Gaia Hotel & Reserve: A Story of Luxury and Conservation in Manuel Antonio

Perched on a hillside in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, Gaia Hotel & Reserve is more than a resort. It’s a sanctuary, not just for remote workers and other guests who stay there but for the population of scarlet macaws that calls its 10-acre private reserve home. Over seven days, I witnessed firsthand how this property combines five-star comfort with a deep commitment to conservation.

 

The Rooftop Restaurant: Dining with the Rainforest

Every morning at Gaia begins with breakfast at the rooftop restaurant. The space is open to the elements, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding rainforest. It’s not uncommon to see pairs of scarlet macaws flying overhead, their vivid red, yellow, and blue plumage cutting through the green canopy.

On quieter mornings, the sounds of monkeys chattering in the distance or the occasional rustle of a sloth shifting in the trees add to the experience. From this vantage point, it’s clear that Gaia isn’t just adjacent to nature—it’s immersed in it.

The menu features fresh tropical fruit, traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto, and rich coffee grown in the region. But it’s not just about the food; it’s about the way the setting brings you closer to the life that thrives here.

 

The Scarlet Macaw Program: Restoring What Was Lost

Decades ago, scarlet macaws disappeared from the Manuel Antonio area. Habitat loss and poaching had pushed these iconic birds to the brink, leaving the skies empty of their vibrant colors. In 2013, Gaia Hotel & Reserve decided to take action, launching the Scarlet Macaw Program to reintroduce these birds to the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

The program began with five macaws, housed in a state-of-the-art adaptation and liberation facility on Gaia’s property. Today, more than 100 birds have been successfully released into the wild. These macaws, once absent from the area, now soar freely above Manuel Antonio, a testament to the program’s success.

The reserve is managed by a professional team that includes a biologist, a naturalist guide, and a veterinary assistant. Their work goes beyond caring for the birds; it ensures that each macaw is ready to thrive in its natural habitat before being released. Watching these birds in flight is more than a beautiful sight—it’s a glimpse into the effort it takes to restore what was once lost.

 

The Poolside Perspective: Work and Wildlife

 

The infinity pool at Gaia offers a different kind of connection to nature. Here, the rainforest stretches out below, meeting the horizon where the Pacific Ocean begins. It’s a peaceful setting, whether you’re relaxing with a book or, like me, working remotely.

The Wi-Fi is strong enough to stay connected, but it’s the unplanned moments that make working here so unique. One afternoon, a sloth appeared in the trees nearby, its slow, deliberate movements a stark contrast to the busy monkeys swinging through the canopy. These encounters, framed by the stillness of the pool, remind you of the ecosystem surrounding you.

 

Gaia’s Impact

Gaia Hotel & Reserve isn’t just a luxurious retreat—it’s part of a larger story about conservation, coexistence, and restoration. The Scarlet Macaw Program has transformed the local landscape, returning these birds to the skies. The hotel’s design and operation respect the environment, creating a space where nature and hospitality exist in harmony.

This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to witness how humans and nature can thrive together. At Gaia, you’re not just a guest—you’re part of a larger effort to protect and celebrate Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity.

 

Gaia offers more than comfort—it offers a deeper understanding of what it means to live with the land. From breakfasts shared with macaws to afternoons by the pool surrounded by wildlife, every moment here feels connected to the environment.

Come during the green season (May–November) for a quieter experience and the chance to see the rainforest at its lushest. And if you’re lucky, you might spot one of Gaia’s macaws as it soars back into the wild. 🌴