For travelers exploring the best places to stay in Costa Rica, the Guanacaste region’s Peninsula Papagayo stands out for its blend of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. The peninsula is home to some of Costa Rica’s top resorts and private villas, offering a range of accommodations and experiences for discerning guests. Recent accolades from Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure underscore its reputation as one of the country’s premier destinations, making it a top choice for those seeking luxury and immersion in the stunning landscapes of Guanacaste.
The Best Resorts in Guanacaste’s Peninsula Papagayo
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Recognized by Forbes as the “Best Resort in Costa Rica Overall” in 2024, and celebrated by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards from 2017-2024
The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica seamlessly combines luxury with its lush surroundings, creating an experience that feels both upscale and in tune with nature. The resort offers activities such as snorkeling, surfing lessons with professionals, and guided wildlife tours with knowledgeable naturalists. Families enjoy the Explorer’s Club, where kids engage in educational, adventurous activities, while adults can relax at the exclusive Prieta Beach Club. With Mediterranean-inspired design, a variety of personal lounge options, and tranquil ocean views, the Prieta Beach Club offers the ultimate setting to unwind on the peninsula.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Condé Nast Traveler’s “The Best Hotels in Costa Rica” and Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2024
The Andaz Costa Rica Resort captures the peninsula’s natural beauty with contemporary design and eco-conscious practices. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Andaz emphasizes a distinctly Costa Rican ambiance, enhanced by customizable spa treatments, vibrant dining at Chao Pescao, and a variety of water sports. Its stylish yet laid-back setting allows guests to relax and immerse themselves in the Guanacaste region’s natural beauty.
Papagayo Luxury Villas: Private Retreats with Exclusive Amenities
For travelers seeking privacy, the vacation villas managed by Papagayo Luxury offer an exclusive alternative to traditional resort stays. These luxury villas provide sophisticated accommodations set against stunning ocean views, lush gardens, and the tropical forest of Peninsula Papagayo. Designed to offer comfort and seclusion, each villa has its unique character, decor, and amenities, creating a luxurious, home-like atmosphere.
Villa Highlights
- Arcos Del Mar: Inspired by a Spanish hacienda, this villa features multiple lounge areas, breathtaking views of Prieta Beach, and a grand infinity pool for an expansive outdoor experience.
- Vista de Oro: Ideal for smaller families or groups, this villa accommodates up to six guests, with beautiful interiors highlighted by custom tilework, multiple bedrooms, and four private terraces.
- Seacliff Point: Nestled among lush gardens, Seacliff Point offers an oasis of calm with open-air dining spaces, secluded outdoor areas, and convenient beach access, creating a tranquil, private retreat.
Each villa provides a unique blend of privacy, style, and accessibility to the peninsula’s top amenities, making them perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who want both luxury and independence. See more of our villa options.
Exclusive Access to Prieta Beach Club
Staying in a Papagayo Luxury villa grants exclusive access to Prieta Beach Club, a members-only retreat for homeowners and their guests. With private beach access, beautiful pool areas, and ocean-view dining, Prieta Beach Club provides a luxurious yet relaxed beachfront experience. Guests can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling or simply lounge in a private cabana while soaking in the Guanacaste sunshine. For families, the lifeguarded areas and shaded spots ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages.
Eco-Adventures with The Explorers Club
The Explorers Club offers guests of Peninsula Papagayo a unique way to experience Guanacaste’s rich biodiversity through a variety of eco-adventures suitable for all ages. Here’s a closer look at some of the top activities available:
- Aerial Adventure: Guests can explore the jungle canopy through a high-ropes course with seven ziplines and multiple obstacles, providing exhilarating views of the forest from above.
- My kids and I took the high-ropes course challenge and had a blast. There are 3 levels from which to choose, from easy to moderate to difficult. My 13 year old who is afraid of heights (and I thought would beg off from the experience) loved it! He took the easy and moderate levels, and thoroughly enjoyed himself. My 15 year and I took mostly difficult and found it much more challenging than anticipated, but also much more fun than I expected. We all had a great time (and I really worked my forearms!) There is a height requirement for this and the zipline (which we did not do), and check with the concierge to confirm these details if you have younger/smaller children.
- Wilderness Exploration: Guided by experienced naturalists, this trek through the Palmares Preserve introduces guests to the diverse flora and fauna of Costa Rica, offering a chance to learn about the region’s unique ecosystems.
- Mangrove Paddle: Paddle through the serene mangrove forests of the Palmares estuary, a rare ecosystem home to various marine life and bird species.
- Bioluminescent Night Tours: Seasonal bioluminescent tours offer guests the chance to witness Costa Rica’s glowing waters, where bioluminescent plankton create an enchanting light display under the stars.
- This is a seasonal option as it is only available around the new moon, when it is most dark. This is so that the bioluminescent plankton is most easily seen. I have gone twice. Once we they first introduced the tour, which was with the outrigger canoes only, and then I returned when they had added the water bikes as an option. The second time I still opted for the outrigger canoe because you are right at the water and can reach your hand into the water to see the “pixie lights” coming off your fingers. Plus, I jumped in to the water from the outrigger canoe, which was also a lovely experience to see the lights surrounding me because of my movements in the water. I highly recommend this tour if you happen to be onsite during the new moon!
- Mini Explorers Program: Perfect for children aged 5-10, this program provides young adventurers with a hands-on learning experience, introducing them to Costa Rica’s natural wonders in a fun and interactive way.
- Snorkeling and Outrigger Canoeing: This guided tour explores Bahia Culebra’s underwater beauty, with opportunities to see vibrant marine life up close in a serene coastal setting.
Each adventure is thoughtfully curated to be both educational and exhilarating, emphasizing sustainability and a deep respect for the natural beauty of Guanacaste.
Concierge Services Tailored for a Personalized Stay
Papagayo Luxury’s dedicated concierge team crafts a unique experience for each guest, from organizing private chefs for a custom meal to planning eco-adventures. For those interested in exploring Costa Rica beyond the peninsula, the concierge can arrange off-site excursions to landmarks like Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste Waterfall, as well as adventures such as ziplining, white-water rafting, and visits to local coffee plantations.
The concierge can also secure tee times at The Ocean Course, an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course with stunning ocean views, and arrange spa treatments that incorporate Costa Rican ingredients like coffee and volcanic clay. With the concierge taking care of every detail, guests can enjoy a seamless, carefree experience.
Additional Recreational Options: Golf, Tennis, and Spa
For guests interested in sports and wellness, Peninsula Papagayo offers a range of recreational options. The Ocean Course, an 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer, provides a challenging game with breathtaking views on almost every hole. The course was original named in the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest from early on. The resort took 2 summers to revamp the course in 2022 and 2023. I have found it to be more challenging, but it is just as spectacular with many ocean views throughout the course and certainly wildife sightings! The resort also includes tennis and pickleball courts, adding to the array of activities available on-site. If you are a tennis or pickleball player, be sure to ask about the clinics, which are relatively inexpensive and always fun.
Spa treatments are another highlight, featuring natural Costa Rican ingredients and therapies designed to rejuvenate and relax. The concierge team can arrange for personalized spa experiences that allow guests to recharge in a serene setting. There are 3 spas, include The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, the Onda Spa & Wellness Sanctuary at Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, and the Prieta Spa at the private Prieta Beach Club. My favorite massage room is at the Prieta Beach Club, and be sure to book in advance as many homeowners book up this lovely spa room. For specialty treatments, like scrubs and facials, I would recommend either of the hotel options.
Fine Dining at Peninsula Papagayo
Peninsula Papagayo is home to several exclusive dining options that reflect Costa Rica’s rich flavors. Some top choices include:
- Bahia at Four Seasons: Known for its wood-fired dishes, Bahia uses local ingredients to create a menu that celebrates Costa Rican culinary traditions.
- Casa Playa at Andaz: This laid-back beachside restaurant offers Mediterranean-Mesoamerican fusion cuisine, providing a vibrant dining experience with stunning ocean views.
- Chao Pescao at Andaz: A lively venue featuring Costa Rican-inspired dishes and cocktails, Chao Pescao is perfect for socializing and enjoying live music.
For guests who prefer dining in their villa, the concierge can arrange for a private chef to prepare personalized meals, perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners under the stars.
Upcoming Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui
Opening in early 2025, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will bring an ultra-luxury experience to the peninsula. As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America, Nekajui promises to elevate the peninsula’s luxury offerings and we look forward to their opening soon!
Why Choose Guanacaste’s Peninsula Papagayo?
Peninsula Papagayo offers a unique combination of luxury, eco-adventure, and authentic Costa Rican culture. Featured in major travel publications as one of Costa Rica’s best destinations, the peninsula stands as a beacon for those seeking both high-end accommodations and immersive natural experiences. Papagayo Luxury Villas offer a private retreat with exclusive access to amenities like Prieta Beach Club, The Explorers’ eco-adventures, and the diverse dining options of the Four Seasons and Andaz resorts.
Whether lounging at Prieta Beach Club, exploring the region’s biodiversity with The Explorers, or dining on Costa Rican cuisine, Peninsula Papagayo promises a Costa Rican experience that blends natural beauty and refined luxury, ideal for families, couples, and friends alike.
