The rooms were clean and spacious. The food was excellent and the restaurant has an amazing view of the ocean. Great location just outside of town with an easy walk to a stoney beach. Moana has has a pool and hot tub. Quite simply, stay here. More

Just wanted a room for one night and ended up for almost one week. Moana Lodge, a former hotel owned by an African, is situated on the hillside of Malpais and is surrounded by forest. Its now well and with love redesigned still keeping the touch of Africa. Staying there means you have enough privacy - I had the feeling... More

We stayed at the Moana Lodge for 4 nights in March. We rented the standard room and it was very comfortable and cozy. Our unit had windows on 3 sides facing the jungle and was steps away from the lovely pool area. It was hot while we were there, so we really appreciated the pool and air conditioning in the... More

My husband and I just took our third trip to Costa Rica but this was our first time in Mal Pais/Santa Teresa. The hotel was wonderful and we really enjoyed our stay there. We stayed in the suite and it was magnificent (especially the bathroom)! It was definitely a trek to get up to the room but it just meant... More

The area of Mal Pais itself is rather unique. The beach that is closest to the hotel is aweful and you must go down to Playa Carmen for a decent beach. If you are staying in Mal Pais you really must have a car, there is no way around it. This hotel is not close to the crossroads (Mal Pais... More

We originally thought we'd go to St. John or possibly Hawaii. Then we thought Costa Rica might be fun for our two kids, 8 and 9, who both love lizards, crabs, snakes... I must have read every review on every town in Costa Rica. We finally landed on Moana in Mal Pais. We truly had our best family vacation yet.... More

This is a really interesting place. Although MalPais is a surfer town and rather slummy and dusty Moana is situated on the hills overlooking the area which turns out to be very good. we stayed in ocean view suite that has a beautiful view and comfortable bed. The restaurant is spectacular and the food all good. The best way we... More

The room was beautiful and very clean which is something very important when you are in the middle of the mountains. The pool deck and the auto-minibar makes you feel like it is your house, shame I found when we were actually leaving! The view from the restaurant it's breathtaking and then once you get the cocktails and the tapas... More

This was a special trip as we were with our son who returned to Costa Rica after a nine year absence. We had a very comfortable room with a few small problems. One is shared by many hotels, dim lighting. It was difficult for my wife to climb the 108 steps to the restaurant, BUT it was worth it. In... More