Shana by the Beach Resort, Manuel Antonio

Pros

• This hillside resort is on Quepos Point, so you'll enjoy ocean views and easy access to Playa Biesanz.
• All rooms include balconies and upgraded options add kitchens, seating areas, or private pools.
• You can take your pick between two outdoor pools (one adults-only), or head to the on-site spa for wellness treatments.
• The resort's restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
• To help you get around, the property offers on-site shuttle services via golf carts.

Cons

• This is a very hilly property, so it might be difficult for some travelers to get around. 
• There are no shuttle services to nearby attractions, and going to the national park or other sites requires a car or taxi.
• The rooms feel dated and could use some improvements.

Authenticity

This small resort's overall look is classic Mediterranean, with stark white structures topped by red-tile roofs dotting a lush hillside. Though you won't forget where you are with the jungle setting and ocean views, the interiors are relatively plain and neutral, without much Costa Rican character beyond some colorful art and tropical flowers. The on-site restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes, but they keep things local by sourcing over 80 percent of their produce from local vendors.

Location

Shana by The Beach is as it sounds: right by Playa Biesanz. A 10-minute stroll along a private nature trail only accessible to guests leads you through the property to the beach. Otherwise, you're at the edge of Quepos Point, and it's about a 5-minute drive into town and 10 minutes from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. No buses come to the hotel, and there aren't any shuttle services, so getting around requires a car or taxi. Private parking is available on-site.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The resort's 77 units range from standard rooms to large suites, all with tile floors and neutral decor that could use a little updating. Some upgraded rooms come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, seating areas, patio dining, and/or private pools, but all have a private balcony with jungle or ocean views, air-conditioning, minifridges, cable TV, and free WiFi. Bathrooms are relatively standard but spacious and modern. Guests with limited mobility should book one of the accessible rooms on the ground floor.

Amenities

Shana by the Beach has a bit of everything, as expected of a full-service resort. There are two outdoor pools, one for families and one that's adults-only with easy access to the bar. The spa offers a full menu, including massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures, and there's a well-equipped gym on-site. Breakfast is included with the room rate and served in the ocean-view restaurant, which switches to Italian-inspired casual fine dining later in the day so that you can get gourmet food even in your vacation attire. You can also sample one of the 1,000+ wine bottles available in the resort's extensive wine cellar. 

Family-Friendliness

Families have enjoyed staying at the resort due to the easy beach access and room options like the Family Suite, which offers a private patio and pool. Children of all ages are welcome, and those under the age of 12 stay for free. 

Wildlife

The resort's quiet location on Quepos Point means you may spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds like macaws and toucans, especially along the private nature trail leading to the beach.