Andaz Costa Rica
Words Ashley Bowling | Photos Eric Morales & Will Bowling
Picture a resort set on a peaceful sea, where the unpretentious clean lines of immaculate architecture take a backseat to lush tropical forests, a place where infinity-edge pools blend into panoramic views of the bay. It is a place where good conversation and excellent food flow. This is Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo.
Connected by a series of pathways and stairs, the villas and suites at Andaz were carefully crafted to give a sense of living in an elegant treehouse perched hillside. Views of monkeys swinging in trees give way to Culebra Bay. The penthouse suites have a spacious kitchen and living area that seamlessly open to a large outdoor terrace for lounging and dining under the stars. Even from the comfortable beds on the lowest level, sunrise views peek over the mountains each day to gently whisper “Good morning.” For the most spectacular view in the house, day or night, the rooftop is outfitted with a covered terrace, a lounger for star gazing, and a private pool to cool off in the midday heat. Each suite has all the conveniences of home (like a washer/dryer) accompanied by modern luxuries, plush bedding, thoughtful lighting, and natural materials.
There’s no shortage of things to do outside in Costa Rica. Yet, at Peninsula Papagayo, the experience is elevated by their friendly onsite staff at Casa de Playa and the expert guides at The Explorers. Take a 10-minute boat ride from the main resort to Nacascolo Beach where peaceful turquoise waters lap ashore at Andaz’s beach club, Casa de Playa, and be greeted once again with a fresh welcome mocktail and pineapple paletas. Nothing is lacking at this beach—guests can spend the day lounging with sun and sangria or dine near the extra-long infinity-edge pool where Chef Bruno’s crudo takes center-stage, complemented perfectly by their specialty whiskey cocktail or a fruit-infused spritz.
The afternoon at Casa de Playa is well-spent snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding in the bay, compliments of the resort. During a new moon, book a night excursion to the bioluminescent bay where fluorescent waves make a magical splash and fish swimming through the water appear out of the darkness like shooting stars.
Humpbacks and sea turtles also make their way through the peninsula annually. Mothers emerge from the depths to birth their young at Playa Prieta (a black-and-white-sand beach) and Playa Virador. This “turtle tradition,” called imprinting, has a special occurrence after 45-60 days, a birthday (or hatching). Visit Prieta Beach Club in the evening to catch a glimpse of hundreds of mini green sea turtles making their first trek to the ocean. If you’re not visiting November through March, when hatching takes place, I still recommend Prieta Beach Club’s Sunset Bar, where guests can enjoy dinner and drinks with an electric sunset.
Kids Club: While Andaz Costa Rica appeals to avid golfers and couples seeking a romantic getaway, kids 4 to 12 years old can enjoy CAMBI Day Camp, and kiddos even younger can join the fun as long as they are accompanied by their adult. Daily activities include color therapy, sand castles & shell quests, pottery painting, hair wrap & nails, and kids yoga.
As if these magical phenomena weren’t enough, there’s still more to explore on dry land on the peninsula. Andaz crafts creative experiences such as ceviche and barista classes, yoga sessions and sound healing, canvas art and samba classes, and they also provide electric bikes for exploring the peninsula solo. The Explorers offers experiences immersed in nature: a zip line and ropes course, a paddle through magical mangroves on canoe or water bikes, or off-roading in UTVs to take in spectacular views and secluded beaches.
