PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA: ONE DESTINATION, SIX MICHELIN KEYS

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, has become one of the country's most remarkable luxury destinations, and its latest recognition makes the peninsula even more relevant for travelers from around the world. In the 2026 MICHELIN Key selection, the three signature resorts within Peninsula Papagayo received a combined six MICHELIN Keys: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve with Three MICHELIN Keys, Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo with Two MICHELIN Keys, and Andaz Peninsula Papagayo with One MICHELIN Key. Nekajui was also recognized as the only new Three-Key hotel in the Americas in 2026, placing Peninsula Papagayo in an especially prominent position within the world of luxury travel. 

As a professional photographer in Costa Rica based in Guanacaste, I have had the privilege of exploring these properties and seeing them from a very different perspective. Each resort has its own architecture, landscape, atmosphere and natural light, creating completely different possibilities for photography. After 15 years of professional photography experience since 2011, I have learned that photographing a luxury destination is about much more than finding a beautiful background. It is about understanding the space, the light, the timing and the experience you want to preserve. In this guide, I will take you through Nekajui, Four Seasons and Andaz at Peninsula Papagayo, sharing what makes each property unique and why this extraordinary destination is also one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica for family photography, couples photography, surprise proposals and destination weddings.

NEKAJUI, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE — THREE MICHELIN KEYS

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is now one of the most recognized luxury resorts in Costa Rica, receiving Three MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 MICHELIN Key selection, the highest distinction awarded by the Guide. Located in Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, the resort is set on a dramatic coastal landscape overlooking the Pacific, surrounded by tropical forest, with a central lodge, rooms, suites and villas connected through the terrain. Some accommodations are reached through a wooden suspension bridge above a ravine, while the property also features multiple pools, a large spa and wellness complex, and a beach club connected to the resort by funicular. 

From a photographer's perspective, Nekajui offers an extraordinary variety of environments, architecture and natural light. I have had the privilege of photographing guests staying at the resort and exploring its spaces, which has allowed me to understand how different areas work throughout the day. From La Casona and La Plaza to the suspension bridge, elevated viewpoints and ocean-facing spaces, each location creates a different photographic experience. This firsthand knowledge is especially valuable when planning family photography, couples sessions and surprise proposals at Nekajui, where the location, timing and light can completely change the feeling of the images.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT COSTA RICA AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO — TWO MICHELIN KEYS

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo received Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 selection, recognizing the resort as one of the most distinguished luxury properties in the destination. The resort sits on a scenic hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with architecture designed to complement the surrounding landscape. MICHELIN highlights its rose-colored stucco buildings, open-air pavilions and use of natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, stone and locally grown wood. 

For photography, Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo offers an exceptional combination of tropical landscapes, beaches, architecture, pools and ocean views. I have had the opportunity to explore the property and understand how its different environments photograph throughout the day, from the resort's elevated areas to the beach and surrounding tropical spaces. This makes it an especially versatile destination for family vacation photography, couples photography, honeymoons, surprise proposals and destination weddings. The goal is always to choose the right setting and timing for the experience you want to remember, rather than simply photographing in the most obvious location.

ANDAZ PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA — ONE MICHELIN KEY

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, received One MICHELIN Key in the 2026 selection, joining Nekajui and Four Seasons as the third MICHELIN Key resort within Peninsula Papagayo. The property is located within a protected coastal landscape and is known for its distinctive contemporary design. MICHELIN highlights the resort's organic architectural forms, including curved villas inspired by natural shapes such as cocoons and seashells, as well as its use of local wood and its connection to the surrounding tropical environment. 

From a photography perspective, Andaz has a completely different visual language from Nekajui and Four Seasons. Its architecture, tropical vegetation, open spaces and coastal setting create opportunities for photographs that combine the resort's contemporary design with the natural beauty of Peninsula Papagayo. Having explored the property, I know how its different spaces can be used for family portraits, couples sessions, surprise proposals and honeymoon photography, and how important it is to work with the natural light and the character of the architecture rather than treating every resort in the same way.

WHAT DO THE MICHELIN KEYS MEAN FOR PENINSULA PAPAGAYO?

The MICHELIN Key is the hotel equivalent of the MICHELIN Star for restaurants, recognizing outstanding hotel experiences rather than cuisine. The MICHELIN Guide evaluates hotels using criteria that include architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, personality and character, value for the experience, and the hotel's contribution to its setting. Hotels can receive One, Two or Three MICHELIN Keys, with Three Keys representing an extraordinary stay. 

In 2026, Costa Rica received the only new Three MICHELIN Key hotel in the Americas, with Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located in Peninsula Papagayo, receiving the distinction. Together with Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, the three resorts give this destination a combined six MICHELIN Keys. 

WHY IS PENINSULA PAPAGAYO ONE OF COSTA RICA'S MOST EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS?

Peninsula Papagayo is located on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste and combines tropical forest, beaches, ocean views and some of Costa Rica's most recognized luxury resorts. The Costa Rican Tourism Board describes Peninsula Papagayo as a major luxury destination where travelers can enjoy Pacific beaches, rainforest and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and sunset cruises. 

What makes the destination particularly interesting is the concentration of luxury properties within the same peninsula. Nekajui, Four Seasons and Andaz each offer a completely different interpretation of luxury in Costa Rica, from the dramatic landscape and architecture of Nekajui to the hillside setting of Four Seasons and the organic contemporary design of Andaz. 

As a photographer, this variety is especially valuable because the landscape, architecture and natural light create completely different photographic opportunities from one property to another.

BEACHES AND PACIFIC OCEAN VIEWS

The beaches and Pacific Ocean viewpoints throughout Peninsula Papagayo create some of the most iconic settings for photography in Costa Rica. Depending on the resort and the experience you are planning, the coastline can provide completely different backgrounds, from open ocean views to protected bays surrounded by tropical vegetation.

TROPICAL LANDSCAPES AND FOREST

Peninsula Papagayo is surrounded by tropical forest, creating a natural contrast between lush vegetation, architecture and the Pacific coastline. For family and couples photography, these environments can create images that feel much more connected to the landscape of Costa Rica.

LUXURY RESORT ARCHITECTURE

Nekajui, Four Seasons and Andaz each have a distinctive architectural identity, which means that the resort itself can become part of the photographic story. Instead of using the same approach at every property, I look at the architecture, natural light and surrounding landscape to determine what works best for each session.

WHICH PENINSULA PAPAGAYO RESORT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE?

BEST TIME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN PENINSULA PAPAGAYO

The best time for photography in Peninsula Papagayo depends on the location, the type of session and the experience you want to create. Sunrise can provide softer light and a quieter atmosphere, while late afternoon and sunset create warm directional light across the coastline, architecture and tropical landscape.

For family photography, I usually consider the family's schedule, children's energy and the location when planning the session. For couples and surprise proposals, the timing becomes even more important because the light, location and privacy all need to work together.

With 15 years of professional photography experience since 2011, I plan sessions around the environment rather than simply choosing a time from a standard schedule.