Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Resort sits on the coast near Manuel Antonio and is built on a different scale from the compact hotels along the main road. Instead of a single block of rooms, resorts of this kind spread their accommodation across a larger piece of hillside and forest, which gives the stay a more private, almost neighbourhood feel. That suits travellers who want room to breathe, a quieter evening and the sense of having wildlife close by without leaving the grounds. Because accommodation differs widely across a property like this, the room category matters more than usual. Check the size, the number of beds, the view, whether there is a kitchen or kitchenette, and how far the unit is from the pool, the restaurant and the beach access. Steep paths are common in the area, so ask about steps and shuttles if anyone in your group has limited mobility or you are travelling with small children and strollers.

Manuel Antonio is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife without a long journey. Monkeys, sloths, toucans and iguanas are all regular visitors to gardens and roadsides, and a resort set among trees tends to see plenty of them. Early morning is the best time to look, when the heat has not built and the animals are most active. Bring binoculars if you have them, and ask a guide to point out sloths, which are easy to miss.

Think about how you will spend the days. The national park, the beaches, the Damas Island mangrove boat tours, catamaran cruises and zipline parks are all a short drive away. A resort with its own grounds works well for a mix of activity mornings and slow afternoons, with a pool day between excursions. Families and groups of friends often like that rhythm, and it makes a longer stay feel less rushed than a hotel on the busy strip.

The trade-off is that you are further from the lively part of Quepos and the beach restaurants, so plan transport. Taxis and shuttles are common, but costs add up if you go out every evening, so compare them with the restaurants on site. Many guests book tours with hotel pickup, which most operators in the area offer.

Prices sit toward the upper end of the local range and move with the season. The dry season, from December to April, is the busiest and most expensive. The green season, from May to November, brings lower rates, lush forest and afternoon showers that usually clear for the evening. Check the cancellation terms, resort fees and what is included in the rate when you book.