Checking into Paradise

A Guide to Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Words Ashley Bowling  |  Photos Will Bowling & Eric Morales

Nestled within the tranquility of Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Costa Rica Resort offers an unparalleled experience that blends the welcoming culture and natural beauty of the country. Whether it’s a serene escape or an adventure-filled vacation you’re seeking, or a little bit of both, Andaz makes it easy to soak in “Pura Vida”—a mantra filled with deep gratitude for life, nature, and beauty. This ethos clearly permeates every interaction at the resort, making a week spent in paradise an unforgettable one.

Why Book?
On the northwest coast of Costa Rica, tucked within lush beauty, Andaz Costa Rica offers a refreshing escape where luxury meets laid-back vibes. This resort feels like a home away from home, where every guest is greeted with a warmth that embodies “Pura Vida.” The resort’s stunning design draws inspiration from its surroundings, with indigenous woods, local textiles, and stand-alone open-air gathering spaces. The atmosphere is both sophisticated and down-to-earth, striking a balance between modern and natural textures. Arriving here feels like stepping into an untapped world where nature and creature comforts coexist in a harmonious rhythm.

The Accommodations
Perched hillside overlooking Culebra Bay, this retreat melds with its tropical forest and impeccably encapsulates the magic of “Pura Vida.” It’s easy to unwind and soak in the serenity that abounds given the 177-room property snakes along the hillside, each guest room having a treetop view of the glistening bay in the distance. Connected by a series of staircases and paths that wander through the dense foliage, the illusion is akin to being on a secluded island. 

The suites bring a synonymous blend of modern, yet simple, luxuries. Every detail is thoughtfully appointed, from private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views to rainwater showers that peek those same spectacular views. The new residential villas and penthouses, perched at the top of the hill, take this experience to the next level. With expansive multilevel terraces, private plunge pools, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, these residences provide ample space to spread out in one, two, and three bedroom options. Inside each room, the ambiance is relaxed and inviting, with luxury bath soaps, architectural lighting, and plush beds with crisp white linens accompanied by earth tones that all combine to give the ease of home, except with tree top, ocean views, and a friendly concierge team attending to every need.

Food & Drink
Dining at Andaz Costa Rica is an experience that engages all the senses with a true taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. The resort’s four distinct restaurants, led by Chef Bruno Alves, each infuse global inspiration and a reimagination of Costa Rican flavors. Ostra, with a green-house-like atmosphere and sea views, offers a refined dining experience focusing on hyper-local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Within Ostra, a chic sushi bar, Perla, brings Asian flare. At Meso, indulge in “Mesoterranean” cuisine—a fusion of Mediterranean and Mesoamerican flavors, with dishes like Surf & Turf Paella and Sicilian Crudo that melt in your mouth. Open-air Rio Bhongo serves fresh, locally sourced breakfast and the best Costa Rican coffee to start your day. Chao Pescao is the perfect tapas spot for sharing plates inspired by flavor-packed Latin America, paired with creative cocktails that steal the show. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing fruit-infused spritz by the pool or enjoying a dinner on your private terrace, the food and drinks are guaranteed to leave your tastebuds longing for the day you get to return. 

The culinary program is surprisingly jaw-dropping and mouth-watering, but if the resort’s four onsite eateries aren’t enough, Andaz offers transportation to seven additional restaurants within the community. 

Things to Do
Peninsula Papagayo is a natural playground offering a wide range of activities for the whole family. A short boat ride to Nacascolo Beach brings with it calm waters which welcome paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking. Here lies the resort’s Casa de Playa Beach Club, a quiet place to relax in cabanas or by the 25-meter pool. This is where Meso serves up delectable Mediterranean cuisine all day, leaving no reason to even get up from your plush lounger. 

The resort offers a menu of curated pursuits to immerse in local culture, including cooking and dance classes or kayaking tours through the mangroves to coral gardening. If you’re feeling adventurous, borrow one of Peninsula Papagayo’s electric bikes to explore the peninsula. From bioluminescent bay tours to spotting sea turtles at Playa Prieta to family surf lessons with SurfX, every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature in a new way.

For an adrenaline-filled experience, the peninsula’s trails lend themselves to mountain biking, and The Explorers offer expert-led zip-lining, a ropes course, and UTV tours—spanning seven beaches, eight miles of bluffs, and 250 acres of protected preserve. If all the above doesn’t keep you busy enough, you can also enjoy golfing, tennis, or Andaz’s onsite spa.

Spa & Wellness
Wellness is woven into the very fabric of your stay at Andaz, a sanctuary that will rejuvenate both the body and mind. ONDA Spa provides a extensive menu of treatments inspired by the healing traditions of Costa Rica. Whether you choose a soothing massage or invigorating outdoor yoga classes overlooking the bay, every experience promotes relaxation and well-being. And the spa’s nine luxurious treatment rooms, including four couple’s suites, offer a tranquil space to unwind and reconnect with your body and mind. Beyond the spa, the resort’s wellness offerings include daily yoga sessions, guided meditation, and a fully-equipped fitness center, ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is catered to.

The Neighborhood
The resort is part of the Peninsula Papagayo community, where guests have access to secluded beaches, a host of outdoor adventures, and fine food at Fours Seasons, the nearly-
completed Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Prieta Beach Club. Exploring Peninsula Papagayo is like stepping into a paradise where every turn offers an opportunity for indulgence.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort harmoniously blends luxury, culture, and adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re tucked away within a private villa, dining at a world-class restaurant, or exploring the peninsula’s natural beauty, every moment seems as if it’s crafted to bask in nature and indulgence, leaving you longing for the day that you get to return to this “pure life” paradise. 

Contact:
peninsulapapagayo.com
andazpuravida.com
@andazpapagayo