Andaz Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Nestled where the Gulf of Papagayo meets the sparkling blue waters of Culebra Bay, Andaz Resort at Peninsula Papagayo has a stunning setting beside the ocean, with an impressive mountain and rainforest backdrop.

There are over 150 rooms and suites, combining traditional touches with contemporary flair, with vibrant interiors of sleek furniture, rich woods and woven textiles. The bathrooms, with their deep-soaking tubs and rainshowers, induce relaxation, as do the balconies, with their gorgeous sea and tropical rainforest views, and some suites come with their own private plunge pools. Artworks featuring the rainforest and its inhabitants can be seen throughout the hotel.

With three restaurants whose delicious Latin American offerings include fresh seafood and tropical fruit smoothies, as well as a bar and lounge where you can enjoy cocktails and live music, you won't be short of options for dining and drinking.

Rio Bhongo is an open-air restaurant in the middle of the hotel’s infinity pool, where traditional dishes like casado are served alongside grilled meats, fish and sandwiches. Ostra specialises in fresh seafood, with a speciality in ceviche, and at Chao Pescao, light bites are accompanied by Central American liqueurs, Costa Rican craft beers and live Latin music. Menu highlights include the chicharrones and Colombian arepas.

The spa has several treatment rooms where a range of therapies are on offer, courtesy of a team of expert therapists. There’s also a fully-equipped fitness centre and two cascading outdoor infinity pools, with beautiful views over the mountains and the waters of Culebra Bay.

There are two secluded golden-sand beaches for sun worshippers and water sports lovers, while sporty types will also love the tennis courts and championship golf course. Explore Marina Papagayo and the national parks of Palo Verde and Rincon de la Vieja, where you can trek along the slopes of the volcano, enjoy scenic walks along mountain trails or go ziplining through the rainforest canopy, spotting monkeys along the way.