Cantón Pérez Zeledón accommodation from NZ$224

The staff here is perhaps the best I’ve ever encountered. Every single staff member that we encountered was genuinely kind, friendly and helpful. Vers impressive.

We loved staying at the Shana by the Beach. Highlights included our room (we had an amazing oceanfront view with double king beds, kitchen and a balcony with dining table), the pool area (has an adults-only side with infinity pool view of the ocean, though it’s a little small, and a 2 for 1 happy hour from 3-6 pm daily), delicious complimentary breakfast (however, they serve the same dishes daily and might consider changing it up a little), and abundant hotel wildlife like white faced and squirrel monkeys and Toucans. Amenities were clean and the staff was friendly and attentive. There is also a jungle path (7-10 minute walk) down to Playa Biesanz, which is a small public beach nestled in a cove (bring water shoes as it’s a little rocky and cash for drinks and snacks). Playa Espadilla (public beach) is also only a 10-minute Uber ride, and in my opinion the nicest of the four local beaches I visited, even Manuel Antonio Beach. A few suggestions or things I learned: (1) per my research, we rented a car but should have just got a shuttle from the airport to Manuel Antonio, (2) driving around Manuel Antonio is hectic with windy roads and tight spaces, so ubering is inexpensive and hassle-free since restaurant are close; and (3) the monkeys that live around the resort will open your balcony door, so keep it locked. Overall, I would recommend this resort for its location to Manuel Antonio Park, abundance of local restaurants, and its room and restaurant/pool views of the ocean.

⭐️An Unforgettable Stay Surrounded by Nature, Beauty, and Exceptional Service⭐️ Parador Nature Resort exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, every single employee we encountered was genuinely kind, attentive, and went out of their way to provide extraordinary service. The warmth and professionalism of the staff made us feel cared for at every step. The setting itself is absolutely breathtaking. The sunsets here are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen—golden, expansive, and perfectly framed by the surrounding jungle and ocean views. The resort truly lives up to its name, offering immersive nature experiences that feel both magical and serene. One of the most unforgettable highlights was the wildlife. We had close-up, personal encounters with monkeys that literally climbed onto our balcony—an experience you’ll never forget and one that perfectly captures how connected this resort is to its natural surroundings. The monkeys are harmless and fascinating to watch… just don’t leave your glass door open 😉. Parador strikes the perfect balance between luxury and nature. You feel completely relaxed, surrounded by beauty, yet supported by an incredibly thoughtful and attentive team who clearly take pride in what they do. This is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience. We left feeling restored, inspired, and already talking about when we can return. Highly, highly recommend.