El Mangroove Hotel is a sustainably minded resort situated on Papagayo Bay’s beachfront, and is one of the most accessible waterfront resorts in Costa Rica, under 30 minutes from the nearest airport. And with all of its convenience, you still feel hundreds of miles away once you step into its 17 acres of lush mangrove forests, where modern design melds with the natural surroundings rather than competing for attention.
Here’s everything you need to know if you plan on visiting the eco-luxury hotel, from the journey to the Pacific coast to amenities to indulge in once you arrive. I’ll also share personal highlights from my recent visit, from a tranquil sound bath to a riveting beach-hopping tour.
How to get to El Mangroove and what to expect
El Mangroove Hotel is very accessible, just a 20-minute ride from Liberia International Airport, the second-largest air hub in Costa Rica. I cleared through customs in a matter of minutes and was grateful that the airport was well-staffed and free of crowds. Make sure to have your passport and El Mangroove’s address ready to speed up the process.
You can hire a driver directly through the hotel, and enjoy bottled water, complimentary wi-fi, and air conditioning in a well-equipped luxury van. You can also arrange your own taxi or rideshare in advance. Since the property is in such close proximity to the airport, your options are flexible.
When you arrive, you’re greeted with an impressive open-air pavilion, a warm welcome, and a refreshing beverage. As you check in, the team acquaints you with the property and is happy to answer any questions you may have before you settle in. The property is notably wild, with birds swooping down and occasional crabs edging the walkways.
While Mangroove exudes peaceful luxury upon first impression, it’s clearly rooted in the wildness of the thriving mangrove forest, with an unhurried, nature-forward vibe.
What to do on El Mangroove’s property
Enjoying El Mangroove’s peaceful grounds was one of the top activities during my stay. I circled the property on its teak-lined walkways most mornings, passing massive Guanacaste trees and greeting the sun at the beach. Between swaths of towering mangroves and gardens, there are plenty of activities for guests to experience.
Here are my personal highlights and recommendations:
Coffee tasting and hands-on lesson
Take time to arrange a coffee tasting with the property if you’re a fan, since Costa Rica’s volcanic soils and high altitudes result in some of the highest quality beans on earth. Our knowledgeable host poured both pour-over and pressed samples of different blends, guiding us through the nuances of each cup’s aromas and undertones.
Cacao ceremony with local guide
On-site cacao ceremonies are a unique option for cultural immersion, consisting of a singing bowl meditation and serving of locally sourced, ceremonial-grade chocolate. My ceremony took place on a floating cabana surrounded by wild grasses and the gentle chirp of tropical birds, immediately putting me at ease. Your guide will provide everything you need to feel comfortable, allowing you to relax and lose yourself in a moment of surrender.
Spa treatment and guided fitness class
There are plenty of spa treatments to choose from, including mud wraps, massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials. The property’s gym barely separates guests from nature, built with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and nestled into the mangroves.
Yoga classes are offered throughout the week and take place in a large open-air studio. My class was vigorous but easily modifiable, and it was led at a good pace. It’s the perfect way to stretch and warm up before your next vacation day, but I must warn that it can be a bit hot without air conditioning in the summer. Luckily, it’s easy to take a quick shower, dip in the pool, or plunge in the ocean after your session.
Staying at El Mangroove
El Mangroove’s rustic yet refined atmosphere is modern and lively, and the hotel is artfully crafted with local wood, sleek corridors, and well-curated landscaping. It’s as if the property is designed to mirror the surrounding mangroves, with open-air designs framing the jungle at every turn.
Its ambiance makes it the perfect destination for couples, nature enthusiasts, and beach lovers. However, it also caters to families and groups, and is fully equipped to handle special occasions, such as weddings or reunions.
Accommodations
The hotel is an all-suite 85-room property, offering guests a comfortable room alongside a separate recreational area. There are five room categories to choose from, ranging from the 485-square-foot Bark Suite to the 1,668-square-foot Mangle Presidential Suite.
My suite was clean, modern, and adorned with thoughtful local touches. It’s bright yet private, with massive windows presenting to the property’s junglescape. I felt nestled in the foliage with all of the luxuries of an upscale room. I was provided with a robe, slippers, and had access to a well-stocked mini bar filled with beverages and local snacks.
A large walk-in shower with an adjustable rainwater head is the perfect start or ending to your day, and I appreciated its roomy, spa-like design. A well-placed hammock in my suite’s lounge was the perfect spot for reading a book or listening to a mid-afternoon rainstorm. Don’t be surprised if you doze off in this cozy section, as it’s surprisingly comfortable.
Staff is at the ready for any requests, keeps rooms well-maintained, and even brings a small morsel of dessert to your room each evening. Suites are housed in several three-floor villa-style buildings clustered around the property. So keep in mind that there are stairs involved (and no available elevators) if your room is on the second or third floor.
Dining and lounging
Dining was a highlight during my time at El Mangroove. It’s hard to choose favorites, as every restaurant was high-quality, but Malú stood out with its impressive Mediterranean menu and modern, warm design. My favorite dish was an artful plate of flame-cooked lamb chops, decorated with edible flowers atop a pool of herbaceous sauce.
The wine selection was strong, and cocktails were well-balanced and creative, the perfect pairings for the property’s farm and ocean-to-table bites. Fresh juices and smoothies are available during breakfast, helpful for an energy and vitamin boost before another day enjoying the resort.
There are four dining options available on the property:
- Makoko: An all-day dining venue with international and Costa Rican menu options, featuring a robust breakfast buffet that has something for everyone
- Matiss: A laid-back poolside restaurant with light drinks, a full bar, and a rustic sand floor
- Malú: Exquisite bites from Europe’s most revered culinary destinations in a warmly lit, luxurious, open-air restaurant
- Izakaya: For fresher fare, Izakaya offers fresh Japanese creations crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
The hotel’s main pool stretches between the end of the main dining room and the start of the beach, with loungers and private cabanas lined on either side. It’s adults-only and situated next to Matiss’ bar for quick access to beverages and small bites.
Families can lounge in the child-friendly adventure zone, a grouping of several smaller pools and cabanas. Recreational areas weren’t crowded during my stay, even with a lively wedding party celebrating onsite.
The beachfront, known as Playa Panamá, is relatively small, and that’s a good thing. Unlike other properties with endless rows of tourists and vendors, this shore feels private and exclusive. The sand is soft and well-maintained, and there’s a designated swimming zone marked with buoys that’s calm and shallow enough for guests to enjoy.
Excursions just steps from the hotel room
Those with a sense of adventure can book an experience hosted by Azul Ocean Adventures. They conveniently depart from the on-site shore of Playa Panamá, just steps from the hotel’s common area.
The bioluminescence tour was my personal favorite, and a must-book. It began with a sunset cruise that gave way to a canopy of stars, the perfect setting for savoring a cold beverage and engaging in warm conversation. At a safe, calm spot on the gulf, my guide instructed me to jump in and explore. As my arms pushed through the water, flickers of twinkling blue light appeared, caused by microscopic plankton.
Beach hopping was another top experience, and I saw manta rays, tortoises, and vibrant schools of fish as I snorkeled on a lively half-day tour. Your guide can also point out unique formations and reefs underwater, which are usually hotspots for marine life.
Here are other tours worth booking on your visit:
- Fishing tours
- Sunset tours
- Private boat excursions (snorkeling, paddle boarding, and beach visits)
- Private boat rentals
- Jetski adventures
- Paddleboard lessons
Guests can enjoy these activities year-round thanks to the protected waters of Bahía Culebra. Lush jungle hills protect the basin from harsh winds and strong currents, providing the perfect aquatic paradise just outside of El Mangroove’s tranquil suites.
