Sí Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

The resort’s location on a tropical hillside dictates the overall vibe. Supposedly, only one tree was felled during the hotel's construction, and the open-air lobby is seamlessly incorporated into the surrounding nature. Sloths, parrots, and monkeys run wild among the trees and overgrown walking paths, and the property’s steep layout reveals a breathtaking expanse of distant ocean and nearby jungle. All of this ensures guests are keenly aware they’re in Costa Rica. The two outdoor pools -- one for adults, the other open to all guests -- serve as twin social hubs situated on opposite ends of the property. Guests looking for more alcohol-fueled fun should head to the adult pool. Although, nowhere on the property does the atmosphere rise to the level of an all-out party. Likewise, families and travelers with small children usually enjoy the family-friendly pool, which offers a waterslide and an adjacent casual restaurant.

The entire property is tucked neatly into a hillside just off Route 618 (Manuel Antonio’s main road). The entrance is just a few minutes' walk from the town’s most popular bars, restaurants, shops, and tour providers. Once through the lobby, the entire property drops steeply into a deep expanse of jungle that terminates at the Pacific Ocean. There is no beach within walking distance, however, Playa Biesanz and Playa Espadilla are both reachable in about five minutes by car. Free beach shuttles are also offered throughout the day. Juan Santamaría International Airport requires a minimum three-hour drive. Car rental is an option in the airport terminal, although Costa Rica’s insane roads and even more insane mandatory auto rental insurance make this a less than attractive option. Private shuttle bus hire (bookable through the hotel for a fee) is convenient, safer, and typically cheaper.

Room decor is comfortable and relaxed with a mix of dated and updated elements. Traditional Costa Rican accents: Spanish-tile flooring, rattan furniture, and locally-inspired wall art all provide a distinct sense of place. Subtle modern touches like crisp white linens, high bamboo-lined ceilings, and contemporary lighting fixtures elevate the design above typical mid-range hotels in the area. Entry-level Standard Rooms and Superior Rooms include partial jungle/ocean views via a modest private balcony. Deluxe Rooms add better views from the balcony and every window. Deluxe Suites and Honeymoon Suites offer twice as much floor space, plus the best views on the property. The list of standard amenities in every room category is among the area’s best, particularly for the price. While they all intentionally omit a TV, there is free spotty Wi-Fi. Additional comfort amenities include wet bars, stocked minibars (for a fee), and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are all spacious and come with generic amenities and walk-in showers. Honeymoon Suites also offer a hot tub.

For a hotel with just 58 rooms, the grounds feature a surprising number of resort amenities. A large adult-only pool on the upper-level includes a hot tub. The adjacent swim-up bar hosts the property’s only TVs, which are typically tuned to soccer and international sporting events. The smaller family pool features a waterslide and a spacious deck with stunning sea and jungle views. The adjacent, open-air Rico Tico restaurant is the resort’s primary dining space. Full free breakfast, and a la carte lunch and dinner are served here daily amid lovely views. Every menu features a mix of Western-friendly options (like scrambled eggs, lunch sandwiches, and pasta) and traditional Costa Rican fare (like casados, ceviche, and Caribbean-style chicken). Immediately next door to the hotel, Claro Que Si serves similar lunch and dinner menus in a slightly upscale atmosphere. Cala Spa is relaxed with upscale touches and a full menu of massage treatments, wraps, scrubs, and beauty treatments. Below the lobby sits a small, THX-certified movie theater that plays second-run movies most weeknights. Wi-Fi is free property-wide, as is self-parking in a safe, off-street lot.