This past Saturday, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first property in Costa Rica. Located atop a narrow plateau at the Papagayo Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest region of the country, the Resort is flanked on both sides by beaches and unspoiled wilderness. Beyond its 153 guest rooms, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula includes private residences and the opportunity to join in shared ownership of its Residence Club Units � an intimate and comfortable retreat for an unparalleled Costa Rican adventure.

�For the first time, travellers will be able to relax and enjoy the amazing beauty of Costa Rica Four Seasons-style,� said Wolf Hengst, president worldwide hotel operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. �Our goal is to provide guests with our warm and friendly service, and the best opportunities to explore this fascinating country and its countless activities, from forest hikes to world-class golf and water sports.�

With no building taller than the trees, the Resort�s nature-inspired architecture blends seamlessly into the 30 hectare (45 acres) of tropical dry forest. Guest rooms and suites feature views of the natural wooded surroundings to panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean from treetop verandas. Interiors incorporate the outdoors with materials such as coconut wood and bamboo, and colours and textures that echo the flora and fauna.

The Resort�s public spaces and three restaurants maximize views, while continuing the symmetry between indoors and out. Perfect for small to mid-sized meetings or events, fully equipped function and meeting space allows for effortless flow between indoor rooms and outdoor lawns and terraces.

With multiple, expansive beaches and a full roster of water sports, including surfing, fishing, and sea kayaking nearby, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is a haven for both sand and sea lovers. The Resort also can arrange for canopy tours, horseback riding, and day trips to several natural parks and wildlife reserves. An Arnold Palmer-designed, 18-hole golf course, a free-form, infinity-edge swimming pool, children�s play pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, and full-service spa complement a myriad of eco-activities.

Four Seasons also brings aspects of Costa Rican culture to guests through lectures, demonstrations and cultural performances by local and international experts. Kids for All Seasons, a supervised activity program, enhances stays for children and young adults with educational and entertaining activities.

To experience all that Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica has to offer, the Resort is offering a complimentary fifth night, when booking a four-night stay. This special opening package, A Free Night with Every Stay, is valid from January 17 to April 30, 2004.

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For more information, please contact:

Nicola Blazier/Aynsley Wintrip Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (416) 449-1750 nicola.blazier@fourseasons.com aynsley.wintrip@fourseasons.com