Makanda by the Sea

Everything about this place was heaven! The food : incredible The views: incredible The room: incredible The drinks : INCREDIBLE overall I would definitely recommend this and come back x10 This place exceeded expectations for me, I honestly can’t even describe in words the awe I felt walking in here. I wish the private pools were warmer in the off season. But other than that 1000/10 and it’s so worth it. The place is never overbooked so you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay. I’ve been to resorts where there were people EVERYWHERE it was hard to enjoy the scenery.

Unforgettable Stay – True 5-Star Experience! Our stay at Hotel Makanda by the Sea was absolutely magical. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like VIPs. The staff greeted us warmly and gave us a personal tour of the gorgeous grounds. Every corner of the property is beautifully designed—lush gardens, stunning architecture, and a luxurious, swanky atmosphere. They even pointed out their resident sloths each day! Our room was spacious, spotless, and beautifully decorated with fresh flowers. We especially loved relaxing on our balcony each morning with coffee while watching monkeys and birds. The amenities were top-notch—Dyson hair dryer, Bose speaker, and a fully stocked bar. The food was outstanding. I’m from Louisiana and know good food, and Makanda delivered! Everything was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and the seafood dishes were some of the best I’ve ever had. The staff truly made our stay unforgettable. Everyone was kind, knew our names, and went above and beyond—helping with taxis, booking excursions, and always ready to assist. They even offered to take photos of us and made sure to get the perfect shot! We also enjoyed the relaxing spa with jungle and ocean views, as well as the pools and beach access. This hotel is truly a gem—we can’t wait to return. Now we understand why Makanda is a real 5-star experience!

We had a beautiful and memorable stay overall, with a few things to note for future guests. Food & Drinks: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant was honestly not great. Most dishes needed more seasoning, and the sea bass was just okay. On the bright side, the banana chocolate dessert was excellent — so good we had it every night! The passion fruit juice and piña coladas were also delicious, and it was a treat to have a different fresh juice each morning at breakfast. Speaking of which, breakfast was amazing and plentiful — one of the best parts of the food experience. Lunch and dinner, though, were pretty meh. Local Tip: If you’re craving an authentic Costa Rican meal, go to Soda Sánchez (just a short drive away) and order the Casado with the beef in sauce. It was hands down one of our best meals in the area! Staff & Service: The staff was super friendly and helpful. A huge shoutout to Elias by the pool bar — he was an angel, bringing us piña coladas even when it started raining. Service via WhatsApp was excellent — fast, responsive, and made everything super convenient. They even upgraded us to an ocean view room and surprised us with bubbly and dessert to celebrate a friend’s birthday. That personal touch meant a lot. Grounds & Environment: The grounds are absolutely gorgeous, lush, and full of life. We saw monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife roaming freely — including an animal in the capybara family and something raccoon-like. The sounds of nature surround you — it’s truly a jungle experience. That said, the property is extremely steep, and the paths get very slippery when it rains. This is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or bad knees. Be careful walking, and do not bring heels — not even for dinner. You’ll want shoes with serious traction. Beach Access: The beach is a short (but steep!) walk or a quick golf cart ride away. I recommend the golf cart. The beach itself is rustic and peaceful. The water is swimmable, but only for strong swimmers — I’m not one, so I didn’t go in. Internet: Wi-Fi was a bit of a pain. It kept disconnecting and we had to reconnect constantly, which was frustrating. Spa: The spa was absolutely incredible. We did a 3.5-hour package that included a private sauna and jacuzzi, bubbly, mud wrap, scalp massage, one-hour hot stone massage, and a facial. Every detail was thoughtful, and the spa itself felt like a work of art. I left feeling like a new person. ⸻ Overall: Despite the hit-or-miss food and spotty Wi-Fi, this place is a nature-filled escape with beautiful views, amazing spa experiences, friendly staff, and thoughtful service. Just come prepared for the terrain — and don’t miss that local Casado at Soda Sánchez!