The Stunning Coastal Costa Rican Hotel With Exclusive Surf And A Luxury Beach Club

This is the Costa Rica many of us dream about: a hilly coastline drenched in tropical forest, with views of both the glistening water and distant shores. In our fantasy, we are never far from a beach, which is not only un-crowded but maybe even private. When you want to sip a sophisticated cocktail, you can have one, basically whenever you want.  This is the dream that the Four Seasons Costa Rica turns into reality — and after an exhaustive renovation, the two-decade-old resort is more luxurious than ever.

The Four Seasons occupies 1,400 acres of pristine waterfront on the Papagayo Peninsula. This is already a favorite destination for foreign travelers; many luxury hotels have popped up on this scenic outcropping since the 1990s, and Guanacaste boasts more top-rated resorts than any other province in the country. Tourists love its easy access from Liberia International Airport as well as the Elysian beauty of the Pacific coast. Even in this crowded hospitality circuit, Four Seasons Costa Rica stands out, once again earning the brand its global reputation for award-winning excellence; improved facilities, impressive fairways, and legendary surf have made this an ideal spot for jet-setters, from retirees to honeymooners to virtual entrepreneurs.

The Four Seasons does have "rooms" in the traditional sense, such as the Terraza Room, which has a king-size bed, marble bathroom, and generous terrace overlooking the rainforest. These accommodations should satisfy most guests, who will have access to the pools, beaches, cabanas, spa, and special add-ons, like the private mixology class.

But the brand's specialty is holistic experiences for decent-sized groups and families, so if you're looking for something a little more decadent, the Four Seasons has a three-bedroom bayside villa with glass walls and a private infinity pool. Or there's the palatial five-bedroom estate, with its full kitchen, personal balconies, loft ceilings, and dining room fit for a feast. With its fresh modernist remodeling and spectacular surroundings, you could easily add this Four Seasons to any list of outstandingly beautiful hotels around the world.

The unlikeliest splendor is the Four Seasons golf course, an 18-hole masterpiece designed by Arnold Palmer himself. Not only does this par-72 course meander through the jungle, but its unique topography and superlative maintenance have earned it a "Top 100" spot from Golf Digest for courses outside the United States.

The Four Seasons benefits from a prime location at the very tip of the Papagayo Peninsula, right on Culebra Bay. Costa Rica's Pacific coast is famous for its waves, and the resort hosts its own SurfX curriculum, catering to wave-runners of all skill levels. This program provides equipment, training, and special excursions to Witches' Rock, one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. For next-level thrills, SurfX also has e-foils on hand, allowing you to levitate above the water and hit speeds of over 20 mph.

Whether you lounge around the pool, join a yoga session, experience Tibetan sound bathing, or hang ten in nearby Santa Rosa, you can finish the day at the Añejo Tapas Bar, Pesce Italian Restaurant, the Bahia Grill, Nemare American Steakhouse, or Palapita, a unique celebration of Costa Rican street food, among even more dining options. While you're savoring some of the tastiest dishes in the country, you can map out some off-site expeditions. To help, here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Costa Rica.