Manuel Antonio is considered the most beautiful coastline in Costa Rica!. And no wonder. It's as if Mother Nature herself sculpted the picturesque beaches. And the rainforest? Like no other on the planet! Imagine a series of natural terraces filled with rare flora and fauna all overlooking the Pacific. It's all here!
Discreetly integrated into this tropical paradise is Si Como No. Proudly occupying the most idyllic hilltop in Manuel Antonio, this award-winning eco-designed Resort & Spa provides its own signature version of "barefoot luxury" to all its guests.
From Hotel Si Como No, you can visit nearby beaches, the National Park and mangroves on your Costa Rica tour. Not to mention, the hotel's own Wildlife Nature Exhibits, which are adjacent to the property. Guests also enjoy a variety of water sports and local shopping, including the hotel's Gift Shop & Art Gallery.
Founded in 1992 by Ecovision, S.A., Hotel Si Como No has been a shining example of the global eco-tourism movement ever since it opened its doors. As such, the hotel is a unique blend of the country's incredible bio-diversity and the deeply-rooted cultural values of the Costa Rican people. An active member of many planet-saving conservation programs, Si Como No practices what has come to be called "sustainable hospitality."
Principal owner/general manager Jim Damalas came to Costa Rica over 25 years ago. Formerly, an art director and producer working in Hollywood, Mr. Damalas fell in love with the area upon his first visit when he camped in what was to become Manuel Antonio National Park. That "camping trip" turned out to be more than a vacation, but rather the beginning of a love affair with the country and its people that continues to this day.
For the original construction of Hotel Si Como No, Mr. Damalas insisted that the ecosystem remain as undisturbed as possible -- amazingly, only one tree was intentionally removed. Great care was taken to ensure that habitat was protected, including animal corridors, to assure the least impact on flora and fauna. Later, he maintained the same strict standards for the development of the adjacent Butterfly Botanical Gardens and the Crocodile Lagoons. What once seemed only a "pipe dream" is now one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in Central America. Thanks to Mr. Damalas' exacting vision, guests quickly discover that a luxury hotel can indeed co-exist with nature.
"Si Como No" is an expression of the magical nature of Costa Rica's incredible bio-diversity. It's mission is to create a Costa Rica vacation experience deeply rooted in the culture and pace of this unique Democratic country. Even the name "Si Como No", which means "Yes, why not?", reflects the warm and engaging personality of Costa Ricans -- a people blessed with easy-going charm and optimism, complemented by their high level of literacy and good health care.
Located in Manuel Antonio, a veritable treasure chest of natural beauty, the hotel is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, inviting soft sand beaches, and nearby rafting rivers. All rooms include a fully stocked mini bar, custom king, queen or double size beds and ocean or jungle views. You won't find television or CNN in your room, but rather the sounds of nature and the beauty of the tropical flora n fauna just beyond your private balcony. Again, each room is designed to help minimize its impact on the natural habitat.
Si Como No uses well water for gardening and maintenance, Bio-digesters for sewage, a gray water plant for laundry, biodegradable products for housekeeping, and city water for guest and employee usage. A Bocashi compost program utilizes waste from food preparation, and the hotel donates all glass, plastic and aluminum products to a local women's auxiliary in Quepos (ASOMUFAQ) each month.
Si Como No utilizes solar panels to heat water along with back up "on demand" instant gas water heaters. Double insulated windows and ceilings, plus natural canopy shade factors help reduce energy demands and maintain natural comfort values for the hotel guests and employees.
Dining
WITH AUTHENTIC CUISINE, FRIENDLY SERVICE, ACOUSTIC MUSIC AND A BREATHTAKING TROPICAL SETTING, YOU MIGHT SI COMO NO HAS CREATED THE IDEAL DINING ENVIRONMENT.
Hotel Si Como No Resort provides an experience, that has been defined as "Barefoot Luxury". In that style it offers great dining options, including two of the most popular restaurants in the area: The Rico Tico Bar 'n Grill serving its own brand of Tico cuisine (dinner menu & lunch menu) and the new location of Claro Que Si! Seafood Restaurant featuring authentic Caribbean dishes.
These restaurants specialize in Costa Rican and continental cuisine. And, of course, acoustic music by the "Tres Caciques" trio and unique tropical atmospheres come complementary with every meal. Newly opened is our poolside Boca Bar Mogotes, where the Caribbean meets the Pacific.
Spa
Relax. You're in good hands. Very good hands. The Serenity Spa therapists offer a full range of treatments using a blend of natural, organic Costa Rican products and high quality, corrective skin and body care products. After a day of adventure there's nothing like a visit to the Serenity Spa.
Sustainable Tourism
Ecotourism is defined as responsible travel to natural places. A new global movement that's about conserving the environment and sustaining the well-being of the local people.
Complex problems combined with challenging cultural and social conditions make change a gradual process at best. While immediate action can delay or prevent some of the direct consequences of deforestation, the true cornerstones of change are education and consciousness-raising. Green Hotels of Costa Rica wants to make its contribution to reversing this destructive cycle. Not only does Si Como No wish to offer a great vacation experience, but also to make our hotels a model for the local community -- helping people in the area understand how conservation can improve their lives without negatively effecting their economic needs.
On January 1st, 2004, Si Como No's Green Hotels of Costa Rica began operations with the acquisition of Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Spa, near San Ramon in El Silencio de Los Angeles , and now the participation of Aguila de Osa Inn Marine Frontier at Drake Bay, near Corcovado National Park. Each property is operated in accordance with the highest eco-tourism standards, preserving the "Magic of Nature" for generations to come.
Green Hotels of Costa Rica supports a 30-acre Wildlife Refuge at Si Como No, and the Private Biological Reserve next to Villablanca Cloud Forest Hotel. The Nature Refuge of Fincas Naturales features a multi-level Butterfly and Aquatic Tropical Gardens, Aquatic Amphibian Gardens, Nocturnal Walk, and both hotels include user-friendly nature trails interpreted by qualified naturalists on staff. The exhibits are considered some of the most unique in Costa Rica.
Management Philosophy
Green Hotels management philosophy is based upon the logic that well-treated employees equate to well-treated hotel guests. The key to the "Green Hotel" brand is maintaining a harmonious workplace with consistent hotel training programs to create positive experiences for both guests and employees alike.
With perhaps the lowest hotel employee turnover in the country, and years of guest surveys averaging 97% rating of "good" to "excellent", the lodge believes they've created a successful brand of Good Natured Hospitality that empowers every member of the staff to provide a unique Costa Rican holiday for guests without compromising the natural habitat they've come to enjoy. To the end, Green Hotels participates in many conservation programs and is a member of CST (certification of Sustainable Tourism).
The butterfly and aquatic tropical gardens, cloud forest nature exhibits researches laboratory with its full-time biologist, student dormitory and workshop are all integral parts of the Green Hotels infrastructure.
