Tulemar Costa Rica: Our Favorite Manuel Antonio Resort
Tulemar, Costa Rica, has won TripAdvisor’s #1 spot in the world, an award it deserves. Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, it is the perfect destination for your next unforgettable vacation. We stayed at Tulemar as part of a Costa Rica family vacation that included Manuel Antonio, and it was one of the best parts of our trip.
Tulemar Overview
Tulemar Resort is a luxurious getaway in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Offering a range of accommodations, from intimate bungalows to spacious villas, it’s the perfect destination for any traveler. With its private beach, lush rainforest surroundings, and abundant wildlife, Tulemar provides an unforgettable experience in a tropical paradise.
Where To Eat: El Patio de Café Milagro for breakfast. Our favorite dinner was a private check, Chef Jose, cooking in our villa!
How To Get There: To reach Tulemar Resort, fly into one of Costa Rica’s two main international airports, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. From there, rent a car or arrange a private shuttle (our preference) to transport you directly to the resort. The journey from SJO takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, while the drive from LIR lasts around 4-5 hours, offering scenic routes through the beautiful Costa Rican countryside.
Tip: We found some great prices during October, the rainy reason. Check for the best prices here:
A Stunning Oasis in Manuel Antonio
Located next to Manuel Antonio National Park, Tulemar Resort offers various standalone accommodations that cater to every traveler’s needs.
From cozy Tulemar Bungalows to opulent private villas, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.
The resort boasts plenty of amenities to make your stay even more special.
Take a dip in the family pool or relax in the hot tub. Indulge in rejuvenating spa services or get your heart pumping with a workout at the fully-equipped gym. In the evening, witness smashing sunsets from the comfort of the sunset bar.
Unwind in Style: Your Villa in a Lush Rainforest
Book your villa at Tulemar Resort and enjoy the serenity of the lush rainforest surrounding you. Each villa features elegant common areas, making it an ideal option for families or groups of friends. Some villas even offer a unique jungle house experience, nestled amidst the dense foliage.
Every accommodation at Tulemar is designed to provide the utmost comfort and luxury. Enjoy ocean or jungle views from your private residence, and relax on your wrap-around veranda. All accommodations have free Wi-Fi, cable TV, air conditioning, and a safety deposit box. Some units even feature outdoor showers and plunge pools!
Villa vs. Bungalow: Comparing Accommodations at Tulemar Resort
During our stay at Tulemar Resort, we tried both the 2-bedroom villa and the smaller bungalow accommodation. While both options offer comfortable lodging and a unique experience, they come with features and benefits. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best option for your stay:
Villa:
- It has a spacious living area with multiple bedrooms, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.
- Full kitchen, perfect for those who enjoy preparing their meals or for longer stays.
- The expansive balcony provides an excellent vantage point for watching the wildlife and soaking in the stunning surroundings.
- More luxurious amenities include a private plunge pool or outdoor shower (depending on the villa).
Bungalow:
- Compact, yet well-appointed, with all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. No balcony (one of things we missed the most)
- Nestled within the lush rainforest.
- Budget-friendly option, providing excellent value without sacrificing comfort or style.
While we enjoyed our time in both accommodations, we missed some of the villa’s extra features, such as the wildlife-watching opportunities from the balcony and the additional space.
Private Beach & World-Class Amenities
What sets Tulemar apart is its exclusive sandy beach. Lounge on beach chairs and soak up the sun, or take advantage of complimentary boogie boards for fun in the waves.
Enjoy delicious snacks and beverages from the beach bar.
Keep in mind this beach can get some huge waves, and we returned to shore a couple times after they got too big for our younger child.
Wildlife in Tulemar Costa Rica: A Nature Lover’s Dream
Situated on the edge of the national forest, the resort provides an ideal habitat for wildlife, and you’ll see plenty of it during your stay.
Here’s just some of the wildlife we saw from our balcony.
Walking paths wind through the 30-acre property. Watch for exotic birds like scarlet macaws taking flight or the many monkeys that will try to get into your villa.
One of the attractions at Tulemar is the sloth sanctuary, where you can observe these adorable and slow-moving creatures up close.
In addition to the sloths, you’ll encounter other wildlife, such as playful monkeys, iguanas, and frogs.
Exceptional Service & Convenience
At Tulemar, you’ll be pampered with a top-notch concierge and daily maid service. The resort also offers free parking, free golf-cart shuttle service, and grocery stores nearby for your convenience. Savor delightful meals at the on-site Tulecafe Restaurant or order room service for a cozy night in.
Hosting a special event? Tulemar offers beautiful venues, exceptional catering, and dedicated event planners.
Restaurants at Tulemar
- TuleCafe Restaurant: This on-site restaurant serves various local and international dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients. You can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by the lush rainforest and the gentle sounds of nature. Check out this sunset view from the TuleCafe during our stay:
- Beach Bar: Located on the award-winning Tulemar Beach, the Beach Bar offers a selection of refreshing beverages and light snacks.
- Rancho Bar: A laid-back spot where you can unwind after a day of exploring, it serves up tasty cocktails and a range of appetizing snacks.
- Private Chef Service: If you’re staying in one of Tulemar’s luxurious villas, you can also arrange for a private chef to prepare a gourmet meal tailored to your preferences in the comfort of your accommodation. This was one of the best meals we’ve ever had. If you’re interested in booking one, contact your concierge (Ask for Chef Jose!). They provide several meal options, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Nearby Restaurants
While Tulemar Resort offers delicious on-site dining options, you may also want to explore some nearby restaurants to experience the diverse culinary scene in Manuel Antonio.
El Patio de Café Milagro
El Patio de Café Milagro is a popular dining spot within an easy walk from Tulemar Resort. It was one of our favorite breakfast spots, and we ate here several times, once with a sloth hanging out in the tree next to our table!
However, it’s worth noting that the resort is situated on a steep hill, which can make walking a bit challenging, especially for those with mobility concerns or young children.
Fortunately, we could easily call for a golf cart ride up the hill, making it simple to reach the main road at the top of the resort.
While Manuel Antonio is a small town, remember that some parts of the main road lack sidewalks.
El Wagon
Another local favorite with our kids was El Wagon.
El Wagon Restaurant is another fantastic dining option to consider during your stay in Manuel Antonio. Located just a short drive from Tulemar Resort, this unique eatery offers a unique opean-air rustic ambiance
The menu at El Wagon features a diverse range of dishes, including mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, and traditional Costa Rican fare.
Getting to Tulemar Resort: Airports, Shuttles, and More
Costa Rica has two main international airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
Both airports offer connections to Manuel Antonio, with SJO being the more popular option due to its proximity.
A private shuttle service can be an economical choice for longer stays or for those who are not comfortable driving in Costa Rica.
We’ve personally used private shuttles for various trips, including a longer 5-hour journey between La Fortuna and Tulemar Resort. These shuttles are comfortable, and most feature Wifi.
Costa Rica experiences early sunsets, typically around 6 PM. This can impact your travel plans, especially if you’re planning to arrive late in the day. It’s best to schedule your transportation during daylight hours when possible to avoid any inconvenience.
Finding the Best Deal on Tulemar: Tips and Tricks
To find the best deal on Tulemar accommodations, consider visiting during the rainy season (May to November), when rates tend to be lower due to fewer tourists.
To ensure you get the most value for your money, check out these three booking platforms, which offer a variety of options for your stay at Tulemar:
By comparing prices and options on these websites, you can find the best deal for your stay at Tulemar Resort.
A Full-Service Resort with Real Estate Opportunities
Tulemar is a full-service resort that caters to your every need. If you fall in love with the enchanting surroundings and luxurious amenities, explore the real estate options available to make this paradise your home away from home.
Conclusion
Tulemar is one of the best-reviewed resorts in the world, and we loved our stay here. We’d be happy to return in the future.
