Peninsula Papagayo Hotels

Tucked away at the end of a quiet road on the Papagayo Peninsula, this private beachfront estate is both effortlessly cool and decidedly luxurious. Set on three acres, the 33,000-square-foot villa can accommodate 18 adults and 5 kids, making it the ideal destination for multigenerational families, large groups of friends, or anyone seeking seclusion and a custom-curated experience. The villa itself is a stunner, and it has the architecture awards to prove it. It seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living spaces, immersing guests in the peninsula’s rich biodiversity. (If you’re lucky, you might see a monkey snatch a piece of fruit from the outdoor bar.) There are 10 serene en suite bedrooms, along with a sparkling lap pool and Jacuzzi, an adjoining open-air spa, a bocce court, a table tennis room, and a media room, so you have plenty of space to spread out and get comfortable, no matter how big your group is. But what really sets the villa apart is how the dedicated staff of over 20 anticipates your every need. Villa Avellana’s lead concierge, a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or, can arrange a monkey-spotting tour. A…

On Costa Rica’s Pacific side—the drier side, FYI—the Andaz is a great landing spot for those seeking a chill pace and family-friendly amenities. Rooms have pebbled rainfall showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and, depending on the floor, plunge pools or balconies overlooking the forest or bay. There are four restaurants; the highlight is Ostra, which features spins on traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado croquettes. Guests spend most of their time at the four pools (one is adults-only) and three distinct beaches: One is relatively untouched and perfect for lying out on a towel. Another is set up as a take-off spot for kayaking and snorkeling. (Keep your eye out for the turtles who’ve taken up residence in the coral garden.) And the third, which serves as the resort’s beach club, is accessible by a short boat ride. If you’re traveling with kids between 4 and 12, the thoughtful children’s programming is reason to book this resort over others: The kids’ club has a full schedule of activities, like basic Spanish classes, pottery painting, treasure hunts, and nature meditation. And the resort staff is particularly warm and attentive with little ones. The fact…