El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, Papagayo Bay, Costa Rica

Morning comes soft to Papagayo Bay—salt on the breeze, mangroves exhaling cool green.

El Mangroove spreads 121 boutique, design-forward rooms and suites along a sheltered curve of coast, where open-air lounges blur jungle and sea.

Come for unhurried swims, hammocks that sway in dappled light, and evenings when the bay turns to liquid bronze.

What Makes It Special

• Mangrove-meets-beach setting: shaded paths to a calm, swimmable bay perfect for SUP and kayaks
• Indoor–outdoor living: breezy suites with timber, linen textures, and wide terraces or hammocks
• Design DNA: sculptural furniture, low-slung lounges, and a palette of sand, stone, and wood
• Soulful wellness: cabana massages, sunrise yoga, and a relaxed pool scene beneath palms
• Bay-to-table flavors: bright ceviches, wood-grilled day-catch, tropical fruit and lime

A Day at El Mangroove

Morning

Barefoot to the water before the day warms; pelicans skim a bay as smooth as glass. Breakfast is papaya chilled just so, gallo pinto with plantains, and coffee dark as molasses.

Afternoon

Shade moves across the pool deck; you follow with a book and a tall glass clinking with ice. Lunch is snapper ceviche bright with citrus and charred corn. A coconut-oil massage in a breezy cabana leaves you scented like summer.

Evening

Golden hour turns the mangroves honey. From a beach lounger you watch boats trace silver lines while the grill hisses with day-catch and lime.

Night

Cicadas lift their chorus. From your terrace hammock, you hear only the hush of the tide and a distant clink of glasses from the bar.

Insider Tips for El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

• Bay here is tranquil/flat (great for paddling, not surfing). Black-sand public beach—clean, family vibe.
• Free gear shows up: canoes/kayaks, snorkel sets; steam room included.
• Ask staff about boat outings in the gulf (great for coves/monkeys/snorkel).
• Overall vibe is low-key/relaxation more than “keep-me-busy” resort.
• Yoga classes: do them. Sunrise beach walks are beautiful.
• If you like packages, ask about meal plans vs. à la carte.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Edge-of-the-mangrove calm that keeps everything shaded, slow, and sensorial.
• Refined, barefoot design—natural fibers and open spaces made for lingering.
• Easy-living bay with gentle water for paddles and unhurried swims.
• Citrus & smoke—live-fire seafood and bright, Costa Rican flavors.

For Whom

For couples: Hammock siestas, sunset cocktails, moonlit beach walks.
For design lovers: Minimal lines, natural textures, suites that open to green and blue.
For relaxed friends/families: Calm water, roomy terraces, laid-back activities.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Papagayo Bay, Guanacaste, Costa Rica — ~25–30 minutes from Liberia (LIR)
Rooms: 121 rooms & suites (many with terraces/hammocks; select with semi-open living)
Rates: From USD 284 — strong value for design-led suites on a mangrove-fringed bay
Best for: Couples, design enthusiasts, soft-adventure & wellness escapes
Style: Boutique, Design — timber, stone, linen neutrals, open-air social spaces