Los Altos Resort Costa Rica
Los Altos resort in Costa Rica is a rare property that caters to family-fun vacations and romantic getaways. The all-suites resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast features private elevators, a spacious, living area with contemporary décor and a full kitchen. With an exclusive Manual Antonio beach and infinity pool replete with bar and café, and Karolas an excellent on-site restaurant, Los Altos Resort provides ample opportunities for R&R. A three-hour drive from the main airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, there is also access to the smaller airport in Quepos, a 15-minute ride away.
Conveniently located in the village of Manual Antonio, there are grocery stores, pharmacy, gelato shop, souvenir shops, and coffee bar/cafés neighboring the luxury resort. A short drive away is Manual Antonio National Park, the second-most visited park in Costa Rica. Set ocean side amid green forests, the park’s guides point out the near-pristine eco-systems with multiple species of noisy monkeys, beautiful birds, large lizards, and dolphin or whales sightings.
For families, the resort’s large, pristine pool and private nature preserve featuring on-site trails provide hours of entertainment. While walking to the private beach, we spotted several monkeys toucans, many other birds and butterflies, plus gorgeous tropical plants. The newly established trails also lead to three other beaches and continue to the larger trail leading to Quepos. The resort conveniently offers family vacation packages which include a tour of the Manuel Antonio Park and kids’ private surf lessons.
The grownup vacationers can opt for the romantic getaway package with features such as a Tree Top luxury suite with ocean view, a sunset cruise, and in-suite romantic dinner. Happy Hour at Karolas and the pool bar serve up two-for-one house liquors or delicious, cooling cocktails. We were repeat customers for Mojitos and Sangrias, and Coco Banana with banana, dark rum, coconut cream and Bailey’s.
The eco-friendly philosophy of the Costa Rican resort is reflected in the restaurant’s stunning views of nature in its location overlooking the ocean and bordering forest and flowering plants. Dining early in the evening is a special treat. You can watch the sun descend in splendid color to the sea as you hear the tranquil sounds of nature.
Dining at Karolas at Los Altos
With the suite towers located across the walkway from Karolas restaurant, meals from casual to gourmet are readily accessible.
At Karolas, the stars of the inclusive breakfast buffet are the pancake and egg station along with the spread of local breads and pastries. Back to the focus on the kids, the cooks are more than happy to create tropical monkey or toucan pancakes for the kids.
For lunch, the wraps with fresh tuna, mahi-mahi or chicken and seafood or all-veggie salads are top picks. The seafood soup, mussels served in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce and a layered stack of tuna tarta are specialties of the kitchen. The mix of cuisines available includes kebabs, pasta, pita pizza, a Philly melt sandwich, and nachos. A varietal of wine is suggested for each entrée.
The menu offers some delicious treasures. When you select Karolas red snapper, a whole snapper appears stuffed with shrimp or calamari and a choice of sides. A must-try is the typical Costa Rica cosado with fish. This feast-on-the-plate is comprised of white rice, beans, sweet plantain, fried egg, local fresh fish filet, and a stuffed potato picadillo. Burgers, mac and cheese, fish or chicken fingers are always available for the kids. The not-to-miss desserts are the Nutella cheesecake with oreo cookies and coconut flan.
For a special culinary experience, consider scheduling an in-room meal prepared by the chef or a cooking class for your crew. The innovative, farm-to-table ethos will result in a memorable meal.
Karolas is ideal for a special occasion albeit bachelorette gathering, honeymoon, or family reunion. Weddings are also common at the restaurant. We attended a spring wedding ceremony at Karola’s just before the sunset in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The reception with Champagne and delicious nibbles began as the stunning sunset captured our attention. Thankfully the newlyweds arrived as we put away our cameras and toasted them before the grand meal began.
Orquidea Spa at Los Altos
After the walks to the beach, hikes, activities at the resort such as exercise classes at the pool, and area attractions, the spa offers some relaxing downtime. The combo package for the on-site Orquidea Spa includes physical and mental renewal for three days with an additional treat to set the mood for vacation time was a welcome cocktail and daily brunch cocktail. Ask for the corner room for your body treatments. During my deep massage with talented staff, the windows on each side of the room were open, affording a lovely breeze. There are also facial and nail treatments available.
Insider Tip:
Consider the 24-hour concierge service as a special adjunct your visit. Knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help, they can recommend on-site hikes, as well as off-site adventures such as zip line tours, horseback riding, and ATV rides. They can also arrange meals at some of the excellent local restaurants. Look for the new, Moroccan restaurant, Azulëos, near the resort’s new sister property, ecofriendly Téva Hotel, opening in Sept. 2018 in Manuel Antonio. If you crave a morning bagel, visit Brooklyn Bakery, the resort’s bread and pastry supplier and partner, in Quepos. Next door is another resort partner, El Gran Escape, Quepos’ oldest restaurant featuring fresh fish and a broad menu.
Need to Know:
The rates for the 24 suites at Los Altos Resort Costa Rica vary by floor. The higher level suites have broader views of the ocean. The penthouse suites, the most expensive options on the top floors, have four bedrooms.
Promotions: Look for “Green Season Deals” during the off season when rain occurs from May to October: $375 to $1,200 per night. During peak winter season with continuous sunny skies, the rates are $900 to $1,600. Call the resort directly for the best rates.
WiFi is free
Check in: 11:00 a.m.
Check out: 3:00 p.m.
On-site parking, no valet. Note on handicapped parking: the number of handicapped slots is adequate but located farthest from the resort’s front door.
Small dogs allowed for a $50 fee
If You Go:
Los Altos Resort, Private Reserve and Beach (888) 803-1332
Kilometer 4 on main road to Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
E- mail : reservations@thepreserveatlosaltos.com Note: The reservation desk is very responsive on email and on answering questions on the 888-number
Los Altos Resort Costa Rica review, video and all photography by travel writer Deborah Grossman. All opinions are hers.