Hotel at a Glance: Shana Hotel & Residence

This European-inspired boutique hotel offers a quiet Costa Rican getaway just steps from the Pacific shoreline. Gaze at the clear, blue water over the green treetops ringing the infinity pool's sprawling deck, which is situated high above sea level. You can also play in the waves or work on your tan at Biesanz Beach about a 10-minute walk away. A short ride up the coast, the town of Quepos offers plenty of dining options.

• Local organic cuisine: The hotel's restaurant offers up Mediterranean, Peruvian, Asian, and Costa Rican dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients; outdoor dining available.
• Rooms with a view: Take in jungle and garden views from floor-to-ceiling windows or on the balcony while enjoying a drink from the minibar.
• Go exploring at Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can visit a monkey sanctuary, go zip-lining, parasail on the beach, or scuba dive.
• Get a massage or facial at Shana Spa, where internationally certified therapists harness local ingredients to administer relaxing treatments.
• Private chef available on request

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Scarlet Macaws and Surfing in Popular Ecotourism Getaway

Located along the Pacific coastline, Puntarenas is Costa Rica’s largest province, extending more than 500 miles from the Panama-Costa Rica border up to the Gulf of Nicoya. In Puntarenas, you’re never far from beaches, national parks, and nature reserves, making the area a popular ecotourism spot. The beachside town of Jacó attracts surfers from all over the globe with consistently big waves and good breaks. Just a few miles inland, Carara National Park, an 11,600-acre nature reserve, is home to crocodiles, two-toed sloths, and hundreds of scarlet macaws—a rare sight in most parts of the country.

About 60 miles northeast of Jacó lies the Costa Rican capital of San José, a bustling cultural hub filled with open-air artisan markets and street vendors selling tamales and pupusas (stuffed flatbread). Wandering the streets here you'll see a confluence of architecture styles—part Spanish, part Moorish—and some of the older neighborhoods still have homes made out of wood and adobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The best airport to fly in/out of is Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela (airport code: SJO) and transportation can be scheduled directly through the hotel front desk at (506) 2272-7036. Travel time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes one-way and costs around $175 one-way depending upon the number of travelers.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The standard occupancy of the deluxe room is 2 adults; however, a 3rd adult can be added for an additional $35/night plus one kid 8 or younger stays free. Also, 2 adults and 2 kids can stay in a deluxe room for no additional charge.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Timeshares are common in Latin America and so are the sales pitches that accompany them. You may be asked at hotel check-in if you are interested in attending sales presentation. If you don’t want to attend, simply decline and you won’t be approached again. If you decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? No additional resort credits are offered with this deal.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? Dinner reservations for the onsite restaurants are not required and there is no specific dress code.

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