10/10 Excellent
John
Traveled with partner
Feb 5, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
John
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
