Gaia Hotel And Reserve

The views at Gaia Hotel were incredible, and the dinner was delicious and surprisingly affordable for the quality and atmosphere. Our room was spacious and spotless, and the staff were warm, attentive, and always ready to help. We felt welcome the whole time. It was a memorable, comfortable stay close to the attractions, and we’d happily recommend it.

The setting in the forest is beautiful, with wonderful ocean views. We even spotted a sloth close by during breakfast, and enjoyed the hotel’s daily guided walk through the reserve, though parts of the trail are quite steep. The shuttle was handy for getting to the park and beach. Since the hotel sits on a steep hill, you’ll probably need transport to reach restaurants and other areas. Our studio was spacious and had a very comfortable bed, but the bathroom felt unusual, basically part of the room behind a sliding door. The outdoor area opens onto a shared walkway, so privacy is limited. During our five nights, we never got evening turndown service, even when we left out the cleaning sign. That was disappointing for a hotel in this category. The pool areas also need some care, especially the lower pool, where leaves tended to collect. Dinner was really good, especially the sushi and the tuna dish I had one evening. Breakfast was just okay and probably our least favorite of the trip. The hotel has a lovely natural setting and some great experiences, but the upkeep and service fell short of what I’d expect from a five-star place. It may have met that standard when it first opened, but now some basic maintenance and attention to detail seem to be missing.

Jose, the concierge, sorted out our transportation and excursions and answered all our questions, so the vacation felt completely stress-free. Everyone we met, from the servers and front desk to the owner, genuinely cared about making our stay great. The staff were the nicest we’ve ever encountered. We loved the meals, especially the Costa Rican breakfast, Casado lunch, and mahi-mahi dinner. At lunch by the pool, we watched monkeys and iguanas up close. The amenities were stunning, and our room was perfect. I’d recommend a suite so you can unwind on the balcony when it rains. And don’t skip the beautiful spa. Our 60-minute couples massage was perfect, and the masseuses went out of their way to look after us. The hotel’s program to bring endangered Scarlet Macaws back into the wild is incredible. Pairs of these birds fly freely around the grounds, and they mate for life. Staying here means supporting that mission while enjoying a relaxing vacation. This place deserves 10 stars.

The owner personally checked that we were being looked after, and the service throughout was friendly, attentive, and personal. The restaurant has breathtaking views. There are large suites, a spa, and several pools, with all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury resort. An amazing place in the heart of Manuel Antonio, highly recommended if you’re traveling there.