Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Scattered across the peninsula, Andaz has a stellar range of restaurants, which all serve tasty, farm-to-table dishes: at the easygoing Chao Pescao, enjoy a gastronomic tour of Latin America whilst gazing at Culebra Bay; head to the Rio Bhongo for a more international menu (and an interactive barista lesson); or visit Ostra for private, alcoved seating and lip-smacking seafood. The resort also has no less then four swimming pools, including one for kids and an adults-only spot. At the spa, enjoy tailored treatments using techniques passed down by Chorotegan ancestors - they're too good to miss.

The Andaz has 131 standard rooms and 21 suites, all built in a contemporary style and with creamy interiors, polished wood furnishings and hand-crafted wall hangings. Five of the suites feature a plunge pool, while the two-bedroom Presidential Suite enjoys an indoor-outdoor living space, dining room and kitchen, and alfresco soaking tub. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the picturesque view of the bay or forest, and the little touches are very thoughtful - you'll even find a sun hat for your use.

Andaz has a fantastic array of activities (both included and excluded), which cover land and sea. Play a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer course next door, hike along pretty trails, or bike into the hilly surrounds. On the water, there are world-class dive sites off the Gulf of Papagayo and fabulous breaks for seasoned or amateur surfers. You could also learn a little something at a mixology, dance, Spanish or pottery class, and a little further afield, explore the mysterious caves of Barra Honda National Park.