Summer approaches, and the idea of vacationing begins to take hold. Americans, in general, take 7–10 days off each year for international travel, and Mexico tops the list of favored destinations. Many Americans enjoy the concept of “bleisure” (where business and leisure are mixed), and it is growing in popularity.
Another trend gaining ground is experiential travel, where immersive experiences (e.g., food tours, adventure travel) are favored over traditional sightseeing.
From Los Angeles, Costa Rica is a five- to six-hour flight that passes over Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Costa Rica is a small country with no winter but many volcanoes. It is unique in that it has two coastlines—the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Remarkably, the country runs on more than 99% renewable energy, mainly from hydropower, wind, and solar sources.
It is a happy country. Its slogan is Pura Vida!, which means “pure life” and is used as a greeting, farewell, or expression of gratitude and positivity.
Nestled in the lush northwestern region is Peninsula Papagayo, a stunning 1,400-acre luxury eco-destination in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is known for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class resorts. To get there, it’s best to fly into Liberia and drive along Highway 21 to the peninsula.
To be clear, this is a luxury destination with sweeping tropical forests, stunning views of Culebra Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and the occasional sighting of howler monkeys.
The Andaz is one of the resorts on the peninsula. It is a resort with heart—sustainability is a major focus. Experiential activities abound, such as Papagayo Explorers, who provide epic eco-adventures with an expert team of naturalist guides.
On our first day, we headed to the beach and took part in coral planting, a unique team-building activity. Coral reefs are not just beautiful and colorful underwater gardens—they are essential habitats for marine life. However, they are under threat from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
We are here to do our part.
A group of nine, we are tasked with taking recently uprooted coral, cleaning it, and adding it to an artificial reef. Once done, it’s back to the deep—hopefully to grow and thrive.
That night, a special dinner was prepared for us at the adjoining Four Seasons Resort. It’s a short drive. We arrive at sunset. Dinner will be held outside in the Nemare dining garden, but first, a mixologist gives us a lesson on how to pair herbs with drinks and invites us to “get creative.” Dinner is Latin America Asado, a live-fire culinary pop-up event. Cooking is Chef Enrique “Kike” Retana with Executive Chef Emiliano Rabia. That night, on the lawn, there is a stunning display of stars above.
The next day, we join our tour guide, Néstor Zeledón, for a cultural road trip. Along the way, we explore the Nicoya Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s Blue Zones—regions known for longevity and happiness. Our journey takes us through villages and farmlands, offering a firsthand look at local life.
Our first stop is along the Río Tempisque, an 89-mile river that originates in the foothills of the Orosi Volcano in the northwest and flows southeast into the estuary at the northern end of the Nicoya Gulf. It is heavily silted with sand and gravel—sand that is surprisingly valuable. Men in boats dive for it, then bring it to waiting ox carts that carry it up hills to be deposited. It’s a rare look into a fascinating, archaic process. Along the way, we visit a local woman in Santa Cruz who creates papier-mâché puppets.
We are greeted by dancing puppets and introduced to a local group of young musicians.
Our next stop is a traditional Costa Rican coffee farm, where we gain a deeper understanding of one of the country’s most beloved exports. Coffee is an integral part of Costa Rican culture and daily life. We are welcomed by the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans and invited to see the process from bean to cup.
Our guide explains how Costa Rica’s unique climate and volcanic soil create ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. We learn about the meticulous hand-picking process, the drying and roasting techniques, and the importance of sustainable coffee farming.
We then sit for a coffee-tasting session, sampling different roasts and brewing methods—from traditional chorreador drip coffee to espresso-style brews. The flavors are vibrant, with notes of citrus, chocolate, and honey. As we sip, we hear stories of generations of farmers who have dedicated their lives to cultivating coffee.
After a day of adventure, it’s time to visit the Onda Spa at Andaz. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing herbal drink and a cool towel infused with essential oils. The spa’s treehouse-style treatment rooms offer stunning ocean and jungle views, creating a peaceful and immersive natural environment. But first, the masseur hands you a flower, which you carry to a bridge. There, you are asked to let your troubles go—and so they do—as the flower is dropped into a small pool with dozens of other lotus blossoms.
The word vacation comes from the Latin word vacātiō, meaning freedom, exemption, or being free from something—especially from duty or work.
Those vacation days allow us to enter a new world, taste unfamiliar foods, and experience different cultures in new and exciting ways.
Costa Rica and the Peninsula Papagayo are exactly that—a new and vibrant place to vacation.
