Costa Rica packs a punch as a meeting and incentive destination. Despite its diminutive size, the Central American country, which topped Global DMC Partners M&E Hotlist for 2019, boasts rugged rainforests, volcanoes, stunning coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, and a growing portfolio of luxury properties. We check out three of the best new hotel openings this year…

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal 

Marriott’s W brand made its debut in Reserva Conchal at the end of last year, located between beautiful beaches and the mangroves of Cabo Velas. The 151-room resort features a bold design, inspired by the vibrant culture of Guanacaste. After an action-packed day of golfing, surfing or sunbathing, guests can retreat to the hotel spa to be pampered from head to toe with locally inspired treatments and a martini in hand.

When the sun goes down, there are an array of dining options to choose from, including Latitud 10° Norte, which serves up traditional Costa Rican seafood with inventive Thai twists, before dancing the night away at our club, Zona Azul. The 2,300-acre Reserva Conchal development is set in Costa Rica’s popular Guanacaste province, with amenities including a Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course and a beach club.

Hard Rock Hotel Papagayo, Costa Rica

The first Hard Rock property in Costa Rica is set to open its doors in 2019 bringing its own brand of cool to Papagayo’s Gulf and Peninsula. Recognised as one of the country’s most popular resort destinations, guests of this Hard Rock Hotel will be treated to secluded landscapes, natural wonders, eco-adventure excursions and an up-close look at Costa Rica’s impressive biodiversity.

Created in partnership with Sunwing Travel Group, the 294-room all-inclusive resort will boast brand exclusive offerings, such as a full-service Rock Spa featuring relaxing and recharging treatments and The Sound of Your Stay music amenity programme offering free in-room Fender guitar checkouts. Dining options range from an all-day buffet restaurant to four a la carte eateries, including a North American steak house, an Asian restaurant, an Italian trattoria and an internationally inspired eatery

Santarena Hotel

Groups looking for a more boutique experience should check out this plush property, which made its debut in Las Catalinas, Guanacaste earlier this year. The hotel features 45 rooms, most boasting private balconies with striking handmade Cuban style pressed tiles as a dreamy perch to sip morning coffee or watch the sun slip into the Pacific.

Located by one of the region’s best beaches, Playa Danta, which is just steps away and a local favourite for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling, the property features a rooftop lounge and the Ponciana restaurant, which sources its unique Costa Rican dishes from ingredients found in the sea, mountains, and farms. Planners have their pick of eight spaces and events range from team building trips and corporate retreats to sophisticated dinners and more.

For more inspiration, check out our Online Destination Guides…

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