Mandarin Oriental to Manage New Beach Resort and Residences in Costa Rica
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a contract to manage a new luxurious beach resort and branded Residences at Playa Manzanillo, in Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast.

The 130-room resort will open in 2009.

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Rica will be the cornerstone of an exclusive 538-acre gated golf and residential development, Rancho Manzanillo, which will feature branded Mandarin Oriental residences, beach and golf villas, and exclusive private homes.

The stunning retreat will offer an array of leisure activities, from the 18-hole Fred Couples Signature Championship golf course, to exotic wildlife viewing from the property’s 200 acres of protected tropical dry forest, home to some of world’s most diverse flora and fauna. The resort’s natural beach, lined with coconut palms, will also provide the perfect backdrop for active water sports or total relaxation.

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Rica will be built on a coastal ridge, nearly 60 meters above sea level, with inland views of the tropical forest jungle and stunning bay views across the azure waters of the bay at Papagayo and the Pacific Ocean. Among the hotel’s specialty suites are “Tree House Suites,” designed apart from the hotel main building, and set below selected trees, affording a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience amidst the gentle canopy of the region’s famous Guanacaste trees.

Guests will be presented with a wide choice of contemporary dining experiences, from three restaurants, a lounge and three bars. The bay side beach club restaurant, pool bar and grill will command spectacular views over the water. Banquet and conference facilities will also be ideally suited for intimate meetings and private functions.