Glam on the Beach

There’s an expectation of elegance that comes with the hotel brand Four Seasons and the resort at Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica lives up to its reputation. Located on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica beloved by the rich and famous for its privacy and exclusivity, I recently escaped into the serenity of this Guanacaste province. Here’s how the resort takes the pura vida lifestyle Costa Rica is known for and elevates it for an experience of unmatched splendor.

Sleeping

There are a range of accommodations to choose from at Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, from standard guest rooms and suites to private villas and residences. If there’s one guest room element that’s a must, it’s a private terrace where you can take in the sun and sounds of the beautiful wildlife around you day and night. Enjoy room service in the furnished outdoor space, which is covered with a net to keep mosquitos and other elements of nature at bay, or within the spacious 600 sq ft room which also has a small table and two chairs perfectly designed for mid-day lounging. The ceiling fan in the room proved sufficient for keeping cool in the tropical climate, providing the perfect breeze to fall asleep to at night—not to mention the comfort of the famous Four Seasons bed. And getting ready in the morning was a treat in the oversized marble bathroom with double sinks, a private toilet area, standing shower, and large soaking tub. Twice-daily housekeeping meant always returning to a neat, clean room.

Eating

There are two dishes I’m still thinking about weeks after my return from the Four Seasons, the mushroom risotto at the Italian fine dining restaurant Pesce, and the crispy calamari at the outdoor Eastern Mediterranean eatery Virador Beach Club, whose design, beautiful by both daylight and candlelight, is inspired by architect Jorge Borja. On the way to my room from the gym or the spa, I loved stopping by the tapas bar Añejo for a light bite and a cocktail—you must try the signature mal de ojo. While Bahia, the all-day Latin grill, was my go-to for breakfast, particularly for its morning buffet.

Rejuvinating

If you’re a spa regular, the treatments you receive might start to blend together after a while, but at this property, the combination of therapeutic expertise with ancestral rituals makes for an unforgettable and unique experience.

Upon arrival, I received a much-needed Travel Legs Recovery massage to undo the damage of a half-day’s journey to the location, and the next day, I had my first Hammam experience with a Cleansing Herbal Ceremony in a beautifully ornate silver and marble space that took the notion of pampering to a whole new level. In need of a mental refresh, I also booked a Gemstone Energy Balancing treatment which, through a mix of massage, hot stones, and crystal therapy helped me recenter from the inside out. Speaking of outside healing, the compliments I’ve gotten on my skin since returning let me know the 60-minute Bespoke facial I booked, during which the aesthetician analyzes your skin and puts together a custom treatment according to your needs using products from the Parisian dermatological brand Biologique Recherche, was the right move.

The internal work continued throughout my trip at the wellness shala, a picturesque open-air structure where visiting practitioners bring their own unique therapies to guests of the resort in curated workshops. Energetic designer and crystal healer Rashia Bell was at the property during my stay and proved to be more needed on my personal journey than I could’ve anticipated, from the chakra energy yoga session that helped me open up my hips—the area of the body where trauma is stored—to a burning ceremony that allowed me to release the grief I was currently holding onto. A crystal healing and card reading session also provided me with tools to continue my own practice once I returned home, including the chakra stones my body most responded to during the experience.

Note: If a simple sweat session is more your speed when it comes to wellness, you won’t be disappointed with the fitness center on the premises. The two-floor space has every machine you could desire for cardio, toning, and rigorous weight training, plus an assortment of free weights and exercise equipment to stay on track while away from home.

Beaching

The beach is half the reason most of us go on vacation, and at Peninsula Papagayo you needn’t take more than a few steps to bask in the sand. Book a private cabana at Virador Beach Club where you can eat, sleep, and soak your day away. The adults-only space also features an infinity-edge pool if you prefer temperature-controlled tranquil waters over the ocean.

The property has two other pools— Bahia and Blanca— situated amid lush greenery that still gives the feeling of being inside a private enclave. Complimentary fresh fruit and cold water keep you cool and hydrated in the heat, as resort attendants remain on standby for any needs you may have, including a fresh, tasty lunch.

At the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, eco-friendly grandeur is the standard, and if you’re looking for the best place to experience it in the Caribbean, look no further than this locale.

Looking for Luxury Elsewhere? Try These Destinations

S/O Paris: This newly opened property stands out for its stylish modern design juxtaposed against the historic architecture of Paris, making it a perfect location for young, trendy travelers.

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma: Enjoy high-end hospitality in the city center at this hotel which has a few hidden gems within its walls for lovers of history and Mexican culture.

Wakaya: Most everyday travelers only dream of vacationing on a private island, at Wakaya that fantasy can become a reality. The private resort and spa in Fiji offers guests a uniquely elevated experience that honors the environment around them and embraces the local indigenous culture.

Brande Victorian is a freelance writer, editor, producer and on-camera correspondent specializing in entertainment news and celebrity profiles. She’s currently a contributor for The Hollywood Reporter and has freelanced for Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and ESPN.com. Her former roles include Senior Entertainment Editor at ESSENCE magazine and the Content Director of the Women’s Division at iOne Digital.

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