In May this year the Four Seasons Hotel in the Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste announced it was closing down temporarily to undergo a complete remodeling.

The hotel reopened its doors this December 4, after seven months of work, and an investment that exceeded the budget of US$20 million by close to an additional US$15 million.

Now the hotel has 18 additional rooms for a total of 182 between rooms, villas and suites; four restaurants, a remodeled lobby, fitness center and pool area. The remodeling of the hotel was done taking into consideration the local culture and gastronomy to offer the clients an experience that brings them closer to the country’s traditions and flavors.

Regarding the four new restaurant the Four Seasons described through a press release:

Complementing the property’s existing premier American steakhouse restaurant Caracol, the Resort introduces four new culinary concepts with exciting menus and striking enhanced spaces that feature a combination of natural colours, rich elements and indigenous art.

Bahia: Offering the most sophisticated in Latin American cuisine and taste, Bahia features locally-produced ingredients prepared in a wood-fired open kitchen. This all-day dining restaurant starts the morning with a bountiful breakfast buffet, featuring an authentic Costa Rican Café Chorreado.

Pesce: Boasting a panoramic ocean view and Italian flair, Pesce is a sophisticated seafood kitchen inviting guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Chef’s Table where the chef de cuisine prepares a customised menu inspired by the freshest local flavours of the day and pasta specialities enhanced by expertly paired wines.

Anejo: Whether looking for a grab-and-go breakfast by day or pre-dinner cocktail and tapas by night, Anejo invites guests to start the morning with an energizing acai bowl or green juice, or wait until the afternoon when the venue transforms into the libation destination of the Resort offering an extensive cocktail repertoire serving top premium liquors and spirits selections.

La Reserva: La Reserva offers a rum journey like no other with an in-house mixologist and premium rums, with opportunity to create one’s very own rum blend and infusions. During the day the space serves as the Discovery Center where patrons can meet with the concierge to learn more about Peninsula Papagayo, local wildlife and Costa Rican history through tours and excursions.

Manuel Ardón, spokesperson for the Four Season Hotel, explained that the design and concept was directed by Four Seasons and completed through Meyer Davis consulting firm, while Zurcher Architects and Edificar were the local companies in charge of the work.

The hotel originally had 640 employees, the majority of which had their contract terminated with the possibility of being rehired, the company has confirmed they have now a total of 600 employees and will be hiring more personnel as the high season starts warming up.

U.S. Firm Gencom acquired the majority of the shares of Ecodesarrollo Papagayo owner of the touristic development Pninsula Papagayo Resort, earlier this year, this transaction included the Four Seasons Hotel, the golf course, club house, the Marina Papagayo and the Prieta Residential Project.