The Gulf of Papagayo and Guanacaste province off the north western coast of Costa Rica is a rich natural ecosystem of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rainforest scenery. Nestled between the flora and fauna is El Mangroove Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel that blends flawlessly with its natural surroundings. After relaxing at the Bearth Spa or enjoying the cuisine at Mangroove’s in-house dining experiences, take some time to soak up the sun on the beach.
Costa Rica has become the world’s posterchild for natural beauty. Roughly 20 percent of the country has been set aside as national parks and reserves, two of which have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The abundance of rainforest and access to untouched beaches gives visitors a variety of unique outdoor experiences to choose from. While you’re in Costa Rica, be sure to enjoy these luxe experiences:
Sail to the Most Secluded Beaches
If there is one thing Costa Rica is known for, its beaches. Black, white, and even pink sand beaches dot the coastline and are often so secluded that they cannot be found on commercial maps. One of the best ways to get to the secluded, unmapped beaches is by hiring a private ship for the day. While onboard, guests are treated to an open bar, gourmet food service, and snorkeling gear. Ask your captain to take your group to the beach at Playa Conchal, which is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in northern Costa Rica. This location is notorious for its seclusion, and has smooth white sand that massages your feet as you walk across it. A full day, private excursion to this one-of-a-kind beach is well worth it for the approximately $4,800 that Marlin del Rey Sailing Tours charges for the trip.
Get Up Close and Personal with Wildlife
Despite only being approximately the same size as the American state of West Virginia, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with over 500,000 different species of animals calling it home. No trip to this country would be complete without seeing some of these colorful creatures. After getting picked up at your resort, book a Get Your Guide tour that will take you on lush river escapade through Palo Verde National Park. On the tour you’ll be able to lounge while enjoying the views of monkeys, iguanas and crocodiles. The tour breaks for lunch next to the riverbed before embarking on the next phase of the journey: The Beneficio Matambu. This location is home to the exclusive Diria coffee, which guests will be able to sample before ending the tour.
Take a Dip in a Volcanic Hot Spring
Costa Rica sits atop the Ring of Fire, a zone known for its volcanic activity. As a result, there are five active volcanoes in the region and a number of volcanic hot springs that surround them. The Tabacon hot springs are situated around the largest of the five volcanoes, the Arenal, and are the oldest and most popular swimming holes. Take a full day to explore the area, which includes both a hot and cold river, a swim-up bar that serves hand crafted cocktails, and a 20 foot waterslide. After taking a dip in the healing sulphuric waters, enjoy a treatment or two at the world famous Grand Spa, which was voted The Sexiest Spa in the World by Spa Magazine in 2010. Book a 105-minute Idyllic massage before indulging in their signature moisturizing milk bath and an exfoliating coffee and honey facial. Enjoying these unique treatments will run you around $220 for every 2-hour session you spend in the spa.
Soar High in a Private Helicopter
Seeing Costa Rice from the ground is magnificent and all, but the best way to take in all of its beauty is to see it from above. The Two Oceans Tour offered by private helicopter company Fly Helijet gives guests the opportunity to sample both the Eastern and Western coasts of the country over the course of six hours. The trip begins by flying over the rainforests of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Tortuguero National Park before landing adjacent to the forest’s entrance. Guests will then get to tour the canals by boat while admiring the plants and animals surrounding them. After a quick dip in the Caribbean, you’re off again to see Costa Rica’s east coast, where you’ll fly over the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and Las Catalinas before stopping for lunch at a luxurious beach club.
