Elite Traveler Summer 2023

PENINSULA PAPAGAYO

This page, clockwise Peninsula Papagayo; Casas Las Olas Four Seasons; Ritz-Carlton at Papagayo; The Enclaves

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Costa Rica is home to countless naturally beautiful spots. If it’s a breathtaking setting you’re after, you’ll be hard-pressed to fi nd better than Peninsula Papagayo, an idyllic coastal retreat situated in the northwest of the Guanacaste province. The 1,400-acre resort is surrounded by the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, a patchwork of protected areas home to a diverse array of wildlife including endangered mangrove hummingbirds, leatherback sea turtles, and over 8,000 species of butter fl ies and moths. Eco-conscious travelers will be pleased to hear Pensinula Papagayo is doing its bit to protect these sublime surroundings. The resort has several initiatives in place to minimize its impact on the environment, from coral reef restoration programs to carbon o ff setting schemes. Properties here are seriously exclusive. Four Seasons has a collection of luxury cli ff -top villas overlooking Prieta Bay with residents given access to the resort’s long list of amenities: housekeeping, private chefs and kids’ clubs, to name a few. Ritz-Carlton has also thrown its hat into the ring, announcing Nekajui — a residential enclave set to open in 2024. Designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the villas and estate homes will feature cool stone walls, solid wood front doors carved from Guanacaste cedar and teak-clad beamed ceilings. Other properties currently for sale include a gorgeous collection of fi ve-bedroom homes — The Enclaves — designed by revered Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher. Due for delivery in 2025, the homes are ideal for families thanks to the spacious communal areas. The best place to soak up the ocean views will be from the heated saltwater pools out on the terrace. All homeowners have access to Peninsula Papagayo’s private club, where they can get to know the other residents and make lifelong friends. The amenities are extensive: a beachside clubhouse, beach cabanas, two signature restaurants, three pools, and a gym and spa. Other facilities that deserve a mention include the marina (Papagayo isn’t far from the Galapagos Islands, so it’s well worth planning a yacht trip); the Nature Center where guides are on hand to help you plan treks beyond the reserve; and the perfectly manicured 18-hole golf course. Nekajui Ritz-Carlton homes from $4.9m; The Enclaves residences from $6m, peninsulapapagayo.com

Photos Rupert Peace, Nicholas Brown