Best Luxury Hotels in Papagayo, Guanacaste

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.

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.

Set on Playa Panama, overlooking Papagayo Bay in Guanacaste, El Mangroove offers a secluded location surrounded by nature, yet is just a 20-minute transfer from an international airport. Hip and bohemian, the resort is jungle-chic, with thatched roofs, in-room hammocks, private cabanas with wooden shutters and a seaside pool that’s a contemporary designer lagoon. Take yoga classes, borrow a bicycle or a paddleboard courtesy of the concierge, or hop on one of El Mangroove’s own boats to explore the coastline. There are two restaurants; the more relaxed Matis and Makono for formal dining.