As one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, Guanacaste has become a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges, and several volcanoes. Visitors are drawn to the long summer days, active culture, and unparalleled wildlife. Guanacaste’s geographical features are diverse and exotic in the far northwest corner of Costa Rica. With endless options for recreation, there are countless reasons why locals and international visitors alike travel to Guanacaste and why you have so many choices for luxury hotels in Guanacaste. Read along for our top picks.
W Costa Rica
When you think of the W Costa Rica, think bold. This resort is located in Guanacaste, about 30 minutes from the Liberia airport. The W combines all the color and flare of Costa Rica with a 5-star hotel experience. Every aspect of the hotel was designed with something Costa Rican in mind. For example, the main lobby is designed to look like you are in a forest of Guanacaste trees. The W has 150 rooms, almost all with an ocean view. The hotel offers two restaurants and three bar areas. The W is right on the beach and offers an amazing beach club experience. The hotel has a fun vibe and would be great for girls’ trips or couples looking to let their hair down.
Ourisman Travel Tip: Be sure to check out Latitud 10 Norte. Costa Rica shares the same latitude as Thailand, and this restaurant combines Thai-style cooking with Costa Rican ingredients.
Santarena Hotel
Santarena Hotel is one of the most unique properties I have ever visited and my favorite of the properties I was able to visit in Costa Rica. Las Catalinas is a small beach town that popped up around 2008. The idea was to build vacation rentals along a beautiful stretch of beach in Guanacaste. Since 2008, the small town has become a destination with luxury vacation rentals, shops, restaurants, and a 5-star hotel. All while trying to stay true to their mission of creating a way of life that is healthy, sustainable, fulfilling, and fun. At Las Catalinas you have the ability to stay in either the 5 star hotel called the Santarena Hotel or in one of the private homes. The private homes are perfect for any size group or family, as many properties have 3+ bedrooms. Santarena Hotel is great for couples looking to get away and enjoy some beach time.
Ourisman Travel Tip: If you are staying in one of the vacation houses, you can have the staff order your food for the week, or you can visit the grocery store on-site.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo
Andaz Papagayo’s motto is: relax, reconnect, recharge. You can check off all of those boxes as you stimulate your senses at one of our favorite luxury hotels in Guanacaste. The hotel offers two beaches, a world-class golf course, a first-class spa, an extensive activity program, and distinctive dining experiences.
Rooms are a good size, with floor-to-ceiling windows and folding glass doors that invite the magic of the tropical forest into your living space. This is the perfect resort if you are looking for a luxury experience in Papagayo but might not have the budget for the Four Seasons.
Ourisman Travel Tip: At the Onda Spa, you can be serenaded by birds and ocean waves while receiving a couples massage up in the trees.
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
The amazing Four Seasons Costa Rica sits between two beaches on the Pacific Ocean. This resort brings ultra-luxury with a flare of Costa Rican culture. Read our in-depth site inspection blog for all the details on our top pick of luxury hotels in Guanacaste.
Ourisman Travel Tip: The Four Seasons offers a free Costa Rican rum tasting several times daily.
We are a Top 30 Globally Ranked Preferred Partner with Four Seasons and can offer exclusive perks and the highest VIP status at all FS properties worldwide. Your reservation gets flagged for ultimate VIP treatment, putting you ahead of hundreds of other guests. With us, you can expect more room upgrades, personalized service, a no-walk guarantee during overbookings, and continuous support before, during, and after your stay. Contact us to learn more.
