Relaxation is inevitable at this Autograph Hotel
by Vicky Dill
Upon entering the private grounds of El Mangroove, an Autograph Collection Hotel, guests are immediately aware that they’ve entered a higher realm of sophistication. Strong, meandering trees, stand majestically in the entrance and define the wicked style of all that is El Mangroove.
The richness of the wood, the lush greenery, the linear architecture, the organic colors and textures, along with a sexy 60’s vibe makes this the coolest resort in Costa Rica. It’s hard to believe that this haven of serenity is just a quick three-hour flight from Houston into Liberia International Airport.
Since the debut of the hotel in 2014, they’ve put all their resources into making the 85 garden view suites ultra luxurious. The linens and bedding are heavenly, the
technology is edgy and guests won’t believe the natural setting of the bathrooms. Their ultimate goal when designing the showers was to make it seem like the outdoors had been brought inside. Glass doors from the shower, leading to the outside, along with the multiple high pressure shower heads, gives guests the romantic feeling of showering in the rain. Many of the rooms feature a hammock in the sitting room beckoning its guests to take a dreamy, afternoon nap. On the patio is a picture perfect chair. Literally…you will definitely want a photo in this bright, hanging, oval chair!
Dream-catchers, which are small hoops of feathers and beads, adorn the doors as do not disturb signs. They are believed to give their owners good dreams. Such a symbolic detail perfectly depicts how El Mangroove is ‘Exactly like nothing else’.
This oasis sits on 150 meters of unspoiled beach along the Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste, roughly an hour from the touristy Tamarindo. Though it’s an easy drive to the bustling town, there is plenty to do to at El Mangroove to satisfy your senses. On the property is the most adorable surf shack offering an array of aqua activities. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, wake boards and even paddle boards equipped with underwater LED lights for nighttime paddling are just a few of the perks at the picturesque surf shack. The concierge is at your service to organize bike riding, surf trips, dolphin expeditions, zip lining, volcano tours and island hopping which is MUST during your Costa Rican vacation.
Near the 130 foot pool, lined with cabanas and gulf views, is a piece of art that magnifies the energy of El Mangroove. It is a sculpture of a man, sitting comfortably in the grass, with his feet spread like he is taking in the sunshine from his head to the tips of his toes. He appears to feel right at home at El Mangroove, just like they strive to make their guests feel.
Relaxation is inevitable at this Autograph Hotel. The Bearth spa is one you won’t
forget. Entering the peaceful paradise the walls are made of bamboo, once again inviting the outdoors inside. Spirit soothing treatments using natural products are emphasized throughout the spa. The highlight is the outdoor massage area nestled below a canopy of treetops. You will take a wooden zig-zag path, over fields of tall grass, to the private massage huts that give you the sensation of being in Africa. It wouldn’t even be surprising to see monkeys swinging from the trees as you drift in and out of euphoria.
What about food? You won’t go hungry! El Mangroove prides itself on farm-to-table and ocean-to-table menus. Makoko, the main restaurant on the property, resides inside a glass room, and offers an artistic and fulfilling gastronomical experience. Matiss is the more casual and colorful dining with sand floors and pool views. It provides a casual, but sexy atmosphere, fresh ingredients, a versatile menu, and live music or DJ’s from time to time. This is a place you will relax and stay longer. Creative drinks, capitalizing on the flavors of Latin America, are a specialty here. Twenty four hour room service along with a pool-side menu are also available.
Planning a social or business event is a breeze at El Mangroove. Unique tropical areas, like Union Garden Plaza are perfect for receptions, weddings and the grooviest parties. If you’re planning a professional event there are six conference rooms, each with views of the outdoors so those meetings feel less like work and more like pleasure. The Union Ballroom can accommodate 200 guests for a cocktail party and 120 guests for a sit-down meal.
An El Mangroove wedding would be stylishly unforgettable. The array of packages offered range from an elopement ceremony for just the couple to a wedding with up to 100 guests. The list of amenities they offer is lengthy but a few of the highlights are: A wedding coordinator, room upgrades, a choice of four different wedding cakes, acoustic music for the ceremony, floral centerpieces for dinner and the couple’s choice of seven different décor packages.
Whether your escape to El Mangroove is a romantic getaway, a business trip or a vacation with friends you can count on it being ‘Exactly like nothing else’.
