Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) → Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste

The Papagayo Peninsula is Guanacaste's luxury enclave: the Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood and the Papagayo Gulf's private residences share a peninsula of protected coves, calm water and a marina. Kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and golf are all on site.

Its biggest practical advantage is distance: it is the closest resort area to Liberia Airport, close enough that arriving guests can be on the beach within an hour of landing.

Liberia Airport to the Papagayo resorts is 30 to 35 minutes on excellent paved roads: Route 1 north-west, then the Guardia turn-off toward the coast and the peninsula's gated entrance. Drivers are pre-registered at the security gate and take you straight to your resort lobby. Playas del Coco is 15 minutes away for restaurants and shopping.

• Resorts are self-contained but pricey; Playas del Coco has good restaurants a short ride away.
• Book boat trips from the Papagayo Marina in the morning; the bay is calmest before noon.
• Gate security asks for the resort name and reservation, so keep your confirmation handy.
• Day trips to Rincón de la Vieja volcano are 1.5 hours each way; leave early.