Meet Mark, your host at Prana Rainforest Retreat

Meet Mark

Mark built Prana Rainforest Retreat from the ground up, and he has been hosting guests here for the past 16 years.

Seventeen years ago, Mark fulfilled his dream of moving from the US to Costa Rica. With his passion for nature and love of hospitality, building a rainforest retreat on the edge of Manuel Antonio National Park was a no-brainer.

Mark personally takes every reservation, and he's always available to step in alongside his expert staff.

An artist, a marine biologist and a traveler, all in one

Antique carved wooden figure against a red wall, surrounded by woven rattan lamps in Mark's import shop

Treasures from around the world

Mark has degrees in both Fine Arts and Marine Biology. He also owns an exotic import shop and travels the world for it, and many of his special finds are built into Prana's architecture and interior design, from the antique carved teak doors from Bali to the art on the walls.

Freediver swimming beneath a pod of sperm whales in deep blue water

Swimming with whales

A marine biologist at heart, Mark still spends a few months each year leading small groups on whale swim expeditions around the world.

Contact Mark directly to ask about joining one of his swimming-with-whales expeditions →

Mark, wearing a party crown, and Jon celebrating the birthday of Nigel, their miniature donkey, on the farm — Mark and Jon celebrating the birthday of Nigel, the farm's miniature donkey

Pura vida on the farm

Today Mark lives with his partner, Jon, on a farm just outside of town, where they raise their own food, keep a herd of donkeys and enjoy the pura vida lifestyle.

The people guests rave about

Wai welcomes you on arrival, sees you off when you leave, and is always available during your stay. Gabi and Carlos are on the property six days a week, Monday to Saturday. Together, they're mentioned by name in dozens of our reviews.

Wai

Concierge

Welcomes you on arrival, sees you off when you leave, and is always available during your stay. He plans your tours, transfers, chef dinners and anything else you need.

“The concierge, Wai, was super helpful and always responsive.” – Lindsay

Gabi

Housekeeping

Keeps the villa spotless six days a week and takes care of your laundry.

“Gabi was extremely kind and friendly… she made us feel very welcomed and at home.” – Kimberly

Carlos

Grounds & maintenance

Looks after the gardens and pools, and keeps everything at the villa running smoothly. He's always happy to point out special wildlife he discovers on his daily rounds of the property's trails and the area around the villa.