Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

I was scared about this place because of a few bad reviews I read. I can honestly say that this hotel deserves all of the positive reviews it has! We are foodies and the restaurant options were fantastic. Breakfast options were great and not boring. Drinks were very good, dinner options as well. Fridge stocked with house made sodas for kids. Everything was fresh, service was very friendly and fast. All of the workers are genuinely friendly. We had 3 kids with us and they all treated our kids wonderfully. They cracked coconuts for them, took them around the property to show animals, played soccer with them…. Laundry service was very fast, anytime we needed anything the staff was right on it, no matter what. There are stairs, our room was on third floor- so if you don’t like walking it may not be for ya! We loved every bit of it though. Walking was enjoyable! For the Americans that aren’t used to exercise - there are golf carts that come as soon as you call for them. I extended our stay during my original booking process and ended up booking a different class of room, they moved all of our luggage to the suite to make sure it was a very smooth transition. All rooms are very well appointed. Beach towels and toys are available. We packed umbrellas for the rainy season- they had those too. Jetted tub on our balcony was amazing (available in a suite). The grounds are very well taken care of, they are constantly cleaning and maintaining it. We have not a single negative thing to say.

We had lunch at Playitas restaurant down from the beach. Our party of 7, were amazed at the service and food. Our waiter Randall, was genuine and knowledgeable. Gave us a good laugh with his friendly demener, and also shared a lot of local information, that made our trip memorable. Five star for the restaurant and five star for Randall, we cannot wait for our next visit.

We were so excited to visit Costa Rica and we were not disappointed. We think what contributed to this being an outstanding trip was staying at Arenas del Mar. The resort and the staff truly helped make this adventure marvelous. The place is beautifully laid out. We were lucky enough to get one of the nicest rooms in the resort (the view and the room itself), and I loved the gorgeous beach. The attention to detail everywhere was great - the food (a full a la carte breakfast is included) and drinks were delicious. Also, the many excursions they offer! The people that work there are so knowledgeable, genuinely friendly and personable – each and every one we engaged with wanted to ensure we had a great experience. Even before we got there, the concierge team took excellent care of us with planning and answering questions (Jorge, Lucrecia, Grisneld); The amazing eco tour leaders – we were so lucky to go out with Maria Teresa many times and also a fun outing with Mau. Such knowledge and passion they have for the beauty of their animals, parks and home. I can’t list all the wonderful men who took our luggage, made sure we had water and drove us about in the golf carts as well as the van team they contract with. And, of course the wonderful ladies who brought us great food and drinks and laughs! Gaby, Karen, Carolina, Alexandra and Luisa. Oh, I can’t forget the monkeys who joined us on our balcony and at meals 😉. We were so impressed with the management of this property and their care for their employees. That flows straight through to those of us who get to vacation there. We definitely plan to visit another Calypsa property and hopefully this one again.

My husband and I were lucky enough to spend two weeks at Arenas Del Mar for our honeymoon and all I can say is WOW! This place is top notch and I was completely blown away by our wonderful experience here. Arenas Del Mar is extremely well run and the rooms, pools, beaches, restaurants, and offered excursions are nothing short of exceptional. As others have mentioned, what truly makes Arenas Del Mar special is the staff. Every time we went to eat, sit at the bar, or ask a question at the concierge, it felt like talking with friends. Special shoutout to: Randall, Karen, Gabriela, Wilber, Luz, Minor, Alex, Farlen, and Amanda at the hotel and restaurant, our tour guides Maria and Julian, and Oscar who drove us numerous times including to/from the San Jose airport. You are all incredibly hardworking and kind. It was a privilege to meet you and thanks for making our trip so special! We did the following excursions and would highly recommend them: Manuel Antonio National Park, Chocolate Tour, Night Walk, Mangrove Boat Tour, Los Campesinos Reserve, Ziplining, Nauyaca Waterfall, and Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour. If you prefer to sit and relax by the beach, Arenas Del Mar has that too! Lots of lounge chairs and drink/food service right on Playitas Beach. The Manuel Antonio area has so much to do - two weeks didn’t feel long enough! If you are considering Arenas Del Mar for your vacation, book now! It’s 100% worth it. This is the best hotel experience I’ve ever had.

This resort is absolutely amazing. Surrounded by the luscious rainforest of Costa Rica, it provides home to so many variety of animals. Every day we were greeted by the white face monkeys, the property was filled with numerous sloths, iguanas, and we saw a mini Costa Rican capybara. Beachfront access was also a highlight. Alex, Alexis, Randell, Brian, Jorge, Christian, and Karen made us feel so welcomed as if we were family and the entire staff were very professional and friendly. I also love how they provide private shuttle service for the guest to go off site which gives you a sense of security. I would recommend this resort to anyone!!! PURA VIDA😊