A couple of months in the past, we spent a number of nights on the 181-key 4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. I had by no means been to Costa Rica earlier than, so I used to be trying ahead to visiting a brand new nation, and experiencing this resort, provided that I had heard fairly a bit about it, together with the general Peninsula Papagayo space.
Our journey to Costa Rica (and particularly Peninsula Papagayo) exceeded my expectations — Costa Ricans are extremely pleasant, and the nation can be identified for being secure, even outdoors of resort compounds (it’s additionally why there are such a lot of expat communities within the nation, as many individuals select to maneuver right here for the standard of life and worth).
I wasn’t positive what to anticipate from the 4 Seasons Costa Rica, by way of the way it compares to resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and many others. I used to be happy to search out that it’s a distinctive vacation spot that’s in contrast to any of these, and I feel it’s one which many individuals will get pleasure from. Let’s get into the overview.
Reserving the 4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
First let me say that within the curiosity of full disclosure, Ford is a 4 Seasons Most well-liked Accomplice journey advisor, and gained a three-night keep right here as a part of an incentive program that 4 Seasons has. So our room was complimentary, although we paid for incidentals.
Opinions expressed are my very own, and naturally you’re welcome to skip this overview if these sorts of lodges aren’t up your alley.
With that out of the way in which, for the dates of our keep in December, the speed would have been round $1,500 per night time earlier than taxes and charges. For what it’s value, the close by Andaz was retailing for simply over $1,000 per night time. There’s fairly a little bit of seasonal variance with charges on the property, with the best season being round December by means of Could, give or take.
One of the simplest ways to e-book any 4 Seasons lodge is thru a journey advisor affiliated with the 4 Seasons Most well-liked Accomplice program. When reserving by means of Most well-liked Accomplice you pay the identical price you’ll discover straight on 4 Seasons’ web site, however you’ll obtain additional perks, together with the next:
- A room improve, topic to availability
- Complimentary day by day breakfast
- A lodge credit score to make use of throughout your keep
4 Seasons Most well-liked Accomplice is typically combinable with promotions being provided straight by means of 4 Seasons, together with advance buy charges, free night time provides, and extra. Word that reserving 4 Seasons properties by means of Most well-liked Accomplice is best than reserving by means of applications like Amex High quality Resorts & Resorts. Why?
- With Most well-liked Accomplice, you could have the choice of room service breakfast instead of restaurant breakfast
- Upgrades are prioritized for Most well-liked Accomplice bookings, provided that it’s 4 Seasons’ personal proprietary program (and the worth of an improve will be important)
- You’ll be able to mix Most well-liked Accomplice perks with nearly any price on 4 Seasons’ web site (different applications don’t let you stack promotions in the identical method)
You’ll be able to’t beat getting all of those additional perks only for reserving by means of an eligible journey advisor. Word that Most well-liked Accomplice bookings can be made for the 4 Seasons Non-public Retreats on the property, which include villas that may be booked by the night time.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo location
The closest main airport to Peninsula Papagayo is Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR), which has a number of day by day nonstop flights from locations throughout the US and past. From Miami, it was a simple two-hour nonstop flight for us.
From the airport to Peninsula Papagayo is a roughly 40-minute drive. You’ll be able to both use a automotive service (by means of the lodge or by means of a 3rd get together), or you’ll be able to lease a automotive, as driving in Costa Rica is fairly simple.
Peninsula Papagayo is a reasonably secluded 1,400-acre compound, which has some wonderful geography, because it consists of a non-public peninsula (because the title suggests). Admittedly there are professionals and cons to this setup. On the plus aspect, it’s extremely secure and feels non-public, although additionally don’t go right here anticipating that you just’ll simply stroll out of the lodge and be in a vibrant city after a brief stroll. In that sense, it maybe feels a bit like Dorado Seaside, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, or the 4 Seasons Punta Mita.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo format & foyer
Upon arriving on the resort, we have been welcomed by the pleasant bellmen, and escorted into the gorgeous open-air foyer. I really like these sorts of areas, which mix the comforts of being inside with the breeze of being outdoors.
The foyer has loads of seating, so we have been invited to take a seat down whereas check-in formalities occurred, and we have been provided each contemporary coconut juice and refreshing towels.
Within the foyer you’ll additionally discover complimentary espresso and tea every morning. I really like how 4 Seasons persistently provides this as a model customary.
On the conclusion of our check-in, we got a tour of the property on a golf cart, after which dropped at our room.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo suite
The 4 Seasons Costa Rica is sort of a sprawling property. A lot of the customary visitor rooms are in two buildings close to the principle swimming pools, so that they’re proper within the heart of the motion. There are three classes of rooms there — Terraza, Brisa, and Cielo — with the one distinction being the view (Terraza is on the bottom ground, whereas Cielo is on the best ground).
Nevertheless, the opposite classes of rooms are unfold out throughout the property. We have been assigned room 1421, a Cover Plunge Pool Suite. This was a couple of 5 minute (steep uphill) stroll from the principle a part of the resort. In fact you’ll be able to all the time name reception they usually’ll ship a golf cart, nevertheless it was good to get some steps in. I additionally liked the plush greenery, and the character sounds, from birds chirping to waves crashing.
Upon getting into the outside door to the suite, the plunge pool was situated to the left, with a few daybeds, in addition to a eating desk with two chairs.
As soon as contained in the suite, we discovered ourselves in the lounge. This consisted of a sofa and a chair going through a TV, in addition to a eating desk with 4 chairs.
The minibar was alongside the inside wall, and consisted of a espresso machine, a kettle, and quite a lot of drinks and snacks for buy.
There was a stunning welcome amenity on the eating room desk, consisting of a cheese plate, a bottle of white wine, a make-your-own margarita package, and a few nuts, fruit, and sweets.
Off the lounge is a full rest room, with a sink, bathroom, and walk-in bathe (and that’s along with the one off the bed room). So this suite could be nice for households, since the lounge will be transformed right into a second bed room house for a household.
A door separated the bed room from the lounge. The bed room had a signature 4 Seasons mattress, which I discover to be probably the most snug within the lodge trade. The bed room additionally had one other sitting space with a desk, plus a TV.
The principle rest room was situated off the bed room, and had a sink, a soaking tub, a walk-in bathe, and a bathroom. The bogs positively really feel a bit much less fashionable than the remainder of the room, and I believe that displays that the lodge first opened in 2004, although did just lately endure a renovation. Nevertheless, usually minimal modifications are made to bogs throughout renovations, and I believe that’s what occurred right here. For instance, I discovered it odd how there was a single sink fairly than double sinks, particularly in a set.
Toiletries have been from Natura Bisse, and have been in reusable bottles.
The suite had a stunning view each of the plush bushes across the property, in addition to of the water within the distance.
The views have been particularly good round dawn and sundown.
Wi-Fi within the room was quick and free, and as you’d count on, there was twice day by day housekeeping.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo swimming pools
The 4 Seasons Costa Rica has two predominant swimming pools, situated close to the middle of the resort. These are elevated and are situated close to a slender a part of the land, with seashores on either side. The Blanca Pool is the decrease of the 2 swimming pools. The pool has loads of seating round it, together with a lot of shade.
A couple of steps up from the Blanca Pool is the Bahia Pool. That is on the identical stage as lots of the resort’s eating places.
On high of that, there’s a pool with cabanas particularly for adults, which might be probably the most picturesque pool on the resort.
The swimming pools are lovely throughout the day, however are much more beautiful at night time.
The resort has an enormous scorching tub, however that was closed for renovations throughout my go to. As is customary at 4 Seasons, I recognize how sunscreen is available, since that’s an space the place many lodges gouge friends. Service across the pool was persistently attentive, and the pool attendants would assist with organising lounge chairs and bringing ice water.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo seashores
Because of the 4 Seasons Costa Rica’s privileged location, it has two seashores, with one on both sides of the resort’s three swimming pools. The 2 seashores are named Playa Blanca and Playa Virador.
Playa Blanca is the extra in style of the 2 seashores, and faces Culebra Bay. That is additionally the place you’ll discover the water sports activities heart, and it’s additionally the place you’ll be able to lease all the things from kayaks to paddle boards.
In the meantime Playa Virador is on the opposite aspect, and faces the Pacific Ocean. This tends to be a bit quieter.
As you’d count on, the seashores are additionally particularly fairly round dawn and sundown, provided that they’re roughly east and west going through.
Look, so Costa Rica isn’t the Turks & Caicos in the case of having white sand seashores, so don’t count on that this might be like Grace Bay. Nevertheless, Costa Rica isn’t actually a pure seaside vacation spot, however fairly the seaside is an element of a bigger energetic trip. The seaside setup right here is way more spectacular than on the close by Andaz, in my view (which we additionally briefly checked out).
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo spa & gymnasium
4 Seasons properties are identified for having wonderful gyms, and the Costa Rica property is not any exception. The property’s gymnasium is situated contained in the spa, and will be accessed by friends 24/7.
The gymnasium is tremendous spectacular. There’s a complete stage devoted to energy coaching, with all the things from machines to free weights.
There’s one other stage devoted to cardio, with treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and extra.
For many who are into this, there’s even an out of doors space with cardio tools.
Talking of the spa, that’s fairly spectacular as nicely. The 4 Seasons’ spa has 18 remedy rooms, as nicely hydrotherapy, a steam room, a leisure space, and extra. You’ll be able to discover all of the spa remedies right here — as you’ll be able to see, there’s far more than massages, as there’s additionally all the things from sound therapeutic to an astrology beginning chart studying (hah).
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo actions
An enormous promoting level of Costa Rica typically, and specifically of Peninsula Papagayo, is the variety of actions which can be provided. It’s a bit completely different than a Caribbean trip, the place some folks could come to take a seat on the seaside for per week.
At check-in you’re given an actions sheet exhibiting all the things that’s on provide throughout your keep. Lots of the actions are included, whereas others come at an additional cost. I liked the variety of scheduled actions, and we ended up happening a kayak tour, taking a espresso class, doing a rum tasting, and even did a sound therapeutic.
There are all types of different actions that the resort can organize, from a zipline journey, to chook watching, to nighttime walks. Additionally, I’m not a golfer, however the 4 Seasons Costa Rica has an 18-hole golf course, which is nicely regarded.
Eating at 4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
For those who keep on the 4 Seasons Costa Rica, count on that you just’ll have most of your meals within the Peninsula Papagayo compound, provided that there’s not all that a lot within the quick space. Luckily the 4 Seasons has a number of nice eating choices. To briefly summarize these:
- Bahia is the resort’s all-day eating restaurant, that includes Costa Rican and worldwide choices
- Pesce is the resort’s Italian restaurant, and it’s open for dinner
- Nemare is the resort’s steakhouse, and it’s open for dinner
- Virador Seaside Membership is the resort’s pool restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner, and it options Mediterranean flavors
- Añejo Tapas Bar is the resort’s bar, serving drinks and lightweight snacks all through the day
Let’s take a better at every of those shops.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Bahia Restaurant
Bahia Restaurant is situated instantly beneath the foyer and proper by the swimming pools, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is open air, and has quite a lot of seating choices.
That is the place breakfast is served every morning — the buffet is obtainable from 6:30AM till 10:30AM, whereas a la carte eating is obtainable from 6AM till 11AM. You’ll be able to discover the breakfast menu right here. For those who e-book by means of 4 Seasons Most well-liked Accomplice, breakfast is included, whether or not you favor the buffet or a la carte (or you’ll be able to even go for room service breakfast).
If you choose the buffet, that features espresso, tea, juice, and eggs made to order. The buffet was glorious high quality, and included issues like pastries, cereal, chilly cuts, cheese, fruit, waffles, pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs, all types of veggies and breakfast meat, empanadas, rice, and many others.
Costa Rica is understood for its wonderful espresso, and the 4 Seasons didn’t disappoint, as each the cappuccinos and iced coffees have been exceptionally good.
From the a la carte choice, we additionally tried the Costa Rican breakfast, the avocado toast, and the açaí bowl.
I additionally liked their number of native scorching sauce…
We additionally had lunch at Bahia sooner or later, and you’ll discover the lunch menu right here. We cut up the Costa Rican ceviche, the roasted cauliflower salad, and the hen al pastor tacos.
We discovered the meals to be glorious, each at breakfast and lunch.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Pesce Restaurant
Pesce is the Italian restaurant situated subsequent to Bahia Restaurant, instantly beneath the foyer. It’s open nightly for dinner, from 6PM till 10PM, and you’ll discover the menu right here. The restaurant is fantastically appointed, and has each an indoor and outside seating space, with views of the seaside and water within the distance.
Upon sitting down, we have been introduced with some olives and parmesan cheese, in addition to a number of freshly baked bread.
To start out, we indulged in a fontina cheese, wild mushroom, and truffle paste pizza, which was chic.
Then for our predominant programs, I had the branzino al cartoccio, whereas Ford had the pollo alla millanese primavera.
The meals was glorious, and this was among the best Italian eating places I’ve been at in a secluded resort nowhere near Italy.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Nemare Restaurant
Nemare is the resort’s steakhouse, and it’s a couple of 5 minute golf cart experience from the 4 Seasons, because it’s situated by the golf membership. It’s open nightly for dinner, from 6PM till 10PM, and you’ll discover the menu right here. The restaurant has each indoor and outside seating, and because it was a ravishing night, we sat outdoors.
Firstly of the meal we have been provided some ciabatta bread with mushroom butter. Yum.
As a starter, we cut up the tuna tartare, served on tapioca chips, with candy and bitter ginger and ponzu sauce, in addition to the kale and grilled pear salad.
For predominant programs, we cut up the salmon with diced pink pepper and cabbage and mango sauce, in addition to the filet mignon.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Virador Seaside Membership
Virador Seaside Membership is the resort’s Mediterranean restaurant that’s by the pool. It’s open day by day from 11AM till 10PM, and you’ll discover the menu right here.
This restaurant is tremendous informal and is open air and proper on the seaside, so you’ll be able to cease right here for a drink, a snack, or perhaps a full meal. We didn’t have an opportunity to eat right here, however the meals regarded nice, and you’ll count on all the things from hummus to Greek salads.
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Añejo Tapas Bar
Añejo Tapas Bar is situated instantly beneath the foyer, and is mainly the social hub of the resort. It’s open day by day from 6:30AM till 11:30PM, so you’ll be able to come right here for a cup of espresso, a pastry, a salad, or a cocktail, relying on the time of day. Within the evenings, there’s even a DJ right here some days. You’ll be able to discover the meals menu right here, and discover the drink menu right here.
Instantly subsequent to Añejo Tapas Bar is La Reserva, which is the resort’s rum bar (and as a part of the property’s actions, there are often tastings right here).
4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo service
Service on the 4 Seasons Costa Rica was glorious throughout the board. Nearly everybody we interacted with was each pleasant {and professional}. I believe that comes down to 2 components — Costa Rica typically has a really pleasant and completely happy workforce, after which 4 Seasons particularly does an ideal job hiring and retaining expertise.
From the eating places, to the pool employees, to the entrance workplace associates, we didn’t have a single unhealthy service interplay on property.
Backside line
The 4 Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is a unbelievable resort, particularly in the event you’re on the lookout for a simple, energetic trip from the US. The resort has lovely swimming pools and seashores, a pleasant choice of top of the range eating places, impeccable service, and a vibe that typically feels completely different than different locations folks might trip (whether or not it’s Mexico, or Hawaii, or Puerto Rico).
Admittedly there are plenty of locations folks from the US can trip with out touring up to now, whether or not it’s the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, or Hawaii. Personally I feel Costa Rica is good for these on the lookout for a simple and energetic trip that gives one thing for everybody, in a rustic with a number of the friendliest folks on the market.
What do you make of the 4 Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo?
