What’s better than a superb ocean view? That same vista enjoyed from a relaxing beachfront spa. Suzan Crane and others select their top spa-resort choices. This excerpt is from Five Best Beach Spas.

At the foot of a rutted jungle road skirted by amazing ocean vistas awaits the relaxed luxury of Arenas Del Mar. Exemplifying nature/nurture harmony, this boutique beach resort nestles on 11 acres of wildlife-rich rain forest just steps from a jeweled sea. Adjacent to famed Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacifi c Coast, the ecoconscious hotel features 38 rooms with panoramic views, two pools, three restaurants and a spa. Built and operated in accordance with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism, electric carts shuttle guests and solar panels heat balcony Jacuzzis.

Best bets at blissful Las Brisas Spa include the healing aloe wrap and 90-minute house massage with mini facial and foot scrub. The area’s myriad other activities include a don’t-miss park excursion, parasailing, kayaking, white-water rafting, sunset cruise, forest-canopy tour and horseback riding. Hanging with locals in neighboring Quepos will cap your holiday in Costa Rica’s deservedly prime tourist destination.

The hotel’s gourmet restaurants spotlight regional ingredients in its fresh seafood rolls and chilled mango/watermelon soup. For an off-site adventure, try Kapi Kapi restaurant, where you’ll fi nd Asian-inspired dishes enhanced by locally grown organic spices.
From $250 per night, double occupancy; www.arenasdelmar.com.