Gaia Hotel And Reserve – Adults Only
What We Love
- Rate includes a 20-minute massage, facial or reflexology treatment per person, per stay, plus one guided hike through the 14-acre nature reserve
- Arrival gifts: cool, lemon-scented towels and a tropical welcome drink
- Daily à la carte breakfast is included in the Jetsetter rate
- The open-air La Luna; don’t miss the panko-crusted tuna or the signature Gaia tenderloin
- Kind and professional staff
- READ MORE: Find your perfect Costa Rica vacation
What To Know
- Only the Suites, Deluxe Suites and Villas have Jacuzzi bathtubs
- The ocean is seven minutes away, and a free beach shuttle runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
- This is a certified green hotel, and the tap water is safe to drink
- Costa Rica’s dry season is December to May; during the rest of the year it can rain for several hours a day
- Free WiFi
Amenities
- Bar
- Eco friendly
- Free WiFi
- Gym
- Handicap-accessible
- Parking On Site
- Pet-friendly
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Spa
Overview
The Look
In honor of its namesake Greek goddess, Gaia Hotel & Suites exudes a reverence for the earth, with its panoramic coastal views, three pearly white buildings and 14 acres of twisting jungle. Upon entering the white-on-white digs, guests are served lemon-scented towels and cool tropical drinks. The walls display the owner’s personal Latin American art collection, including photos he took for National Geographic and works by Ecuadorian artist Eduardo Kingman.
Bed and Bath
In the 22 rooms, suites and villas there are beds with 500-thread-count Italian linens, flat-screen LCD TVs, expansive en suite tiled bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs), all done in a calm palette of cream walls, hardwood floors and oversize windows that offer breathtaking jungle and ocean views at every turn.
Beyond
Equally impressive are the views from the three-tiered infinity pool, where sunbathers sip cocktails from a swim-up bar. And in the intimate Terra Spa, the free 20-minute mini-massages are made even more soothing by the lush jungle backdrop. At the five-star La Luna restaurant, such dishes as succulent Tico-style ceviche and thick tenderloin steak are accompanied by daily drink specials (from a Gaia sunset cocktail made from a myriad of juices to Costa Rica’s famous guaro liquor), all of it served alfresco against a technicolor sky. Come morning, a free breakfast spread of huevos rancheros, sweet mango juice and fresh coffee fuel reserve excursions led by an enthusiastic, certified nature guide, who spins tales of the jungle and its superlative wildlife.
In the Area
Once a center for orchid conservation and wildlife rehab, Gaia’s 14-acre nature reserve now has fantastic hiking trails; a free guided tour embarks Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7am. And Manuel Antonio is just over a mile away, offering some of the country’s best opportunities for spotting sloths, monkeys, toucans and more. For parasailing, snorkeling, dolphin encounters, fishing, water-skiing and boat excursions, the Gaia concierge can recommend a tour outfitter that fits guests needs.
How to Get There
Reviews
This place can be a nice spot for a couple nights if you’re in this area. But don’t come here last minute, as you should work out ahead of time and be sure of what room you have. I showed up without a reservation and got a room for $290, which I thought would be nice. It was called the jungle room after all. It should have been called the Cave Room, as that’s what it felt like. No natural light at all. Cold cement floors, a slight sewer smell. So stay far away from room 131. So I’m sure the more pricey rooms are nicer and it’s a nice spot if you are sure of the room . Also, really, the food was really mediocre. Same with the breakfast. I think it should have been more like a $150 a night place. It was “ok,” but if you’re in the area and planning far ahead, you might want another spot.
The greatest of thanks to all staff and Borris for making our stay so welcoming. The hotel is fantastic, the staff in the spa were just exceptional. A shout too to Arleth whose prompt WhatsApp responses meant we had everything we needed when we needed it. Great idea. Well done Marco for your work in the bar - great cocktails :-)
The only comment or area for improvement is room maintenance 343 had a bit of a smell of drains, the shower door was a bit makeshift and not up to the standard of the rest of the hotel. Having said that we stayed in our room, it wasn’t that bad, but let the experience down slightly.
Overall I have no hesitation in giving a five star rating and we will be back!!
Oh, and the sloth feeding in the tree next to the pool and all the other wildlife... I could go on. Well done guys. 👍😁
Sadly this hotel wasn't for us. We stayed in a jungle view suite, unfortunately it wasn't quite what we expected. There was no balcony, and we had to keep the net curtains closed all the time as there was a walkway right outside our room and the path where the buggys transported people was just across and a cctv camera which would have been able to look directly into our room. So the jungle view wasn't quite what we were led to believe from the description on the website. Keeping the curtains closed made the room feel like a dungeon.
There is no doubt the staff are very friendly and efficient. The food and views from the restaurant were outstanding.
The Scarlet Macaw breeding programme is to be commended, and it is an excellent chance to see them close up. You can only visit the jungle grounds with the in house guide.
It is just such a shame about our room.
Great hotel and amenities. Fantastic view. Andreas was a great concierge and helped coordinate dining and activity reservations, including off site tennis. Really enjoyed our tour of the property with Juan. This is a hotel/reserve with a mission of not only providing a superior level of service but is also committed to promoting a healthy scarlet macaw population in the Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica. Will definitely return.
There was nothing not to like! Room was spacious and beautifully decorated, amazing views from the property and fab pools. But what really made our stay were the amazing staff. Johnny & Wilber especially, but all staff were great - attentive, friendly and welcoming! Would absolutely recommend this hotel!