Elite Traveler Winter 2021

WCosta Rica – Reserva Conchal, Ewow Suite GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA For a taste of the pura vida lifestyle, look no further than W Costa Rica — Reserva Conchal. Nestled among the mangroves of Guanacaste and a stone’s throw from the sandy white shores of Playa Conchal, this resort’s bold and bright interior design takes inspiration from the surrounding tropical scenery. The luxurious two- bedroom Ewow (Extreme Wow) Suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean, wood-paneled walls, an eclectic mix of modern furniture, impressive marble bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. The surf-inspired MixBar is ideal for preparing cocktails to sip while watching the sunset from the balcony. Best feature Private plunge pool with ocean views From $1,129 per night. Contact Ayeisha Antoni, W insider,

ayeisha.a.antoni@whotels.com, +506 852 719 46, marriott.com

Lapa Rios Lodge, Lapa Villa OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA

Lapa Roja is the Costa Rican name for the scarlet macaw, a spectacular bird you’ll likely see during your stay at this enchanting 17-bungalow eco-lodge nestled within 1,000 acres of private rain forest reserve on the Osa Peninsula. True global pioneers in the sustainable-travel landscape, Lapa Rios Lodge has dedicated the past 30 years to protecting the countless species of endangered flora and fauna that call this tropical paradise home. Social responsibility is also high on its list — the lodge only employs local people, and it has created and funded a nearby elementary school with guest donations. Lapa Rios proves that luxury and sustainability don’t need to be mutually exclusive, and their four new Lapa Villas perched above the treetops offer the very best of both. Decorated using elegant natural accents, a sumptuous four-poster bed offers up breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling retractable screens. The view continues in the spacious bathroom, which features two solar-powered rain showers. Best feature Wraparound deck with plunge pool overlooking both the rain forest and ocean, giving guests the chance to spot passing monkeys and birds as well as whales and dolphins in the Golfo Dulce From $1,442 per night. Contact Greivin Alvarez, sales supervisor, greivin@boena.com, +1 800 963 1195, laparios.com

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Casa do Lago TRANCOSO, BRAZIL Despite its status as one of the gliterati’s most coveted destinations, the beachside town of Trancoso in Brazil’s northern Bahia state somehow manages to make visitors feel like they’ve stumbled across a hidden gem. The place to stay is UXUA, a collection of exquisitely designed casas in the town’s car-free Unesco-protected town square. The newly completed three-bedroom Casa do Lago, deep within the eco-resort’s tropical gardens, is the largest of all. Like all of UXUA’s one-of-a-kind suites, Casa do Lago is the brainchild of designer and former Diesel creative director, Wilbert Das. Das used reclaimed wood from disused farms to construct this beautiful re-interpretation of classic Brazilian style. Luxurious yet unfussy, hundreds of tiny details such as the Brazilian artworks and bespoke handmade artisanal fixtures and fittings make Casa do Lago unlike any other. Best feature The suite is positioned on a swimmable lake that is home to rare fish species From $960 per night + 13% service tax. Contact Luciana Sae, sales director, luciana@uxua.com, +55 733 668 2277, uxua.com