Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is taking its Radisson Blu brand to Costa Rica, with the opening of a spa resort in the province of Guanacaste.

The new build Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Papagayo will have 100 guestrooms and a large spa.

Exact details of the spa and resort facilities are to be confirmed, but construction work is expected to begin in late 2018 with plans to open the property in December 2020.

The opening will form part of US-based hotel giant Carlson’s strategy to expand the Radisson Blu brand in growing tourism markets.

In the past two years, Carlson has opened Radisson Blu hotels in Armenia, Rwanda and in Beirut, with future openings planned in Algeria and Benin.

Ken Greene, president, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “We are thrilled to begin the new year announcing our first Radisson Blu in Costa Rica as we continue expanding the brand in Central America.

“This signing shows our commitment to growing Radisson Blu’s presence in key markets throughout the Americas.”

There are now more than 300 Radisson Blu hotels in operation across 69 countries and territories.

Launched originally as a design-focused brand, an increasing number of Radisson Blus have wellness facilities.