So Fabulous, I'm Jealous of Myself

Do you ever have moments where you are jealous of yourself?  Every moment I spent at the Four Seasons Costa Rica on Peninsula Papagayo was better than the last.  I don't say this lightly.  The property, in one powerful word, is heavenly.  

From New York, I flew to Atlanta and then directly to Liberia, Costa Rica.  The name "Liberia" may conjure up thoughts of third-world countries, but any preconceived notions I had were proven dead wrong.  My travel experience was smoother than most domestic trips I've taken.  I arrived in Costa Rica just as the "green" (rainy) season had transitioned into the "gold" (sunny) season.  I had expected a stifling humidity and instead enjoyed warm and breezy perfection.

By the end of my visit, I felt like I was leaving old friends.  The charming Luis Argote, GM of the property, said that the "staff is our treasure and our soul" and that they are "completely obsessed with guest experience."  This was proven over and over on my visit. 

Though the property is most definitely a Four Seasons, with every amenity and sophistication the brand brings, the native decor was completely Costa Rican.  I was able to explore the pool area (the resort also offers an adult-only pool), two beautiful beaches, and relaxing tropical restaurants. 

While guest rooms at the resort all begin at a spacious 600 square feet, the villas perched over the trees with private plunge pools are sublime.  I immediately felt like a kid again, thinking that I was staying in THE coolest treehouse ever!  The New Yorker in me drooled over the large kitchen and washer/dryer, huge closet and bathroom, the chic bedroom and living area, and private outdoor shower, never a step away from the gorgeous view.  I could have stayed in the plunge pool staring at the Pacific Ocean and listening to the howling monkeys all day long. 

But the resort offers more than a few ways to design your day.  I chose to book the Rainforest Aromatherapy Massage, and by the time it was over I was convinced the therapist had healing hands.  And I’m the furthest thing from a golfer, but I can recognize a first-class course.  Here, you can take a tour of the course even if you have no intention of picking up a club and snap photos of the unbelievable views and native trees.

I also putzed around the Tuanis Teen Center and had flashes of my 17-year-old self meeting a new crush on vacation a la High School Musical while lounging by the flat-screen TV and computers. There’s also a fabulous children’s program, with treasure hunts, and sand castle building (I admit that I lurked around, and then went and built my own sand castle). 

I didn’t have one bad meal on property, from ordering room service on my balcony at 7 a.m. with bright blue ocean views to classic linguine alla carbonara at Di Mare, the resort’s upcale Italian restaurant.  I loved the Costa Rican touches at the restaurants,  like a side dish of Gallo Pinte offered with most meals and special local hot sauces to try. Gallo Pinto is a signature local dish, with rice, black beans, and seasonings that locals love to eat for breakfast.  I also tried to end each night with a drink at Tico's, the outdoor lobby bar.  The warmth and breezy Costa Rican air was the perfect backdrop for an after-dinner mojito. 

As much as I loved the property, I think it's important to leave to see a bit more of the country.  I started with a ziplining jungle canopy tour just outside the resort entrance, with 11 different lines to zip on.  After I got over the “going to throw up” feeling of terror, I really loved zipping through the jungle like a monkey. Another morning was spent driving out to a local school, Guardia, and participating in part of the Four Seasons Costa Rica's community outreach program.  As we were giving the school a first coat of new paint, the kids gave me Silly Bandz and loved posing for my camera. 

My personal favorite activity was taking a half-day excursion through the “Land of Sabaneros,” or “Land of Cowboys,” with small towns peppered throughout the expansive ranches and sugar cane fields.  Our tour guide, Geovanny Solorzano with Swiss Travel, was one of the best I've ever had, keeping us laughing through a coffee plantation tour and tour of Guaitil, famous for its pottery.  Leaving for a tour gave the Four Seasons experience a distinctive sense of place and depth of cultural immersion.  The Costa Ricans have an oft-repeated slogan, "Pura Vida," or "Pure Life."  If you ask them how they're doing, they'll respond with "Pura Vida."  From the monkeys howling at me during my outdoor shower, to learning excursions, unbelievable foodie experiences, and truly content staff, The Four Seasons Costa Rica has created "Pura Vida" in every detail. And it was easier for me to get to than Los Angeles.