This February I was invited by the Four Seasons to experience and photograph their newly reopened eco-luxury resort on the Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400 acre private peninsula in the northern coast of Costa Rica.

I had heard so much about Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle, but I didn’t quite understand what it meant until I was there on property. It is the unabashed loving and living of life, laced with fun and heavy with gratitude.

Just how much life can you pack into four days? A lot, as it turns out, when Four Seasons and their Papagayo Explorers club are planning things.

On day one we did a mini safari around the property, with our guide imitating and explaining behaviors of the Great kiskadee bird (pictured above) and painting a rich history of conservation in the Guanacaste region. There are more than 300,000 acres protected and four UNESCO World Heritage site in this biological corridor. We observed the delicate wing of a butterfly under a microscope in their new nature center. I personally love their dedication to mindful adventure and education as it goes hand in hand with my “protect where we play” mentality. 

The biggest surprise came in the form of a water bike – an activity I had never heard of (and sounded pretty dorky!). We all loved it. The bikes glide silently and as we pedaled through winding mangrove forests we saw hawks and fish dart and jump right in front of us. They are a much more eco-friendly transportation option and are incredibly fun to ride around on.

We got completely caked in dirt driving ATV’s to go climb fig trees, we helibiked (yet another activity I had never heard of!) down a volcano and lazed about in thermal hot springs. We ate dinner under the stars. Danced and laughed more than I thought possible.

I am privileged to travel often and at the heart of it all, I am just a lover of experiences. Of “getting amongst it”. I want to feel the extraordinary in every day. Get dirty and happy and learn something. Unlike some luxury resorts, I felt like the Four Seasons understood me completely. For adventure lovers, nature seekers, those who value wellness, understated elegance, and all things experiential – I cannot say enough about how special this place is. A hidden gem I hope to make it back to.

*I was hosted by the Four Seasons resort, all opinions are my own. Feel free to reach out with any questions as we did SO much and this is a property I cannot say enough about and I would love for you guys to experience it and love it the way I do!!

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