El Mangroove
Bohemian-chic coastal boutique. Natural wood and stone throughout, oversized windows framing mangrove canopy or ocean, hammocks on every balcony. Casual enough for families but cool enough to feel deliberate.
Rent a private cabana by the pool — $100 for half day (5 hours) or $150 full day, includes reserved loungers, TV, and waiter service. Worth it.
Why It Matters
The only resort in the Guanacaste area with two private tour boats, the closest beach hotel to an international airport in Costa Rica, and one of the first Autograph Collection Residences properties in the world. The Bearth Spa's outdoor massage garden built into the mangroves is a standout — four open-air cabanas on a zig-zag boardwalk with curtains that open onto raw jungle.
El Mangroove sits on 17 to 19 acres of coastal mangrove at Playa Panama on the Gulf of Papagayo — the closest beach resort to an international airport anywhere in Costa Rica, just 20 minutes from Liberia (LIR). It plays the boutique angle hard: only 85 suites, a 3:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and a design by renowned Latin American architect Ronald Zürcher that leans into contemporary-bohemian rather than the generic all-white resort look. The famous lap pool stretches over 130 feet and is lined with striking black tiles. Three restaurants, a genuinely special outdoor spa, two private tour boats, and direct beach access round things out.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
2 Bedroom Villa
Privately-owned Autograph Collection Residences connected to all hotel amenities. Features a private plunge pool, rooftop deck, large sliding glass doors opening to outdoor terraces, and locally-sourced natural materials throughout. Access to all hotel services including spa, restaurants, and concierge.
319 sqm3 Bedroom Villa
Three-bedroom private residence at 3,917 sq ft with private pool, rooftop terrace, and full kitchen. Part of the on-site residential collection.
4 Bedroom Villa
The largest on-property accommodation at 4,500 sq ft. Four bedrooms, private pool, full kitchen, and multiple outdoor living areas set among Cenizaro and Guanacaste trees. Designed for multi-family or group travel.
Bark Suite
Entry-level suite and still genuinely spacious. The Bark Suite has an indoor hammock just off the main room — grab a book, order a cocktail from room service, and swing until the sun goes down. Outdoor shower adds to the indoor-outdoor feel.
1 King · 45 sqm
Canopy Grand Suite
High up in the property's three-story structures with views through the tree canopy to the sea. At 112 sqm, there's a full separate living room and serious balcony space for watching the sun drop behind the Gulf of Papagayo.
1 King · 112 sqm
Crown Superior
At 88 sqm this suite starts to feel genuinely generous. Features 1.5 bathrooms — thoughtful for couples where one person needs the bathroom while the other is getting ready. Outdoor terrace with a hammock and a separate living room.
1 King · 88 sqmHabitat Superior
A proper one-bedroom suite with king bed, sofa bed, and a private terrace with a hammock chair. Good for longer stays — at 68 sqm there's actually enough space to unpack properly and not feel on top of your luggage.
1 King · 68 sqmMangle Presidential Suite
The top of the hotel room hierarchy. Beachfront position, 155 sqm, private plunge pool, private sun deck, and direct beach access. This is the suite the Michelin Guide calls 'the eyes of El Mangroove.' Sunsets from here are genuinely special.
1 King · 155 sqmNesto Suite
Sits among the tree canopy and feels light-filled during the day. Includes a separate living area and resort views. The Michelin Guide description singles this out as a solid entry-level option with enough indoor-outdoor flow to feel special.
2 Queens · 45 sqm
Resort Suite 1 King
Same footprint as the Bark Suite but adds a separate living room for the added privacy — smarter for couples who want a proper retreat space.
1 King · 45 sqmResort Suite 2 Queens
The go-to option for friends traveling together or families with a child who needs their own bed. Same resort-view setting with the two-queen configuration.
2 Queens · 45 sqmRoot Deluxe
Step up in space with the Root Deluxe, which at 63 sqm (678 sq ft) gives you real room to breathe. King bed plus a sofa bed works well for families needing a spare sleeping spot. Good balance of comfort and value at this property.
1 King · 63 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Complimentary bicycles available from the front desk for riding on the beach and surrounding area.
A private personalized dinner prepared by the hotel's chef in a location of your choosing — beachfront, garden, or elsewhere on the property. The chef designs a custom menu and walks you through each course.
Dedicated dolphin watching experience in the Gulf of Papagayo, available as a packaged offer.
Complimentary kayaks available for guest use, with calm bay waters ideal for paddling.
El Mangroove is the only hotel in the Guanacaste area with two private tour boats — a 28' Mako twin 250HP and another vessel. Runs fishing trips, snorkeling excursions, beach-hopping tours, and sunset cruises. The crew will arrange a sea-to-table sushi experience if you catch something worth cooking.
Snorkeling tours available via the property's private boats in the Gulf of Papagayo.
Half-day and full-day fishing charters available on the property's private boats. Catch can be prepared sea-to-table by the hotel's chef.
Complimentary SUPs available for guests. Night paddleboarding tours also offered.
Adopt a tree and plant it in the property's mangrove as part of the hotel's reforestation initiative. A genuinely meaningful and cost-free way to engage with the property's conservation ethos.
Rentable private cabanas at the main pool. Each comes with shaded area, four reserved loungers, TV, and dedicated waiter service. Half-day (5 hours) or full day.
Custom-designed yoga decks on property, with sessions available on the beach at sunset.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Direct access to Playa Panama's calm, clear waters. The bay is excellent for swimming and non-motorized water sports.
Business center and meeting spaces available. Suitable for small corporate events, weddings, and private functions.
Family-oriented program with multiple child-friendly pools designated for different age groups.
Fully equipped air-conditioned gym featuring Matrix treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines, and free weights. Compact but well-outfitted. Outdoor patio attached.
Multiple pools including a 130+ foot long lap/main pool with distinctive black tiles (the longest in the area), an adults-only pool with Jacuzzi, and family/children's pools. The main pool is the social hub of the property.
In-room Wi-Fi available to all guests. Marriott Bonvoy members get complimentary access when booking direct. Speed reported at 25+ Mbps.
Hotel shuttle to/from Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR), approximately 20–25 minutes away.
BUILD YOUR EL MANGROOVE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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