Gaia Hotel and Reserve

Activities

• Popular Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest, with lots of wildlife to see. Gaia’s own guide, William, takes guests on a modest 2-hour visit, which is entertaining, if a little perfunctory (you might prefer to book a private guide with Tailormade Tours). Howler monkeys roar and there are tree sloths in abundance, as well as the famous red-eyed tree frog. The tour leaves early in the morning but you can choose when to return, with the shuttle bus making regular trips to the park entrance
  
  
• Gaia’s best asset is its compact but superb Terra Spa, one of the best in the country - a reason to stay a day longer. Most staff are trained physiotherapists, massages are top-notch; you can also enjoy cosmetic treatments, such as manicures and pedicures. All treatments make the most of organic Costa Rican ingredients: 'Coconut Glow' uses Pacific coconut for exfoliation; the coffee and cane sugar is a great treatment for cleaning the system; have the algae and mud treatment for detoxing. Facials use certified organic Raw Botanicals products. On arrival, you'll slip into softest bamboo slippers and robe, and be given a welcome drink of juice or tea
  
  
• Complimentary yoga classes are offered daily at 6pm, in the yoga studio. It’s a mixture of hatha, ashtanga, and restorative poses, ideal for beginners
  
  
• Take the popular dolphin and whale tour, a half-day trip by motor boat or sailing boat. You’ll visit beaches from the ocean and go snorkelling
  
  
• A motor boat trip along the mangrove swamps offers a different range of wildlife, and while it’s a pretty touristy experience, you'll see capuchin monkeys at close quarters
  
  
• Pacific Ocean pleasures include deep sea fishing and sea kayaking; scuba diving is very popular - Gaia can arrange tuition
  
  
• Additional aquatic activities include sunset cruises, jet ski tours and surfing lessons
  
  
• Adrenalised entertainment can be found through zip wiring, parasailing, river rafting or by taking a mountain bike tour
  
  
• Horse riding along the beach can also be organised