Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio

Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort is a luxurious resort, based on the breakfast plan and located on the Central Pacific Coast region of Costa Rica, a little over a mile from the port of Quepos, in Manuel Antonio. This world-class, eco-resort is beautifully situated on a cliff above Espadilla Beach and overlooks the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Arenas del Mar features seven buildings with six upscale rooms and suites in each, a casual, beachfront snack bar and an elegant dining venue, two swimming pools, an intimate spa and a gift shop. For those setting their sights on a vacation in luxury and beautiful surroundings, Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort is sure to surpass expectations.

Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort is located on the Central Pacific Coast region of Costa Rica, a little over a mile from the port of Quepos, in Manuel Antonio. This world-class eco-resort is beautifully situated on a cliff above Espadilla Beach and overlooks the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Arenas del Mar has a strong commitment to the surrounding nature and local community. It features 7 buildings with 6 upscale rooms and suites in each building, with a casual beachfront snack bar and an elegant dining venue with spectacular views of the National Park as well as two swimming pools, an intimate Spa and a gift shop. The hotel is set on 11 acres of nature with private nature trails and access to two beautiful beaches. Member of 'Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica'. A full a la carte breakfast is included daily along with an "Easy Being Green" tour.

Located four hours from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and five hours from the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste.

The first 100 percent sustainable development project in Costa Rica, the resort features energy-efficient solar heating panels, water heaters, recycled building materials, natural linens and electric on-site vehicles. The resort's 'footprint' covers less than a quarter of the land, with the remaining property dedicated as a private nature reserve. The resort is completely carbon neutral.

Included Extras
Rates include a full a la carte breakfast daily, two complimentary on-property tours (Tortillas at Petatillo and Easy Being Green Tour - see Activities & Recreation tab for more information), complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property and free local and international calls from your room. Children up to age 5 stay free when sharing with adults.

Recent Awards
Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort was awarded five "leaves" by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the first resort to achieve this distinction so soon after opening. Created by the ICT, the Certification of Sustainable Tourism program (CST) was designed to differentiate tourism businesses based on a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary and is open to all hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts services, cabins, as well as tour operators and travel agencies in Costa Rica.

In addition, Arenas Del Mar, which opened in 2008, was awarded three stars (highest ranking) under the Ecological Blue Flag program. Implemented in 1996, the Blue Flag program supports development while curbing the negative impacts of mass tourism. It encourages the local community to reduce pollution and protect the environment. The program evaluates the environmental quality of coastal areas, in terms of the quality of the beaches and sea water, access and quality of drinking water, water and waste management, security, and environmental education.

Arenas del Mar was listed as a "2010 Fodor’s Choice" as the “best of the best” recognizing hotels that provide remarkable experiences in their price range, destination or category. In 2009, Arenas del Mar was also named a "Fodor's Choice" property, recognizing this eco-luxury resort as a leader in its field for service, quality and value.

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
Wide range of scenic and adventurous tours such as kayaking, horseback riding, river rafting and guided rainforest hikes. Optional tour offered in the area include:
* Manuel Antonio National Park
* Canopy Tour
* Rainmaker Tour - The Rainmaker is a 1500-acre rainforst reserve
* Damas Island Mangrove by Kayak
* Butterfly & Aquatic Gardens Nature Reserve
* Morning a/o Sunset Sailing Tour
* White Water Rafting (the Savegre and the Naranjo)
*Horseback Riding Tour - through the jungles and hills to nearby waterfalls
* Surfing Lessons at Playa el Ray

Environmentally Sensitive Accommodations
The 38 guest rooms are set in seven three story buildings that overlook the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Pacific Ocean, private beaches and surrounding rainforests.

All rooms are equipped with: king size beds, spacious bathrooms withbamboo towels, superior closet space, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, flat screen cable televisions, wired internet access, telephones with direct access to international calls, fully equipped mini-bar, coffee makers, safe deposit boxes, luggage racks, irons and ironing boards and large private decks with breathtaking views. Premium Suites at Arenas Del Mar offering stunning ocean views, DVD player, personalized mini-bar, microwave, wireless phone and iPod docks.

The rooms were designed to offer maximum comfort while taking into consideration the surrounding environment. The buildings housing the guest rooms were altered to fit around existing trees, water is heated with solar panels and grey water is reused for irrigation.

Honeymoon Haven
Arenas Del Mar is the perfect honeymoon escape, featuring spacious suites with spectacular views and an outdoor tub. Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful National parks in the world, offers not only water activities, but is a perfect combination of restaurants, night life, rainforest and beaches. Costa Rica has become a preferred destination for the new generation of 'active honeymooners' that want more than just cocktails by the pool. A Costa Rican Honeymoon allows couples to combine rainforest adventures with relaxing moments on the beach, all in a safe and comfortable environment.

TAG Approved Hotel
The Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is an IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) (or TAG) approved hotel. The hotel is certified as gay-friendly and has completed employee sensitivity training and has agreed to a list of non-discriminatory and welcoming policies.