Hotel in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
El Mangroove
This contemporary boutique resort on the Gulf of Papagayo offers sleek design, stunning sunsets, and access to pristine beaches. The minimalist aesthetic complements natural surroundings, with a focus on local cuisine, adventure activities, and relaxation. Adults-only sections ensure tranquility.
El Mangroove is a contemporary boutique resort situated on the Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, directly adjacent to a protected mangrove estuary that gives the property its name. The resort occupies the Papagayo Peninsula, approximately 20 minutes from Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, making it one of the most accessible luxury properties on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Opened in 2013 and affiliated with Autograph Collection Hotels — Marriott's portfolio of independent boutique properties — El Mangroove is designed around a minimalist coastal aesthetic. Natural stone, teak, and open-air structures create a seamless relationship between interior spaces and the surrounding mangrove and ocean environment. The property operates at an intimate scale with 84 rooms and suites arranged along the shoreline, in contrast to the large-volume resorts elsewhere on the peninsula.
Room categories include Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Marina Suites, all with private terraces or balconies overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, the marina, or the mangrove preserve. Interiors feature locally sourced materials and Guanacaste artisan crafts. Select suites include private plunge pools.
Two dining venues anchor the culinary program. Ginger is the resort's signature restaurant, serving contemporary Pacific Rim and Costa Rican fusion cuisine in an open-air setting above the water. El Mangle provides casual poolside dining and cocktails throughout the day. Three swimming pools include an infinity-edge design oriented to catch the Gulf's celebrated Pacific sunsets.
The spa operates seven treatment rooms with a menu of Costa Rican-inspired therapies using local botanical ingredients. Water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing depart from the private marina. Guided kayak tours of the adjacent mangrove ecosystem offer encounters with roosting herons, crocodiles, and migratory waterbirds unique to this sheltered estuary environment.
Amenities
- spa
- three pools
- restaurants
- beach access
- water sports
- yoga
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +506 2105-7070
Location
Papagayo, Guanacaste Province
10.5667, -85.6333 — View on map
Highlights
- Boutique Autograph Collection resort on the Gulf of Papagayo with mangrove estuary access
- Ginger restaurant serving Pacific Rim and Costa Rican fusion cuisine with ocean views
- Three pools including an infinity-edge pool oriented to Papagayo's famous Pacific sunsets
- Guided mangrove kayak tours departing from the resort's private marina
- 20-minute transfer from Liberia International Airport, among the most accessible Pacific resorts
Tips
- Arrive at the infinity pool or Ginger restaurant by 5:30 pm to secure a prime sunset-viewing spot
- The mangrove kayak tour is best done in the early morning when bird and wildlife activity is highest
- Dry season (December–April) brings consistently sunny skies ideal for beach and marina activities
- Book the Marina Suite for a private plunge pool and direct marina views
- Combine a stay with a day trip to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, accessible within 90 minutes
FAQ
What is the Autograph Collection and how does El Mangroove relate to it?
Autograph Collection is Marriott's portfolio of independent boutique hotels that maintain distinct local identities while operating within the Marriott Bonvoy rewards ecosystem. El Mangroove is a member property; Bonvoy points can be earned and redeemed there.
Does El Mangroove have a private beach?
The resort has access to a sheltered cove on the Gulf of Papagayo but is not a traditional sandy beach property; the focus is on the marina, pools, and mangrove estuary. Playa Hermosa is accessible within 10 minutes.
Is El Mangroove adults-only?
The resort is not exclusively adults-only, though its boutique scale and design aesthetic skew toward couples and adult travelers. Families are welcome and the staff accommodates children.
What water activities are available at El Mangroove?
The resort's marina offers kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, guided mangrove tours, and sailing excursions. Sport fishing and catamaran day charters can be arranged through the concierge.
Accessibility
El Mangroove's contemporary design and flat marina-side terrain make navigation easier than typical hillside Pacific resorts. Accessible pathways and rooms are available; guests with specific mobility, hearing, or visual impairment needs should contact the resort before arrival to arrange appropriate accommodations.