A Serene Sanctuary On Costa Rica’s Popular Gulf Of Papagayo

With its pristine beaches, 17 lush acres of coastal forests and mangroves, rainbow-hued birds, and howler monkeys leaping across the tree canopy, El Mangroove, Autograph Collection is everything a traveler could want when dreaming up a trip to Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast.”

The contemporary resort is ideally located on many levels: just a 20-minute drive from Liberia International Airport, visitors can transition from the baggage claim to having their toes in the sand with a cocktail in hand in record time. Yet, the convenient location feels a world away, with a sleek and quiet, adult-only pool oasis with private cabanas overlooking the beach. Relaxing hammocks, loungers, hanging chairs, and firepits beckon, with massive Guanacaste, centennial, and cenizaro trees overhead offering shade.

Although the location feels secluded, word is definitely out about how idyllic the Gulf of Papagayo is: new, ultra-luxe resorts have been popping up regularly on the Gulf. El Mangroove is in very good company, with top luxury resorts including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Waldorf Astoria, Secrets, and Andaz resorts as neighbors (but at a fraction of these brands’ nightly rates). Read on to learn more about why the resort is a top choice for a Costa Rican beach vacation.

Location

El Mangroove sits steps from Panama Beach in Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast. It’s just 12 miles from Liberia International Airport, making it the closest beachfront resort to the transportation hub.

Highlights

• All-suite guest accommodations give guests ample room to spread out — including 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom villas
• 3 on-site restaurant options, plus a cocktail bar
• Serene and elegant adults-only pool oasis just steps from the beach, with sunbeds and private cabanas — plus a family-friendly “activity zone” with several pools
• Resort fee includes valet parking, kayaks and bikes on loan, yoga classes, and access to the spa’s relaxation room and steam room
• Spa with beautiful outdoor massage cabanas nestled in the forest and mangroves
• Gym equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and Precor machines
• In-room coffee/tea makers and mini fridges
• On-site watersports center gives guests seamless access to snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and boat tours for whale watching and beach hopping tours.
• Convenient location 12 miles from Liberia International Airport

Guest Suites and Villas

There are 121 suites, ranging from King suites to 4-bedroom villas that are ideal for big families or friend groups. The decor is clean and contemporary, with neutral light-and-bright whites and tans accented by natural wood and stone.

Whether the suites look out onto the beach, gardens, or resort, they are all designed to take in the surrounding flora and fauna, and some offer balconies, terraces, and private plunge pools.

Dining

Malú is the resort’s all-day Mediterranean dining option, and El Shack bar is the place to sip the resort’s signature craft cocktails.

The beachside Matiss serves Latin American cuisine from its casual, thatched-roof hut, with wood tables and chairs sitting right on the sand. The refined indoor-outdoor Makoko is open in the morning for leisurely breakfasts, then reopens for dinners showcasing creative and contemporary Costa Rican fare.

Who It’s Best For

• Couples
• Families
• Solo travelers

For more information or to book a stay, visit El Mangroove, Autograph Collection.