Some countries you visit, others live inside you long after you’ve left. Costa Rica is decidedly the latter. From the moment your plane descends over emerald rainforest canopies dotted with scarlet macaw wings, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. This is a place where howler monkeys provide the morning alarm, where sloth sightings are guaranteed, and where “pura vida” becomes less a phrase and more a philosophy that somehow makes perfect sense.
Having lived in Costa Rica myself, I understand the profound connection this country creates with those fortunate enough to call it home, even temporarily. That deep appreciation made my recent return all the more meaningful as I experienced the destination through a luxury hospitality lens, primarily stationed at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo while conducting a thorough site inspection at the Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. What struck me immediately was how each property interprets luxury in this biodiversity wonderland, creating distinct ways to experience Costa Rica’s natural magic in absolute comfort.
I am no stranger to the Peninsula Papagayo, I accompanied clients here just after the opening of Four Seasons, the first luxury resort to open in Costa Rica over 20 years ago, and I returned for my mother’s 60th birthday celebration, I watched my daughter taker her first steps here, and again to stay at a glorious private residence called The Hive. Each time I am astounded at the additional amenities found at this natural playground including top-tier golf, racquet sports, water sports, zip-lining, beach clubs, 14 miles of hiking trails, numerous beaches, ATV, surfing, fishing, kayaking and endless nature, wildlife and bio-diversity.
So much to do yet nothing seems hurried, too much to ask for, nor busy. Papagagayo is a 1,400-acre peninsula on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica in Guanacaste, that literally jets out 4 miles into the Gulf of Papagayo with views to die for. And don’t worry, Pura Vida remains a core principle, with 70% of the land designated as conservation, ensuring development doesn’t harm the delicate tropical dry forest ecosystem.
Getting There: Your Gateway to Paradise
Non-Stop flights from over 20 North American cities operate into the nearby Liberia airport, making the destination accessible from both the East and West Coasts.
For those combining Guanacaste with other areas of Costa Rica, flight access into San Jose airport in the nations capital is also an option with connections by air or ground to Peninsula Papagayo.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
My week at Four Seasons Costa Rica was nothing short of spectacular. Positioned on the stunning Peninsula Papagayo, this resort occupies 1,400 acres of pristine coastline where the Pacific Ocean meets protected dry forest. The property feels like a true sanctuary designed for those who appreciate both exceptional luxury and environmental consciousness.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Insiders Event at Four Seasons Costa Rica
I returned “home” to attend the Four Seasons Preferred Partner Insider Americas 2025 event hosted at the resort, and the energy was absolutely infectious. I was one of 100 top travel advisors that gathered with key Four Seasons corporate leadership and General Managers and Sales teams from Four Seasons hotels around the world – the connection and camaraderie was simply priceless.
From educational business sessions to hikes, yoga, golf, sailing, and evenings under the stars, what truly took my breath away however was the genuine warmth from each and every staff member at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo. Imagine hosting your biggest supporters and your sister hoteliers from around the globe – the bar is set high – but the team was absolutely flawless in every regard, engaging, surprising, and delighting their guests in every interaction. This is exactly why Four Seasons chose this property for such an important gathering of valued partners. It was an honor and a pleasure to have been a part of the fun and learning!
The Experience: Sophisticated serenity meets conscious luxury
The Accommodations: Every room and suite here celebrates Costa Rica’s indoor-outdoor living philosophy beautifully. My oceanview suite featured a private terrace where I started each morning watching sunrise paint Papagayo Bay in shades of gold and coral. The design feels effortlessly sophisticated with natural materials, soothing earth tones, and thoughtful details that enhance rather than compete with the natural beauty. The bathrooms are pure indulgence with deep soaking tubs and rain showers that become your personal spa retreat. The real show stoppers, however, are the hilltop suites at the tip of the peninsula surrounded by 300 degrees of water below and of course the incredible luxury residences at Prieta Bay!
Culinary Adventure: Dining here showcases Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity on every plate. The resort’s commitment to sourcing from local farmers and fishermen creates menus that change with the seasons and the daily catch. My breakfast ritual on the terrace, with fresh tropical fruits and perfectly prepared eggs, became something I genuinely looked forward to each morning. Whether you’re dining at the casual beach grill or the more refined Prieta restaurant, every meal celebrates the complexity and depth of modern Costa Rican cuisine.
Experiences That Matter: Four Seasons excels at creating meaningful connections to place. The guided hike through the dry forest was fascinating, learning about indigenous plants while spotting white-faced monkeys and scarlet macaws. The beach club offers world-class snorkeling, while the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course provides stunning ocean views from nearly every hole. The spa, nestled in a bamboo grove, offers treatments using indigenous ingredients and techniques that feel authentically rooted in Costa Rican healing traditions.
What made it unforgettable: The seamless integration of luxury and nature. The staff’s genuine commitment to creating personalized experiences that feel effortless yet thoughtful. The deep sense that this is luxury that truly gives back to the environment and the local community
Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The Experience: Intimate glamour in the cloud forest
Nekajui represents Ritz-Carlton’s most exclusive and intimate brand expression, and during my site inspection, I immediately understood why this property has captured the attention of the most discerning travelers. Set high on the lush hillsides of Peninsula Papagayo, with panoramic views over Culebra Bay, Nekajui feels entirely set apart. Just 15 standalone villas, each one a private sanctuary, offer a sense of stillness and seclusion that is increasingly rare and feels worlds away from anything else.
The Philosophy: This is hospitality elevated to pure artform. Every detail, from the moment you arrive to your reluctant departure, is orchestrated to feel effortlessly personal yet utterly sophisticated. The property draws deep inspiration from Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage while delivering the impeccable service standards that make Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties legendary worldwide.
The Villas: Each villa is a masterpiece of design, featuring private infinity pools, expansive terraces, and interiors that showcase the finest Costa Rican craftsmanship. The use of local materials like rich hardwoods, hand-thrown ceramics, and indigenous textiles creates spaces that feel both luxuriously appointed and authentically connected to place. The master suites open completely to the outdoors, dissolving the boundaries between interior and exterior living.
Signature Experiences: Private chef experiences featuring ingredients harvested from the property’s own organic gardens. Guided expeditions to hidden waterfalls accessible only to hotel guests. Sunset sailing on a private catamaran to secluded beaches where sea turtles come to nest under starlit skies.
What sets it apart: The complete intimacy. With just 15 villas, it truly feels like you’re staying at the world’s most luxurious private estate. This is a haven for couples wanting to relax in a really beautiful and intimate sanctuary!
Costa Rica: Exceptional Private Villas
Costa Rica also offers some truly exceptional private residences that provide an entirely different way to experience this remarkable country. For those seeking the ultimate in privacy, personalized service, and bespoke experiences, these villas represent the pinnacle of Costa Rican luxury.
What makes villas so special?
The ability to completely customize your Costa Rican experience. From private chefs creating meals tailored to your preferences, to dedicated concierges arranging exclusive experiences, to having an entire property as your “home-away-from-home”. Villa life in Costa Rica allows you to experience “pura vida” exactly as you envision it, in an unhurried, indulgent, and completely exclusive setting.
The Hive, Peninsula Papagayo
One of my absolute favorites is The Hive on the Papagayo Peninsula. This architectural masterpiece perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the most luxurious secluded hideaway on Costa Rica’s north coast. With its sleek modern design spanning over 16,000 square feet, The Hive seems to float between sea and sky. The property accommodates up to 16 guests in six beautifully designed bedrooms, each with its own unique personality and outdoor terraza. What sets The Hive apart is the exceptional team led by Executive Chef Diego and chief butler Chico, who create culinary magic using the freshest local ingredients.
- Read more about this remarkable home on my blog here: The Hive – Private Residence, Peninsula Papagayo
Villa Avellana, Prieta Estates
Nestled at the end of the gated Prieta Estates neighborhood, Villa Avellana redefines ultra-luxury with an extraordinary proposition: a fully dedicated staff of twenty professionals who anticipate your every need. Built on the largest beachfront lot within Peninsula Papagayo, this award-winning property (Best Architecture Single Residence in Costa Rica, 2023 International Property Awards) spans over 33,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor living on three private acres. What makes Villa Avellana truly exceptional is the all-inclusive nature. Everything from the private 42-foot yacht to SUP sessions in Prieta Bay, from private chefs to adventure guides, is included in your stay.
Four Seasons Private Residence at Prieta Bay
The crown jewel of Four Seasons’ residential offerings, this magnificent five-bedroom estate delivers the ultimate fusion of villa privacy and legendary Four Seasons service. Spanning 8,687 square feet with high ceilings and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the property features a gourmet European kitchen perfect for entertaining and indoor-outdoor living spaces designed for Costa Rica’s eternal sunset views. What sets this estate apart is the exclusive access to Prieta Beach Club and the personalized Four Seasons touches: personal concierge service, complimentary pantry stocking, private yoga sessions, and the option to add a dedicated personal attendant or private chef. You enjoy complete autonomy in a spectacular beachfront setting while maintaining seamless access to every Four Seasons amenity from the spa to the Arnold Palmer golf course.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica expresses herself uniquely through each luxury lens. That, in itself, is part of what makes this country so exceptional.
Each property brings its own personality, yet all share a deep reverence for Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity and the unmistakable spirit of Pura Vida. In a world where true luxury can feel increasingly elusive, these places offer a beautiful reminder.
This is Costa Rica’s magic. A place where the full spectrum exists: stillness, wildness, and everything in between. And where you choose to stay shapes the story you’ll carry home.
Pura vida, indeed.
Ready for Pura Vida living?
For an expertly guided travel experience, Resort to Laura Madrid offers full-service itinerary planning for a select group of clients. We keep our client list intentionally small to ensure every journey receives the care and attention it deserves. Please click here for more information.
Want to do things your way? Check out PERK by RTLM our go-to SELF-BOOKING tool for quick, seamless hotel stays. It’s perfect for those who already know where they want to stay, love to do their own research and travel planning, and just need a fast, VIP-approved reservation.