Summoning the energy to beat a steep mountain hike before my morning coffee wasn’t exactly how I pictured kicking off my vacation, however the panoramic views from the enchanting shala on the summit quickly erase any memory of the climb.
Practicing yoga within the al fresco structure (which takes its name from the Sanskrit word for “home”) — amidst the treetops swaying within the Pacific breeze — feels transformative.
The sweeping organic design of the bamboo shala exudes each luxury and modernity, like moving into a life-sized Kenta Hirai sculpture.
It’s a part of a powerful latest renovation of the 4 Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, which is nestled on a lush peninsula on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica.
The multimillion-dollar refresh includes the wellness shala together with the debut of the Virador Beach Club, offering a seaside restaurant and lounge, an adults-only infinity pool and personal cabanas.
With world-class service combined with Costa Rica’s pura vida ethos, the resort has long been a haven for adventure seekers, wellness enthusiasts and cultural globe-trotters.
Its 181 guest rooms (including private residences and suites) are inspired by the encircling ocean, forest, sun and beach.
Palmer Signature golf course also received an update, with a deal with sustainability. Courtesy of resort
partake in a plethora of sea- and land-based adventures.
From the moment I arrive, I feel a profound connection to those serene elements.
Within the expansive open-air lobby, I sip a refreshing passion-fruit infusion from a tiny coconut.
Stepping inside my ocean-view suite, I’m welcomed by authentic touches.
A miniature tabletop carreta (a nod to the normal Costa Rican ox cart), holds local sweets, while a hand-woven tote bag celebrates indigenous artistry.
Amidst the resort’s various activities — including classes in yoga and breathwork, monkey scouting, bird-watching, paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking — I find myself spoiled for alternative, and rejuvenated through nature.
SurfX, an on-site browsing school, offers tailor-made lessons from pro surfers.
As a novice, I confess that spotting sea turtles during a personal boat ride to a secluded beach seems to be more enjoyable than the browsing itself.
Still, the sheer satisfaction of standing up on the board after only one lesson is undeniable.
I’m rewarded for my efforts with a very decadent spa visit.
A session with an astrology expert sets the stage, followed by dips in therapeutic cold and hot plunge pools.
After a brief intentional ceremony involving flowers and sage, I select a massage inspired by each ancient and contemporary Costa Rican traditions.
A restorative facial, tailored with organic local ingredients, concludes with a heated jade gua sha.
guest rooms was inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings. Courtesy of resort
Then it’s time to bask in some culinary delights at the brand new Virador Beach Club, which boasts a relaxed-yet-refined bohemian vibe.
Tucked away on a secluded cove beach, Virador’s meals mix diverse Eastern Mediterranean flavors and native ingredients.
The resort also facilitates an array of off-site excursions, including a probability to observe local Chorotega artisans crafting the normal clay tableware showcased at Virador.
For more adventure, nature tours reveal jungles, energetic volcanoes and other ecological wonders.
From the mountaintop yoga shala to the invigorating waters of the Pacific, I find myself transformed — each physically and spiritually.
Seems I’ll just be an early riser in spite of everything.
Summoning the energy to beat a steep mountain hike before my morning coffee wasn’t exactly how I pictured kicking off my vacation, however the panoramic views from the enchanting shala on the summit quickly erase any memory of the climb.
Practicing yoga within the al fresco structure (which takes its name from the Sanskrit word for “home”) — amidst the treetops swaying within the Pacific breeze — feels transformative.
The sweeping organic design of the bamboo shala exudes each luxury and modernity, like moving into a life-sized Kenta Hirai sculpture.
It’s a part of a powerful latest renovation of the 4 Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, which is nestled on a lush peninsula on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica.
The multimillion-dollar refresh includes the wellness shala together with the debut of the Virador Beach Club, offering a seaside restaurant and lounge, an adults-only infinity pool and personal cabanas.
With world-class service combined with Costa Rica’s pura vida ethos, the resort has long been a haven for adventure seekers, wellness enthusiasts and cultural globe-trotters.
Its 181 guest rooms (including private residences and suites) are inspired by the encircling ocean, forest, sun and beach.
Palmer Signature golf course also received an update, with a deal with sustainability. Courtesy of resort
partake in a plethora of sea- and land-based adventures.
From the moment I arrive, I feel a profound connection to those serene elements.
Within the expansive open-air lobby, I sip a refreshing passion-fruit infusion from a tiny coconut.
Stepping inside my ocean-view suite, I’m welcomed by authentic touches.
A miniature tabletop carreta (a nod to the normal Costa Rican ox cart), holds local sweets, while a hand-woven tote bag celebrates indigenous artistry.
Amidst the resort’s various activities — including classes in yoga and breathwork, monkey scouting, bird-watching, paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking — I find myself spoiled for alternative, and rejuvenated through nature.
SurfX, an on-site browsing school, offers tailor-made lessons from pro surfers.
As a novice, I confess that spotting sea turtles during a personal boat ride to a secluded beach seems to be more enjoyable than the browsing itself.
Still, the sheer satisfaction of standing up on the board after only one lesson is undeniable.
I’m rewarded for my efforts with a very decadent spa visit.
A session with an astrology expert sets the stage, followed by dips in therapeutic cold and hot plunge pools.
After a brief intentional ceremony involving flowers and sage, I select a massage inspired by each ancient and contemporary Costa Rican traditions.
A restorative facial, tailored with organic local ingredients, concludes with a heated jade gua sha.
guest rooms was inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings. Courtesy of resort
Then it’s time to bask in some culinary delights at the brand new Virador Beach Club, which boasts a relaxed-yet-refined bohemian vibe.
Tucked away on a secluded cove beach, Virador’s meals mix diverse Eastern Mediterranean flavors and native ingredients.
The resort also facilitates an array of off-site excursions, including a probability to observe local Chorotega artisans crafting the normal clay tableware showcased at Virador.
For more adventure, nature tours reveal jungles, energetic volcanoes and other ecological wonders.
From the mountaintop yoga shala to the invigorating waters of the Pacific, I find myself transformed — each physically and spiritually.
Seems I’ll just be an early riser in spite of everything.
