Makanas Beach Bungalows

The loft we stayed in was at street level, and traffic noise, especially at night, was too much for us. If road noise bothers you, I’d choose a bungalow lower down, closer to the beach. The rooms are nice and well maintained, and the location works well if you want to stay outside the busy center on the way toward Playa Hermosa. You’ll need a car or ATV, though. There aren’t many nearby places to eat besides Rocamar, since Flor Blanca recently closed.

The staff were so lovely and always ready to help with questions, and the owner was available on WhatsApp. We loved staying in these amazing little houses, surrounded by jungle and just steps from a beautiful long sandy and rocky beach. They’re fully equipped, with great hot showers, kitchens, and comfortable beds and pillows. I’d happily come back. Thanks for the hospitality!

The beach view and chill area were wonderful places to slow down and enjoy Santa Teresa. The garden is beautiful, and someone is always on site looking after the grounds. Although there’s no traditional reception, we came to appreciate the privacy and home-like feel. Housekeeping was excellent every day, with fresh towels, a perfectly made bed, and a spotless bathroom. We stayed at Makanas for five days, March 15th to March 20th, on a getaway with my girlfriend, and the stay exceeded our expectations. Communication before arrival was phenomenal. We got clear details about the property, directions, and what to expect, and the online photos matched what we found. The road up is steep, but our 4x4 Mitsubishi truck made it easy. If it’s your first visit, I’d get a 4x4 wherever you stay. This was my seventh time in Santa Teresa. I’d usually stayed at Florablanca Resort, so I was disappointed to hear it had closed. A friend who used to work there suggested Makanas, and I’m glad I booked it through Expedia. You’ve gained a long-term client. I’ll recommend Makanas to friends, family, and anyone I know traveling to Santa Teresa. There’s something charming about the place, and we can’t wait to return.

For the price, the stay left a bad taste in my mouth, though it was fine overall. Maybe that’s typical of Santa Teresa, or Costa Rica more broadly, where it feels like everyone is trying to get as much money as possible from travelers who come to see this beautiful country. It’s a shame. The studio is right beside the road, and the thin walls and windows let in constant traffic noise. It was even louder on the patio. The room itself is tiny, with space for the bed, a bookshelf, and our suitcases on the floor. The website lists 45m2, but I can’t see how that figure was reached. The patio is much larger than that, so I don’t think it was included. It felt like they picked a number that sounded good instead of listing the actual size. The website also calls the bed a queen, but it was closer to a US full or a double like I’ve seen elsewhere in Central America, and felt small for two. The mattress seemed old or cheap, lumpy and uneven, which made for uncomfortable nights. The bungalows might be nice, but the studio description was misleading.