Almonds and Corals

Almonds and Corals, in the rainforest at Manzanillo

Almonds and Corals sits on the beach at Manzanillo, in the rainforest at the far southern end of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, next to the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge. Manzanillo is a small fishing village past Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, and the hotel is built into the forest that runs down to the sand.

It suits couples and nature lovers who want the jungle and the sea in the same afternoon, a long way from the busier beaches.

Why we choose it

• Jungle to beach. Paths lead through the forest from the rooms to the sand, so the walk to the sea is part of the experience.
• Next to the refuge. The Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge is on your doorstep, with forest trails, reef and wildlife.
• Dinner on the beach. MOCA, the beach restaurant, puts dinner right by the Caribbean.

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Rooms and views

The rooms come in two styles, Signature and Deluxe, each with a king bed or two queens. Signature King and Signature Double Queen rooms are the hotel's top category, and the Deluxe King and Deluxe Double Queen rooms suit couples and families.

The forest around the rooms is dense, so even in the middle of the day the light comes in green through the leaves.

On the property

MOCA is the beach restaurant. There is also a jungle spa for a massage after a day on the trails, and the front desk can help with guided walks in the area.

Wildlife comes right up to the rooms: birds, monkeys and, if you are lucky, a sloth in the trees above the path.

Location and getting there

Almonds and Corals is beachfront at Manzanillo, next to the Manzanillo wildlife reserve and close to the border with Panama. The refuge protects forest, swamps and coral reef, home to caimans, manatees and turtles, and dolphins are often seen offshore. September and October are usually the calmest months for snorkeling here. From the hotel we can arrange guided walks in the refuge, an early dolphin trip or a visit to an indigenous community.

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