bravely into 2,300 acres of vast, unbridled wilderness. If Eden exists, surely this is it. Untrodden trails invite exhilarating hiking treks. A dazzling green estuary begs for canoe and kayak daytrips. Tailored sightseeing trips, replete with catered lunch, can also be arranged through the Papagayo Club Concierge.

The surrounding waters offer their own share of pilgrimages: surf, kayak, charter a boat or angle the seas in search of world-class marlin, sailfish and giant yellowfin tuna. Flying fish are an unexpected sight. Some of the most coveted snorkeling is found at Monkey’s Head, an imposing rock formation that ranks at the top of Papagayo’s natural wonders. Diving at El Coco uncovers a spectrum of sealife, from the tiny clown shrimp to the 60-foot humpback whale. With its remarkable coves of white, coral, gray and black sands, there is no shortage of secret spots for sunbathers and beachcombers.