Pura Vida at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo: A Family Dream Vacation in Costa Rica
The ultimate five-star resort provides a magical vacation for families seeking cultural exploration, sporty adventures, wellness activities, and new culinary experiences
There are vacations, and then there are the ones that stay with you forever — the kind you daydream about long after the bags are unpacked. Our recent trip to the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica, was precisely that: magical, memorable and everything our family of five could have dreamed of.
From the moment we arrived, the resort felt like something out of a dream. Nestled between two pristine beaches on a lush peninsula, the Four Seasons Resort offered breathtaking views, warm ocean breezes, and that effortless blend of eco-luxury and vibrant nature that Costa Rica is famous for. It’s no wonder it has been honored with Forbes Travel Guide Five-Stars for ten consecutive years. But what truly made the trip special wasn’t just the setting—it was the shared experiences that brought our family, including three teenage boys, closer than we’d been in a long time.
For the Active Family
One of the highlights of the trip was paddling an outrigger canoe to a stunning snorkeling spot with crystal-clear water. We spotted beautiful tropical fish, curious puffer fish, large starfish, sea turtles and even an octopus. The boys were fascinated, and it was a quiet thrill to drift side-by-side with them in such a vibrant underwater world.
Surf lessons were a highlight and an unexpected hit with the whole family. Watching the boys try a new experience like this, as they caught wave after wave, was one of those rare parenting moments where you sit back and soak in the joy. Our instructors were endlessly patient and made the experience feel safe, exciting and empowering.
The boys also tried electric hydrofoiling for the first time, gradually learning to glide across the water’s surface. We all took advantage of the on-site complimentary rentals of kayaks, paddle boards and snorkel gear to use right there on the property.
On nature walks, we spotted howler, spider, and white-faced monkeys, along with vibrant flora and fauna, offering a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity.
The boys took advantage of the Tuanis teen lounge, where they played basketball and pickleball. The room also offers an indoor clubhouse feel, with a pool table, gaming stations, board games and more.
While we did carve out time for golfing on our visit, for those wishing to challenge themselves on the green, the Arnold Palmer–designed golf course offers not only a rewarding challenge but also panoramic views. Additionally, there are seemingly endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the region’s ecological wonders.
Finding the essence of pura vida
We chatted with Melissa Quiñones, the resort’s public relations director, who noted that the expansive selection of amenities keeps many guests returning on an annual basis.
“Each time is a different adventure coming back here. But I think ultimately it’s this pull from this land. Like there’s something here that just brings you a sense of peace and calm that I have never really felt anywhere else,” says Quiñones. “I think that your nervous system just kind of feels dialed into this place. Here, it’s also an eco-friendly and, more importantly, luxury destination where our guests don’t have to necessarily drive three hours to go to the volcano or a zipline. You have everything right here, and you can still have that essence of pura vida.”
Villas for Large Families and Multigenerational Groups
Our family fell in love with our spacious villa at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica which gave us all room to spread out and have some personal space. The private plunge pool on our terrace with sweeping views, offering a serene spot to unwind after a day of adventure. The large villa offered a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and all of the comforts of a rental home but with the luxury that comes with a Four Seasons stay.
A Wealth of Wellness Opportunities
The resort’s Wellness Shala features a striking design and offers a peaceful atmosphere among the treetops. We all thoroughly enjoyed a family sound healing meditation led by the resort’s wellness ambassador, Jose Pablo Rodríguez. The natural soundtrack of birdsong and swishing palm leaves enhanced the emotionally-elevating experience.
Additionally for the parents, the Casa de la Luna Spa was a highlight. One of the standout experiences was the Tsuru Cacao Ancestral Ritual. This begins with a full-body exfoliation, followed by the application of a warm, soothing cacao mixture, before being cocooned in a wrap of banana leaves. This also included a scalp and neck massage complemented by a nourishing organic coconut oil hair treatment and a detoxifying cacao butter massage.
Connections & Culinary Discoveries
One of the most satisfying aspects of the trip was how unplugged we all were. Most of the time, our phones were forgotten. We traded scrolling for conversations—often over delicious meals that introduced us to the rich, flavorful cuisine of Costa Rica. The boys discovered a love for gallo pinto, fresh grilled fish, and tropical fruit smoothies that became a daily must. The boys eagerly tried completely new culinary experiences, from cooking thinly sliced strips of wagyu beef over hot stones at our table at the elegant Nemare steakhouse to enjoying traditional Costa Rican fare prepared by a private chef right in our villa. They also discovered seafood they’d never tasted before, broadening their palates in the most delicious way.
It’s rare to find a destination that speaks to everyone in a family—especially with teens—but Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica managed to do just that. We came home feeling more connected, refreshed and already dreaming about a future visit. Costa Rica gave us more than just a vacation. It gave us memories we’ll hold onto for years to come.
Learn more at www.fourseasons.com/costarica.