The Four Seasons Costa Rica isn’t about the crystal chandeliers or dramatic lobbies, though those are amazing. It’s about the best service that a hotel can provide in a secluded setting that is surrounded by nature. From the moment I arrived, the staff was great and genuine, which is the key. They were always more than willing (and very fast) to give me a ride up to the suites on the hill on a golf cart. I quickly became friends with the drivers, and traded quips about our respective home countries. (They wanted to hear about snow, I wanted to know what it was like actually living outside of the Four Seasons’ complex.).A waiter overheard me tell someone at lunch that I was vegetarian, and promptly asked me if it was okay if my dish had cheese on it. Going above and beyond, with a smile, is how I would describe the staff. The hotel is beautiful, and yet understated. The drive in is a bit like Jurassic Park; gated and lush. A winding brick road with spectacular views leads back to the Four Seasons; only a beach club affiliated with the hotel and a golf course are beyond the gates.
My room was more than I expected. I had a beach view from almost any part of the room. I could open the shades above my soak tub, and admire the ocean. My porch also had huge rolling doors that I could open up to get 180-degree views. The valet warned me to leave my porch screen down at night, because monkeys would break into my room, which I loved, of course! I made it a habit of ordering fresh fruit or creamy oatmeal every morning so that I could enjoy dining on my porch.
The Four Seasons’ spa was really pretty, and brand new. The spa staff was great to work with, and very accommodating of our group (would allow quick changes, and notify us of cancellations so that the staff could fill in and get treatments). They even had tons of make-up for post treatment, when you don’t want to go back to your room without make-up. How thoughtful! And the spa was fairly large for a smaller hotel, with 19 treatment rooms. The resort also had several nice pools, but the beaches outshined them. Since the Four Seasons is located on a peninsula, beaches were on three sides. They were never too crowded, and the hotel staff was always there to offer a water or towel.
Dining at Four Seasons was great. I had the best gazpacho ever at Papagayo Restaurant. So creamy, with just the right about of spice and coolness. We would hit up Tico’s fairly often for lunch and dinner. It also offered fresh sushi – so good!
