Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Peninsula Papagayo
Vibe
Open-air pavilions catch ocean breezes across the narrow isthmus, where howler monkeys call from the surrounding dry forest canopy.
“Dual-beach canopy hideaway”
Hillside canopy suites with plunge pools, marble soaking tubs, and personalized beachside concierge service.
A volcanic-mud and hydrotherapy spa with an authentic Turkish hammam, complemented by a hilltop bio-architectural Wellness Shala.
Twin beaches flanking the isthmus, an Arnold Palmer golf course, SurfX ocean excursions, and multi-level pools.
On the Peninsula Papagayo isthmus between Playa Virador and Playa Blanca, ringed by tropical dry forest.
“A local architect designed it to complement the landscape, with rose-colored stucco buildings and thatched-roof pavilions open to the sea breezes.”
Rooms
Native timber and woven Boruca textiles fill the interiors, while hillside canopy suites feature private plunge pools facing the water.
“The open-air entryway of the contemporary, relaxed lobby provides a heightened sensory fusion — ocean breezes, chirping parrots and bellowing howler monkeys…”
Wellness
Hydrotherapy plunge pools and a Turkish hammam anchor the spa, alongside a hilltop shala hosting open-air sound healing sessions.
“The narrowness of the land means that the resort is swaddled between two beaches—Playa Blanca and Playa Virador—setting it apart from other nearby hotels.”
Backstory
Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher shaped the curving rooflines to evoke native armadillos and sea turtles, camouflaging the buildings within the hillside.
“Especially after its recent $35 milllion refurbishment, Four Seasons Costa Rica sets the standard for service and luxury in Costa Rica’s burgeoning luxury resort market.”
Eat & drink
Wood-fired Latin dishes at poolside Bahia meet Levantine plates at Virador Beach Club and evening rum cocktails inside Anejo.
The neighborhood
The secluded peninsula setting puts calm Culebra Bay on one shoreline and open Pacific surf breaks on the other.
More like this
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Secluded
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Secluded
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
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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.