Manuel Antonio, Costa RicaQuepos
Gaia Hotel and Nature Reserve - Manuel Antonio
Terraced rainforest lodge
Quepos Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Opened
2006
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort LocalOutside the door
The house
Gaia Hotel & ReserveTerraced rainforest lodge
Angular stone and hardwood suites terrace down a coastal ridge, set inside a private reserve where scarlet macaws nest.
What it’s good at
Notable
Multi-tiered infinity pools connected by waterfalls, set across thirteen acres of rainforest.
Notable
Daily guided nature walks through a private reserve protecting reintroduced scarlet macaws.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Clinging to the top of a mountain within a 13-acre private nature reserve, this contemporary playground on Costa Rica’s western coast suggests a modernistic game of Chutes and Ladders
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In Manuel Antonio's coastal hills, set within a private rainforest reserve overlooking the Pacific.
1 of 4
The rooms
Polished stone floors and gauzy drapery define the rooms, and many open onto private balconies with Jacuzzis.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Submerged loungers line the stone-tiled pools, and a swim-up bar looks out over the rainforest canopy.
The spa
Spa therapies use local organic cocoa beans and honey. Afterward, a private aromatherapy steam room awaits.
At the table
La Luna serves Costa Rican seafood in an open-air dining room, and the rooftop SkyLounge pours cocktails over the Pacific.
How it began
The grounds operated as an orchid conservatory and wildlife rehabilitation centre before the hotel opened in 2006.
Manuel Antonio
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.