Four Seasons Costa Rica Review: Luxury Resort, Activities & Dining

I spent a week at the Four Seasons Costa Rica, nestled on the breathtaking Peninsula Papagayo. It was an unforgettable blend of adventure and pure relaxation, perfect for anyone planning a high-end Costa Rican getaway focused on connecting with nature. Whether traveling as a family or with friends, this resort offers a unique experience. Read on for my detailed Four Seasons Costa Rica review and essential tips for visiting this remarkable property, a gem for Costa Rica luxury travel.

How Much Does Four Seasons Costa Rica Cost?

A Terraza Room King at Four Seasons Costa Rica starts from around $1,513/night, while the Canopy Suite One-Bedroom runs closer to $3,428/night with a sofa bed, a private terrace and sea views across 95 m². Rates shift often with availability and platform promotions, so it’s worth a quick check across sites before booking — we’ve seen genuine swings of 10–20% for the same dates. Taking 5 minutes to compare the websites below can save you hundreds of dollars. To save time, you can simply click on the links below where we have already entered the info for Four Seasons Costa Rica.

Check the rate on Booking.com — free cancellation on most room types, no prepayment needed.
Compare on Trip.com — often worth a look for travelers based in Asia.
See it on Expedia — useful if you’re bundling flights with your stay, and they sometimes have better prices than Booking.com.

Four Seasons Costa Rica at a Glance

Why Trust This Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Review?

I stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo myself, and everything in this review comes from that stay — the photos included, shot on my own camera. I’ve traveled to 135 countries, from Tuscany to Fiji, and I only review the places I’ve actually stayed — this is one of them. After a career of near-weekly hotel stays as a management consultant, and more than 30 liveaboard trips as a diver, I judge hotels on what actually matters — beds, breakfasts, service recovery and value — and I publish the cons alongside the pros. More on how I review on my author page.

What is the Closest Airport to Four Seasons Costa Rica?

When planning your trip and wondering about the closest airport to Four Seasons Costa Rica, you have two main options :

You can fly into either Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia (LIR) or Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose (SJO). San Jose (SJO) often has more international flight options, but it involves a 4-hour drive to reach the 4 seasons hotel in Costa Rica on the Papagayo Peninsula. We initially arrived in San Jose and rented a car. The drive uses excellent, easy roads, though some single-lane sections can cause delays. While not exceptionally scenic, the journey is pleasant.

For our departure, I flew out of Liberia Airport (LIR). This is undoubtedly the closest airport to Four Seasons Costa Rica, only about a 40-minute drive away. Using LIR was a significantly more efficient use of time for accessing this premier resort experience.

If you’ve booked a residence or villa at the Four Seasons featuring a full kitchen, you might want to stock up on groceries. There’s a Walmart near Liberia Airport, approximately one hour from the resort, making it convenient to stop on your way from LIR airport.

Checking in at the Four Seasons Costa Rica

Unfortunately, our check-in experience was a bit of a disaster. However, please don’t let this deter you from visiting the Four Seasons Costa Rica, as the remainder of our stay was fantastic! Feel free to skip to the next section if you wish to avoid my (rather lengthy) account of our check-in mishap.

The drive onto the Peninsula Papagayo is stunning, offering dramatic cliff views framed by palm trees at every turn. We were excited to spot a few coatis beside the road, an early glimpse into why this is considered one of the top nature resorts Costa Rica offers. For anyone asking “where is the Four Seasons in Costa Rica?”, the answer lies on this breathtaking peninsula.

We arrived around 11 a.m. and were informed that the previous occupants of our room had already checked out. We were told that our room would likely be ready around 12:00 p.m.

We requested that our groceries be stored in a refrigerator and decided to explore the resort.

At noon, I called reception, only to be told the room wasn’t ready yet. At 12:45 pm, I called again. This time, a different staff member informed me that our room wouldn’t be available for at least another 2 hours because the previous guests had *just* checked out minutes before. This caused confusion, as we’d received conflicting information earlier. Had we known about the potential 4-hour wait instead of one, we would have changed into swimwear to enjoy the pool. The receptionist responded rather curtly, stating that check-in was officially at 3 pm anyway and implied I must have misunderstood.

At 3 pm, we received a call confirming our room was ready. We were driven to a room in building 62. The bellboy mentioned he had already placed our groceries in the fridge.

Upon entering, I noticed my room key was for a different room, located in building 60. This led me to suspect our initially assigned room might have been given to someone else, potentially explaining the extended wait. Furthermore, our groceries were missing. They arrived about 20 minutes later, unfortunately warm, forcing us to discard some items. Overall, this check-in process fell short of the high standards typically expected from a Four Seasons hotel.

Our checkout also had a slight hiccup. While walking back to our room for a quick lunch before departure, I encountered a staff member leaving our room. Assuming we had already checked out, she had emptied the fridge. I found our groceries sitting on the kitchen counter, warming up again. While I’m confident these were isolated incidents, improved communication amongst staff could have prevented some frustration.

Review of the Resort Costa Rica

The Four Seasons resort is majestically positioned at the tip of the Peninsula Papagayo. It occupies a stunning piece of land enveloped in tropical rainforest. Staying here felt akin to residing within a national park; wildlife encounters were frequent, often just steps from our room. Coatis, monkeys, and iguanas were common sights, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for experiencing Costa Rica’s nature. You can learn more about the Peninsula Papagayo region and its commitment to conservation. This truly defines the experience when considering where to stay Peninsula Papagayo.

The resort’s central hub revolves around the reception area. Here, you’ll find the four swimming pools, various restaurants offering diverse Four Seasons Costa Rica dining experiences, the spa, and access to two distinct beaches. One beach faces the tranquil Papagayo Bay, while the other opens onto the Pacific Ocean. Both offer beautiful settings and excellent swimming conditions. The Pacific-facing beach is particularly renowned for its stunning sunsets.

Accommodation options include standard hotel rooms as well as larger residences. These residences, ranging from two to four bedrooms, come equipped with kitchens and offer significantly more space, making them ideal for families looking for upscale Costa Rica luxury travel options. They represent some of the finest accommodation choices among luxury resorts Costa Rica features in this region.

Upon arrival, I initially felt slightly underwhelmed by the appearance of the pools and some buildings, which seemed a bit dated (reminiscent of the 80s), and the pools are relatively shallow. Additionally, the residences don’t universally offer the dramatic sea views or ‘wow’ factor found at some other Four Seasons properties. However, it took a couple of days for me to fully grasp and appreciate the unique spirit of the Four Seasons Costa Rica. This resort was intentionally designed to coexist with nature, prioritizing integration over ostentation. It’s a place built for genuine connection with the environment, not just for Instagram moments.

Review of the Pacific 3-Bedroom Residence at Four Seasons Costa Rica

The three-bedroom residences are an excellent choice for families or groups of friends traveling together, providing a superb option for where to stay in Peninsula Papagayo. These accommodations are near the main reception area, nestled amongst the canopy trees near the resort’s entrance. They offer ample space, ideal for both entertainment and relaxation.

The interior design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty. The color palette complements the lush scenery outside. Room lighting is well-balanced, and the use of wooden furniture enhances the eco-friendly feel, creating a partial indoor-outdoor living experience. Importantly, all windows and doors are screened against mosquitos, allowing guests to sleep with windows open, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves if they choose.

Some residences offer captivating views of the Pacific Ocean directly from the windows. While my specific unit didn’t boast a significant sea view, the gentle sound of the waves was still audible. Initially, I found the obstructed view slightly frustrating – isn’t a beach holiday partly about seeing the sea? However, my perspective quickly shifted. The decision to preserve the trees and build in communion with nature is precisely what makes this luxury resort in Costa Rica so unique. Buildings are minimally visible from the beach, fostering an immersive feeling of being enveloped by nature.

If a sea view is crucial for your stay, specifically request a residence known for its ocean vistas when booking your Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo stay. Many views are partially obstructed by trees, but some units, particularly those on the third floor, offer better views. Note that residence buildings lack elevators, so guests with mobility concerns may prefer lower-level units.

Our residence featured three comfortable bedrooms, each with a large bathroom and dressing area. It was spacious for six people, making it ideal for luxury family travel. The sound insulation proved excellent, as we heard no noise from neighbors below throughout our week-long stay. We also enjoyed a semi-outdoor terrace with a coffee table and a large living room featuring a fully equipped kitchen.

The resort’s tap water is 100% potable. Furthermore, the refrigerator included an extra filter for purified cold water, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.

The residence is well-suited for entertaining, equipped with a Bose speaker for music. A convenient laundry room with a washing machine and dryer is also included, perfect for longer trips or drying swimwear after a day exploring the beaches and engaging in Four Seasons Costa Rica activities.

We stayed in building 60, the closest to the main reception area. This proximity offered easy access to the spa, gym, and pools. However, it also meant occasional noise disturbances. We could hear music from early morning gym classes, staff cleaning the gym facilities around 3 a.m., and music from a wedding reception one evening. Thankfully, all amplified music ceased by 10 p.m.

Renovation and the New Papagayo Suites at Four Seasons Costa Rica

The resort has just been through another round of changes, and it matters if you are booking now. According to the resort and the Tico Times, Four Seasons Costa Rica closed from 1 to 30 September 2026 for renovation work and reopened on 1 October 2026. My own stay, and the photos in this review, predate these updates, so treat what follows as reported by the resort rather than something I have slept in myself.

The headline addition is a set of ten new one-bedroom Papagayo Suites, announced by Four Seasons in July 2026 and covered by Hospitality Net. Each suite is about 112 m² (1,206 sq ft) with a king bedroom, a separate living room and a large terrace overlooking Papagayo Bay. They sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children, which makes them a realistic option for families who do not want a full residence. Design details include custom furniture, curved soaking tubs and marble bathrooms in a sand, papaya and pale-blue palette. First stays start on 17 December 2026, and nightly rates had not been published when I last checked.

Other changes announced for the same project:

• Nemare, the steakhouse at the golf clubhouse, has been redesigned around Guanacaste’s sabanero (cowboy) culture, with leather banquettes, communal outdoor tables and an expanded terrace.
• The Miramar Presidential Suite, a three-bedroom unit with its own pool and terraces, has been reimagined as a private indoor-outdoor space.
• Guest rooms received a light refresh with softer, more residential furnishings.
• Event spaces, including a ballroom of more than 4,000 sq ft, have been redesigned with a biophilic, tropical look.

If you are comparing room types, the Papagayo Suites sit between a standard room and the multi-bedroom residences I describe above. Prices for all of them move with season, so check live rates in the booking section earlier in this guide.

Top Four Seasons Costa Rica Activities

The Peninsula Papagayo provides an exceptional setting to reconnect with nature, and most Four Seasons Costa Rica activities reflect this focus. There’s an abundance of things to do, making our seven-night stay feel almost too brief. Ensure you allocate enough time to experience this remarkable destination fully.

The Four Seasons Costa Rica boasts a fantastic program of complimentary activities – one of the most impressive I’ve encountered at any hotel. Be sure to take full advantage of these offerings.

Book your desired activities promptly upon arrival, as popular events often reach full capacity quickly. We found ourselves unable to participate in activities for the first day and a half because everything was fully booked. However, we successfully scheduled all preferred activities for the remainder of the week.

Even if an activity shows as full, it’s often worth checking at the scheduled time. Throughout the week, we observed that many registered guests failed to attend. Frequently, we were the sole participants in activities originally booked for 8 or 10 people. Please, if your plans change and you cannot attend a booked activity, cancel your reservation so other guests can enjoy the opportunity.

Review of Golfing at Papagayo Peninsula and the Trail of the Giants Tour

The golf course here is truly spectacular, attracting many visitors who are specifically interested in golfing at the Four Seasons Costa Rica. It’s a signature element of the resort experience on the peninsula.

For non-golfers, the “Trail of the Giants” tour offers an excellent alternative to explore the scenic golf course and encounter local wildlife.

We were provided with golf carts and guided through the most picturesque parts of the domain, enjoying panoramic views.

Lasting approximately 90 minutes, this tour served as an excellent introduction to the Peninsula’s natural beauty. Our guide shared insights into the local fauna and flora, and we spotted coatis, monkeys, and numerous bird species. This is a highly recommended activity, particularly enjoyable for families with children.

Birdwatching at the Four Seasons Costa Rica

The bird-watching tour involves a leisurely walk through a beautiful forest setting. Our guide for the day came equipped with binoculars and possessed an incredible talent for spotting birds. We observed countless species, ranging from tiny hummingbirds (Colibrí) to large eagles. We also witnessed a family of monkeys playfully navigating the trees and observed active beehives.

The tour concluded with a visit to the nature center, where the manager shared fascinating facts. Did you know that some birds utilize spider webs to construct their nests? Similar to the Trail of the Giants tour, the nature center visit is another excellent and educational Four Seasons Costa Rica activity for children.

Mangrove Tour at the Four Seasons Papagayo

We took a short car ride to Nacascolo Beach and then embarked on a 90-minute walk into the mangroves behind it. Our guide provided excellent explanations about the area’s geography, plant life, and animal behaviors. It was fascinating to see the numerous crabs cautiously observing us in the mangrove. This tour is highly recommended; the walk is flat and relatively easy, showcasing why this property is considered one of the best nature resorts Costa Rica has.

Apply mosquito repellent before this tour. While mosquitoes were virtually absent within the main Four Seasons resort area, the mangrove environment had a noticeable population.

Review of the Kayak Tours at the Four Seasons Costa Rica

Kayaking offers a fantastic perspective on the Peninsula and allows you to discover its hidden surrounding beaches. We participated in the kayak tour heading towards Nacascolo beach. This is the longest available kayak tour and provides a substantial workout, involving approximately 40 minutes of paddling each way, totaling over 5 kilometers! My arms certainly felt the effort afterward. Nacascolo itself is a beautiful beach teeming with wildlife. Despite sore arms the next day, this Four Seasons Costa Rica activity was worthwhile.

For a shorter kayaking experience, consider the Jicaro beach tour. It visits the beach just before Nacascolo, covering roughly half the distance.

Snorkeling Expedition at the Four Seasons Papagayo

I had initially booked the snorkeling excursion for a Monday, but the group tour was canceled due to schedule changes (which can vary week to week). Demonstrating the fantastic service characteristic of the Four Seasons Costa Rica, the concierge assured me they would arrange a private snorkeling tour instead. I was thoroughly impressed. We snorkeled directly off Playa Blanca, exploring the small rock formations to the right side of the beach. The underwater life was abundant, featuring plenty of fish, a nurse shark encountered at about 2 meters depth, and even a scorpionfish. Quite impressive for a 60-minute snorkel session right off the resort beach!

Rum and Chocolate Tasting and Mixology

The Four Seasons Costa Rica dining and beverage program includes engaging daily tasting classes. Guests can choose from options like:

• Rum and Chocolate Pairing
• Mixology Workshop
• Infused Rum Tasting

These classes provide entertaining diversions, distinctly different from the nature-focused Four Seasons Costa Rica activities.

The Mixology class is outstanding for learning cocktail preparation in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We crafted a Mojito and a mango margarita, and it proved an excellent opportunity to socialize with other guests.

The Rum and Chocolate tasting was presented more seriously, offering plenty of information about the history of rum production. Naturally, the session included tasting four distinct rums thoughtfully paired with different chocolates.

Exercising at the Gym and Yoga

Yoga provides an excellent start to the day at the resort. I participated in the gentle yoga class and thoroughly enjoyed it. My only minor critique is that the yoga room was located indoors, lacking a view, and felt a bit too cold for my preference. The instructor led a gentle, flowing practice. With only two participants, the session was very relaxing. The Four Seasons offers a robust yoga and exercise schedule, featuring 3 to 4 classes daily (note: a fee of approximately 25 USD per class applied during my visit).

A well-equipped gym is also available for fitness enthusiasts who maintain their routines while on vacation. Judging by its frequent occupancy during my trip, many guests take advantage of this facility.

Relaxing at the Spa

Spas at Four Seasons properties are typically fantastic, and the Four Seasons Papagayo Costa Rica upheld this reputation. I indulged in a rainforest massage, which was incredibly soothing. Softness truly defined the experience. My therapist possessed exceptionally gentle hands, and the bathrobe and massage table linens felt like pure silk. If you enjoy pampering, don’t miss this experience, a highlight among relaxing activities.

The spa features beachfront hot and cold plunge pools, along with a steam room, accessible to guests even without a scheduled treatment. I found this area so relaxing that I visited almost daily.

Where to Eat at Four Seasons Costa Rica: Restaurants and Bars

Dining here is à la carte, so it is worth knowing the options before you arrive. You can find more info about the menus on the resort’s own dining pages. Opening days and hours change with the season, so confirm with the concierge and reserve the sit-down restaurants in advance, especially in high season.

Bahía: wood-fired Latin grill

The all-day restaurant, built around a wood-burning open kitchen with locally sourced ingredients, under Chef José “Kike” Retana. Reservations are available.

Pesce: Italian with local seafood

An elegant dinner restaurant with panoramic ocean views, pasta and local seafood, and a long wine list. Chef Victor Castro leads the kitchen.

Nemare: steakhouse at the golf clubhouse

American-style steakhouse with craft cocktails and smoke-infused dishes, recently redesigned (see the renovation section above).

Virador Beach Club: Mediterranean and Levantine

A bohemian beachside lounge serving fresh seafood and shared plates with ocean views, from Chef Khaled Natour. Reservations are available.

Añejo: crudos, tapas and the evening hub

Breakfast here includes açaí bowls and green juices, and in the evening it turns into a lively crudo and tapas bar with Asian influences and a DJ. Chef Marco Chan runs the menu.

Palapita: Costa Rican street food

The casual stop at the tennis centre, serving local street food and beer from Papagayo Brewery.

La Reserva: the rum bar

A mixology-focused bar pouring premium Latin American rums, with custom blending. It pairs well with the rum and chocolate tasting I describe in the activities section.

Pool and beach dining

Coastal-inspired casual food and tropical cocktails are served poolside and on the beach, which is where most lunches will happen.

In-room and private dining

In-room dining is available throughout the resort. Private options include villa dining, a private dinner on Virador or Blanca beach, a garden table, a brunch picnic, a sunset experience at Virador and a stargazing-themed “Taste of the Stars” dinner. The resort also offers private cooking demonstrations and rum, coffee, chocolate, mixology and wine classes, plus a Latin Journey prix-fixe menu.

Tip: because most meals are charged on top of your room rate, decide early how much you want to eat at the resort versus nearby. The kids’ menu rule below can save families money.

Four Seasons Costa Rica with Kids: Kids For All Seasons Club

This is a family-friendly resort, and the children’s programme is complimentary for registered guests. Details below are from the resort’s family page.

• Kids For All Seasons (ages 4 to 12): open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with children under 4 welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The club has a shallow outdoor pool, a nature-themed playground and indoor activity spaces. Activities include shell quests, pool games, arts and crafts, nature hikes, pottery painting and cookie decorating.
• Tuanis Teen Centre (ages 10 to 18): open from noon to 8 p.m., with a movie and game lounge, pool table, video games, and basketball, soccer and pickleball courts. Tournaments and sunset hikes are part of the schedule.
• Papagayo Explorers: family activities outside the club, such as wildlife tours, kayaking, surfing and guided nature walks.
• Dining: children under five eat free from the children’s menu at the restaurants (in-room dining excluded).
• Babysitting: available with 48 hours’ notice.

For families, the guided nature activities I cover above (mangrove walk, kayaking, snorkelling, birdwatching) are the easiest way to spend a day without leaving the resort. If you are travelling with older children or another couple, the residences and the new Papagayo Suites are the best use of space.

Diving from the Four Seasons Papagayo

The waters surrounding the Peninsula Papagayo teem with marine life. Certified divers should not miss the chance to dive in this region. The diving opportunities are incredible, with potential sightings of manta rays, bull sharks, whitetip reef sharks, nurse sharks, and abundant nudibranchs. Diving and water sports activities are typically facilitated by reputable third-party operators. We booked directly with Rock Divers Costa Rica and had an exceptional day out on the water. You can read the full review of our diving adventure here. They picked us up straight from the Four Seasons beach so it was very convenient.

Sustainability at this Luxury Costa Rica Resort

The Four Seasons Costa Rica demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability initiatives, solidifying its status as a leading eco-conscious choice among high-end resorts in the country. Visible efforts in the room include:

• Exclusive use of glass bottles for water.
• Absence of plastic straws throughout the property.

Beyond guest-facing practices, the Four Seasons implements significant behind-the-scenes measures:

• A robust solid waste management program.
• Efficient electricity management strategies.
• Comprehensive training for all employees on sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the broader Peninsula Papagayo development has pledged to preserve 70 percent of its land as untouched natural habitat, actively protecting biodiversity through dedicated animal and tree conservation programs. This commitment ensures the region remains a pristine example of the beautiful nature resorts Costa Rica is known for.

What Is Included at Four Seasons Costa Rica, and What Costs Extra?

The Four Seasons Costa Rica is not all-inclusive, but it is more generous than that suggests. Of all the Four Seasons I have stayed at, this one has the best free activities. During my stay the guided nature activities were complimentary: the Trail of the Giants tour, birdwatching, the mangrove walk, the kayak tours and snorkelling. Meals, spa treatments, golf and diving with a third-party operator are charged on top, and yoga classes cost around 25 USD each when I was there.

Tap water in the resort is safe to drink, and the refrigerators in the residences have a filter for cold purified water, so there is no need to buy bottled water.

Best Time to Visit Four Seasons Costa Rica on Peninsula Papagayo?

The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is situated in the Guanacaste province, a region somewhat sheltered by volcanoes. This geography contributes to a microclimate characterized by less rainfall and lower hurricane risk than Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

Our visit occurred in mid-August, technically during the rainy season (often referred to by hotels as the “green” season). We found the rainy season had minimal impact on our trip. Rain occurred primarily at night, and we only experienced approximately 3 to 4 hours of daytime rain accumulated over the entire week. This makes planning your trip feasible even during the green season.

Final Thoughts: Four Seasons Costa Rica Review Summary

The Four Seasons Costa Rica stands out as arguably one of Costa Rica’s finest hotels and a top-tier luxury destination. With its long-standing reputation for excellent service, guests enjoy a sophisticated ambiance, comfortable accommodations (including family-friendly residences), diverse Four Seasons Costa Rica dining options, a superb spa, engaging nature-based Four Seasons Costa Rica activities, and stunning beaches.

While those seeking bustling nightlife might look elsewhere, nature enthusiasts will find this Four Seasons property a dream destination. Its seamless integration with the incredible natural environment of the Peninsula Papagayo, combined with renowned Four Seasons service, creates an unforgettable vacation experience and a highlight for any Costa Rica luxury travel. You can explore more of our Costa Rica travel guides here.

If you have decided, check more than one site first, because prices for the same dates can swing by 10–20%. Booking.com is where I would start, as most room types come with free cancellation. Trip.com can be competitive, especially if you are travelling from Asia, and Expedia is handy if you are bundling flights and sometimes beats Booking.com. It is also worth a quick comparison against booking direct with the resort.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Four Seasons Costa Rica

Pros:

• Unbeatable Natural Setting: Located on the stunning and wildlife-rich Peninsula Papagayo.
• Exceptional Activities: Extensive program of complimentary nature tours, water sports, and guided experiences (like birdwatching, kayaking).
• Luxury Accommodation: Spacious rooms and residences, ideal for families and groups seeking comfort.
• Beautiful Beaches: Access to two distinct and lovely beaches (Pacific and Bay side) suitable for swimming and relaxing.
• Renowned Service: Generally high Four Seasons service standards and attentive, friendly staff throughout the resort.
• Excellent Spa: High-quality treatments and relaxing facilities including complimentary access to plunge pools and steam room.
• Sustainability Focus: Strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts.
• Convenient Airport Access: Relatively close (approx. 40-45 mins drive) to Liberia International Airport (LIR).

Cons:

• Booking Activities Needed: Popular complimentary activities require prompt booking upon arrival as they can fill up fast.
• Dated Aesthetics in Some Areas: Some guests might find certain elements like the pool design slightly dated compared to newer resorts.
• Variable Views from Residences: Sea views are not guaranteed and often obstructed by trees; specific requests are recommended.
• Potential for Noise: Rooms located very close to central facilities (like the gym/spa) might experience some ambient noise.
• Limited Nightlife: The resort prioritizes tranquility and nature over evening entertainment or nightlife options.
• Extra Fees for Some Activities: While many activities are complimentary, some fitness classes (like yoga) incurred an additional fee during the stay.

Four Seasons Costa Rica Review: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Four Seasons Costa Rica located?

The Four Seasons Costa Rica is located on the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo in the Guanacaste province, on the northwestern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This stunning location is known for its dramatic coastline, lush tropical dry forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a prime destination among the best nature resorts Costa Rica offers.

What is the closest airport to Four Seasons Costa Rica?

The closest airport to the Four Seasons Costa Rica is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia (LIR). The drive from LIR to the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo takes approximately 40-45 minutes, making it significantly more convenient than flying into San Jose (SJO), which is about a 4-hour drive away.

Is the Four Seasons Costa Rica all inclusive?

No — the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is not all-inclusive. Rooms are booked on a room-only or breakfast basis, with the resort’s restaurants and spa charged à la carte, while many guided nature activities were complimentary during my stay. Budget accordingly: the experiences are the point of this resort, and they add up.

Is the Four Seasons Costa Rica family-friendly?

Yes, the Four Seasons Costa Rica is exceptionally family-friendly and a top choice for Costa Rica luxury travel with children. The resort offers spacious multi-bedroom residences with kitchens, multiple swimming pools, gentle beaches suitable for swimming, and numerous activities designed for all ages, including the nature center, wildlife spotting tours, and complimentary kids’ club (Kids For All Seasons). The focus on nature provides unique educational and engaging experiences for families.

What are the best activities at Four Seasons Papagayo?

The resort offers a wide array of Four Seasons Costa Rica activities, heavily focused on nature and wellness. Guests can enjoy complimentary guided nature walks (like birdwatching and mangrove tours), kayaking, snorkeling, and the “Trail of the Giants” tour on the golf course. Paid activities include spa treatments, yoga and fitness classes, mixology and tasting sessions, championship golf, and off-site excursions like diving and surfing. Many activities are family-friendly.

What is the best time to visit Four Seasons Costa Rica?

The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable sunshine and is the most popular window. The green season brings lush landscapes, active wildlife and fewer crowds if you don’t mind occasional rain.

What are the dining options like at the Four Seasons Costa Rica?

Four Seasons Costa Rica dining is spread across several restaurants clustered around the central hub, alongside the pools and the spa, with in-residence dining available if you are staying in a villa or residence with a kitchen. Nothing is included — every meal is charged à la carte, and over a week it adds up fast. Our stay was built around the activities rather than the restaurants, so the venue-by-venue guide above comes from the resort’s own descriptions rather than a ranking of my meals, but budget properly for food: this is not a resort where you can eat cheaply on site.

Does the Four Seasons Costa Rica have new suites?

Yes. According to the resort, ten new one-bedroom Papagayo Suites open for stays from 17 December 2026. Each is about 112 m² (1,206 sq ft) with a king bedroom, separate living room and a large terrace overlooking Papagayo Bay, and they sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children. Nightly rates had not been published when I last checked. My own stay predates the suites, so this comes from the resort’s announcement rather than my experience.

Did the Four Seasons Costa Rica close for renovation?

Yes. The resort closed from 1 to 30 September 2026 for renovation work and reopened on 1 October 2026. The updates include the Papagayo Suites, a redesigned Nemare steakhouse, a reimagined Miramar Presidential Suite, refreshed guest rooms and redesigned event spaces.

Does the Four Seasons Costa Rica have a kids club?

Yes. Kids For All Seasons is for children aged 4 to 12 (younger children are welcome with a parent or guardian), runs daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is complimentary for registered guests. Teens aged 10 to 18 have the Tuanis Teen Centre, which opens from noon to 8 p.m. Children under five eat free from the children’s menu at the restaurants (in-room dining excluded), and babysitting is available with 48 hours’ notice.

Is the Four Seasons Costa Rica worth it?

For travellers who want genuine luxury combined with nature, wildlife and activities rather than a purely beach-lounging resort, we found it well worth it. The setting, service and range of experiences justify the premium, particularly for families and couples looking for an active yet indulgent Costa Rican escape.

More Costa Rica Reading

If you are planning more time in Costa Rica, I also wrote about diving with sharks and manta rays at Bat Island, the Okeanos Aggressor liveaboard trip to Cocos Island, and a marine conservation expedition with MCEC.

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