As one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, Guanacaste has gained a name for itself as a tropical paradise with a pristine shoreline, beautiful mountain ranges, and a number of volcanoes. Visitors are drawn to the long summer days, active culture and unparalleled wildlife. Located in the far northwest corner of Costa Rica, Guanacaste’s geographical features are diverse and exotic. 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 of Guanacaste. Here are our top 5 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 with almost all rooms having some kind of 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 any girls trip or for couples that are 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 Thailand style cooking with Costa Rican ingredients.
LAS CATALINAS SANTERENA HOTEL
Las Catalinas 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 in 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, a small town has grown to become a destination with luxury vacation rentals, shops, restaurants, and its own 5 star hotel. All why 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 that is on-site.
KASIIYA PAPAGAYO
If you are looking for a safari-like experience but may not have the budget or time to visit Africa, the Kaiiya Papagayo offers a cost-effective alternative. This 5 star resort is truly off the beaten path, as the hotel staff has to come pick you up where the road ends to take you to the resort. Once you arrive at the resort, it is so peaceful and you truly do feel as if you are one with nature at the start. The hotel is made up of only 5 tented camps. The staff all live on-site to provide you with the 5 star service you are looking for. The property is located directly on one secluded beach, but you will also access to an even more private beach with great opportunities for snorkeling. Wildlife is plentiful: there are monkeys in the trees at all times, and, if you are lucky, they say you might even catch a glimpse of an anteater in action.
Ourisman Travel Tip: Make sure you take advantage of the free snorkeling with one of the expert staff members as your guide.
ANDAZ PAPAGAYO
The Andaz Papagayo’s motto is: relax, reconnect, recharge. You will be able to check off all of those boxes as you stimulate your senses at one of our favorite luxury hotels of 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: Get serenaded by birds and ocean waves as you receive a couples massage up in the trees at the Onda Spa.
FOUR SEASONS AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO
Between two beaches on the Pacific Ocean sits the amazing Four Seasons Costa Rica. This resort brings ultra luxury with a flare of Costa Rican culture. Read our in-depth site inspection blog for all of the details on our top pick of the luxury hotels of Guanacaste
Ourisman Travel Tip: The Four Seasons offers a free Costa Rican rum tasting several times throughout the day.
