We booked rather last minute, so took the ratings of TripAdvisor on hotels in Manuel Antonio and booked Gaia. Got a discount and complimentary 20 minute massage for both of us -- the therapist Vanessa was excellent, however, we were supposed to have a couples treatment but one therapist was sick so we had to go individually. Vanessa provided an excellent massage, but seemed a bit overworked that night and didn't introduce herself. We were "surprised" at check in with an upgrade from our booked "room" to a 2 bedroom, 3 floor suite. The suite was beautiful - roof top seating area, nice jacuzzi tub and master room and outside sitting area on 2nd floor and living area/tv/bathroom on 1st floor. Toilets didn't work great -- first floor had trouble flushing and second floor wouldn't stop flushing on its own. Coffee in room was great. Breakfast also complimentary - choice at restaurant or in room. We did both -- in room 2nd day after knowing menu was so lovely for our last meal in CR--the waiter even carried it up the stairs to the 3rd floor outdoor seating area. Happy hour in bar / 2 for 1 drinks at sunset was a nice treat. The pools are small, don't face the ocean. Even though "24 hour service" at the pool bar, there was no one there to serve late evening. The hotel restaurant is expensive; dinner not great (vegetables were undercooked & bitter); breakfast was very good, though. Service was excellent all around - from reception (they really are always there to help) to wait staff and drivers (you have to leave the car at the bottom of the hill and get the golf cart up & down, but it was quick to get the gold cart. Location is ok - but not optimal. Now that we know the area and offerings, we would probably find a less expensive place to stay in Manuel Antonio if we visit again.

EXQUISITE!! We celebrated our 20th anniversary at the GAIA. From the moment we arrived we were treated as honored guests. The owners and the staff work together like family to create an enviroment of friendliness, hospitality and luxury. The restaurant (La Luna) is a
gastronomical delight, with eye dazzeling views and an aura of relaxation. We want to thank the GAIA for making us a part of their family. We will be there again in July 2012.
PURA VIDA
Raymond and Jane Wallace

I chose Gaia because of the 5 star reviews. I was not disappointed, It was better than described! Careful attention to every detail led to a dream vacation. Personal service was at its best. Room service was superb. I had reserved a deluxe suite which had a panoramic view of the rainforest and ocean beyond. Every sunset was postcard perfect. The spa was divine and I even enjoyed the free 20 minute treatment that was part of the room package. Also included was a full breakfast! I loved the eggs benedict and the Costa Rican Desayuno. If you can, get the deluxe suite, it's very private and definitely worth the extra dollars. I was surprised with an intimate Birthday party for 2 on our rooftop terrace, it was like a Hollywood movie with candles, lillies and the sunset as a backdrop, it was truly magical! I'd like to thank Thomas and Boris for their incredible oasis, Mario and Marlon for exceptional room service, Santos, Ariel our personal concierges and of course the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio for making a birthday wish come true!

Gaia is starkly modern in design, consisting of white, cube-shaped units set atop a green hillside about two miles from Manual Antonio National Park. It is expensive, and lavishly staffed. Our accommodations--bedroom, sitting room, two balconies--could only be described as opulent. The staff was ubiquitous and eager to please. For all that, there were minor flaws--intermittent wi-fi slowness, weird light switches and a coffee maker whose plug wouldn{t reach the outlet--that should not exist at a hotel of this calibre and this price.





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