes paired with organic South American wines

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