Costa Rica is quite the hotspot right now when it comes to luxury hotel developments, and Marriott has just announced its newest property there…
In this post:
St. Regis brand coming to Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Marriott has revealed plans for the St. Regis Papagayo in Costa Rica. Construction on the project is expected to start in July 2025, with an opening in early 2027 (that timeline seems optimistic, but we’ll see!). The property will span 20 hectares (nearly 50 acres) on the Gulf of Papagayo, with 634 linear yards of beachfront. For those not familiar, Papagayo is in the Guanacaste region, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR).
The newly built property will feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units, “inspired by the local culture and its ocean surroundings.” The hotel will also feature six distinct culinary venues, including Casa Club (for casual gourmet dining), The Cliff (inspired by Japanese and Costa Rican influences), a Beach Club & Grill, the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy, and more.
Other planned amenities include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pools, a spa, a beach club, and meeting and banquet space.
Below are the first renderings of the St. Regis Papagayo.
Costa Rica’s luxury hotel growth is wild
The Guanacaste region of Costa Rica has seen a massive expansion in terms of luxury hotel developments. For example, looking at the Papagayo complex, in 2004 the Four Seasons opened, which was the first property in the complex. Then in 2013, we saw the opening of the Andaz. Then in early 2025, we saw the opening of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Now we’re seeing a fourth property coming to the development.
On top of that, in early 2025 we also saw the opening of the Waldorf Astoria. While it’s not in Papagayo, it’s nearby, so I’d consider it to be a competitor.
So of course Costa Rica’s Papagayo development is a luxury resort compound, though it’s good for the country’s economy, and Costa Rica is a pleasant place to vacation — the people are super friendly, the food is good, and there are lots of activities as well. However, Papagayo doesn’t necessarily have the prettiest beaches or clearest water, if that’s what you’re after.
Bottom line
Plans have just been announced for the St. Regis Papagayo, with an opening expected in early 2027. The property will be quite big, given that it’ll feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units. More options are always a good thing, and this nicely complements all of the existing options in Costa Rica, including two newly opened properties in the Guanacaste region.
What do you make of plans for the St. Regis Costa Rica?
Living in Papagayo, there is 0.0% chance that a project that starts in July 2025 is ready in early 2027. Literally zero ;)
"Costa Rica's luxury hotel growth is wild" - and you haven't even accounted for the seemingly endless villa product down there, particularly in Papagayo. It's supposed to be a protected park, but the construction doesn't seem to stop. Too bad.
Draw up your sand bags and prepare for an old war story …. While serving my masters in Belize, before many who might read this missive were even a glint in your father’s eyes, Costa Rica was a favourite destination for R&R. Upon a return visit a couple of decades later it was shocking to observe just how Americanised the country had become.
I know that this post will go down like a lead...
Draw up your sand bags and prepare for an old war story …. While serving my masters in Belize, before many who might read this missive were even a glint in your father’s eyes, Costa Rica was a favourite destination for R&R. Upon a return visit a couple of decades later it was shocking to observe just how Americanised the country had become.
I know that this post will go down like a lead balloon, however, I am minded to say that everything which is new is not always progress.
Draw up your sand bags and prepare for an old war story …. While serving my masters in Belize, before many who might read this missive were even a glint in your father’s eyes, Costa Rica was a favourite destination for R&R. Upon a return visit a couple of decades later it was shocking to observe just how Americanised the country had become.
I know that this post will go down like a lead...
Draw up your sand bags and prepare for an old war story …. While serving my masters in Belize, before many who might read this missive were even a glint in your father’s eyes, Costa Rica was a favourite destination for R&R. Upon a return visit a couple of decades later it was shocking to observe just how Americanised the country had become.
I know that this post will go down like a lead balloon, however, I am minded to say that everything which is new is not always progress.
It definitely is "American-ized" now but still beautiful and charming. Is it really that bad to have some old world amenities in a new world location?