Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo assessment: Hillside sanctuary with loads of actions

Typically, I really feel like I can not colour in a rustic on my metaphorical wall map except I’ve actually skilled it — not simply stayed at a resort there. So, whereas I used to be excited and past grateful to make the journey north from Samara, Costa Rica, to remain on the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, I used to be additionally ready to go away feeling like I had been secluded in a lodge bubble for 3 days. I used to be fully fallacious.

The resort’s sense of place, connection to nature and welcoming employees members replicate the perfect of Costa Rica. The Andaz additionally affords so many excursions that it appears like the entire nation is at your fingertips — although with the resort’s glorious eating places, spa and delightful swimming pools, you in all probability will not need to depart it.

Associated: The 13 greatest all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for seaside visits or mountain climbing journeys

What’s the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo?

This Andaz property is nestled right into a hillside on Peninsula Papagayo, overlooking the glowing Culebra Bay (which is seen from nearly in every single place on the property). The peninsula — which can also be residence to many different inns, every with its personal strip of sand — is a tropical dry forest, one of many largest in Central America. This implies should you go to round March, you’ll be able to count on dry landscapes, and should you go to round October, you will be met with lush greenery.

Because it occurs, the Andaz simply completed a large renovation that introduced a revamped seaside membership, Casa de Playa, which contains a pool and restaurant known as Meso; a brand-new menu and design at on-site restaurant Ostra; and the addition of 25 brand-new multibedroom residential villas now obtainable for lease. Development started in 2022, and the lodge began unveiling the updates in late 2023 — the property was even on our checklist of probably the most anticipated lodge openings of 2024, so we had been desperate to take a peek contained in the revamped areas.

Even if it is a sizable Hyatt resort, the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo appears like a hidden sanctuary the place monkeys swing on surrounding timber, colourful birds chirp and iguanas solar themselves beside the stone pathways. The resort is geared towards vacationers trying to find leisure and scrumptious on-site eating choices. It undoubtedly leans extra towards the calm and family-friendly crowd than full of life partygoers.

Tips on how to e book a keep on the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

When reserving the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, you will need to use one of many bank cards that earn probably the most factors for Hyatt stays, and probably one that provides computerized World of Hyatt elite standing for value-added advantages. These embody:

• World of Hyatt Credit score Card: Earn 4 factors per greenback spent at Hyatt inns and resorts, computerized Discoverist standing, and 5 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.
• World of Hyatt Enterprise Credit score Card: Earn 4 factors per greenback spent at Hyatt inns and resorts, computerized Discoverist standing, and 5 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

For those who’re a World of Hyatt member, you may as well discover nice offers through the use of factors to e book a keep in one of many Andaz’s rooms or suites. For a one-night keep in mid-August, nightly charges begin at $692 or 21,000 factors.

In keeping with TPG’s awards versus money calculator, reserving with World of Hyatt factors would prevent $335 on this state of affairs.

Nevertheless, not all dates are points-eligible, so you will should be versatile with journey plans if you wish to pay this manner. Additionally, observe you can solely use factors to e book a keep in a room or suite — not one of many property’s residences or villas. As an alternative, you need to use a residence keep as a significant points-earning alternative.

Getting there

This lodge is barely about 20 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós Worldwide Airport (LIR) in Liberia. There are many taxis ready on the airport, and fares normally fall between $45 and $60. For those who’d quite have a non-public airport switch, you’ll be able to contact the lodge to make preparations.

For those who select to lease a automotive, you will be glad to know valet parking and self-parking are free on the lodge.

A lot of the drive is on a one-lane street, so it might take wherever from half-hour to an hour, relying on visitors. You may cross farms and sugar cane fields earlier than pulling into the fantastically manicured grounds and having fun with ocean views as you wind right down to the foyer.

Checking in

I introduced my mother alongside for a mother-daughter getaway, and the employees was ready to greet us and take our baggage as quickly as our automotive pulled up.

The discreet stone entrance appeared unassuming, however as soon as I stepped inside, I used to be awed by the open-air foyer.

It has an armadillo shell-shaped roof, hanging lanterns, a tree-lined walkway with flowing water and, after all, panoramic ocean views.

The resort employees confirmed us to a non-public room for check-in, however there have been additionally tables and chairs scattered across the foyer the place a employees member would possibly deliver you as an alternative. Regardless of the place you verify in, you will obtain contemporary coconut water and a cool, refreshing towel.

The method was easy and fast: We gave the check-in attendant our passports and reviewed a map of the resort earlier than heading exterior, the place a golf cart was ready with our baggage.

The employees then whisked us to our room in constructing No. 5, delivered our suitcases and reviewed fundamental room directions like find out how to use the lights and balcony doorways.

Snug, spa-like rooms

This property affords 131 rooms and 21 suites, in addition to new multibedroom residences (extra on these later). I stayed in a regular king room with partial bay views, however relying in your chosen room, you may need jungle views or a non-public plunge pool.

Upon getting into, my eyes went straight to the glowing blue ocean in entrance of me. I instantly walked to the balcony to admire the view, which was framed by bamboo. As soon as I managed to peel my eyes away, I seen the out of doors house had a cushty sofa, a espresso desk and a chair. I additionally seen a second balcony door that led instantly into a large bathe.

With a rainfall bathe head, a second handheld bathe wand, grey stone flooring, Lather bathtub merchandise and ocean views, you’ll be able to see why the bathe was top-of-the-line elements of this room.

Tranquil, spa-inspired parts continued all through the remainder of the house with easy wooden, earth tones, bamboo accents and crisp white linens. The big selection of textures, from the material headboard to the rattan wall decor, introduced the house to life and helped mix the room into the outside.

The mattress was agency but comfy, and it was positioned reverse a 55-inch wall-mounted, flat-screen TV that supplied satellite tv for pc and cable channels (however no streaming capabilities). The assortment of lighting choices made it simple to set a calming temper earlier than mattress, and blackout curtains helped me get an ideal night time’s sleep. Plus, shops — three-pronged and USB — had been conveniently positioned beside the mattress.

The vainness space had all the things I wanted: a wall-mounted magnifying mirror, a Conair-branded hair dryer (1,875 watts), hand cleaning soap, loads of towels and a equipment with a nail file, cotton pads, cotton swabs, a bathe cap and extra. The vainness was separated from the bathroom by a frosted glass door.

There was loads of space for storing within the room due to a four-drawer dresser beside the mattress and a baggage rack.

A large wood wardrobe with three doorways separated the mattress from the toilet space. The center compartment held two drawers in addition to 11 hangers. The one on the best held an iron, ironing board, complimentary flip-flops and an umbrella (key should you’re visiting throughout the wet season).

The cupboard on the left held a protected, a minifridge (stocked with water, soda and the standard Costa Rican beer Imperial), three small bottles of liquor, an assortment of wholesome snacks, a Britt espresso maker with pods and an electrical kettle with tea luggage. Every little thing was complimentary besides the alcoholic drinks.

Hooked up to the wardrobe was a small desk beneath a cool pendant lamp. It might suffice as a piece desk (although hopefully you will not should work in paradise), however the chair was extra modern than ergonomic.

One other wood armchair and footstool beside the mattress had been positioned to take a look at the view via floor-to-ceiling home windows.

Final however not least, I can not overlook the fedoras — meant for company to make use of — hanging on the wall beside the door. Whereas I did not put mine to make use of, I noticed many individuals sporting theirs across the lodge and thought it was a cute contact.

Massive teams can e book a residence or villa

The lodge now affords 25 new residences, many with a number of bedrooms supreme for large-group journeys.

I used to be capable of tour the two,407-square-foot, three-bedroom penthouse, which contains a kitchen, lounge, out of doors eating space and a rooftop terrace along with the three bedrooms and three full bogs. The decor was smooth and pared-back, with textured accents like wicker furnishings and hanging lamps, in addition to potted vegetation that gave the house a homey vibe.

I do know I rave in regards to the views in nearly each part of this text, however the panoramic view from the rooftop at this residence was my favourite by far. The rooftop additionally had a cushty sofa, daybed and plunge pool.

A residence could be an ideal choice for a getaway with a number of {couples} or a household journey. As said above, you’ll be able to’t use factors to e book a keep in one in every of these properties, however you’ll be able to as an alternative use them as a approach to earn factors.

Eating experiences spotlight Central American delicacies

Ostra

The lodge just lately renovated its signature restaurant, Ostra, which now serves globally influenced Costa Rican delicacies.

A tunnel takes you into an elegant bar space main into the principle restaurant.

The ethereal and open format maximizes ocean views, and the earth tones mix in effectively with the encircling setting.

All through my month in Costa Rica, I ate loads of casados — conventional plates piled excessive with rice, beans, meat and plantains. So, I used to be excited to see casado croquettes ($12) on the menu, and it was a scrumptious, fascinating tackle the dish.

I additionally ordered a tequila spritz ($16), and my mother ordered a glass of pinot noir ($15).

After talking with head chef Bruno Alves, it turned clear that the imaginative and prescient for Ostra is to focus on the nation’s conventional dishes since this delicacies does not usually get recognition.

For an entree, I ordered the rondon (Caribbean-style fish, $29), and my mother ordered the palm-plantain-pejibaye (a Costa Rican curry, $25). Each went down as our favourite meals on the resort.

Inside Ostra, there’s additionally a sushi bar known as Perla. You will not see salmon rolls or different typical sushi choices on the menu — it solely affords seafood native to the area.

On the final morning of our keep, we loved brunch at Ostra. This expertise is reserved solely for these staying in suites and residences.

The meal service began with wholesome juice pictures alongside contemporary fruit and yogurt bowls. This was adopted by a cheese-and-cold-cut plate alongside an assortment of breads.

I ordered the pao de queijo waffle (a cheese waffle with guava jam), and my mother obtained the eggs Benedict. The parts had been on the smaller aspect however in the end effectively sized since we had been already full from the appetizers.

Chao Pescao

Tapas-style restaurant Chao Pescao supplied probably the most upbeat eating environment on the Andaz, full with a reside music efficiency.

That is undoubtedly the spot for dinner should you’re on the resort to have fun a birthday, engagement or different necessary occasion.

The menu map illustrating which nations impressed which dishes made the dinner a studying expertise and led to many fascinating food-related conversations with waiters.

The cocktails had been as scrumptious as they had been lovely. I ordered the orizaba ($16), a jalapeno-infused margarita with a rim of selfmade blackberry salt. My mother ordered the smokey pineapple ($18), which got here smoking below a fragile glass cloche.

We ordered 4 dishes to share: palmito salad ($12), tequenos ($12), arroz chaufa ($18) and grilled steak gallo ($22).

Due to our waiter’s suggestion, we completed with a vanilla sponge cake ($9), which did not disappoint.

Rio Bhongo

Perhaps I have been staying on the fallacious locations, however I’ve by no means actually been impressed by a lodge breakfast buffet — till now.

A wide range of contemporary juices, yogurt parfaits, sliced fruit, eggs, bacon and gallo pinto had been only the start of this spectacular unfold.

The desk of contemporary bread and pastries alone was overwhelming, and a employees member was frying contemporary pancakes on a griddle.

On the bar within the nook, company can order mimosas, juices or some other breakfast drinks.

The complete breakfast buffet prices $35, and the continental breakfast buffet choice — which does not embody sizzling meals like eggs — prices $24. The restaurant additionally affords a la carte choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in addition to poolside snacks.

Meso

The resort’s latest restaurant — which is situated off-site at seaside membership Casa de Playa — affords Mediterranean delicacies with Central American influences.

Because it had solely opened per week earlier than I visited, some menu objects weren’t obtainable. We nonetheless obtained to pattern the cherry tomato and burrata bruschetta ($10) in addition to the pita with numerous dips ($12-$13 every).

Whereas it wasn’t but obtainable after I visited, Meso can also be set to launch a dinner service.

The seashores are good — and the swimming pools are even higher

The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo affords two on-site pool areas and seashores along with the pool and seaside at off-site Casa de Playa.

The adults-only infinity pool sits beneath Ostra, so you’ll be able to order shareable plates, salads and sandwiches off its pool menu. There’s additionally a pool bar serving up beer, wine and cocktails.

Whereas I used to be taking a fast dip within the pool, a employees member even handed me a contemporary watermelon ice pop to take pleasure in.

There are comfy loungers throughout. I used to be shocked to seek out out the lodge was at 95% capability throughout my keep as a result of this pool space by no means felt crowded, and it was at all times simple to discover a chair.

I spent all my free time on the adults-only pool due to its quieter environment and unobstructed views. Nevertheless, it appeared just like the younger youngsters had been completely having fun with the household pool close to Rio Bhongo.

Towels, sunscreen and water dispensers are conveniently positioned round each swimming pools.

The principle seaside, Playa Sombrero Oscuro, supplied loads of loungers, and it was by no means tough to discover a place to sit down there both. I favored how the loungers had been organized in little nooks separated by timber so every social gathering might have a little bit of privateness. There was additionally loads of shade, due to the various timber on the seaside.

The small seaside space is nice for teenagers due to its calm water and roped-off swimming space.

Sadly, the small dimension additionally makes it unattainable to take a correct seaside stroll within the sand — or to unfold out removed from different company.

As an alternative of taking a left down the steps to Playa Sombrero Oscuro, you’ll be able to take a proper to the extra hidden Playa Sombrero Claro.

There aren’t any chairs on this seaside, however you’ll be able to deliver a towel to sit down on if you need a extra secluded environment.

Casa de Playa is a enjoyable mini tour

It is a five-minute boat experience from the principle resort space to the Andaz’s revamped non-public seaside membership, Casa de Playa. The boat leaves periodically from Playa Sombrero Oscuro, and a posted schedule close to the seaside will inform you of the instances.

Using the boat to the seaside membership is a enjoyable added perk, and it is good to get just a little tour of the bay from the water. Depart some cushion time in your itinerary, although, as a result of the boat can run not on time, and it is not giant sufficient to suit quite a lot of events without delay.

Whereas the lodge’s on-site seashores are fairly small, the one at Casa de Playa makes up for it. It affords a protracted stretch of white sand with loads of loungers and daybeds.

Like on the on-site seaside, there are many timber right here to offer shade.

Company can order drinks from a bar on the sand and lease complimentary water sports activities tools.

Behind the sand and loungers, there’s an 82-foot pool that many individuals had been having fun with throughout my go to. The restaurant Meso sits instantly behind the pool.

There are many methods to remain energetic

The lodge affords an expansive 24-hour indoor health space beneath the principle spa entrance.

The fitness center options Life Health treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, leg presses and weight areas with kettlebells and yoga mats.

There are additionally guided yoga, reiki and meditation periods. Test the lodge’s occasion calendar to see when the guided lessons happen throughout your keep, or contact the spa to order a non-public yoga session.

If you wish to train however do not need to miss a second of the gorgeous climate, you need to use the coated, open-air health space close to the spa. The gazebo-like house affords TRX bands, free weights, yoga mats, a water dispenser and, after all, ocean views.

For those who’re inquisitive about water sports activities, you’ll be able to lease complimentary kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding tools on the lodge’s major seaside via its partnership with The Explorers program. The bay water is obvious and calm — terrific for each actions.

Close to the off-site nature heart, the place company embark on excursions, there are pickleball and tennis courts. To not point out, there’s an 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed golf course solely for resort company.

The Explorers program affords enjoyable and well-run excursions

The lodge companions with The Explorers program, which serves peninsula guests by providing guided excursions and excursions. Choices vary from water biking and off-roading adventures to monkey excursions and night time walks.

The Explorers will even take you farther afield if you wish to go river rafting or expertise a rainforest. The Explorers excursions are solely obtainable to company on the Andaz or the close by 4 Seasons outpost (or these staying in space homes).

We selected to embark on the Magical Mangroves expertise. Employees members picked us up from the resort foyer in an air-conditioned shuttle bus and transported us to the character heart (close to the golf course). On the heart, there was a water bottle filling station, restrooms and a foyer with a small nature museum.

From there, our guides took us in a golf cart to a small seaside, the place we climbed into an outrigger canoe with 4 others.

We spent two hours paddling via lovely mangroves. Our information was participating and uber-knowledgable about all of the wildlife, stating completely different birds and supplying many enjoyable information (and jokes).

He ended the expertise by pulling us as much as a non-public seaside and providing us contemporary coconuts to drink from, in addition to beers and water.

I later spoke to a few who took their two younger youngsters for an off-roading tour via The Explorers, and so they had the identical rave evaluations about their tour information.

Distinctive spa choices for final leisure

The remedies at Onda Spa had been a number of the highlights of my keep.

On my first day, I obtained a 60-minute Papagayo Illuminating Facial ($185), which focuses on exfoliation and vitamin C. Earlier than my therapy, I launched a flower off a bridge to honor the indigenous Chorotega tribe of Costa Rica — a small element that went a good distance in making the resort really feel related to the land.

I ended my stick with a Sound Therapeutic expertise ($120 for 60 minutes). It was my first time doing any type of sound bathtub therapy, so I wasn’t positive what to anticipate as my information led me to an open-air room that, you guessed it, neglected the ocean.

She chosen important oils for me and made me really feel very comfy so I might totally chill out and benefit from the session.

Along with its 9 therapy rooms, the 11,000-square-foot spa space additionally has a non-public plunge pool (a favourite monkey hangout spot) and steam rooms anybody can use throughout their keep. It is open from 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. every day.

Sustainable and community-oriented

I used to be completely impressed by how a lot this lodge respects its pure environment and helps its group in methods each small and huge.

For instance, the air con in a room will shut off when the balcony door is open for greater than 5 minutes.

On a bigger scale, the lodge sources its produce instantly from farms on the peninsula and operates a coral restoration challenge on its seaside. (Enjoyable reality: I realized coral creates much more oxygen than timber do.)

Not solely can company be ok with staying right here, however they’ll additionally be taught so much in regards to the setting and sustainability initiatives throughout their stays.

The employees was the cherry on prime of an ideal keep

Everybody I met throughout my travels round Costa Rica was pleasant, heat and alluring, and nowhere was that extra on show than on the Andaz.

From the bellhops to the waiters to the boat drivers, the employees members went above and past to make company really feel welcome.

The desk subsequent to us at Chao Pescao bonded with their waiter a lot that they requested to take a photograph with him on the finish of their dinner. And when somebody on our boat from Casa de Playa misplaced a baseball cap to the wind, the boat driver turned us round, circled again and jumped into the water to retrieve the hat for him.

All these little moments make company really feel at residence. I believe this, greater than the rest, would make me need to return time and time once more.

Causes the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo won’t be for you

I believe this can be a stellar property for a lot of causes, however this is why this resort won’t be what you are on the lookout for:

• There aren’t any nightlife choices right here, and eating places shut by 10 p.m. For those who’re on the lookout for a celebration setting, think about trying elsewhere.
• If you’d like to have the ability to bop round native outlets and eating places all through your keep, you would possibly need to keep in Guanacaste cities comparable to Tamarindo, Nosara or Samara. (The Andaz is surrounded by inns, not outlets or eating places.)
• For those who or your journey companion have mobility points, you will in all probability need to keep elsewhere. Whereas golf carts can be found 24/7 for transportation across the resort, the property is kind of hilly, there aren’t any elevators, and the on-site seaside is not wheelchair accessible.
• Vacationers who need nothing greater than to take lengthy walks on the sand would possibly need to search for a lodge with a bigger seaside. Whereas the Casa de Playa seaside membership has a extra expansive sand space than the seashores instantly on the property, it is nonetheless a ship experience away.

Accessibility

The property affords accessible rooms upon request. These with accessibility wants ought to make sure to let the lodge know on the time of reserving to make sure they’re positioned in the best sort of room.

Do not forget that despite the fact that the accessible rooms are on the bottom flooring, the uneven toilet flooring might current points, and there aren’t any computerized door openers or blinds. The beds aren’t on platforms, however there are solely about 5 inches of clearance beneath the body.

The swimming pools have ramps, as do the restaurant entrances, however the on-site seaside just isn’t accessible because of a protracted staircase.

As an alternative, the resort affords transportation through shuttle to off-site seaside membership Casa de Playa (a few 15-minute drive) for company with mobility points. In keeping with the lodge’s web site, although, this seaside just isn’t wheelchair accessible both.

The lodge affords 24/7 transportation across the property in golf carts and has wheelchairs obtainable on-site. Nevertheless, there aren’t any elevators on the property.

Total, I felt this is likely to be a tough resort for somebody with bodily disabilities to go to because of its hillside location, inclined pathways and lots of staircases, regardless of the resort’s efforts to offer accessibility options.

Additionally, despite the fact that there are lights alongside the ramps and pathways, it is nonetheless very dim at night time.

Options to the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

The 4 Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is the Andaz’s neighbor, and if you wish to go to for a meal, the Andaz employees could make you a reservation at one of many eating places. Secrets and techniques Papagayo and Occidental Papagayo are another luxurious choices within the space.

For those who’re a Marriott loyalist and have your sights set on this peninsula, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Assortment All-Inclusive Resort, is correct down the street from the Andaz and shares the identical palm-lined entrance. El Mangroove, Autograph Assortment is nearly half-hour away and is a strong airport-area choice with a black-sand seaside.

Hyatt members trying to find an all-inclusive expertise with house for large-group occasions can head north to Desires Las Mareas, which sits on Playa El Jobo close to the Nicaragua border.

Testing

The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo provides company a style of all the things that makes Costa Rica so particular (and one in every of our prime locations of 2024). The resort’s gorgeous pure environment and tranquil spa make it the last word setting for leisure, but its assortment of actions and excursions make it simple to remain energetic as effectively.

Though the seashores are comparatively small, I might’ve spent days upon days lounging by the pool. The resort might be not the spot for a full of life seaside trip, but it surely works very effectively for a romantic getaway or a household journey with kids.

Room charges might be expensive, however World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem factors with a keep right here.

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