Latest news with #Guanacaste
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waldorf Astoria's First Resort in Costa Rica Just Opened on the Pacific Coast With Multi-level Cascading Pools and Ocean-view Suites
The hotel's multi-level cascading pools feature various in-water loungers and nooks to recline as you watch the waves roll in from Guanacaste's Playa Penca. The resort's curated coffee program celebrates some of the country's best exports, all sourced from regenerative farms committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria bar concept, manifests its latest Costa Rican iteration with indoor-outdoor lounges with a stone firepit and cocktails crafted with local ingredients. A partnership with food producers throughout Guanacaste ensures memorable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the land and at Along Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, herons grazed on flat fields framed by cloud-misted mountains in the backdrop. Pockets of rainforests glowed in hues of green so striking it appeared neon-colored, thanks, in part, to a recent rainstorm. This storybook scenery was a world away from the traffic-filled streets of Los Angeles I had just left, with the blaring of car horns replaced by birdsong. It also easily explains why travelers from around the world chase the spirit of pura vida that permeates Costa Rica. After a short 30-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a hillside incline turned into a downward journey revealing the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Situated on Costa Rica's northern Pacific Coast, the resort sits within the Blue Zone of Nicoya Peninsula, celebrated for its high longevity rates. The hotel's debut marks the beginning of a multi-phase project that will include a collection of resorts, residences, and wellness-driven experiences across the expansive 600-acre Punta Cacique development. Hilton's luxury brand has staked its claim among this growing community with a design that finds harmony in its natural surroundings. The terraced resort cascades 300 feet from the top of the peninsula to the beach below. Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City, the earthy brown and rock grey colors and textures throughout the property reflect the seasonal changes of the region. 'The design of the resort flows with the natural curves of the coastline, so guests are constantly surrounded by these breathtaking views—Playa Hermosa on one side and Coco Bay on the other, and those unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific," says Mariella Cabezas, the resort's director of marketing. "The entire guest journey was created to feel effortless and organic, from the moment you step into The Terrace bar to the path that leads down to the beach lounge and sunset rooftop,' The hotel's design also honors the heritage of the Chorotega people, Indigenous to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. This tribute includes meandering spaces for meditation and spa rituals that incorporate natural elements, such as volcanic clay. I was immediately drawn to the intentional communal spaces that often don't exist in resorts this expansive. Here, a collection of bubbling hot tubs are tastefully placed under budding foliage, a large spa pool claims its own quiet corner away from the buzz, and seating around the multi-level cascading pool is readily available from a number of prized vantage points. 'What I really hope guests take away from their stay is a sense of pura vida—that calm, grounded energy that Costa Rica is known for. Whether it's a morning coffee overlooking the water, a Cacao Ritual at the spa, or simply sitting on your terrace listening to the waves, there's a magic here that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and really savor the moment, with all the warmth and intuitive service you expect from Waldorf Astoria,' Cabezas says. Read on for my review of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. The resort's 148 guest rooms and 40 suites ascend toward the ocean in different tiers on flourishing mountainsides. My one-bedroom suite's prized location offered unobstructed views of Playa Penca and sailboats that parted the turquoise waters as they headed to nearby coves. The open layout living room featured neutral-colored furniture, rattan storage spaces, and wall textures. Pivot doors, expansive terraces, and golden-hued lighting throughout each room created a sense of calm and seamless transition between the interior and the sea just below. Other room categories include Bahia suites with plunge pools and furnished balconies, and the foliage-filled three-bedroom Pacifico Suite, suitable for families seeking expansive indoor-outdoor living. A bi-level Presidential Suite is tucked onto a hillside in the resort's most private area. This two-bedroom option includes an infinity pool, firepit, and furnished rooftop terrace with lush gardens. The ensuite bathroom features dual vanities, an oversized shower, and two freestanding soaking tubs. All six dining concepts pay homage to the bounty of Costa Rica's land and sea. Executive chef Nicolas Piatti sources quality ingredients from across the country to highlight the richness of the terroir and culinary traditions. He works closely with several standout producers, including Finca La Josefina, renowned for its exceptional wagyu beef. The kitchen also incorporates artisanal Chorotega salt into a number of dishes to elevate flavors with the region's natural resources. Guests can enjoy a hearty Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (beans and rice), fried egg, plantains, and grilled steak at the all-day dining restaurant Tico-Tica. At La Finca, coastal cuisine with an emphasis on Pacific seafood takes center stage—a juicy poached lobster in chorizo butter and sesame seed matcha sauce was my favorite dish to tuck into a warm tortilla. I couldn't get enough of a dish called tomotada prepared with heirloom tomatoes bursting with candied, briny, and tart flavors. The dry-aged, grass-fed beef is cooked using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques and maize-based ingredients. For lunch, Vida Pool & Grill offers Latin-inspired dishes, such as grilled mahi mahi with rice and sweet plantains. My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips. At Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, a caffeine boost is anything but ordinary. The sleek café features some of Costa Rica's most prized beans, all cultivated on regenerative plantations committed to sustainability and fair trade practices across eight regions. I didn't let a day pass without sampling options like the bergamot-tinged Geisha Honey or the dark chocolate blend, both from the country's prized Occidental region. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop, and don't skip the strawberry and mascarpone flavor. For a nightcap, get whisked away at the intimate Peacock Alley Bar, where crafted cocktails served in handmade Chorotega pottery are made with ingredients like raw sugarcane, dandelion, corn liquor, and Costa Rican rum. Nature and wildlife immersion abound in Costa Rica. The resort brings guests closer to a number of experiences, including birdwatching in the famed cloud forests, guided treks through heliconias, white-water rafting on the Tenorio River, exploring the Children's Eternal Rainforest, and a luxury experience with thermal pools, waterfalls, golden mud treatments, and walking meditations in the private Sensoria Rainforest Sanctuary. Other more intimate experiences include picnics on the beach or mountainside, with a curated menu of tropical fruit skewers, yucca chips, green mango salad, antipasti, and an assortment of desserts. A highlight of my visit was the Coffee Tasting Experience at Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, which included bean-to-cup education and brewing techniques by Costa Rica's Barista Champion Ricardo Azofeifa. The experience showcases rare and prized roasts, such as Etiope 47, Milenio, Geisha, Typica, and the signature Chirripó blend. For those seeking deeper immersion, the resort offers a coffee-focused adventure on a private helicopter tour to the Brunca region. Here, guests embark on guided hikes to explore coffee plantations, learn about the intricate art of coffee production, and enjoy a private tasting led by Azofeifa. A variety of tastings are also on offer: rum tastings are held on the Tico-Tica terrace, a beer tasting highlights global and local craft beers, an agave spirits tasting, led by the lively and engaging food and beverage director Ana Martinez, and a wine tasting of Costa Rican and international wines in La Finca's private wine cave. The 17,000-square-foot Spa at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique harnesses the healing properties of Chorotega ingredients, including volcanic clay, cacao, Melipona honey, and native botanicals. I experienced the Trapiche Ritual, a deeply restorative treatment that included a raw sugar scrub to exfoliate, a cane honey body wrap to detoxify, and a full body massage. On another day, wellness and fitness supervisor Carlota Brenes led a sound bath meditation on a private gazebo. The echo of the bowls and symphony of wildlife sounds above made it impossible not to slip into a deep, restful slumber. Guests can also enjoy daily open-air yoga, guided meditation sessions, and fitness classes. Activities at the on-site Kids and Teens Clubs include beach walks, cooking classes, bowling, and treasure hunts. A small waterslide tucked into a corner is a fun addition for little ones. During my stay, I found most children swimming in the calm waters of Playa Penca and finding thrill in the howler monkeys that swung in nearby trees. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has five ADA-compliant guest rooms, including three with double beds and two with king-size beds. Sustainability is an integral part of the resort's design and culinary program. A quarter of all food ingredients are sourced locally from Guanacaste farms, coastal waters, and regenerative plantations. The hotel has been recognized with Costa Rica's 'Bandera Azul Ecológica' award for its environmental practices. The living rooftops, native plant landscaping, and detention pond for water runoff all support biodiversity and erosion control, while minimizing environmental impact. Located on the northwestern coast of Guanacaste, Punta Cacique is a secluded cliffside community offering easy access to two neighboring beach towns: Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco. Head to either and choose from rows of beach bars perched near prized sunset viewpoints. Waldorf Astoria is a Hilton luxury property and therefore part of the Hilton Honors program. For any stay of three nights or more, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers a 20 percent discount, a $500 resort credit for guest room stays, and a $1,000 resort credit for suite stays. AARP Members save up to 10 percent on the nightly rate. Breakfast is included for every guest. Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $1,500. See at Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The Waldorf Astoria's Resort in Costa Rica Has Cascading Pools and Rooms with Ocean Views
The hotel's multi-level cascading pools feature various in-water loungers and nooks to recline as you watch the waves roll in from Guanacaste's Playa Penca. The resort's curated coffee program celebrates some of the country's best exports, all sourced from regenerative farms committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria bar concept, manifests its latest Costa Rican iteration with indoor-outdoor lounges with a stone firepit and cocktails crafted with local ingredients. A partnership with food producers throughout Guanacaste ensures memorable dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of the land and sea. Along Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, herons grazed on flat fields framed by cloud-misted mountains in the backdrop. Pockets of rainforests glowed in hues of green so striking it appeared neon-colored, thanks, in part, to a recent rainstorm. This storybook scenery was a world away from the traffic-filled streets of Los Angeles I had just left, with the blaring of car horns replaced by birdsong. It also easily explains why travelers from around the world chase the spirit of pura vida that permeates Costa Rica. After a short 30-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a hillside incline turned into a downward journey revealing the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Situated on Costa Rica's northern Pacific Coast, the resort sits within the Blue Zone of Nicoya Peninsula, celebrated for its high longevity rates. The hotel's debut marks the beginning of a multi-phase project that will include a collection of resorts, residences, and wellness-driven experiences across the expansive 600-acre Punta Cacique development. Hilton's luxury brand has staked its claim among this growing community with a design that finds harmony in its natural surroundings. The terraced resort cascades 300 feet from the top of the peninsula to the beach below. Envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos of Mexico City, the earthy brown and rock grey colors and textures throughout the property reflect the seasonal changes of the region. 'The design of the resort flows with the natural curves of the coastline, so guests are constantly surrounded by these breathtaking views—Playa Hermosa on one side and Coco Bay on the other, and those unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific," says Mariella Cabezas, the resort's director of marketing. "The entire guest journey was created to feel effortless and organic, from the moment you step into The Terrace bar to the path that leads down to the beach lounge and sunset rooftop,' The hotel's design also honors the heritage of the Chorotega people, Indigenous to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. This tribute includes meandering spaces for meditation and spa rituals that incorporate natural elements, such as volcanic clay. I was immediately drawn to the intentional communal spaces that often don't exist in resorts this expansive. Here, a collection of bubbling hot tubs are tastefully placed under budding foliage, a large spa pool claims its own quiet corner away from the buzz, and seating around the multi-level cascading pool is readily available from a number of prized vantage points. 'What I really hope guests take away from their stay is a sense of pura vida —that calm, grounded energy that Costa Rica is known for. Whether it's a morning coffee overlooking the water, a Cacao Ritual at the spa, or simply sitting on your terrace listening to the waves, there's a magic here that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and really savor the moment, with all the warmth and intuitive service you expect from Waldorf Astoria,' Cabezas says. Read on for my review of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. The resort's 148 guest rooms and 40 suites ascend toward the ocean in different tiers on flourishing mountainsides. My one-bedroom suite's prized location offered unobstructed views of Playa Penca and sailboats that parted the turquoise waters as they headed to nearby coves. The open layout living room featured neutral-colored furniture, rattan storage spaces, and wall textures. Pivot doors, expansive terraces, and golden-hued lighting throughout each room created a sense of calm and seamless transition between the interior and the sea just below. Other room categories include Bahia suites with plunge pools and furnished balconies, and the foliage-filled three-bedroom Pacifico Suite, suitable for families seeking expansive indoor-outdoor living. A bi-level Presidential Suite is tucked onto a hillside in the resort's most private area. This two-bedroom option includes an infinity pool, firepit, and furnished rooftop terrace with lush gardens. The ensuite bathroom features dual vanities, an oversized shower, and two freestanding soaking tubs. La Finca, the resort's signature restaurant, offers authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique All six dining concepts pay homage to the bounty of Costa Rica's land and sea. Executive chef Nicolas Piatti sources quality ingredients from across the country to highlight the richness of the terroir and culinary traditions. He works closely with several standout producers, including Finca La Josefina, renowned for its exceptional wagyu beef. The kitchen also incorporates artisanal Chorotega salt into a number of dishes to elevate flavors with the region's natural resources. Guests can enjoy a hearty Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (beans and rice), fried egg, plantains, and grilled steak at the all-day dining restaurant Tico-Tica. At La Finca, coastal cuisine with an emphasis on Pacific seafood takes center stage—a juicy poached lobster in chorizo butter and sesame seed matcha sauce was my favorite dish to tuck into a warm tortilla. I couldn't get enough of a dish called tomotada prepared with heirloom tomatoes bursting with candied, briny, and tart flavors. The dry-aged, grass-fed beef is cooked using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques and maize-based ingredients. For lunch, Vida Pool & Grill offers Latin-inspired dishes, such as grilled mahi mahi with rice and sweet plantains. My favorite dish here was a piquant ceviche served with tortilla chips. Enjoy cocktails and small bites at Peacock Alley. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique At Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, a caffeine boost is anything but ordinary. The sleek café features some of Costa Rica's most prized beans, all cultivated on regenerative plantations committed to sustainability and fair trade practices across eight regions. I didn't let a day pass without sampling options like the bergamot-tinged Geisha Honey or the dark chocolate blend, both from the country's prized Occidental region. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop, and don't skip the strawberry and mascarpone flavor. For a nightcap, get whisked away at the intimate Peacock Alley Bar, where crafted cocktails served in handmade Chorotega pottery are made with ingredients like raw sugarcane, dandelion, corn liquor, and Costa Rican rum. The pool area at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique Nature and wildlife immersion abound in Costa Rica. The resort brings guests closer to a number of experiences, including birdwatching in the famed cloud forests, guided treks through heliconias, white-water rafting on the Tenorio River, exploring the Children's Eternal Rainforest, and a luxury experience with thermal pools, waterfalls, golden mud treatments, and walking meditations in the private Sensoria Rainforest Sanctuary. Other more intimate experiences include picnics on the beach or mountainside, with a curated menu of tropical fruit skewers, yucca chips, green mango salad, antipasti, and an assortment of desserts. A highlight of my visit was the Coffee Tasting Experience at Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, which included bean-to-cup education and brewing techniques by Costa Rica's Barista Champion Ricardo Azofeifa. The experience showcases rare and prized roasts, such as Etiope 47, Milenio, Geisha, Typica, and the signature Chirripó blend. For those seeking deeper immersion, the resort offers a coffee-focused adventure on a private helicopter tour to the Brunca region. Here, guests embark on guided hikes to explore coffee plantations, learn about the intricate art of coffee production, and enjoy a private tasting led by Azofeifa. A variety of tastings are also on offer: rum tastings are held on the Tico-Tica terrace, a beer tasting highlights global and local craft beers, an agave spirits tasting, led by the lively and engaging food and beverage director Ana Martinez, and a wine tasting of Costa Rican and international wines in La Finca's private wine cave. The 17,000-square-foot Spa at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique harnesses the healing properties of Chorotega ingredients, including volcanic clay, cacao, Melipona honey, and native botanicals. I experienced the Trapiche Ritual, a deeply restorative treatment that included a raw sugar scrub to exfoliate, a cane honey body wrap to detoxify, and a full body massage. On another day, wellness and fitness supervisor Carlota Brenes led a sound bath meditation on a private gazebo. The echo of the bowls and symphony of wildlife sounds above made it impossible not to slip into a deep, restful slumber. Guests can also enjoy daily open-air yoga, guided meditation sessions, and fitness classes. Activities at the on-site Kids and Teens Clubs include beach walks, cooking classes, bowling, and treasure hunts. A small waterslide tucked into a corner is a fun addition for little ones. During my stay, I found most children swimming in the calm waters of Playa Penca and finding thrill in the howler monkeys that swung in nearby trees. Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique has five ADA-compliant guest rooms, including three with double beds and two with king-size beds. Sustainability is an integral part of the resort's design and culinary program. A quarter of all food ingredients are sourced locally from Guanacaste farms, coastal waters, and regenerative plantations. The hotel has been recognized with Costa Rica's 'Bandera Azul Ecológica' award for its environmental practices. The living rooftops, native plant landscaping, and detention pond for water runoff all support biodiversity and erosion control, while minimizing environmental impact. Located on the northwestern coast of Guanacaste, Punta Cacique is a secluded cliffside community offering easy access to two neighboring beach towns: Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco. Head to either and choose from rows of beach bars perched near prized sunset viewpoints. Waldorf Astoria is a Hilton luxury property and therefore part of the Hilton Honors program. For any stay of three nights or more, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers a 20 percent discount, a $500 resort credit for guest room stays, and a $1,000 resort credit for suite stays. AARP Members save up to 10 percent on the nightly rate. Breakfast is included for every guest. Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $1,500. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott International to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica
Marriott International has announced a partnership with Solana PA to introduce the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand to Costa Rica. The St. Regis Papagayo is expected to commence development in July of this year and aims to open its doors in early 2027. The upcoming resort, set to span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, will offer 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units. The design is influenced by local culture and the ocean, aiming to provide luxury experiences for both guests and residents. The St. Regis Papagayo is planned to feature six dining venues, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining, The Cliff with Japanese and Costa Rican fusion, a Beach Club & Grill, and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Additional amenities will include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, a beach club, as well as 7,750ft2 of indoor and 2,475ft2 of outdoor event space. Located strategically between Panama Bay and Culebra Bay, just a 25-minute drive from Liberia International Airport, the resort will feature 634 linear yards of beachfront, offering guests views of the Gulf of Papagayo. The project emerges at a time when Costa Rica is experiencing a surge in demand for luxury travel experiences. The renowned Mexican architecture firm Sordo Madaleno has been tasked with bringing this vision to life, alongside several other luxury resort projects for Marriott. Gensler Mexico City is the principal interior design firm for the project, with Maat Handasa spearheading landscape architecture. TalentChef will provide food and beverage consultancy, while Ana Ramirez of Ancestral Handmade Hotels is selected as the wellness consultant. Real estate investment banking firm GFG Securities advised Solana PA on the St. Regis agreements and the project's financing. The St. Regis brand already boasts six landmark hotels and resorts in the CALA region, and the St. Regis Papagayo is set to mark a significant step in Marriott's luxury expansion in Costa Rica. Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) Development vice president Uriel Burak said: "This extraordinary development underscores our continued commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio in key destinations across the Caribbean and Central America.' "Costa Rica continues to experience growing demand for high-end travel and residential offerings, and we are proud to work with Solana PA, S.R.L. to bring the first St. Regis hotel and residences to Costa Rica." Solana partner Alberto Halabe said: 'We are honoured to bring the iconic St. Regis brand to Costa Rica and to create a landmark destination in one of the most exceptional oceanfront settings in the region.' 'This project reflects our deep appreciation for Costa Rica's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. Together with Marriott International, we look forward to delivering a resort and residential experience that embodies the spirit of Pura Vida through the unmatched elegance and service of St. Regis.' Marriott International has also recently signed an agreement to extend the St. Regis brand to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. "Marriott International to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Hospitality Net
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Marriott International Signs Agreement to Debut St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Brand in Costa Rica
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced today a signed agreement with Solana PA, S.R.L. to debut the iconic St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in Costa Rica. The development of this visionary project, which will span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste region, is expected to begin in July of this year, with a planned opening in early 2027. Inspired by the local culture and its ocean surroundings, the new-build St. Regis Papagayo is slated to feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units, offering unequaled luxury experiences for guests and residents alike. The hotel expects to offer six distinct culinary venues, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining; The Cliff, inspired by Japanese and Costa Rican influences; a Beach Club & Grill; and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Other planned amenities include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, an exclusive beach club, and 7,750 ft2 of indoor space and 2,475 ft2 of outdoor space for meetings and banquets space for celebrations and exquisite gatherings. Strategically located between Panama Bay and Culebra Bay, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport, the St. Regis Papagayo will offer 634 linear yards of beachfront and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort will expand the luxury enclave in Papagayo, further solidifying the area's reputation as a premier luxury. This new project arrives at a time of significant potential for luxury experiences in Costa Rica. The esteemed Mexican architecture firm, Sordo Madaleno, will bring this vision to life. They are currently designing several luxury resort projects with Marriott, including the St. Regis Costa Mujeres and a dual-brand luxury development in Costa Mujeres. Promising maximum luxury and comfort in every detail, Gensler Mexico City has been selected as the principal interior design firm. Maat Handasa will lead the landscape architectural project, TalentChef will act as a food and beverage consultant, and Ana Ramirez of Ancestral Handmade Hotels will contribute her expertise as a wellness consultant. GFG Securities LLC advised Solana PA, S.R.L. in the negotiation of the St. Regis agreements and the successful debt raise for the project. The St. Regis brand in currently features six landmark hotels and resorts across the CALA region. The St. Regis Papagayo marks a significant milestone in Marriott's luxury expansion in Costa Rica, as the company debuts the timeless elegance and innovative spirit of The St. Regis brand to the country, offering guests unparalleled experiences in this stunning destination. Hotel website


Vogue
12-05-2025
- Vogue
This Buzzy New Resort on Costa Rica's Penisula Papagayo Is Both Intimate and Epic
Most clifftop resorts lead with their view. But at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve perched above the Pacific on Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo, it's the artwork that first draws your eye. After passing a towering ceiba tree and stepping into La Casona, the resort's living room, I find myself lingering in front of Letters and Numbers, a geometric abstract by Costa Rican artist Federico Herrero. It's the last thing I expected to see in a secluded corner of Guanacaste—especially considering it once hung in the Guggenheim in New York. Here at Nekajui, home to more than 550 works by predominantly Central American artists, surprise-and-delight moments are a curated affair. The art may nail the first impression, but the sweeping views seal the deal. Step past the 200-year-old hacienda doors of the entrance casita, and Pochote Bay unfurls like an oil painting—Witch's Rock surf break in the distance, the wild fringes of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, even Nicaragua on a clear day. Photo: Rafael Luhrs Nekajui, which means 'lush garden' in the Indigenous Chorotega language, debuted in February 2025 as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central America. The 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo has been a haven for luxury travelers ever since the Four Seasons opened more than two decades ago, followed by the arrival of Andaz. Completing the trio, Nekajui weaves Costa Rica's most beloved elements into an intimate five-star escape.