using other hotel pools in MA
 

This is an odd question but I am curious...I know people go to other hotels bars to enjoy drinks and the sunsets, right? Is it ok to use their pool as well?

hmmmm.....
I did the " sneak-in" thing when I was a youngun in MA , I think a bar is a bit different , unless it's a " pool bar " of course !! lol .

we will be staying at La Posada Jungle Bungalows so I would like to see what the more upscale places like Si como no, Makanda, La Mariposa, etc. look like. Do these places let people who are not guests walk around their grounds?

Yes , you can do little " walk-throughs " . We did at a number as we were interested in staying elsewhere for a few days .

It's been my experience that it's fine as long as you're purchasing a cocktail and/or dinner. SiComoNo, El Parador and Mariposa all have swim up bars and are large resorts so non-resort guests are not generally recognized/noticed. Makanda is smaller without a swim up so it would be difficult to "blend in" with the guests esp. since the staff at Makanda prides itself on knowing their guests. If you want to see Makanda, go for lunch (the food's fabu!) and while your meal is being prep'd enjoy the pool, scenery and hot tub then return to your table after your dip. There is an onsite bathroom if you want to change. The newest resort is Gaia and I've heard that although they don't deny entrance from non-guests, they charge astronomical prices to walks ins as a means of discouragement. I certainly hope this isn't true but wanted to give you a heads up on this. Hope this helps! Lisa in Manuel Antonio