Best Luxury Hotels in Guanacaste

Hidden above the mangroves of Guanacaste on a nature reserve and beside powder-soft white sands, W’s property in Costa Rica certainly has that castaway vibe. Except that it’s also uber-trendy, with a bold modern design inspired by the local Tico culture. From the brightly coloured mosaic-lined bar, to the spa — created to feel like a butterfly metamorphosis, everything about this hotel. Its Latitud 10° Norte restaurant offers Costa Rican-Thai fusion food, the Cocina de Mercado’s is an open-market concept with show kitchens and then there’s the Zona Azul Beach Club for those wanting to kick back to some cool beats. Book one of W’s 150 bedrooms with a view of the Pacific Ocean and hand-painted decor.

Housed in a gated community perched between two beaches (one calm for sun-worshippers and bathers, the other conducive to watersports), the Four Seasons enjoys an exclusive address. Indigenous and eco-friendly materials have been used to build the resort, bringing a jungle luxe to the property. There’s much to do onsite from dance lessons to wildlife tours and day-long activities for those of all ages. Play on the Arnold Palmer championship golf course, or on the five clay and grass tennis courts, dine at the Four Seasons’ five restaurants and book treatments in the 18-room spa.

Live the hacienda lifestyle at the JW Marriott Hotel Guanacaste Resort & Spa. Ideally located close to Tamarindo town, beside Mansita beach and within easy reach of four other beaches at Hacienda Pinilla, it provides ample opportunities to go surfing, visit turtle nesting sanctuaries and observe the area’s rich biodiversity. But you don’t need to leave the confines of the resort for an active holiday; the resort has its own equestrian centre, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. All of the guest rooms have balconies with either garden, pool or ocean views, as well as soundproof windows, total blackout curtains, plush pillow-top mattresses and marble bathtubs.

153 guest rooms at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the peninsula, with views of either the ocean or the forest. Like many hotels in the area, it places a focus on conservation and environmentally-minded practices. Water sports, hiking and golf are available and guests can take part in cultural experiences, such as traditional cooking classes and local market visits. The Andaz Costa Rica has two restaurants, a lounge, a poolside bar, a full-service spa, a fitness centre, and three outdoor swimming pools, including one exclusively for adult guests.