About Us
Meet Your Hosts
“Where intention goes, energy flows.” – James Redfield
We made our first trip to the Southern Zone back in 2009 and as we stood on the beach, it felt like we had found our true home, we were in our element. Hailing from the Bay Area, CA Mark and Karen have been avid travelers, sailors, and dog lovers throughout their journey together.
We’ve been married for more than half our lives (he’s a keeper!) and love to laugh, learn, and always enjoy great food. We have an insatiable craving for Vitamin Sea and love our home in the Costa Verde.
Mia, our canine ambassador, joined our project as part of the construction crew. She stole our hearts and we could not have been happier when she chose us as her human companions.
We created MANA as an expression of our love and respect for the immense beauty of this very special place on earth. We welcome you to come and share our bit of Paradise.
“Walk to Whales Tail and many great little restaurants.. safe, gated, private.. best nights sleep on the whole trip! Luxury throughout.. modern, clean, private pool for each casita…great hosts.“
Victoria Long
About MANA
“Name: |ma·na | \ ˈmä-nə\ (n) The power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person.” – Merriam-Webster, Inc.
There are few places in the world that epitomize this description more eloquently than the Southern Zone of Costa Rica.
The Costa Verde is as unique in its landscape as it is in its biodiversity. In this magical place where the mountains and the jungle meet the sea, you never know what surprises await.
Whether it’s a fiery sunset or the flash of lightning in an evening storm that reignites your passion.
Could it be the pure prana filled breezes and the mists birthing clouds in the surrounding mountains that lift your spirit?
Perhaps it’s a stroll on the beach, or a hike in the jungle; the canopy echoing the call of the howlers, that grounds you and restores your sense of balance.
Maybe it’s the rush you feel as you catch that perfect wave or the thrill of a cooling shower in a hidden waterfall that soothes your soul.
The Southern Zone has it all. It is here that the elements reign, and it is here that you can be in your own.
The Property
“Air above me, earth below me, fire within me, water surround me, spirit becomes me.” – Brittainy C. Cherry
MANA Beach Bungalows is a secure private property located in the heart of the Bahia Ballena neighborhood of Uvita. Your hosts live in the main house and there are 3 bungalows each with their own private salt water plunge pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens for privacy. We offer key less entry and electronic gates for your convenience.
Our 2-story open-air Rancho offers community space for guests and visitors. It’s the ideal spot where you can connect with fellow travelers, enjoy nature viewing, keep up your daily yoga practice or to relax and take in the afternoon breeze.
MANA is a non smoking, adults only facility, minimum age 17. Sorry, no exceptions.
Bungalow Gallery
About Uvita
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien
Nestled between the famous surf of Dominical and the charming hamlet of Ojochal, Uvita is the perfect location for your next visit to the incredibly beautiful Southern Zone of Costa Rica.
Uvita’s most unique attraction inspires one to ponder on the miraculous essence of nature itself. The world famous Whale’s Tail is a naturally formed sand bar that is not only in the shape of a whale’s tail, but is also home to hundreds of migrating whales from August through November each year.
Breathtaking beaches, abundant wildlife, jaw dropping vistas, and a blend of cultures that span the globe offer a vacation experience like no other.
“What if compassion is also profitable? What if compassion is also good for business?” – Chade-Meng Tan
Blank
Guardavidas de Costa Ballena
Costa Ballena Lifeguards is an association designed to assure the safety of the people who come to enjoy the beach. We have lifeguards at the Colonia entrance of the Marino Ballena National Park, Playa Hermosa de Uvita and Playa Dominical. For all reservations, Mana Beach Bungalows donates $1.00 for every night of your stay to the Guardavidas programs.
Reserva Playa Tortuga
Offers volunteer and education outreach programs focused on sea turtle conservation, and the study of other local fauna like tree boas, scarlet macaws, and crocodiles.
We are happy to assist you in booking a turtle walk or educational tour. You can also volunteer for beach clean ups. Mana makes annual donations to the Reserva Playa Tortuga programs.
Bahia Ballena Libre de Plastico
While the tap water here in Uvita is safe to drink, we understand that some may feel more comfortable drinking bottled water. In an effort to combat the environmental issues caused by plastic water bottles, Mana provides all guests the use of a water filter pitcher, double-walled insulated thermoses, and stainless steel drinking straws to use during their visit.
We also happily provide locally sourced, organic bath and body care products by Osa Naturals and Aromas. Bar soaps are wrapped in environmentally friendly banana paper. Shampoo, conditioners, and body wash are provided in refillable dispensers, eliminating hundreds of single use plastic bottles annually.
About Our Social Responsibility