If the journey to living the good life is paved with wellness, the Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo will put you on the right path. Their goal is to infuse health and wellness principles and practices into every aspect of the guest experience. Costa Rica has long established a focus on biodiversity and eco-sustainability throughout the country. The Four Seasons is Central and South America’s only Forbes five-star resort and is situated at the tip of the famed Papagayo Peninsula, nestled between both the Pacific and Gulf Coast beaches.
Accommodations range from 603-square-feet rooms to plunge pool suites and one- to three-bedroom private residences. Guestrooms and suites come with “invisible,” screened-in patios surrounding the outdoor living area. Inside the marble bathrooms, guests can currently enjoy Ortigia toiletries. New room renovations however may include a new line of bath products yet to be announced. The largest of the categories is the 6,727-square-foot Casa del Cielo estate which can hold up to 10 guests and includes a heated infinity pool, whirlpool, Viking barbecue and panoramic views of the peninsula. Plus, all estate guests are treated to roundtrip airport transportation, butler service, fresh flowers, daily cocktails, complimentary pantry stocking and a poolside BBQ for one night of the stay.
If not enjoying a meal in your suite, check out one of the hotel's five dining venues, all boasting wellness menu selections. These specially-marked items incorporate fresh, locally-sourced products that meet the Four Seasons standards for quality and execution. Sol y Sombra, the Latin inspired rotisserie and fish house, offers the flavors of Central and South America. At Cena Sociale, the Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, guests can enjoy authentic Italian dishes. Whichever restaurant you choose, signature cocktails, local craft beers, healthful smoothies and an international selection of wines and spirits are on offer.
For those looking to work on their health, the Pura Vida for All Package, headed by fitness and wellness director Kelli Ricco is based on the Blue Zone research of Dan Buettner. Buettner has identified five areas across the globe where wellness practices have resulted in increased quality of life and longevity. One of these five areas is in Costa Rica in the village of Nicoya. Ricco consulted with Buettner, and the pair visited the nearby village in order to incorporate the nine Blue Zone components into the Four Season’s program. The cornerstone of the sessions is an individual consultation with Ricco who guides you in an assessment of your own wellness “Wheel of Life.” Once you have identified what is personally important, she coaches you to develop a plan to achieve your goals.
The program includes a myriad of activities and practices that address your individual goals such as Pilates, yoga, meditation and spinning. Guests can also participate in active water sports, cooking demos, hikes, property tours, beverage tastings and volunteer opportunities within the local communities. The specially-designed spa treatments combine aromatherapy, hot stone massages and chakra readings. Each component is customized to fit the guest’s preferences, goals and length of stay.
The full Pura Vida for All program is set to launch in early 2017 but guests can currently request a customized package now when booking a room.
