By Gillian Birch

Costa Rica has been penciled into surfers’ little black books for years. Retirees know all the pros and cons of retiring to this green Central American destination. But the Four Seasons Resort is catering to a different clientele. Costa Rica is for lovers. Couples seeking a hushed getaway from city babble; lovers looking for top-notch service amidst luxurious surroundings; honeymooners wanting a special and memorable vacation should all check out the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.
The Four Seasons is more a sanctuary than a hotel; an oasis in the midst of this green, beautiful country. For many years, five star accommodation was marked by crystal and marble. Now it is all about good service, fine cuisine, simple and natural furnishings and stunning views of nature.
Costa Rica lives up to its name meaning ‘rich coast.’ The palm-fringed golden beaches, the lush tropical rainforest on the volcanic mountain slopes and the unparalleled flora and fauna put Costa Rica firmly on the eco-tourist’s map. Wisely, the government invested in the formation of several National Parks to protect its unique inheritance. It also invested in education, healthcare and a good infrastructure, so exploring this small country is safe and easy. The locals are friendly, laid-back and smiling, welcoming you to this beautiful paradise.
The climate in Costa Rica is consistently warm year-round with daily highs in the 80s. From November through May the dry conditions lead to the ‘gold season’ as trees turn beautiful hues of gold and brown. The ‘green season’ from June to October has tropical showers in the afternoon when the lush vegetation thrives once again. For that special Valentine vacation, February in Costa Rica is the perfect choice, with guaranteed sunshine and low humidity.
Costa Rica is just a short direct flight from Miami and other select cities, so the vacation begins as soon as you touch down in the small international airport at Liberia. Book private transportation to the hotel, and within forty-five minutes you are sipping a welcome beverage from your own private balcony.
Beautifully furnished in dark indigenous woods and muted colors, each spacious guest room at the Four Seasons Resort leads out to a private terrace or verandah. Every view is different yet stunning as you inhale the freshest of air. The spacious bathrooms are tastefully finished in marble and include a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.
For that special romantic break, be decadent and book a sumptuous suite. The private dining area is perfect for a romantic evening-long meal, or to view the brightest stars from the infinity-edge plunge pool. Enjoy all the romance amenities on offer at the Four Seasons Resort, from the ‘Sweet Dreams’ presentations of Bailey’s with chocolate truffles, champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries or a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit.
Venturing beyond your suite, the resort’s three pools are surrounded by comfortable chaise longues with deep mattresses. There is something very calming about palm trees reflected in the blue water. Relax and dream awhile. Beside the pool, the Papagayo restaurant serves a breakfast buffet to suit all appetites, from local fresh fruits to Latin specialties. A delicious al fresco lunch of salads and sashimis is available at Congo’s Pool Bar along with cocktails, fruit juices and iced water. The Caracol Steakhouse, with its Sydney Opera House inspired roofline looks out over the immaculate Arnold Palmer designed championship golf course. The indigenous spa offers many treatments using local ingredients from nature, including a mineral-rich rainforest mud treatment.
The multilingual concierge is able to organize a host of trips to see more of this ecological paradise. During your romantic getaway, choose from staples like kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling or something more relaxing like floating gently down the Corobici River on a raft. The calm waters take you effortlessly through beautiful scenery inhabited by egrets, herons, motmots, monkeys, iguanas and lizards.
Enjoy more of Costa Rica’s natural beauty with a visit to La Chorrera waterfall on horseback, and take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters. Hummingbirds and exotic birdlife are everywhere, and the stunning bright yellow, red and blue curved beaks of the toucans are quite amazing to see. Alternatively, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park has two miles of walking trails leading to the steaming sulphur which rises from the bubbling mud. Enjoy a spa with a difference at Borinquen, and wallow in the natural hot thermal springs created by the volcanic activity beneath.
Costa Rica is known for its colorful butterflies and a trip to the Butterfly Farm can be arranged by the resort. There are more species of butterfly in Costa Rica than in the whole of Africa. Butterflies as big as your hand flutter from plant to plant displaying the detailed hand-painted wings that creation has bestowed upon them. It is a colorful and magical way to spend a quiet afternoon. The Monteverde Forest Reserve is about three hours from the hotel. This is a bird-watcher’s paradise, and home to the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Sky Walk is a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy. Look down on some of the 2,000 plants and 100 species of mammals, which call Monteverde ‘home.’
After your activities, sit outside a local café and enjoy a meal or the delicious taste of coffee, locally grown and freshly ground. These are the simple pleasures of life.
Finally, returning to your luxury haven, relax on one of the two golden sandy beaches of the Four Seasons Resort. A serene 4 ½ hour sunset cruise is a lovely way to end the day. Board the Goombay Catamaran right on the beach and sail serenely around the Gulf of Papagayo. The cruise is an ideal way to enjoy a refreshing breeze whilst looking for Pacific wildlife.
This wonderful full-service resort will not disappoint. From breakfast on your terrace to a full wedding service, the Four Seasons Resort can provide the ultimate romantic Valentine’s break, and who knows, maybe even wedding bells in the future. SA

Photographed by Michael Calderwood