Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers about booking, payments, dining, transfers, rooms, pool access, tours, and policies at Makanda by the Sea, a five-star adults-only luxury boutique hotel set in the jungle with ocean views in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
If you don’t see your question here, contact Reception for help.
Quick essentials about Makanda, location, and access.
About Makanda
Is Makanda an adults-only hotel?
Yes. Makanda is an adults-only luxury boutique hotel, best suited for adults seeking privacy and a quiet atmosphere.
Where is Makanda located in Costa Rica?
Makanda is in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, set in the jungle with ocean views.
What are Makanda’s GPS coordinates?
GPS coordinates: 9.40318, -84.16222. Plus Code: CR3Q+74, Manuel Antonio.
How many rooms does Makanda have?
Makanda is a boutique property with 33 accommodations: 20 suites and 13 villas.
Payment timing, cancellations, and key policy terms.
Booking and payment
When is my reservation payment due?
Full payment is due 30 calendar days before arrival (check-in date). We email a secure payment link. Terms: https://makanda.com/en/reservationpolicy.
Is my card charged at booking?
No. Your card secures the reservation at booking. Payment is collected later per policy.
How do I complete the payment?
We send a secure payment link to your email. Once the payment is completed, your reservation remains confirmed under the policy terms.
Are taxes included in room rates?
No. Room rates are subject to 13% tax, which is added to the total.
Is my booking refundable if cancelled?
Yes, if cancelled more than 30 calendar days before arrival (check-in date). Terms: https://makanda.com/en/reservationpolicy.
What if I cancel within 30 days?
Cancellations within 30 calendar days before arrival (check-in date) are non-refundable. Terms: https://makanda.com/en/reservationpolicy.
Can I change my reservation dates?
One time change is allowed if requested 30+ calendar days before arrival (check-in date), subject to availability. Terms: https://makanda.com/en/reservationpolicy.
Do you place an incidental deposit hold?
Yes, a temporary hold may apply for incidentals. Terms: https://makanda.com/en/reservationpolicy.
Check-in times, early arrival, and guest guidelines.
Check-in and stay
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM, and you’re welcome to enjoy the property before check-in and after check-out.
Can we arrive early to the hotel?
Yes, you’re welcome to enjoy the property before check-in; early room access depends on availability.
Can we stay after checkout time?
Yes, you’re welcome to enjoy the property after check-out; late room access depends on availability.
Are visitors allowed at the hotel?
Day visitors may be allowed with prior notice and approval, and must follow hotel rules.
Are pets allowed at Makanda?
No, pets are not permitted.
Is smoking allowed in the rooms?
No. Smoking is not permitted in the rooms. Fees may apply if smoking occurs, per policy.
What’s included, where to dine, and service hours.
Breakfast and dining
Is breakfast included in the stay?
Yes, a la carte breakfast is included for direct bookings on makanda.com.
Where is breakfast served?
Breakfast is served at Árbol Restaurant Pool Terrace by the infinity pool.
What time is breakfast served?
Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
What does “included breakfast” mean?
Included breakfast means one à la carte dish per guest.
Are coffee, juice, and fruit included?
Morning refreshments include coffee, juice, and tropical fruits with unlimited refills.
Do you serve lunch at Árbol Restaurant?
Yes, lunch is served daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Árbol Restaurant Pool Terrace by the infinity pool.
Do you accommodate vegetarian and dietary needs?
Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free needs are accommodated with advance notice; please inform us of allergies.
Do you have happy hour?
Yes, happy hour is daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What are Árbol Restaurant dinner hours?
Dinner is served daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with last order at 9:30 PM.
Do you offer in-room dining?
Yes, in-room dining is available daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is the last call for in-room dining?
Last call for in-room dining is 9:30 PM.
Are in-room dining prices taxed?
Prices are in USD; 13% sales tax and 10% service are not included.
Are Árbol Restaurant menu prices taxed?
Menu prices are in USD; 13% sales tax and 10% service are not included.
Is Makanda an all-inclusive hotel?
No, Makanda is not an all-inclusive hotel.
Private pools, bedding, and in-room amenities.
Rooms, beds, and amenities
Do rooms have safes inside?
Yes. Every room includes an in-room safe for guest use.
Do rooms include hair dryers?
Yes. Hair dryers are provided in the rooms.
Do you have rooms with two beds?
Two-bed options are limited and depend on the room category. Availability can be confirmed by Reception for your dates.
Can you add an extra bed?
No. We do not provide rollaway beds or extra beds.
Which rooms have fully private pools?
Private pools are available in select categories, including Luxury Villas, Penthouses, and Honeymoon Pool categories. These categories are especially popular for couple stays.
Are pools and jacuzzis private?
Yes, pools and jacuzzis are private within the room category. Specific features vary by category and should be confirmed on the room page or with Reception.
Airports, travel times, and transfer options.
Transportation and airports
Which airport should we fly to?
International guests typically arrive via San José International Airport (SJO). From there, you can continue by hotel-arranged ground transfer, trusted taxi service, or a domestic flight to Quepos (XQP).
How far is Makanda from SJO?
SJO is about 157 km (97 miles) from Makanda and typically around three hours by road, depending on traffic.
Do you arrange private ground transfers?
Yes. We can arrange private ground transfers, and confirmation requires your flight details.
What is the ground transfer price?
Private ground transfer is $170 one-way per vehicle, plus tax. To book, email your reservation number and flight details to reception@makanda.com.
Is transfer price per person?
No. The transfer price is per vehicle per trip, not per person. Capacity and luggage limits depend on the vehicle assigned.
Do you offer flights to Quepos?
Yes. Local flights to Quepos (XQP) are available, subject to airline schedules and daytime operations. Reception can advise on arrival logistics from XQP.
Do you offer helicopter transfers?
Yes. Helicopter transfers operate during daytime hours and depend on availability. Booking and timing requirements apply.
How do we confirm transportation booking?
Email your reservation number and flight details to reception@makanda.com, and we will confirm pickup details by email.
How far is Quepos Airport from Makanda?
Quepos Airport is 10.4 km (6.4 miles), about 30 minutes by road.
Do you offer private air charter?
Yes, private air charter from SJO to Quepos takes about 25 minutes.
Location, entry requirements, and what makes the area special.
Planning your trip to Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio
What is Costa Rica known for?
Costa Rica is known for rainforests, beaches, wildlife, and a strong focus on nature conservation, making it a leading destination for eco-luxury travel in Latin America.
Where is Manuel Antonio located?
Manuel Antonio is on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, near Quepos, and is known for its jungle setting with ocean views.
Why do travelers choose Manuel Antonio?
Travelers choose Manuel Antonio for its mix of rainforest, beaches, wildlife, and proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Is Manuel Antonio a good destination for couples?
Yes. Manuel Antonio is especially popular with couples seeking nature, privacy, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Is Costa Rica safe for travelers?
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, particularly in well-known areas like Manuel Antonio, with normal travel precautions.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travelers can enter Costa Rica without a visa for short stays, but rules vary by passport.
Where can I check official entry requirements?
Entry requirements should always be verified with official Costa Rican government or tourism sources before travel.
Day pass rules, hours, and inclusions for non-guests.
Pool lounge pass and day access
Is pool access included for guests?
Yes. Pool access is included for registered hotel guests during their stay.
What is the Pool Lounge Day Pass rate for non-guests?
Pool Lounge Day Pass is $120 per person, includes redeemable credit on food and drinks, and follows the adults-only policy.
What are Pool Lounge operating hours?
Pool Lounge hours are daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Access and service follow posted rules.
Are children allowed in Pool Lounge?
No. The adults-only policy applies to Pool Lounge access.
Can non-guests use the pool?
Yes. Non-guests may use the pool with a Pool Lounge Pass, subject to availability and rules.
How beach access works and what to expect.
Beach access
Do you provide access to the beach?
Yes. We provide access to a secluded wild beach experience, and golf cart assistance may be available as needed.
Is the beach private and secluded?
It is a secluded wild beach experience, and access may be limited by daylight and conditions.
Do you have walkable access to the beach?
Yes. Makanda offers walkable access to Wild Beach via an on-site trail from the hotel. The path is steep in sections, and golf cart service is also available upon request. Learn more on our Wild Beach page.
How do we access the beach?
Beach access is walkable via the on-site trail. Golf cart service is also available upon request.
Do you offer service at the beach?
Yes, our team can assist with beach service during your visit.
How long is the walk to beach?
The beach is reached via a steep trail, so many guests use golf cart service.
What are the beach access hours?
Beach access depends on daylight and conditions, so please confirm current hours with Reception.
Tour planning, timing, and park ticket basics.
Tours and activities
What tours do you recommend in the area?
Our most popular experiences are Manuel Antonio National Park, a full-day waterfall tour, a catamaran cruise, an ATV tour, and a jungle night tour in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area.
How does tour booking work with Reception?
Share your preferred dates and interests, and Reception will recommend options and coordinate bookings with trusted local operators.
Can Makanda help arrange tours?
Yes. We help coordinate local tours and excursions through trusted operators. Availability and requirements depend on the activity.
Should we book tours in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially in busy periods. Some tours can be arranged during your stay, subject to availability.
Do tours include transportation service?
Most tours include round-trip transportation, but inclusions vary by tour. Reception will confirm what is included for your selected activity.
Is Manuel Antonio Park close by?
Yes, it’s a short drive away and a top spot for nature and wildlife. SINAC timed-entry tickets must be purchased online in advance; we can help coordinate tours, but tickets are purchased in your name.
Do you rent sports gear on-site?
We do not rent equipment on-site, but Reception can help arrange rentals or tours with local providers.
Spa services, packages, and booking.
Spa
Do you offer spa treatments?
Yes, Shanti Spa offers massages, wraps, exfoliations, and organic facial treatments.
How do I book spa appointments?
Contact Reception to schedule your preferred date and time. Availability depends on treatment type and therapist scheduling.
Where is Shanti Spa located?
Shanti Spa is located on-site at Makanda.
What are Shanti Spa opening hours?
Shanti Spa is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Do you offer deep tissue massage?
Yes, Deep Tissue is available in 60 and 90 minutes.
Do you offer couples massage?
Yes, Couples Massage is available in 60 and 90 minutes for two.
Do you offer hot stone therapy?
Yes, Hot Stone Therapy is available in 60 and 90 minutes.
Do you offer lymphatic drainage massage?
Yes, Lymphatic Drainage is available in 60 and 90 minutes.
Do you offer facial treatment at Shanti Spa?
Yes, Shanti Spa offers facial treatments featuring Germaine de Capuccini, including deep cleansing options.
Do you offer body wraps and exfoliations?
Yes, wraps and exfoliations are available, including sunburn relief and seaweed wrap.
Do you have spa packages with facilities?
Yes, spa packages include access to premium spa facilities.
What facilities are included with packages?
Packages include sauna, relaxing zones, and an indoor comfort area with a large jacuzzi.
What is Shanti Signature Program?
It is a 3.5-hour program: exfoliation, massage, facial treatment, and scalp massage.
Do you offer group day spa experiences?
Yes, Spa Day offers private access and customizable group experiences.
What group sizes are available for Spa Day?
Spa Day group options range from 6 to 10 people.
What does Spa Day include on-site?
Spa Day includes private spa access, ocean-view dining area, hot tub, sauna, and other amenities.
Parking, currency, and driving notes.
Practical information
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No. A standard vehicle is sufficient for reaching Makanda. Driving conditions depend on weather and time of day.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes. On-site guest parking is available, subject to capacity and hotel rules.
Are US dollars accepted locally?
Yes. US dollars are widely accepted locally, and Costa Rican colones are also commonly used.
Medical support and assistance during your stay.
Health and assistance
If a guest feels unwell, can you assist?
Yes. We will assist right away, help contact medical services, and recommend trusted local specialists upon request.
Makanda by the Sea is an adults-only luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
For the most up-to-date details, contact Reception anytime.
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