Inside Arenas Del Mar: Kids Happy, Parents Relaxed

Today, we’re diving deep into the Arenas Del Mar Resort, next to Costa Rica's most popular national park & right on a stunning beach. As part of my best hotels & resorts in Costa Rica series, I'm here to uncover the truth behind those glossy website photos and rave reviews. From the warm welcome with cold towels and even colder drinks to the cheeky monkeys raiding my mini-bar, this video is your no-holds-barred look at whether this award-winning hotel lives up to its reputation.

The resort has 38 rooms, split between 19 hotel-style rooms and 19 suites, sprawled across seven buildings climbing up a steep hill from the beach to the lobby. With two pools, one at the top of the hill and another closer to the beach, there’s plenty of splashy fun for everyone, even if they don't quite blow your mind. Don’t miss the beach restaurant, where you can dine with sand between your toes, and a spa tucked under the main restaurant for that much-needed relaxation. Plus, the wildlife here is practically a zoo—just watch out for those McCaws dropping almond husks on your head!

Located just outside Quepos, one of Costa Rica's most touristy towns, Arenas Del Mar is a convenient gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park. The resort is around 2.5 hours from the San José airport, making it a pretty easy trip to paradise. Whether you're here for the private-feeling beach, the sloths, or the beach BBQs, this resort aims to please. But does it hit the mark? Watch and find out! And remember, if you’re tired of checking in to places that aren’t what you signed up for, hit subscribe and let me be your guide to what you’re really getting.

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Our goal is to save you time by finding the best hotels and experiences for you, and eliminate the stress of paying for something before you understand if it’s right for you. We work with total editorial independence. That means nothing appears in our videos as a recommendation unless we’ve tried it and loved it. These are the hotels and activities we choose for ourselves and recommend to our family and friends.

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We curate unusual, independent, and sustainable boutique hotel experiences. We’re a small team of 3.5 people – for now. Our founder Don is an American who’s lived about half his life overseas and has traveled to over 60 countries – always looking for that perfect hotel, and often being disappointed. Before starting Swank, Don worked as an entrepreneur in the clean energy space, and then sustainable housing – one of the reasons sustainability is in our DNA.

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If this was helpful to you, please help us out by using our booking link below. Best price guaranteed. Swank you!

[carolbunnell-pickering]

I'd go just to see the wildlife and, the barbeque on the beach sounded lovely. Thanks for the great video!

[christinecamley]

Yikes! You had monkeys inside? I admit that wouldn't be okay for me. Your thoughts mean a lot. Thank you. Hugely appreciated!! I'd love to see a Maui video! Bliss!!