Introduction to Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
The Andaz Papagayo used to be my best-kept secret in Costa Rica until a couple of years ago when it became so well-renowned that the secret was no longer safe with me. But don’t just take my word for it – as of the date of this post, it ranks #1 on Tripadvisor in Papagayo, even above the Four Seasons. And there’s a good reason why.
The resort is a beacon of luxury, nestled along the enchanting coastline of Costa Rica. The buildings are set amid lush tropical landscapes and offer breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Culebra, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and opulence. It stands as a premier destination for discerning travelers, particularly those who yearn for a peaceful and private retreat.
Renowned for its impeccable service and high-end amenities, the Andaz brand is synonymous with sophistication and exclusivity. Each detail has been curated to provide an unparalleled experience, from gourmet dining options to personalized wellness services at their incredible spa and outdoor gym.
Getting There
With many direct flights from the US and Canada (plus Amsterdam and Zurich), Liberia (LIR) airport is the closest hub servicing Peninsula Papagayo. A 30 minute drive will get you to the guarded entrance, and a quick drive down the hill (don’t miss the views!) to the gorgeous gates of the Andaz.
We’ve been here countless times, and each arrival takes my breath away.
Pay special attention to the Carrara marble statues before you enter the Peninsula. This beauty is called “Archipelago of Life” and is the creation of Costa Rica’s most famous sculptor, Jorge Jimenez Deredia, completed in 2004.
If you are coming from San Jose (SJO) airport, plan about a 4 hour drive with no traffic. You can also transfer to a local airline for a 30min hop to Liberia.
The lobby is a beautiful introduction to the hotel. The staff will check you in, hand you a cold coconut to drink from, and offer you a cold towel. Once you have checked in, the staff will park your car (if you have one) and whisk you away on a golf cart to your room.
Lobby refreshments – always available.
Accommodations
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo sets an incredibly high bar for luxury lodging. From sprawling suites with private plunge pools to exclusive private villas, each space is meticulously designed to offer comfort and tranquility.
The resort’s interior decor combines modern elegance with local artisanal crafts. Even the “standard” rooms are exceptional, with expansive terraces providing panoramic views of the shimmering waters of the Culebra Bay, perfect for enjoying morning coffees or sunset cocktails. Each bathroom is spacious and well-designed, perfect for a family getting ready together.
If you are traveling with a larger group, there are plenty of options. You can stay in adjoining rooms with a pass-through door (double/double and a king), or you can opt for a suite on either end of each building with an adjoining room. While these two rooms don’t have a pass-through door between them, they offer the option of closing off the end of the hallway to adjoin a double-double with an 1100sf one-bedroom suite. For those needing even more space, Andaz now offers 2 and 3-bedroom villas with private plunge pools set in the hills above the hotel property.
The room numbers are easy to navigate according to building and floors. For instance, Room 623 is in the 6th building, 2nd floor, room 3.
Insider tip: High-floor “Forest View” rooms provide plenty of opportunity to see the capuchin monkeys bounce around. This was the view from our room at 7am.
(You should know that capuchins look cute, but can be very aggressive. Do not feed them and don’t leave your clothes to dry on the terrace – they’ll steal them. The hotel will bring you a drying rack if you you need it.)
Bonus tip: everything but the liquor and beer inside your mini-bar is complimentary.
Bonus tip 2: the hotel provides complimentary Panama hats and flip-flops that you can take home.
Price Point
Standard/Forest View King rooms start from about $550/night during the rainy season (April – October) and can run to approximately $1500/night during the high season, higher during the festive period.
This review is not sponsored nor in any way endorsed by the hotel. We were able to pay with accumulated Hyatt points – 25,000/night during the low season. The hotel is a Category 7, so a night during high season will cost 30,000. This is by far one of the best uses of your Hyatt points.
This is part 1 of our review, covering accommodation and travel. In the next post, we will cover pools and restaurants. Hello, heaven.
A Luxurious Escape: An (Unsponsored) Insider Look at
Andaz Papagayo