Bohemian mangrove retreat
Open-air wooden pavilions and hammock-strung terraces weave through seventeen acres of coastal mangrove canopy along calm Culebra Bay.
“This stylish resort’s focal point is the 130-foot long fresh-water, black-tiled pool that faces the beach and is flanked by private cabanas and lounge chairs.”
Where it shines
Notable
Open-air layouts crafted with Cenisaro wood, local stone, and oversized terraces framing coastal mangrove canopies.
Notable
Poolside cabana waiter service, private terrace hammocks, and dedicated concierge assistance in an intimate mangrove setting.
Notable
A seventeen-acre coastal enclave featuring private tour boats, guided water excursions, and multiple swimming pools.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The resort offers one of the longest (that’s longest, not largest — we’ll explain) swimming pools in the region.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The property sits directly on Playa Panamá's calm, swimmable shoreline, just a twenty-minute drive from Liberia International Airport.
The rooms
Suites feature private terraces with suspended hanging chairs, while standalone villas add private plunge pools and deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A long black-tiled swimming pool stretches toward the bay, lined with private cabanas and tropical trees.
The spa and gym
Boardwalks lead to open-air spa pavilions using volcanic clay treatments, beside a glass-walled gym facing the forest.
Restaurant
Makoko
Under a ribbed bamboo pavilion, Makoko serves farm-to-table Latin American cuisine overlooking the pool.
Its 85 stacked suites and central, open-air lodge overlook the bay's boat marina while the property offers five on-site pools for nonstop swimming and lounging.
At the table
Matiss serves fresh seafood and cocktails right on the sand beneath a spacious thatched pavilion.
How it began
Architect Ronald Zürcher shaped the linear, open-air retreat to preserve native mangrove forest and dry woodland along the Papagayo coast.
Good to know
Stay here
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
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Papagayo
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.