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Peninsula Papagayo
Nestled along the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Peninsula Papagayo is in the northwest province of Guanacaste. Stretching into the Golfo de Papagayo, this peninsula was formed by volcanic activity and has been shaped by weather. With outstanding scenery, this location includes primary rainforests and private beaches and is a unique Central American hideout. The miles of coastline contain 30 separate beaches and the larger Peninsula Santa Elena to the north protects the waters. Named a top tourist destination, Peninsula Papagayo is home to a small amount of private resorts, one of three golf courses to be constructed, as well as many new projects to develop this untouched land.

Ecology:
Costa Rica itself makes up only .01% of the earths landmass but houses 5% of its wildlife. This Over 400 species exist on the Peninsula Papagayo alone. Some of Papagayo’s inhabitants include the howler monkey and the squirrel monkey. Covering the peninsula, the tropical forest provides a sprawling preserve for some of the world’s most unusual creatures. The uniqueness and diversity of wildlife on Peninsula Papagayo attracts many visitors.

Resorts and Hotels:
Peninsula Papagayo is becoming an increasingly popular destination for thousands of tourists each year. The number of resorts located in the Peninsula is constantly increasing. Numerous luxurious hotels and resorts clutter along the landscape of the Peninsula. Some of these famous resorts include, the Occidental Grand Papagayo, the Hilton Papagayo resort, and the Nakuti Resort. The most popular, upscale resort in the area is the Four Seasons Resort. The Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo was the forefront of transforming Peninsula Papagayo into a luxurious tourist destination. The Four Seasons Resort, in particular, has been ranked by Travel + Leisure as among the 500 World’s Best Hotels in 2009 (Papagayo). Also, in 2008, World Travel Awards presented the Resort as Central America’s Leading Family Resort (Papagayo). The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo contains 153 guest rooms and is known for blending indoor comfort with an outdoor feel by drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings. Each resort in the area has easy access to the surrounding beaches, magnificent views, pool and gym access, and easy access to first-class golf courses.

Permanent Residence:
Peninsula Papagayo is Central America’s first environmentally sound luxury resort and real estate project. Located among the hills of Peninsula Papagayo lie a limited collection of estate homes that offer the opportunity to create one’s coastal dream estate. Residential opportunities include in the first phase of Peninsula Papagayo real estate are custom private estates, sporadic oceanfront and ocean view home sites, and luxury condominiums and villas. The World Famous Four Seasons Resort even offers their own area of private estates and private villas that remain perched atop some of the lands most secluded landscapes. Each Private Estate owner enjoys the benefits of the Four Seasons Resort, such as housekeeping, room service, access to the award-winning Arnold Palmer Golf Course, the hotel spa, as well as pool and gym access. The condominiums of Las Terrazas, a new development in the area, overlook the fairways of the Arnold Palmer Golf Course as well as the Bahia de Culebra, also known as the “Snake Bay.” Another popular residential opportunity is the beachfront estates at Playa Prieta.

Peninsula Papagayo Marina:
The Papagayo Marina is an ongoing project designed and developed by a firm from Sarasota, Florida. The project is part of a long-term tourism project to enhance opportunities for visitors and residence of Peninsula Papagayo. The marina basin is located on the southwest side of the peninsula and is next to the Four Seasons Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Course. The company responsible for the project, Brandy Marine, Inc, has been in business since 1977. They have also developed various marinas in the United States, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The marina project is being developed in order to attract sport fishing yachts and motor cruisers migrating along the coast of the Pacific Ocean (Marina). Phase I of the Marina Papagayo was opened to boaters on January 13, 2009. Phase I includes 180 boat slips capable of supporting private boats ranging anywhere from sport fishing boats to mega-yachts. (cite). The project site rests on 2,500 acres of Costa Rican land. Marina Papagayo, with its sheltered and peaceful location, will serve as both a strategic harbor and pleasure stop for boaters. By the time the project is completed, Papagayo Marina should be able to hold up to 450 boats at a time. (Marina)

Activities:
Since so much of Peninsula Papagayo remains unspoiled, it allows numerous opportunities for outdoor, in-reach exploration. These available out-door activities include deep sea fishing, boat cruising, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, white-water rafting, forest canopy tours, horseback riding. Also close by, visitors can hike through national parks and visit local villages and historic sites in the surrounding areas. Golf is one of the most popular past-time activities at the Peninsula Papagayo, where a variety of world-class golf courses are located. Another popular spot for visitors will be the shops, restaurants, and entertainment bars located at the Village at Marina Papagayo. The Village at Marina Papagayo will include hotels, more residential opportunities, boutique shops and local artisans. Builders of the Village at Marina Papagayo are designing the village to have an ambiance similar to Portofino, Italy with global sophistication and sun-rise to sun-set festivities.

Golf Courses:
Peninsula Papagayo contains an 18 hole signature designed Arnold Palmer golf course. 6,788 yards wind their way through 125 acres to make up this diverse terrain golf course. Providing a challenge for all skill levels of golfers, this course is also accented by beauty around each corner, with dramatic changes of elevation and views of the Pacific Ocean from 14 of its 18 holes. Peninsula Papagayo is also scheduled to open a new golf course in 2010; a private 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed course. Distinct, yet complimentary to the Arnold Palmer Golf Course, this course is sure to offer a true golf challenge.

Famous Visitors:
As a newly developed “hot-spot”, Peninsula Papagayo is becoming a vacation destination for a variety of celebrities. Among the celebrities who have visited the Peninsula are, pop-rock artist Pink, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, and sports broadcaster Tiki Barber.