To celebrate the recent refresh of Santarena Hotel in Costa Rica, the boutique property in Las Catalinas has unveiled several new features and guest experiences. The 45-room hotel underwent an extensive refurbishment earlier this year, which included a redesigned lounge and the addition of the new Ponciana Bar.
© Courtesy of Las Catalinas
The centerpiece of the update is a deep green, glass-encased wine cellar positioned at the heart of the lounge. Architect Ricardo Arosemena made the cellar the focal point, expanding its presence and integrating the new Ponciana Bar alongside it to draw attention and create a social hub for guests.
Ponciana Bar features both indoor and outdoor seating and focuses on small plates and sharing platters with a Mediterranean influence. The menu celebrates Costa Rican ingredients sourced from nearby ocean, mountains and farms. Standout items include fried avocado with balsamic aioli, tuna bruschetta, Spanish croquetas and a curated charcuterie board designed for sharing.
© Courtesy of Las Catalinas
To complement the new bar and lobby redesign, Santarena Hotel now offers monthly mixology and cooking classes. These hands-on sessions are ideal for guests who want to learn how to recreate Ponciana’s signature cocktails and dishes. The hotel’s mixologist, sommelier and chef lead the classes, combining beverage and food pairings to create a memorable, interactive experience.
© Courtesy of Las Catalinas
During mixology classes, guests learn to craft signature drinks such as the Ponciana Old Fashioned and a Wild Berries Margarita. Each cocktail or selected wine is paired with a complementary dish prepared by the chef, giving participants a full tasting experience. Classes are limited to 12 participants; reservations can be made by emailing [email protected].