As soon as I found out that I had been invited to stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Costa Rica, I immediately began to imaginably Photoshop myself lounging on their private beaches, taking in dip in the turquoise pools and sipping cocktails in the warm evening breeze.
After almost 24 hours of travelling I was more grateful than ever when I finally arrived at the hotel lobby, an open space welcoming you to luxury paradise.
The resort was designed to fit in with the landscape and natural habitat. Neutral buildings hide within rows of flowing palm trees surrounded by mountainous views and sandy beaches.
The welcoming hospitality was immediately impressive. After being offered a refreshing fruity drink and cool towel, I was taken to my room by a private buggy, before opening the doors to my home for the next few nights.
As I put down my case, the sound of relaxing melodic music beckoned me in. Fresh fruit and delicious coconut slices had been laid out, a perfect treat to satisfy my late night craving.
The room was exceedingly spacious (bigger than my London flat for sure!), with beautiful patterned furnishings and artwork to compliment the tropical outdoors.
Walking into the bathroom I grinned at the large bathtub, with its open shutters looking out into the room. The shower was equally pleasing and I was doubly happy to have the option of two sinks… when in ‘Costa Rica’! Every kind of amenity is provided, and if like me you always forget something, a tube of toothpaste is just a phone call away.
Arriving at night, I couldn’t wait to open my large sliding doors to reveal the darkened view, the sound of waves lapping at the shore teasing me as I got into my soft King size bed.
Staying in the Cielo Room (meaning sky), I was restless to get up and see Costa Rica by daylight for the first time. As I opened the doors to my balcony, the scenery did not disappoint.
A jungle canopy sheltered the beach beneath it, whilst further in the distance, high forested cliffs outlined the sea.
I sat on my spacious balcony listening to the early morning tide without a care in the world. And better still, before you start to worry about a tropical visitor making themselves at home in your private bit of luxury, a floor to ceiling mesh protects your space from any invasion.
As I watched people walk across the sands from my little haven above, I decided to go for quick stroll and explore.
The Four Seasons resort has two private beaches, one with darkened volcanic sand that is often used for water sports, and a quieter more picturesque spot that has an abundance of cabanas and sun loungers, perfect to soak up the rays on. Included in your stay is an outstanding range of beach services, including hourly popsicles and a sunglasses man who cleans up your smudged lens!
Looking out onto the tropical panorama, I can see why you could easily spend a few days recuperating on the sands, although look out for a mob of tiny crabs… watching tiny shells suddenly spring to life is much amusing.
The Four Seasons resort additionally has 4 pools, catering for families and for those who want to escape the excitable screams of little ones. An adult’s only pool looks out onto the beach whilst the other larger pools and hot tub are surrounded by palm trees and mountainous scenery, each offering a refreshing escape from the scorching sun and humidity.
For those who wish to tick another destination off their golfing bucket list, an 18-hole award-winning course spreads across the peninsula, offering some of the best of the resort’s views and animal spotting opportunities. And for those who are less serious about the sport, a mini crazy golf spot is located next to the driving range.
This well known course is what makes the resort so big. It takes 10 minutes to drive from the Jurassic Park style entrance to the main lobby, winding up and down the tropical hills, past million dollar privately-owned mansions. We were able to explore one of the homes of the rich and famous, however that’s another story…
The Four Seasons resort also has a private beach club that is mainly open to those who have a house on the land (I know right… a casual house at a Costa Rican Four Seasons resort? I’d like to know THOSE people), but also allows access to guests of the hotel.
And we can’t forget the luxurious Four Seasons spa. Unfortunately I ran out of time to enjoy the full spa facilities however I was able to enjoy a signature Costa Rican coffee scrub.
Never having a scrub before, I was nervous as to what to expect but holy moly am I glad that I went for it. The 60 minute treatment began with a soft dry brushing (which strangely feels amazing) before the warm coffee and sugar scrub is rubbed all over. You can ask for different pressures for the scrub, I asked for medium and there was some areas that were a little rough but I knew the benefits would be worth it.
After you have been fully scrubbed and now resemble something that has rolled in the dirt, you are able to take a long shower in the treatment room before your therapist moisturises your skin with cocoa butter.
I can honestly say my skin has never felt so soft… three days later and I still can’t stop stroking my arms. Seriously, I’m having scrubs more often.
One thing I loved about at the Four Seasons (apart from the outstanding service) was the added touches throughout my stay. The brown silk sheets and warm eye mask during my spa treatment, the way housekeeping would arrange all my make up so perfectly neatly every morning (and even put a Four Seasons bookmark in my not yet read novel) and the little spots where you could make your own scrub from natural products.
Each made every moment that little bit more memorable and special, added to by the sheer overwhelming hospitality. I swear everyone who worked there seemed to know my name and never stopped smiling.
You may be thinking, Eppie, did you not eat when you were there?! Man I ate my way through the Four Seasons resort but I couldn’t possibly make this post any longer so have decided to write a separate post about all things food and drink for Thursday.
Here’s a teaser, just to make sure you come back to find out why I have a popsicle in my cocktail…
How to sum it up? The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is the essence of Pura Vida. This local phrase is heard everywhere in Costa Rica, meaning ‘pure life’ and used as a greeting or phrase to mean excellence or full of life. From the minute you step out into the warm natural grounds to the minute you leave the cool luscious lobby, you are offered nothing less than the most personalised and utmost caring service.