Few beaches are as breathtaking as the white sand and blue waters of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Perched on the coastline is Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, a luxurious eco-resort built into the surrounding hillsides that feels like an otherworldly escape. While many luxury properties struggle to incorporate local cultures and traditions – at least in ways that feel meaningful – the Four Seasons Costa Rica effortlessly blends the hotel’s consistent hospitality with a strong sense of place.
Start your trip by flying into Guanacaste’s Liberia International Airport, serving as the closest gateway to Peninsula Papagayo. An on-site Four Seasons desk handles private transfers directly from the airport where guests are greeted with water, snacks and a local Costa Rican beer for the ride.
After a 45 minute journey, guests make their way past the private gates of the Peninsula, a 1,400-acre eco-resort and residential community. Animals, including monkeys and deer, are often spotted on the roads leading up to the property – so be sure to have your camera ready. At check-in, chilled towels and fresh coconut water await.
From there, a quick golf cart ride whisked us away to our waterfront Cielo Room. Located on the highest floors of the property, the suite offered panoramic jungle and ocean views. A personalized note and miniature version of a Costa Rican pulperia, a Spanish term for general store, filled with local fruits, chocolate and nuts welcomed us to the suite – one of the many detailed nods throughout our stay.
Room designs are spacious and modern, taking on a tropical luxury vibe with dark wood accents, airy neutral tiles and plenty of natural sunlight. The plush Four Seasons bed takes center stage in the space, but the real gem is the outdoor patio overlooking the jungle and ocean. This was both a fantastic spot to take in the sunrise over a cup of tea, as well as the glorious evening sunsets. Rooms are thoughtfully designed for practicality, too, with two closets, along with plenty of bathroom counter space. A deep soak tub is always a nice touch in addition to a separate shower, as is an in-bathroom door to separate the toilet.
Outside of the room, there are plenty of spaces to soak up the sun and scenery. Guests will find four pools on the property, but the masterpiece of them all would go to the adults-only infinity pool with private cabanas overlooking the sea. This quiet oasis is reservation-only, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee a spot. There’s also the expansive Main Pool, the secondary Playa near the beach and bay, and a shallow option for kids and families. Behind the foliage, find a secluded waterfall hot tub – perhaps the most enchanting corner of the hotel. While open both day and night, this one may be best enjoyed as a nighttime soak.
The beach area is really what guests come for, though, and it’s full Four Seasons bravado. For those looking to indulge in water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking, the Playa Blanca beach is the best bet. For a quieter experience, the Playa Virador is lined with the Four Seasons signature wood beach chairs and has a full-service menu with food and drink. Did someone say paradise? While at times ocean water temperatures can be deceiving, we promise this one is just as warm as it looks.
Dining at this hotel didn’t miss the mark – and in fact, may have been some of the best culinary at a luxury resort across the board. Fresh, local ingredients make up the menus at the five restaurants and lounges which were all so superb, it’s tough to choose a favorite. Breakfast is served via buffet or a la carte at Bahia, offering a mix of Latin and Western favourites. The fresh fruit selection was magnificent, with familiar and less familiar offerings native to the region.
As expected for a Central American property, the coffee program here shines with classic espresso drinks and traditional options. In Costa Rica, coffee is a ritual – and typically prepared using a chorreador that holds a cloth filter for a slow drip process. Guests can also sign up for a coffee experience and tasting to try some of the best in the region.
For lunch and dinner, there’s everything from Italian at Pesce, sushi at Añejo, Mediterranean at Virador Beach Club, steak at golf course restaurant Nemare, and Latin American at Bahia. The sushi was brilliantly fresh, and arguably some of the best anywhere – particularly the sashimi and the angry tuna roll with avocado. At Virador, the Kumaj pita bread with the house made mezze platter was simple brilliance, particularly the hummus and baba ghanoush. Steak at Nemare is a memorable affair with the extensive wine list and perfectly cooked wagyu. The 50/50 fries – also an internet favourite – with bacon, gouda cheese, sundried tomato and balsamic may be the best thing we ate all week.
Cocktails are world class here, leaning into local tropical ingredients and Latin American spirits for an elevated experience. Translation: you won’t find your average vacation drinks here. Añejo is central to the resort’s cocktail scene, taking a thoughtful approach to their signature offerings like the Mal de Ojo with jalapeño-infused tequila, passion fruit, lime, and hibiscus-rosemary foam. Costa Rica’s Centenario rum is also on the menu and in curated rum flights. Adjacent to Añejo is the La Reserva speakeasy experience, where guests can sip and savour the best of Latin American rums.
Wellness is the backbone of this property, seamlessly integrated into the experience. At the top of the hill, find the Wellness Shala – an openair treetop sanctuary – offering an array of daily programming. Start your morning with an early guided meditation and yoga class before heading down to breakfast. Guests can also whip up a ceremonial matcha or cup of tea at the Shala while taking in the most immaculate views on-property.
The spa at the Four Seasons Costa Rica is equally as exceptional. The indulgent Tsuru cacao ancestral ritual is a full body exfoliation and massage involving a cocoon of local cacao and banana leaves, along with a coconut hair oil treatment. Following a treatment, guests can unwind in the relaxation lounge as well as use the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit offering an elevated vantage point of the scenery.
Beyond the resort, Costa Rica’s legendary natural beauty is not to be missed – particularly a full day rainforest excursion. Choose your own adventure with bird or sloth watching, a cacao experience or even horseback riding to soak in what this country is best known for. A short swamp boat ride also offered unique views of nature and wildlife, and was both a peaceful and charming moment of the adventure.
The Four Seasons Costa Rica is a luxurious escape that is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings, allowing guests to feel immersed in Costa Rican culture. Whether you’re traveling with a spouse, a family, friends or solo, this is a perfect spot to unwind, reconnect with nature, and simply detox from the digital world. —Cassie Gill
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