El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Gulf of Papagayo
Vibe
Open-air wooden pavilions and hammock-strung terraces weave through seventeen acres of coastal mangrove canopy along calm Culebra Bay.
“Bohemian mangrove retreat”
Open-air layouts crafted with Cenisaro wood, local stone, and oversized terraces framing coastal mangrove canopies.
Poolside cabana waiter service, private terrace hammocks, and dedicated concierge assistance in an intimate mangrove setting.
A seventeen-acre coastal enclave featuring private tour boats, guided water excursions, and multiple swimming pools.
Set on Playa Panamá along Culebra Bay, amidst coastal mangroves twenty minutes from Liberia airport.
“The resort offers one of the longest (that’s longest, not largest — we’ll explain) swimming pools in the region.”
Rooms
Suites feature private terraces with suspended hanging chairs, while standalone villas add private plunge pools and deep soaking tubs.
“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.”
Wellness
Open-air pavilions in Bearth Spa offer volcanic clay body wraps and massages, alongside steam rooms and custom outdoor yoga decks.
“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.”
Backstory
Architect Ronald Zürcher shaped the linear, open-air retreat to preserve native mangrove forest and dry woodland along the Papagayo coast.
Eat & drink
Matiss serves fresh seafood beneath a thatched beachfront roof, while Makoko plates contemporary Costa Rican cuisine with bay views.
The neighborhood
The property sits directly on Playa Panamá's calm, swimmable shoreline, just a twenty-minute drive from Liberia International Airport.
More like this
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
“Dual-beach canopy hideaway”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.