The hype
Guests are obsessed with the architecture, views, and wildlife, but often feel nickeled-and-dimed by the restaurant pricing.
Makanda By The Sea
$400-1100/ night
Book this if You want a sex-appeal-heavy, adults-only jungle hideaway where monkeys watch you swim in your private plunge pool.
Why People Love It
- Two stunning infinity pools with swim-up bars and Pacific sunsets
- Wildlife is everywhere—monkeys and sloths literally on your balcony
- High-tech 'smart' villas with floor-to-ceiling glass and total privacy
Quick Take: It's a steep, sweaty, Instagram-perfect jungle playground that charges premium prices for views but sometimes skimps on service speed.
Reviewed by @Scrappylala.travels: I felt completely hidden away in the rainforest here. The private glass pool is even more stunning in person, and the bathtub views are just insane. It’s the perfect spot if you want luxury without the crowds and some killer photos for your feed.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'live DJ' at the pool terrace ruins the peace for some; if you want silence, this isn't a meditation retreat.
- You are on a honeymoon and want a room you never have to leave
- You love the idea of sipping cocktails in an infinity pool while a DJ plays lounge house
- You are physically fit and don't mind navigating steep jungle paths
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, though they sometimes miss dust on the high 'jungle chic' rafters.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, but the open-air design means you might find the occasional ant or gecko.
- Maintenance: Good, though the 'smart' controls and electric curtains are frequent failure points.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, plush, and replaced daily if requested.
- Odors & scents: Fresh jungle air, occasionally marred by a 'musty' mildew smell in the rainy season (common in the tropics).
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Evening DJ sets at the pool terrace
- Howler monkeys at 5:00 AM (nature's alarm clock)
- Golf carts buzzing up and down the steep paths
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is NOT included in most rates and costs ~$30 USD per person.
- The hotel is strictly adults-only (16+ or 18+ depending on the season).
- You need to book the golf cart 15-20 mins in advance if you're heading to the beach.
What to pack
- Slip-on shoes with grip (for the steep, sometimes slippery paths)
- High-strength bug spray (it is a literal jungle)
- Binoculars (for spotting sloths from your balcony)
Room Genie
Best picks
- WOW Loft (panoramic ocean views, high privacy)
- Honeymoon Grand Pool Villa (massive, private plunge pool)
Rooms to avoid
- Villa 9 (shares a pool with another unit, less private)
- Ground floor studios (less privacy, more foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and requesting a high-floor unit away from the main pool deck to minimize DJ noise. Please avoid Villa 9 as we require a private pool.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach really private?
Sort of. It's a secluded cove (Playa Biesanz access) that is much quieter than the public beach, but all beaches in Costa Rica are technically public.
Are the monkeys aggressive?
They are bold. They will steal food right off your breakfast plate if you leave the door open. Lock your balcony.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit daily resort fee, but service charges on food/drink are high (10% service + 13% tax is standard in CR).
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, but it's a sweaty walk along a narrow road. Taxis are cheap and recommended at night.
Is the pool heated?
No, but with the humidity and sun, the water temperature is usually perfect (around 80°F).
Do I need a 4x4 to get there?
No, the main road is paved, but the driveway is steep. Standard shuttles or taxis can make it fine.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Watch out for the 'Special Margarita' trap at happy hour—they claim to be out of the regular tequila and upsell you a drink that costs double.
- ✨
Order your grocery supplies (wine/snacks) from a local store before arrival; the minibar prices are punishing.
- ✨
The 'private beach' has no bathroom, so plan your bladder accordingly.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'smart home' tablets in the rooms can be glitchy and frustrating to use for simple things like lights.
💡You will sweat walking to breakfast. There is no escaping the humidity.
💡The saltwater pool is significantly quieter than the main pool with the swim-up bar.
💡Room service adds a hefty surcharge and can take 45+ minutes.
💡The shower pressure in some upper-level villas can be weak due to the elevation.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Makanda By The Sea is located and what's nearby.