& Reserve
Eco-luxury boutique with a conservation conscience. Think terraced suites, jungle views, a spa that uses volcanic clay and locally sourced cocoa, and a hotel that takes its scarlet macaw program as seriously as its wine list. Clean tropical design: polished stone and hardwood floors, high ceilings, crisp whites, and gauzy natural-hue drapery.
The Sky Lounge for sunset is genuinely the best vantage point in Manuel Antonio — arrive before 5pm to get a good spot, especially in high season
Why It Matters
Named World's Leading Green Hotel 2025 and 2024 by the World Travel Awards, and Mexico & Central America's Leading Boutique Hotel 2025. With only 22 rooms on a 13-acre private reserve, true personalization is actually possible here. It's also one of the few hotels in the region running an active scarlet macaw reintroduction program in partnership with Costa Rica's national conservation system (SINAC).
Gaia sits on 13 acres of private rainforest on a hill above Manuel Antonio — a 22-room adults-only boutique that has won World's Leading Green Hotel multiple years running. The rooms are polished stone and hardwood, the infinity pools look out over the Pacific, and the service-to-guest ratio is absurdly good for the price. It's not on the beach (hourly shuttle runs until 4pm), but the hotel itself has become the main attraction, partly thanks to a functioning scarlet macaw reintroduction program running on its own private nature reserve.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Loft Suite
The most practical upgrade on the property. At 800 sq ft spread across two levels, the Loft Suite has a living and dining room on one level and the bedroom and bathroom (stone shower with two sinks and a separate toilet) on another. Located in the clubhouse area, which puts you closest to the pools, La Luna Restaurant, the Sky Lounge bar, and the Terra Spa — a genuine convenience. Sleeps up to 4 adults, making it the best option for families with teens or two couples traveling together.
King + Sofa Bed
Studio Room
The entry-level room at Gaia and, honestly, still a solid choice. At 350 sq ft it's the smallest on property but comes with natural wood and stone floors, a king bed, a sitting area, and a shared patio with table and chairs overlooking the rainforest. The stone shower is a nice touch. No private terrace — the patio is shared with the adjacent room (divided by plants), which is fine for most but worth knowing. Located in the clubhouse building. Adults and teens 13+ only.
KingSuite
Twice the size of the Studio and a much better layout for a stay of more than a night or two. At 700 sq ft, it has a proper open-plan living and dining room, a separate bedroom, a stone shower bathroom, and a private balcony looking out over the tropical rainforest with partial Pacific Ocean views. Some suites have Jacuzzis. This is the sweet spot for couples. Deluxe suites add a rooftop terrace with shallow cooling pools — not deep enough to swim in but great for the views. Fits up to 4 adults.
King + Sofa BedTwo Bedroom Villa
The top accommodation on the property and one of the more impressive villas in the region. At 2,000 sq ft spread over three levels, it has two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a stone shower, one with a Jacuzzi), a living and dining room, a 150 sq ft private balcony, and a 500 sq ft rooftop terrace with direct Pacific Ocean and rainforest views. The Gaia Suite variant includes its own garden and plunge pool. The rooftop terrace is the standout feature — a private outdoor space with the kind of views you'd pay a premium anywhere else. Sleeps up to 8 adults.
King + 2 Sofa BedsThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A full-day multi-activity adventure tour at the ADR Adventure Park, included in both the Jungle Adrenaline and Full Energy packages.
All-terrain vehicle tour through the surrounding rainforest terrain, included in the Full Energy package.
Included in the Jungle Adrenaline 4-night package. Zip-line through the rainforest canopy in the Manuel Antonio area, operated by a local partner.
Included in the Jungle Adrenaline package. The Rio Savegre is considered one of the best white water rafting rivers in Costa Rica.
Included in the Pura Vida 4-night package. Catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast — typically includes snorkeling stops.
Hourly shuttle service between Gaia and the Manuel Antonio beach area, running daily from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Drops off and picks up at the beach. Note: last pickup is 4pm — arrange a private taxi if you plan to stay later.
A guided walk through Gaia's private 10-acre nature reserve. Departs daily at 3:30pm (except Tuesdays) and is complimentary with all direct bookings. The reserve is home to sloths, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and a large variety of tropical birds. The tour includes a visit to the Scarlet Macaw reintroduction program enclosure.
Guided visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, included in several Gaia packages. About a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The park is Costa Rica's smallest but offers exceptional wildlife viewing (sloths, white-faced monkeys, marine iguanas) and white-sand beaches.
Included in the Full Energy package. Guided excursion to the Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of the most scenic natural attractions on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Gaia operates an active scarlet macaw reintroduction program in partnership with Costa Rica's SINAC conservation authority and the Lapas Project of Coopesilencio. Guests can visit the program enclosure on the nature reserve tour. The goal is to reintegrate scarlet macaws into the wild around Manuel Antonio National Park. Macaws are frequently spotted on hotel grounds.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site hair salon located within the Terra Spa area.
Reception area business center with two PCs, printer, and fax machine. Meeting room on site can accommodate up to 40 guests.
High-speed internet access throughout the property, including in all guest rooms and public areas.
Five breakfast options included in the room rate, served at La Luna Restaurant. Cooked-to-order. Available for early-morning departures as a packed to-go breakfast arranged through the concierge.
Room service available around the clock, including a late-night menu.
On-site wedding planning, bachelorette/bachelor parties, and corporate meetings. Meeting room capacity up to 40 guests.
Small but modern gym with cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and Apollo 5 multipurpose work stations. Set in an independent building near the parking area — a short golf cart ride from guest rooms. Open 24/7.
Complimentary on-site parking. Valet parking also available. Golf cart transport provided from parking area to rooms and facilities.
Complimentary electric vehicle charging for guests booking 2, 3, or 4-day packages. Reflects the hotel's commitment to sustainable travel.
Two connected pools at different elevations linked by a waterfall feature, with a swim-up bar at the top level and a compact sundeck below. Infinity edges overlook the rainforest and Pacific. A whirlpool is also available. The pools are intimate in size — this is a boutique property — but the setting is exceptional. Pool bar serves tapas, sandwiches, and cocktails.
Complimentary grocery shopping service — staff can purchase and deliver items to your accommodation.
Every guest gets a personal concierge who assists with excursion bookings, restaurant reservations, room delivery, transportation, and general needs. Staff communicate via WhatsApp throughout stays.
Complimentary golf cart transport between parking, reception, and guest rooms — essential given the terraced hillside layout.
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