Si Como No is one of the names that comes up first when travellers research where to stay in Manuel Antonio, and its reputation rests on a simple idea: a comfortable resort that treats the rainforest around it as part of the experience rather than a backdrop. The property sits on the forested hillside above the Manuel Antonio road, with the Pacific visible from many of the rooms and a private wildlife refuge on the grounds. Its full name, Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge, tells you most of what to expect: a resort with a spa, set in a protected patch of forest where monkeys, sloths, birds and butterflies are regular visitors. The hotel has long been known for a green approach to hospitality, and the grounds reflect it. A butterfly garden gives children and adults a close look at some of the country's most colourful insects, trails wind through the refuge, and the pools are landscaped with a waterfall, which makes the swimming area feel more like part of the forest than a standard hotel pool. There is a spa for treatments after a hot day on the trails, and the resort has an on-site cinema, a quirky and memorable extra for a rainy evening. Restaurants and a bar mean you can eat without leaving the grounds, although the road below offers plenty of other places to dine.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the Manuel Antonio road, between Quepos and the national park, so it is neither in town nor right at the beach. The beach and the park entrance are a short drive away, and taxis, shuttles and the local bus all pass the area. Many guests use tour pickups and taxis rather than renting a car.
Because the property is built on a steep hillside, you should expect stairs and slopes, and if mobility is a concern you should ask for a room close to the main facilities when you reserve. The upside of the slope is the view, which is one of the main reasons people choose the hotel.
The rooms and who they suit
The resort offers a range of rooms and suites, from standard rooms to larger suites for families, so it works for couples, groups of friends and families with children. The butterfly garden, the pools and the refuge make it one of the more child-friendly resorts on the coast, while couples will appreciate the spa and the views.
If you want a room with an ocean view, ask for it specifically, because views vary by building. Check the current room descriptions and bed configurations for the exact choices, since they can change.
Good to know
Prices are highest in the dry season, from December to April, and over holidays, and noticeably lower in the green season, from May to November, when afternoon showers are common but the forest is at its most vivid and the wildlife is active. A morning in the national park, which is closed on Tuesdays, is easy to arrange from here, and many tours collect from the hotel.
Check the rate details for breakfast and parking, since policies differ between rates. Overall it is a strong choice for travellers who want a polished, nature-focused resort with plenty to do on site and the beaches and park a short ride away.
Why stay here
- ✓Private wildlife refuge with trails
- ✓Butterfly garden
- ✓Pools with a waterfall
- ✓Spa and massage
- ✓On-site cinema
- ✓Restaurants and bar
- ✓Ocean and forest views
- ✓Eco-minded operations
Good questions
Is Si Como No close to the beach?+
It is a short drive from Playa Espadilla and the national park entrance rather than a walk. Taxis, shuttles and tour pickups make getting around easy.
Is it good for families?+
Yes. The butterfly garden, the waterfall pools and the wildlife on the grounds appeal to children, though the hillside means stairs and slopes.
When is the best time to stay?+
The dry season, from December to April, is busiest and most expensive. The green season, from May to November, is cheaper and lush, with showers that usually arrive in the afternoon.
