Although Costa Rica occupies a modest 19,700 sq. miles – West Virginia is roughly 22% bigger, to offer you a way of scale – it boasts immensely wealthy biodiversity belying its small measurement. In truth: the Central American nation lays declare to five% of all the world’s species, because of microclimates starting from dry, sun-warmed seashores to steamy jungles and the federal government’s unwavering dedication to the atmosphere.
Along with recognizing natural world at each flip, you’ll hear locals (“ticos” as they name themselves) consistently say “Pura Vida.” Actually translated as “pure life,” it’s excess of an on a regular basis phrase. In essence: it nods to discovering easy pleasure within the current second regardless of the circumstance, a mindset that feels particularly becoming for our present occasions.
Whereas there are ample choices on the subject of lodging, few channel this ethos greater than Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo – which earned a 5-Star score on this yr’s Forbes Journey Information, making it the one property in Central America to attain this distinction. Stretching throughout 1,400 scenic acres on the Papagayo Peninsula and hugged by Culebra Bay to the east and the Gulf of Papagayo to the west, this eco-luxury pioneer has 181 guestrooms, suites, and personal residences together with the just-unveiled Casa Las Olas, a smooth and secluded six-bedroom home with luxe accents like an inside courtyard backyard and near-Olympic measurement pool overlooking the bay.
There’s additionally a locally-inspired spa – the Nourishing Costa Rican Espresso Scrub spotlights freshly-ground natural beans for a blissfully fragrant and invigorating expertise – resort actions and excursions from rum tastings to guided waterfall hikes, and 4 eating shops together with Nemare, the fashionable steakhouse the place beloved head mixologist and native Costa Rican Karen Arceyuth whips up imaginative cocktails like La Zafra, a bracing concoction of native Centenario Rum, cinnamon, and orange bitters.
However whereas most individuals trip right here throughout peak vacationer months from December via April, when the local weather is dry, right here’s a journey tip: now via November, through the nation’s wet season, additionally known as the inexperienced season, is an equally great time to visit.
You’ll clearly witness rain this time of yr, however you received’t encounter perpetual downpours. As a substitute, Costa Rica’s wet season is punctuated by comparatively quick, intense bursts of inclement climate that make the pure backdrop much more lush and verdant. Plus, the bouts of rain present pretty pauses of stillness all through the day – that are finest loved out of your room’s absolutely furnished non-public terrace or at Añejo, the resort’s open-air lounge, with recent seabass ceviche and a Crystal Cranium, a rum cocktail infused with banana, pineapple, and keenness fruit.
To make your keep much more memorable throughout these quieter months, the resort launched considerate activations that can assist you additional hook up with your tropical environment and the native tradition. Its standard Coral Gardening program – which was developed in collaboration with Peninsula Papagayo and the Culebra Reef Gardens Alliance – now features a distinctive coral planting session the place company snorkel and plant their very own sponsored buildings in Culebra Bay.
And simply in time for Guanacaste Day on July 25, a vacation commemorating the annexation of the Guanacaste province to Costa Rica, the resort introduced the Chorotega Expertise. The hands-on class led by space artisan Jose Salomón Villafuerte Grijalba invitations company to immerse themselves within the time-honored custom of colourful handmade pottery made well-known by the indigenous Chorotega tribe.
And are available September, Wellness Season returns to the resort with limitless yoga and health lessons – it’s a good time to attempt the brand new Wine-Down Yoga and Seashore Boot Camp – and visiting practitioners comparable to holistic physician Dr. Ruth Lopez (September 4-10 and September 25-30) and “Happiness Coach” Yaniv Shanti (October 16-22 and October 27-31). The spa, too, is encouraging company to take time to prioritize their wellbeing through the season by providing a 3rd complimentary spa therapy after two are booked.