Perched along Costa Rica’s pristine Guanacaste coastline, The St. Regis Papagayo Resort redefines tropical luxury with interiors by internationally acclaimed CHAPI Design, blending sophisticated elegance, immersive natural beauty, and a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle…
Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast is about to welcome a transformative addition to its luxury hospitality landscape: The St. Regis Papagayo Resort. Set along more than a quarter mile of pristine beachfront, the resort promises to redefine refined living, combining the storied elegance of the St. Regis brand with a design narrative deeply rooted in place. At the helm of the interiors is internationally acclaimed design studio CHAPI Design, renowned for creating spaces that blend sophistication, cultural resonance, and a profound connection to the natural environment.
Located just 25 minutes from Guanacaste International Airport, the resort will offer 120 thoughtfully oriented guestrooms and suites, each designed to frame sweeping views of the Pacific. Every space is conceived to immerse guests in Costa Rica’s lush tropical landscape while providing the ritualised refinement that St. Regis is known for.
“CHAPI Design will bring its contemporary sensibility to the resort’s interiors, crafting spaces that balance complexity with a deep connection to place,” says Tatiana Sheveleva, founder of CHAPI Design. “Our vision is inspired by Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural beauty, emphasising natural materials, layered textures, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. The resulting interiors feel elevated yet deeply grounded in their surroundings.”
Image credit: CHAPI Design
For developer Solana, the collaboration with CHAPI Design is part of a broader commitment to excellence. Partner Carlos Halabe explains, “Our goal is to create interiors that feel intuitive to their setting while expressing the quiet sophistication that defines the St. Regis brand. Papagayo’s landscape offers an extraordinary foundation, and our design builds on that sense of place with warmth, restraint, and enduring elegance.” The team’s approach aligns with the narrative of Costa Rica’s Blue Zone philosophy, translating wellness, harmony, and a connection to nature into every architectural, landscape, and interior detail – from the arrival experience to the Wellness Golf course.
The resort’s ethos, dubbed ‘Live Exquisite,’ is embedded in every facet of the property. With a team of world-renowned collaborators—Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos leading architecture, Gensler managing spatial planning, and Maat Handasa curating landscape design—the project balances tropical authenticity with contemporary comfort. As Solana partner Alberto Halabe notes, “CHAPI Design brings a nuanced understanding of how to translate a spectacular natural setting into interiors that feel welcoming, intentional, and aligned with the St. Regis ethos.”
Beyond the guestrooms, The St. Regis Papagayo Resort will offer six distinct dining experiences, including Casa Club for casual gourmet cuisine, The Cliff serving Japanese–Costa Rican fusion, an exclusive Beach Club & Grill, and the iconic St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy. Guests will also enjoy multiple infinity pools, a nature-inspired spa, and more than 929 square metres of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.
The resort is complemented by 143 private branded residences, ranging from two- to five-bedroom configurations, each offering expansive ocean views. Residences fuse modern elegance with the surrounding landscape, spanning approximately 2,050 to nearly 595 square metre, with pricing starting at $3 million. The crown jewel, the Astor Mansion, is a 1996-square-metre estate priced at $30 million, featuring six bedrooms, a private pool, wine cellar and gym. Groundbreaking for the residences is expected shortly.
Recently recognised by OvationNetwork as one of the six best places to travel in 2026, Guanacaste is quickly becoming a global luxury destination. With its anticipated 2027 opening, The St. Regis Papagayo Resort is set to elevate Costa Rica’s hospitality landscape, marrying the country’s natural beauty with timeless design, world-class service, and a profound sense of place.
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Main image credit: CHAPI Design
