Carved into nature, El Mangroove, a Marriott resort in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Papagayo, delivered a perfect slice of pura vida for my intimate vacation escape. The secluded refuge allowed me to push aside any distractions.
As I embraced nature while basking in small-scale, luxurious accommodations, this all-ages resort is perfect for the traveler who craves elevated amenities while being immersed in an idyllic setting.
A Boutique Gem Located in Guanacaste
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, El Mangroove brings the luxury that I have come to expect from a signature Marriott property. The Guancaste resort is tucked away from the busy areas, feels secluded and is far different from the large-scale, all-inclusive resorts.
From the welcome drink as my car arrived to the little gestures that appeared within my room, all the little details make the stay memorable.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Skip the airport stress — Lyft’s On-Time Pickup Promise guarantees your scheduled ride shows up within 10 minutes of your pickup time. If it doesn’t? You’ll get Lyft Cash. You can schedule up to 90 days in advance and even lock in your rate. Use code SBT25 to save 25% off ONE scheduled ride to the airport.
Luxury Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty
A special element of these rooms is the indoor/outdoor configuration. It celebrates the eco-friendly aspects of the resort. While the bed and bath space is completely enclosed, my first-floor room had a screened-in sitting area. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee, leisurely afternoon read or just a quiet moment of solitude.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The resort is surrounded by nature. It is best to be thoughtful about keeping windows closed, especially at night.
Let us inspire your travels! Sign up for our newsletter now.
Enjoy the Afternoon Relaxing at the Pool
With two pools on property, the spaces offer a different type of escape. The elongated, black bottom pool by the Matiss restaurant was my go-to spot for a dip. While this pool is open to all, the cozy cabanas made it easy to enjoy some quiet moments.
In contrast, the adults-only pool feels totally different. The tiered lounges were a perfect spot for sunbathing or reading a book. It was a little more open, but it never felt crowded.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Costa Rica’s beaches are public. To have a quieter, private experience, sit by the pools.
Dining at El Mangroove
For me, food is an integral part of any vacation experience. El Mangroove has three onsite restaurants, Makoko, Matiss and Malu. Unlike some all-inclusive resorts that focus on abundance, the resort’s culinary team celebrates the attention to little details.
From precisely plated desserts to the local ingredients used in the entrees, every dish has a nod to the region.
Two of the three restaurants focus on Latin American cuisine. Most of the dishes are flavorful, but not intensely spicy. I would highly recommend fish dishes because many of those offerings are freshly caught.
Makoko’s open-air setting is the perfect spot to dine as the sun sets.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If traveling with a group, consider ordering a few plates and share amongst the table.
Bearth Spa Offers Tranquil Relaxation
When I’m on vacation, I always splurge on a spa service. Bearth Spa captured my attention from the first moment. After enjoying a welcome beverage, I could choose from an indoor treatment room or a secluded, private outdoor space.
The outdoor treatment rooms feel like a personal hideaway.
The spa staff catered to my requests. From making me feel immediately comfortable to just the right pressure to work out the tension in my shoulders, that blissful hour felt more like an eternity.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive a few minutes early before a treatment to enjoy a welcome drink and relax in the garden.
Take Advantage of Special Experiences
My time at El Mangroove was limited, but I managed to squeeze in several special opportunities to experience some of the Costa Rican culture. For example, I attended a staff-led coffee tasting that showcased both the local roasteries as well as proper coffee brewing techniques.
The staff will coordinate with you to find activities that match your preferences, including:
- paddleboarding
- snorkeling
- boat rides
SheBuysTravel Tip: Always check the weather when booking an excursion. Some activities leave directly from the shoreline.
Leave Your Leaves Ties Me to Costa Rica Forever
Whenever I travel, I always try to find a special memento or souvenir. Instead of taking something from my stay at El Mangroove, I left a token behind through the “Leave Your Leaves” program.
This unique activity allowed me to plant a small mangrove tree which will be used to reforest the surrounding area. It is a gift that keeps my vacation memories forever rooted to the resort.
Read More:
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List
- Eco-Friendly Adventure: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
The post El Mangroove Marriott Costa Rica: Where Eco Luxury Meets Culture appeared first on She Buys Travel.
