Romantic Escape to Makanda by the Sea: Reconnecting in Costa Rica's Tranquil Jungle Paradise

Hey there, fellow travelers! I'm writing this as a husband who finally whisked his amazing wife away for our 10th anniversary—our first real break from the chaos of raising two rambunctious kids. Don't get me wrong, we adore our little ones, but after years of diaper changes, school runs, and bedtime stories, we needed a reset. Enter Costa Rica, a land of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and that perfect blend of adventure and serenity. We chose Makanda by the Sea, an adults-only luxury boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio, perched high above the Pacific Ocean amidst the jungle. It's the ultimate quiet escape: no kiddo interruptions, just the sounds of howler monkeys, crashing waves, and our own laughter. If you're craving relaxation away from family life, this spot delivers pure bliss. Here's our 7-day itinerary, balancing nature immersion, a dash of adrenaline, romantic downtime with the resort's stellar spa services, and some fantastic local cuisine recommendations to savor Costa Rica’s vibrant flavors.

Day 1: Arrival and Unwinding in Paradise

We landed in San José and took a scenic 3-hour drive to Manuel Antonio, arriving at Makanda just as the sun dipped low. The resort's villas are nestled in the rainforest, with private infinity pools overlooking the ocean—ours felt like a hidden treehouse for two. After checking in, we ditched our bags and headed straight to the infinity pool for sunset cocktails at the ocean-view bar. No schedules, no tantrums, just us sipping signature drinks while spotting toucans in the trees. Dinner was at Arbol Restaurant at Makanda, where we savored fresh seafood with local flavors, like ceviche made with daily-caught fish and a tropical fruit salsa, paired with wine under the stars. We ended the night stargazing from our villa's deck, feeling the weight of parenthood melt away in the jungle quiet.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: If you’re craving more local fare, head to Soda Sanchez in nearby Quepos (a 10-minute drive). This no-frills soda serves authentic Costa Rican casados—plates of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein like fresh fish or chicken. Their ceviche, bursting with lime and cilantro, is a steal at around $7, and the “jugos naturales” (fresh fruit smoothies) are a must. It’s where locals eat, so you know it’s the real deal.

Day 2: Nature Immersion at Manuel Antonio National Park

Waking up to birdsong and a poolside à la carte breakfast at Makanda (included and divine—think tropical fruits, fresh coffee, and eggs any way you like) set the tone for exploration. We booked a guided hike in nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, a short 10-minute drive from the resort. This place is a nature lover's dream: winding trails through dense rainforest teeming with sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds. Our guide pointed out hidden wildlife we never would've spotted alone, and we ended at a pristine beach for a swim in crystal-clear waters. It was invigorating yet peaceful—no crowds, just the two of us reconnecting amid the greenery. Back at Makanda, we lounged by our private pool, letting the day's gentle adventure sink in.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: For lunch, try Marlin Restaurant right across from Playa Espadilla, near the park’s entrance. This open-air spot serves classic Costa Rican dishes like whole fried red snapper with patacones (fried plantains) and arroz con camarones (rice with shrimp). The beachfront vibe and fresh, local seafood make it perfect for a post-hike meal. Expect generous portions and a laid-back atmosphere, with prices around $10-15 per dish.

Day 3: Adrenaline Rush with Zip Lining

For a thrill without straying too far from relaxation, we signed up for a zip-lining canopy tour in the Manuel Antonio area—Titi Canopy Tour was our pick, with platforms high in the treetops offering panoramic views of the jungle and coast. Soaring through the air hand-in-hand (okay, mostly screaming with excitement) was the perfect mix of adventure and bonding. It lasted about 3 hours, including suspension bridges and a rappel drop, but felt safe and exhilarating. Afternoon? Back to the resort for recovery mode: a light lunch from the gourmet beach basket (we took it to Makanda Wild Beach, a secluded spot accessible from the hotel) and napping in hammocks. The evening was low-key with yoga on the deck, embracing that child-free tranquility.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: For dinner, visit El Arado in Manuel Antonio for authentic Costa Rican cuisine with a focus on fresh fish. Their grilled tuna with tropical fruit salsa or pork ribs with sweet sauce are highlights, served with sides like coconut rice. The family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions (mains around $15-20) make it a local favorite. Call ahead for reservations at +506 2777 0928.

Day 4: Romantic Spa Day at Shanti Spa

This was our dedicated "us" day—no excursions, just indulgence. Makanda's Shanti Spa, tucked in the heart of the jungle, is a sanctuary of calm. We started with couples' massages using essential oils inspired by local flora, followed by facials and a hydrotherapy session. The spa's ocean views and natural sounds made it feel like a private wellness retreat. Post-treatment, we floated in our villa's pool with a complimentary floating breakfast tray—champagne, fruits, and pastries delivered right to us. The afternoon melted into reading books (uninterrupted!) and a romantic dinner at Arbol, toasting to our marriage with their signature mango-glazed mahi-mahi, a nod to local coastal flavors. Pure, kid-free romance.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: If you want to venture out, El Patio de Café Milagro is a gem just off the main road in Manuel Antonio. Known for its house-roasted Costa Rican coffee, this spot also serves local dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans with a zesty twist) for breakfast or seafood ceviche for dinner. Their coconut rice paired with grilled fish is divine, and prices are reasonable (mains $10-18). The vibe is lively yet relaxed, perfect for a romantic evening.

Day 5: Beach Bliss and Gentle Nature Strolls

After another leisurely breakfast, we headed to Playa Biesanz, a hidden cove just a quick hike from the resort—think powdery sand, calm waters for snorkeling, and zero tourist hustle. We spotted sea turtles and colorful fish while floating in the sea, then picnicked with the resort's beach basket goodies. The afternoon brought a self-guided nature walk around Makanda's gardens, where we encountered iguanas and butterflies up close. Back at the hotel, we hit the gym lightly before unwinding in the infinity pool as the sun set. Dinner was casual bar bites at Makanda, featuring local-style shrimp tacos with fresh pineapple salsa.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: For a quick lunch or early dinner, check out Restaurante Buena Vista Plus right on Playa Espadilla. This beachfront spot offers traditional Costa Rican fare like casados with fresh red snapper or chicken in a tangy tamarind sauce. Sip a fruity cocktail while feeling the ocean breeze—mains are around $12-18, and the local vibe is unbeatable.

Day 6: Sunset Catamaran Cruise and Wildlife Spotting

To blend nature with romance, we joined a sunset catamaran excursion from Quepos Marina (about 15 minutes away). The boat tour took us along the coast, with opportunities to snorkel among coral reefs and spot dolphins playing in the waves. As the sun dipped, we enjoyed open-bar drinks and fresh ceviche on deck, arms around each other, far from any parental duties. It was magical—the quiet ocean mirroring the jungle's peace. Returning to Makanda, we capped the night with a private in-villa spa add-on: a couples' foot soak while watching the stars from our deck.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: In Quepos, try Soda La Feria for a true taste of Costa Rican comfort food. This local haunt serves mouthwatering casados with options like marinated chicken or fish, plus fresh fruit smoothies that scream tropical. It’s super affordable (mains $6-10) and packed with locals, giving you that authentic experience. Our guide Ismael swore by it, and we weren’t disappointed.

Day 7: Farewell Relaxation and Departure

Our last morning was all about savoring the escape. We opted for a final Shanti Spa session—a quick aromatherapy wrap—before a relaxed breakfast and a dip in the pool. With checkout at noon, we had time for one last jungle stroll, reflecting on how this trip rekindled our spark. For a final taste of local cuisine, we grabbed lunch at Tule Cafe at Tulemar Resort (a short drive away), where we enjoyed a hearty casado with grilled fish and plantains, plus their famous mango crepes for dessert (mains around $12). The drive back to the airport felt bittersweet, but we left recharged, promising to make these getaways a tradition.

Local Cuisine Recommendation: Tule Cafe’s breakfast and lunch menus shine with local ingredients—think gallo pinto with fresh eggs or seafood dishes with Costa Rican spices. It’s a great spot to soak in the jungle views while enjoying affordable, authentic fare before heading home.

Makanda by the Sea isn't just a hotel; it's a portal to reconnection. The adults-only vibe, combined with Costa Rica's natural wonders and delicious local cuisine, gave us the quiet we craved—away from sippy cups and playdates. From fresh ceviche at sodas to grilled fish with ocean views, this trip was a perfect blend of romance and adventure. If you're a couple needing a break, book it. You'll return home better parents, lovers, and adventurers. Pura vida!

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