Recommended hotel in top vacation destination Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

[Shannon Farley]

Besides the Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio is one of the most visited vacation destinations in Costa Rica.

 

Located on the Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio was named one of the Top 25 Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2014. In past years, Manuel Antonio Costa Rica has earned accolades like ““Number one beach in Central America”, “12 Most Beautiful National Parks of the World” and in the list of “1,000 Places to See before You Die.” With rainforest trees filled with three species of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, bright Scarlet Macaws and other tropical birds, along with playful dolphins and migrating whales swimming just offshore, Manuel Antonio is well-deserving of the praise.

 

Manuel Antonio glitters jade and turquoise on the Pacific Ocean; lush rainforest spills down high coastal bluffs to sparkling white sand beaches, isolated coves and aquamarine seas. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s smallest parks, but is one of the most popular. In the park, you can find 109 different kinds of mammals – including cheeky white-faced Capuchin monkeys who will try to steal your lunch – 184 species of birds, four marvelous beaches and several hiking trails.

 

Things to do in Manuel Antonio include: whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, canopy zip-lining, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, sea kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, sailing, boating to see dolphins and whales, and hiking in the Manuel Antonio National Park.

 

Along with abundant beauty, wildlife and activities in Manuel Antonio, there are also plenty of hotels.

 

Shana Hotel & Residence in Manuel Antonio sets itself apart as an exclusive lifestyle boutique hotel. Featuring contemporary design, fabulous rooms, organic local cuisine, and exceptional hotel amenities, this new Manuel Antonio Costa Rica hotel is a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice® 2014 Winner.

 

“It is a perfect place to forget all the stress of life,” wrote one hotel guest on TripAdvisor. “The jungle, the monkeys, the ocean view, the silence, the nice food and the peaceful lovely white color – that's Shana Hotel.”

 

The Shana Hotel is located off the main road in Manuel Antonio, minutes from both the Manuel Antonio National Park, and the town of Quepos and new Pez Vela Marina. A walking trail by the hotel leads you 10 minutes to the hidden, white-sand Biesanz Beach.

 

The hotel’s 27 first-class rooms and suites are designed in modern minimalist white, allowing the accent colors to be the exceptional views of vivid tropical gardens, dramatic jungle and rich, blue ocean.

 

Superior and Deluxe rooms feature a balcony, queen or king-size beds, sofa bed (Deluxe rooms), flat screen TVs with cable, mini-bar, coffeemaker, central air-conditioning, safe deposit box, Wi-Fi, iPod docking station, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and private bathrooms with hair dryers and rain showers. Junior Suites have the added features of high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathtub.

 

The three-bedroom Presidential Suite is remarkably spacious with a master bedroom and bath, two additional bedrooms each with their own bath, a fully-equipped kitchen, ample living and dining area, a guest half-bathroom, and its own private infinity pool with roomy deck and cozy lounge chairs.

 

Shana Hotel provides spa services of massage therapies, body scrubs, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and specific cosmetic treatments, by internationally certified therapists. The hotel’s restaurant fuses well with the local culinary scene, offering cuisine from Mediterranean, Peruvian, Asian and Costa Rican influences. Their wine list is extensive.

 

One of Shana Hotel’s best features is the sunset views. The large swimming pool, hot tub and lounge deck let you relax during the day, and provide front-row seating for the end-of-the-day colorful drama. The restaurant is another picturesque place for sunsets.

 

Article by Shannon Farley