Four Seasons Costa Rica

An equally wonderful place for couples or families, Four Seasons Costa Rica is perfect for travelers looking for a mixture of outdoor activities and relaxation with five-star service, excellent food and luxurious surroundings.

• The warm and extremely attentive staff (which can be a rarity in Costa Rica)
• The resort’s hilltop Casa del Mar villa with five bedrooms, an infinity pool and stunning views
• The short journey to get to the resort; direct flights from many U.S. cities arrive into Libera Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from the property

Located on the Papagayo Peninsula on the northwest tip of Costa Rica, the Four Seasons offers a perfect balance of downtime and action. With a multitude of pools, beaches and activities (surfing day-trips, cooking demonstrations, outdoor spin classes), the resort allows guests to be as involved or secluded as they wish.

The hotel's 2017 renovation gave the entire property a refresh, employing airy, indoor-outdoor design, light colors and touches of Costa Rican influence. There's a new warmth to the property, and it blends more seamlessly with it's outdoorsy, Costa Rican surroundings. While we'd never call it rustic, it's adopting a more natural, neutral aesthetic that's highly conducive to relaxing amidst palm trees and spritely monkeys. 120 guest rooms are scattered among three four-story buildings clustered around the center of the resort where the pools, beaches and reception are located. There are also beautiful treetop suites nestled in the jungle and large multiple bedroom estates from which to choose. (Families should know that many of the 'residences' are designed with outdoor walkways connecting the rooms and so are not ideal for young children.) The room categories are so varied and tailored to the needs of different types of travelers that a family of six would be just as happy as a multi-generational group or honeymooners looking to maximize alone time. Among the appealing family-friendly amenities are kitchenettes and units with built in washer/dryers. Additionally, just opened in 2020, the Four Seasons added a collection of private luxury residences in the exclusive beachfront community of Prieta Bay, right next to the property, with full access to all of the facilities and amenities. Modern and fresh, these are the perfect accommodations for large groups or families looking for up accommodations up to 5 bedrooms. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team for advice booking the room best suited to their needs.

In terms of activities, Four Seasons Costa Rica offers an Arnold Palmer eighteen-hole golf course, a spa, fitness center, Kids' Club, tennis courts and a wide variety of excursions. The resort boasts multiple restaurants serving Latin American, Italian and American cuisine, as well as a casual lounge. The staff at the Four Seasons can customize almost anything from a private cookout on the beach to a romantic dinner under the stars at the golf club.

The Four Seasons is an extremely socially and environmentally conscious resort and programs to benefit the community as well as the environment are a major part of its philosophy. The eighteen-hole golf course is an eco-friendly one where each tree is cataloged by GPS. For those who enjoy giving back, the resort offers an array of social programs that encourage guests to interact with locals in need. The Backpack Buddy program allows families to fill up a backpack with school supplies that they think local students will find useful and bring it with them to the resort for delivery. The Support a Family program also allows guests to fully engage with a local family in need. A full-day or half-day can be spent with a family to help them purchase supplies they are in need of, as well as spend some downtime or share a meal together.

By far the most upscale of Costa Rica’s hotels (the others are authentic boutique hotels, but more eco-lodges than five-star resorts), the Four Seasons Costa Rica is also one of the easiest to get to. The resort is a half-hour drive from Liberia Airport (and four hours from San José Airport), but there is no need to rent a car. If you do want to explore beyond the resort, the concierge can help you book a car for the day. A great half- or full-day trip is Tamarindo, a groovy town two hours south of Papagayo renowned for excellent surfing. (Indagare Tip: If you visit Tamarindo, stop for lunch at the beachfront Lola’s.) Another regional bestseller is taking a jungle canopy tour.

While there are plenty of local influences throughout the resort, this property is grand, sophisticated and polished. If you prefer small, boutique and rustic, the Four Seasons is not for you.

This resort is a great choice for those who want an easy getaway. The friendly atmosphere, reliable Four Seasons service and numerous amenities make it a foolproof warm-weather destination.