Interest in Costa Rica is on the rise—and it’s no surprise to us. If you have clients clamoring for the Central American country, several hotels have recently unveiled new looks, dining, programming and much more.
In the country’s northwest Guanacaste Province, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo in November 2023 completed a multimillion-dollar enhancement project. The resort’s look now includes the new Virador Beach Club, a new Wellness Shala and a sustainably enhanced Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, plus an updated Kids For All Seasons program.
The Virador Beach Club serves Eastern Mediterranean dishes, and adults can enjoy the adjacent infinity-edge pool and private cabanas.
The Wellness Shala focuses on “bio-architecture.” Located on the hills at a distance from the resort, the Wellness Shala will act as a bridge between modern wellness practices and traditional rituals.
Known for its wildlife, elevation changes and ocean vistas, the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The 18-hole, par-72 Arnold Palmer Signature course and driving range now utilizes a precision irrigation system that will reduce water usage. Further improvements consist of more teeing areas and 12 acres of native vegetation with less bunkering to improve playability. The Golf Pro and Tennis shop will provide a newly designed retail space and lounge area for golfers.
Separately, Kids For All Seasons underwent a complete transformation led by Polyanna Paraskeva. The Athens-based architect has created functional learning spaces for children throughout Europe and is making her Latin America debut with Four Seasons The design includes low-lying platforms that children can crawl or walk on, intended to imitate the root system of the mangroves surrounding the resort.
The best contact is Travel Industry Sales Manager Carey McNeely (carey.mcneeley@fourseasons.com).
Just down the road, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo just opened 25 new one- to three-bedroom residential villas. The resort also unveiled its redesigned signature restaurant, Ostra, and a newly opened beach club, Casa de Playa.
To accommodate the new villas, an exclusive new hillside neighborhood with views of Culebra Bay has been added to the resort. Guests staying at the one- and two-bedroom villas will enjoy indoor-outdoor living and a large private plunge pool on their terrace. The two- and three-bedroom penthouses have covered rooftop terraces, complete with an open-air living room, plunge pool and daybed.
Villa guests can also enjoy enhanced culinary offerings, including an array of chef-curated, market-fresh baskets; an in-villa coffee program; and a complimentary afternoon in-villa aperitivo. Guests will have exclusive access to breakfast at Ostra and priority dinner reservations. Pretty cool: Guests can also visit a nearby village and participate in a community gardening project to handpick produce for a customized chef-prepared dinner to be enjoyed in their villa.
These guests can also benefit from expert-led wellness treatments, such as “In-Pool Sound Healing.” Further, a dedicated Residence Concierge will make exploring the destination seamless. In addition, Andaz Costa Rica has partnered with evidence-based wellness organization Blue Zones for a “transformative” retreat, held June 24–30. Through a combination of education, well-being practices and conversations, the retreat will reshape perspectives and help curate a healthy lifestyle. Participants will partake in movement practices, such as gentle yoga or hiking, mindfulness sessions, including meditation and breathwork, and cultural activities.
Beyond the new villas and wellness programming, the recently opened beach club, Casa de Playa, will provide guests with an enhanced pool and beach experience on the sands of Playa Nacascolo.
Travel advisors may contact Val Inocencio, senior manager, luxury and leisure sales, at valdirene.inocencio@andaz.com.
Continuing around Culebra Bay, El Mangroove, Autograph Collection unveiled 36 new suites in April 2024 following a six-month renovation.
Among the new options are the Habitat Superiors—four airy suites with a king bed, a sofa bed in the living space and a private terrace with a hammock surrounded by gardens. The four Root Deluxe/Superior suites also have a king bed and a sofa bed, but the Deluxe options include a furnished balcony, while the Superior suites have an outdoor terrace with a hammock.
Lastly, there are 28 new Resort Suites (16 with king beds and 12 with two queen beds)—an enhanced version of the original Bark and Nesto Suites. These options allow families seeking connecting rooms to have direct access without additional doors. One of the double queen bedroom suites is wheelchair accessible.
Existing common areas at El Mangroove were also refreshed. The main attraction is the new family-friendly relaxation area, the SI&P Zone. It includes four pools, a children’s pool, a pool bar called El Shack and four cabanas, each fronted by a lounge-bed platform that extends into the pool.
Malu, the new Mediterranean restaurant, serves dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on legumes, fruit, vegetables and seafood.
Most recently, El Mangroove added to the selection of experiences available at its aquatic activities tour desk, including new jet skis, paddle boards and boats available for private rental, as well as private expeditions to spot whales and dolphins; beach barbecues; sunset cruises; fishing tours; surf lessons; and more.
For inquiries, reach out to International Sales Key Account Manager Carolina Guillén (cguillen@enjoyhotels.net) or Sales Manager Juan Gabriel Coto (jcoto@enjoygroup.net).
Still in the northwest but further inland near Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano, Nayara Gardens is sporting a totally new look. All of the accommodations were completely leveled and rebuilt. Among the upgrades, each casita now has a deck and plunge pool, while glass walls in the bathrooms look out at a private walled garden.
Also new is a boutique with locally made artisan goods, as well as a family education center where guests can learn more about the surrounding rainforest (the entire property is a sloth sanctuary). There is a new pool and the adjacent Asia Luna restaurant has been completely rebuilt. The spa is also undergoing a full renovation and will reopen soon.
On-site activities include morning yoga sessions; nature walks through the sloth sanctuary and armadillo trail; private dining in the rainforest; morning bird-watching and evening frog tours; and coffee-tasting classes. Off-site activities include horseback riding, ziplining, whitewater rafting and more.
Good to know: Guests at Nayara Gardens have full access to sister properties Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp with their additional restaurants, bars, pools, hot springs and yoga pavilions. Note: Nayara Springs is adults-only, so children must keep to Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp.
Travel advisors may contact the group’s general manager, Jairo Quesada (jairo.quesada@nayararesorts.com).