Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort

Just outside Manuel Antonio National Park, there's a resort which somehow (miraculously) maintains its commitment to the environment, without sacrificing luxuries and amenities. This is the Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort. The luxurious rooms are all situated in buildings that were constructed to fit around existing trees, water is heated with solar panels, and grey water is used for irrigation.

Hungry? Head for El Mirador Restaurant, overlooking the white sand beaches of Espadilla Beach. Try a typical Costa Rican breakfast including homemade corn tortillas and Tico farmers cheese. For dinner, try the fresh lobster, squid or sea bass. And don't forget the El Mirador Bar, where the guaro mojitos are prepared with aguardiente (Costa Rican liquor made with sugarcane).

This is an ideal location for visiting Manuel Antonio, one of the most famous National Parks in Costa Rica, where you can see squirrel monkeys, sloths and parrots, as well as other forms of exotic wildlife.