chelsea

My husband and I are considering a trip to CR for our 5th anniversary. We have narrowed it down to these 2 places, but are unsure which will be better. We want to do as little as possible- just relax, enjoy the beach, and have lots of privacy. Has anyone stayed in either? Any recommendations?

Ally

I could not resist posting a response, even though I've not STAYED at either. I've seen Makanda By The Sea (had a great dinner there, very romantic) and have a friend who lives in Costa Rica who raves about Hotel Punta Islita. Either choice would probably be great. Manuel Antonio is busier and you would have more choices for restaurants etc. if you wanted to get away from the hotel. Punta Islita is rather isolated, a little more difficult to get too, but my friend says it's worth it! Should be very private there...as the area in a whole would have many less people. Good luck and congrats on your 5th!

Robbie Felix

Never been to Punta Islita, but have been many times to the Makanda. Just because I think it is VERY hard to choose a place with just a website or hearsay, I wanted to comment. Makanda is one of the loveliest places in Costa Rica. Even though it is a few miles out of town, it feels like you are in a paradise apart. I can never remember if it is 9 casitas on 11 acres or vice versa, but with it's own private beach, a handful or two of rooms spread out over a multi acre paradise, it is incredible. We live here in Manuel Antonio and will likely spend our next wedding anniversary there! It is only a step away from heaven. Good food, good service, marvellous little houses, tastefully done, exquisite styling. I simply love the place. Even thought it FEELS way off on it's own, the local area has a lot of fun things to do, many restaurants, beaches, entertainment etc, so it offers a variety that might prove useful to someone staying 5 days.<BR>Best wishes,<BR>Robbie

Norma

Chelsea, we just returned from C.R., and Quepos was our last stop. We ate a great dinner at Makanda, but didn't stay there. It looked very peaceful, which Si Como was not. (Nice, but busy.)<BR>Be prepared, if you go anytime soon: It is VERY HOT! And humid. We live in Texas and south Florida, and if we think it's hot, trust me, it's hot. Plan accordingly with your clothes.

Sam

stayed at Punta Islita for a week in November and was very impressed. The little bungalow suites are spacious, comfortable and very nicely furnished (great hamocks!) If you just want to get away and lounge by the pool or beach, its the perfect choice. Service was wonderful and friendly, bartender serves good drinks and they were building what looked like a very nice new swimming pool just off their private beach while we there. My only complaint was that after 7 days we were very tired of eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same restaurant. There really isn't any other easily accessible choice. Highly recommended the sunset horseback riding and ATV tours organized by the hotel. Didn't stay at Makanda but looked great from the outside.

XXX

Makanda reminded me of "Sandals" or "Beaches," a kind of cheesy-couples-only resort. I didn't like it.