Hotel Villa Roca

Top choice in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around


The gay owners of this intimate hotel cater to many of Manuel Antonio's LGBT+ travelers; it's particularly popular with men. The upstairs rooms are breezier. All guests and visitors must be 18 years or older. You can sun your buns around the beautiful, clothing-optional, 24-hour pool and hot tubs, where you may be joined by a couple of resident iguanas.

The 12 rooms are white, airy and tiled with blue splashes of color. Four apartments sleep up to four people. They're centered around a rainforest garden with exotic plants and wildlife, and sit on a hillside with an infinity pool and 180-degree views of the ocean. At the time of research, a new owner had just taken over, who is set to keep the current vibe and clientele of the hotel but also add improvements.

Manuel Antonio has always been open-minded when it comes to same-sex couples and the hotel is set to host same-sex marriages from 2020.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around attractions

1. Greentique Wildlife Refuge

0.09 MILES

Biologist Jimmy Mata leads magical one- and two-hour sojourns through the Butterfly Atrium, Reptile & Amphibian Water Gardens and Crocodile Lagoon, as…

2. Playa Espadilla

0.64 MILES

This wide stretch of white sand is found just outside the park entrance, in front of Manuel Antonio village. It's a popular place for families and beach…

3. La Playita

0.83 MILES

At the far western end of Playa Espadilla, beyond a rocky headland (wear sandals), this former nude beach remains one of Costa Rica's most famous gay…

4. Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

1.14 MILES

Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park (1680 acres/680 hectares) absolutely brims with wildlife (and often…

5. Playa Espadilla Sur

1.37 MILES

A half-hour hike from the park entrance, the exposed Playa Espadilla Sur is to the north of Punta Catedral and gorgeous with pinch-me scenes of white sand…

6. Punta Catedral

1.61 MILES

Geography fun fact: this isthmus, which is the centerpiece of the park, is called a tombolo and was formed by the accumulation of sand between the…

7. Playa Manuel Antonio

1.64 MILES

With its turquoise waters, this lovely forest-backed beach fronts a deep bay, sheltered by the Punta Catedral on the west side and a promontory on the…

8. Turtle Trap

1.71 MILES

At the western end of Playa Manuel Antonio you can see a semicircle of rocks at low tide. Archaeologists believe that these were arranged by pre-Columbian…