Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Step back from the Caracol steakhouse. You'll realize the building is shaped like a nautilus shell.

In the infinity pool of the Miramar Three-Bedroom Suite at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, time ceases to matter. Below you is an ellipse of golden sand teased by surf from the open Pacific. Then there's the forest-shrouded suite itself, whose indigenous stone and woodwork mirror the surrounding seascape. Built around an open-air courtyard facing the ocean, its 4,219 sq. ft. include a dining room for eight and a master bedroom with separate living area.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has two beaches - one for snorkeling and boating, and a calmer stretch perfect for sun worship. After 18 holes at the resort's nearby Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, another relaxing spot is the 10,765 sq. ft. freshwater pool.

The 145-room-and-suite property offers Italian cuisine and seafood at swish Di Mare, and casual fare at poolside Congo's Bar & Grill. Equally delicious: a Costa Rican coffee body scrub in one of the spa's four couples' suites.