Resorts in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

About Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is the part of Costa Rica's Pacific coast where forested hills drop toward the sea. It is best known for the national park that shares its name and for the wildlife that draws travelers here, from sloths to monkeys. A resort stay rewards slowing down. Mornings start with birdsong, afternoons drift between a pool and a shaded terrace, and evenings are for watching the light change over the ocean. It suits couples looking for a quiet escape, families who want space to roam, and active travelers who like having nature on the doorstep.

Parador Nature Resort and Spa is the five-star choice, set in the rainforest with views over the Pacific Ocean. Water is the theme: the resort has infinity, outdoor, plunge and kids' pools, so adults can settle in for a long swim while younger guests have a pool of their own. The spa offers massage, beauty services and yoga classes, which makes a rest day easy to plan. Couples and anyone craving seclusion can look at the adults-only Vista Suites, which have a hot tub terrace. Free WiFi and free parking are included, and guests have rated the resort 9.4 from 1,652 reviews.

Shana by the Beach Manuel Antonio is a four-star stay with a more hands-on, family-ready feel. Its outdoor pool has a view, a shallow end and a pool bar, and there is also a kids' pool and a children's playground. For privacy, choose between private-pool suites and hot tub rooms. For unwinding, the spa and wellness center offers massage services. A tour desk helps arrange hiking, snorkelling, diving and more, while the restaurant, bar and room service take care of meals on site. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are included, and pets are allowed, which helps travelers bringing a companion along. In short, Parador suits a spa-led, ocean-view retreat, and Shana suits guests who want private-pool options and help planning activities.

When to go

Manuel Antonio has a tropical climate with two broad seasons. The dry season, roughly December to April, brings the sunniest skies and the most reliable beach and hiking weather, and it is also the busiest time, so it pays to book early. The green season, roughly May to November, brings afternoon showers that keep the rainforest lush and vivid, and the area tends to feel quieter. Rain is usually heaviest toward the end of that period. Mornings are often the clearest part of the day year-round, which makes them a good time for outdoor plans. Pack light layers, insect repellent and a rain jacket whenever you travel.

Tips for your trip

• Book early for the dry season from roughly December to April, when Manuel Antonio is at its busiest.
• Plan hikes and wildlife outings for the morning, then save the afternoon for the pool or spa.
• Choose by travel style: Parador Nature Resort and Spa for a rainforest, ocean-view retreat, or Shana by the Beach Manuel Antonio for private-pool suites, a tour desk and a children's playground.
• Travelers wanting an adults-only space can look at the Vista Suites at Parador Nature Resort and Spa.
• If you are driving, both hotels include free parking, so a rental car is easy to manage.
• Bringing a pet? Shana by the Beach Manuel Antonio allows pets.

Frequently asked questions