Upon first exploring Costa Rica, you’ll quickly discover a local admiration for sea and jungle, whether you’re enticed to visit the country’s beautiful surf breaks, zip-line over jungled canopies, go deep-sea fishing, or hike to electric-blue waterfalls.

The country’s abundant nature and vibrant culture is what tempted The Club’s development team to visit the idyllic Peninsula Papagayo 20 years ago. Today, the Exclusive Resorts flagship community, which hugs 30 acres on the south side of Peninsula Papagayo and 23 miles of rugged coastline, remains a Member favorite. With so much to see and do, here’s your insider’s guide to living the pura vida — aka the good life — during one blissful week at this Member-favorite property. 

For the Food & Wine Lover 

Word of Costa Rica’s culinary scene is out, and according to Peninsula Papagayo’s General Manager Ricardo Lopez Recabarren, you can spend an entire vacation restaurant hopping. However, you don’t need to even leave the property to experience the country’s top tables. The Members-only Poro Poro Beach Club is under the expertise of renowned Chef Nicolas Devenelle, whose cuisine is a top reason for return visits. Just a short golf-cart drive away, dining at Andaz Costa Rica reveals the Latin-themed Chao Pescao and fresh seafood at Ostra. Savoring authentic Costa Rican coffee is also a must, and local Guanacaste coffee tours showcase the country’s obsession with a strong cup of joe. Sabor Porteño Restaurante celebrates the authentic flavors of Argentina with tender cuts of prime beef paired with top Argentine wines. And when visiting the surf town of Tamarindo (a 1.5-hour drive), The Shrimp Hole is small by design yet big in flavor.

For the Adventurist  

Costa Rica has the world’s largest number of species per 10,000 square miles. The small country, comparable in size to West Virginia, is part of a narrow strip of land that separates two continents and the globe’s two largest oceans. Costa Rica’s beauty is a kaleidoscope of tropical landscapes, including 12,000 plant species, and a floral biodiversity unlike any other place on Earth. Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Rio Celeste River and Waterfall are worth the two-hour drive from your Club residence. Rent a four-wheel drive vehicle (or hire a private guide with one) to reach the tiny village of Rio Celeste and then hike to its magnificent waterfall. If the life aquatic is more your speed, the Lohe Lani Catamaran private sailing adventure takes you out to sea, where you will most likely spot dolphins and tropical fish. Alternatively, opt for a private deep-sea fishing outing to score marlin, sailfish, and tuna.

For the Tennis, Golf & Spa Obsessed  

Tee time and tennis matches are best played during sun-kissed mornings at Peninsula Papagayo’s Tennis Complex and Golf Club. Plus, golf lovers can also play the nearby Arnold-Palmer designed course. After days spent exploring the peninsula, whether under the water or flying above the Costa Rican jungle, wellness is also top of mind. Your Concierge can arrange for in-residence massage treatments via Aquam Spa, or you can visit the neighboring Four Seasons Onda Spa for regionally inspired treatments.

For the Family  

Costa Rica’s rainforests are blanketed by up to 200 inches of rain fall per year.  From animals to plants, species are diverse and plentiful. Peninsula Papagayo is known for its abundant wildlife, including a resident monkey who likes to keep the Beach Club bartenders company. Kiddos (and kids at heart) find thrills high above the jungle canopy, as zip-lining in Costa Rica is nearly mandatory. Invented in Costa Rica in 1979, zip-lining and was originally used to study the rainforests.  Today it’s an adrenaline-filled way to fly through the forests of Costa Rica. The Rio Perdido Canyon Adventure is an adrenaline-infused zip-line through magnificent slot canyons and Espavel trees with canopy heights of 160 feet. Led by experienced guides, you’ll fly through the rainforest with plenty of hoots and hollers, tackling zip lines of varying lengths, 15 platforms, and a 50-foot Tarzan swing. Afterward, float the Rio Perdido via inflatable blue tubes while marveling at the river walls and the silence of the slot canyon. After lunch, paint each other with volcanic mud and soak in the thermal hot springs.

Stay: Exclusive Resorts’ Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica  

• The 30-acre, $70 million development features 21 expansive, 4.5-bedroom, 4.5-bath, residences, ranging from 3,765 to 4,030 square feet.  
• Home sites reflect Costa Rica’s natural environment, with dynamic indoor-outdoor living spaces, chef-grade kitchens, and access to the Exclusive Resorts Poro Poro Beach Club, a five-minute golf cart ride away.  
• Jicaro homes are perched high on the cliffs, while Venado homes are conveniently located near the Poro Poro Beach Club and nestled among natural foliage. 
• Exclusive Resorts’ Poro Poro Beach Club features an 80-foot infinity pool, 65-seat restaurant led by Executive Chef Executive Chef Nicolas Devenelle, outdoor bar, and private beach access.  
• A shuttle takes Members to the neighboring Playa Prieta Beach Club, a large open-air hideaway with fitness center, large pool, two restaurants, and outdoor learning activities for children.