Are you looking for amazingly cool places to visit in Costa Rica? How about a 5-star resort? This Andaz Costa Rica Resort Review—one of the luxury Hyatt properties in Costa Rica—offers stunning views of Culebra Bay and is one the best Costa Rica all inclusive family resorts. It is also perfect for your couple’s getaway.
Discover the luxury wonderland that awaits YOU at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort. Looking for world-class golf on a private 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course? How about relaxing beaches in a Costa Rica wellness resort? Enjoy time with your family or escape to the adults only pool for a quiet afternoon of sun and fun. You will love the delectable dining options and service that is second to none.
Things to Do at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
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I always wish that I had the hindsight of knowing what a destination is like before I travel. Once I have “been there done that”, so many of my questions are answered. Planning a return trip is so much easier.
If you have questions about Costa Rica, I am happy to share my experience along with this Andaz Costa Rica Resort review. There are also plenty of interesting facts about Costa Rica that will help in planning your own tropical adventures.
- Lounge in poolside cabanas
- Choose the all-inclusive option for dining and drinks
- Enjoy a refreshing drink by the pool
- Play at the beach
- Swim at the beach or any of the pools
- Escape to the Adults Only pool
- Kids 4-12 can enjoy the CAMBI Kids Club
- Find activities for the teens too
- Bask in the sun
- Enjoy the complimentary snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards
- Book time on a jet ski
- Watch the monkeys
- Take a barista, mixology, Latin dance, pottery painting, yoga, meditation, guided snorkeling, guided stand-up paddle class
- Relax at the Spa with a massage, facial or body treatment
- Workout in the Fitness Center
- Plan adventures and day trips outside the resort
Book YOUR stay at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Getting to Andaz Costa Rica
Did you know that Travel and Leisure rates Andaz Costa Rica as one of the 7 Beautiful Costa Rica Beach Resorts for Surfing, Swimming, and Sunbathing? All good reasons why Andaz is one of the cool places to visit in Costa Rica.
The closest airport to the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, also known as the Guanacaste Airport. It is the second main international airport in Costa Rica.
The Papagayo Peninsula is only a half hour drive from the airport. You may choose to rent a car for your stay or schedule a shuttle, bus, or private car transfer.
You may also fly into the San Jose International Airport (SJO), however the distance to the Andaz resort is 5+ hours by car.
Check-In at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
As you arrive at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo (by the purple VW on the map below), you’ll be greeted by a stunning entrance and open air lobby. Employees welcome you and begin the check-in process.
Your luggage will be loaded onto a golf cart, waiting nearby while you finish check in. Your driver escorts you to your room on the golf cart and will bring your luggage to your room for you.
As we settled into our room, Chris and I were greeted with a charcuterie board of cheeses, breads, nuts and dried fruits.
The amenities of the room include a walk-in shower, fridge, desk, plenty of storage, a secluded deck, king-size bed, large screen tv, bottled water, “On the House” non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in the fridge, and two robes to use during your visit.
While Andaz Costa Rica is among the best Costa Rica all inclusive family resorts, you have the option to customize your reservation package to your needs. You do not have to select the all inclusive package.
Don’t forget about the hats and flip flops that are yours to keep!
Andaz Costa Rica Resort Review of the Pools
The pools at Andaz Costa Rica definitely add to the ambiance of a 5-star Costa Rica resort and make the property a cool place to stay.
There is a family pool area next to the Rio Bhongo restaurant. During our stay, we probably saw less than ten children visiting the resort with their family.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is one of the best Costa Rica all inclusive family resort options, but Chris and I found the majority of guests were adults during our stay.
If you would prefer an adult-only pool for a relaxing afternoon, the pool closest to the spa and fitness center looks out over Culebra Bay and often has monkeys swinging and climbing through the trees above. This pool has a number of sun beds and lounge chairs that are available on a first come first served basis.
Towels are provided for your convenience as well as sunscreen and bug spray. Order and enjoy drinks, lunch and snacks poolside.
Andaz Amenities
During your stay at Andaz, you can enjoy the following amenities and offerings of this Costa Rica wellness resort:
- Complimentary use of Kayaks, Snorkel and Paddle-board Equipment at the Beach
- Yoga Classes
- Fitness Center
- E-Bike Rental
- Jet Ski Rental
- Hikes and Night Walks
- Cooking and Mixology Classes
- Art and Pottery Painting
- Water Adventures
- Organized Excursions and Day Trips
- Cambi Kids Club
- Massages, Body Treatments, and Beauty Services
Andaz Beaches
Sombrero Oscuro Beach is located below the family pool area and the Rio Bhongo restaurant. Follow a raised pathway as you descend to the beach. For our excursion to the Diamante Eco Adventure Park, we met our water taxis at this beach. As with many areas at this resort, towels, sunscreen and bug spray are available at the beach.
If you wish to visit Playa Nacascolo and the Andaz Beach House and lounge at the beach there, complimentary shuttle buses as well as a water shuttles (if the weather conditions permit) are available. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase. And of course, you’ll enjoy lounging on the beach beds and loungers.
If you are feeling adventurous, water activities and equipment are available at the Andaz Beach House: snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, beach games,and paddle-boarding.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort Restaurants
One of the features that make the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort a cool place to stay is the option for casual to fine dining. It is easy to make a reservation through What’sApp or with the front desk staff.
Chao Pescao: This is where delicious cuisine meets Costa Rican flare. Chao Pescao offers tapas with dishes from Central and South America. Be sure to try the chicken arepas. It was our favorite.
Ostra Restaurant: The Ostra offers elevated dining. Try the ceviche, indulge in one of the entrees, but save room for dessert!
Rio Bhongo: This casual restaurant has a wide variety of options such as tacos, salads, and sandwiches. The continental breakfast is served here with breads, pastries, yogurts, homemade granola, eggs, tamales, and more. A little something for everyone.
Andaz Beach House: The beach house at Nacascolo Beach has a casual, beachy vibe with breakfast offerings, fresh fruit, the catch of the day, and delicious desserts.
In addition, Andaz Costa Rica offers complimentary shuttle service to the Four Seasons hotel if you wish to make reservations at Pesce, Bahia Grill, or Añejo. You can arrange the shuttle directly at the Front Desk or make the request via What’sApp. Shuttles leave on a regular schedule.
“We provide a complimentary shuttle that departure from the main lobby... You just have to let one of the members of the staff know at what time would you like to go in order to sign you on the list because it is a certain amount of people per shuttle.” ~ Andaz Front Office
Onda Spa and Wellness Center
Looking for a Costa Rica wellness resort where you can relax your cares away? The Onda Spa encourages rejuvenation through massages and facials, as well as well-being practices like reiki and sound healing. Treat yourself to a meditation and yoga class, Swedish massage, reflexology, pedicure, or body scrub.
Andaz Rooms and Suites
This 5-star Costa Rica resort offers the seclusion and tranquility of a jungle stay while still being beachside. The floor to ceiling picture windows in your room or suite give off an exclusive treehouse vibe within the 28-acre property of Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica.
There are 131 rooms and 21 suites facing Culebra Bay. Some of the rooms offer a full view of the bay, some a partial view of the bay, some a view of the forest, and some a partial view of the forest.
Chris and I visited the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort for a work event. The resort was everything we could have hoped for and more. For your visit, you can be as adventurous as you would like or you can put on your “resting beach face” and enjoy some relaxing downtime. Peninsula Papagayo is an incredible place to escape for a weekend or a week!
Things to Know Before You Go
Visiting the Andaz Costa Rica resort is seriously a bucket list experience. If you are planning an adventure to Costa Rica, here are some things to keep in mind before you go:
- Adapters are not required for the outlets for US visitors. European and Australian visitors will need to bring an adapter.
- Prices are listed in US Dollars for the restaurant and amenities.
- If you make your reservations at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort with your Hyatt points or if you are in the top tier World of Hyatt status (Globalist), the resort fee is waived.
- The Andaz Costa Rica nightly rate will vary during different times of the year.
- Rooms sleep a maximum of four guests in a two double bedroom or three guests in a King room with a pull-out bed.
- Free amenities at the Andaz Costa Rica include three beaches, two pools, complimentary paddle boards and kayaks, a gym, resort shuttles, bath products, a robe, and slippers.
- You have the option to choose an all inclusive option at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort; if you select another option, you should expect to spend about $100 per day for food and drinks per person.
- Need help getting around the resort? Be sure to call or text for golf cart pick up.
- Are you planning a destination wedding? Group event? There are a variety of gorgeous indoor and outdoor venues.
- Be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen when swimming in Culebra Bay. I am a big fan of the Sun Bum sunscreen.
Things to Pack
How many times do you pack for a beach vacation, and then once you are stretched out on your beach towel think, “Man! I should have brought…”? Fill in the blank with items such as bug spray, your underwater camera, towel clips or even a clothespin or two!
This tropical vacation packing list is essential for enjoying days of sun, fun, and relaxation. Begin with:
- Sunscreen
- After Sun Gel
- Bug Spray
- Tank Tops
- Shorts
- Flowy Skirts or Dresses
- Tropical Dress Shirt
- Beach Cover Up
- Rashguard
- Flip Flops or Water Shoes
- Hat
- Beach Towel
- Sunglasses
- Snorkel Gear
- Insulated Water Bottle
- Underwater Camera
- Smart Phone
- Beach Tote Bag
- Beach Chair Clamps
These are just a few of the ideas I recommend. If you want to see the complete beach packing list, add your email below to receive your FREE copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Papagayo mean?
Papagayo (Spanish) means parrot.
What did the Guanacaste Airport used to be called?
The name of the Guanacaste Airport (LIR) used to be called the Liberia International Airport. It was changed to minimize confusion for international tourists as Libera is also the name of an African country.
Is there valet parking at the resort?
Yes, and it is FREE.
Why is Guanacaste one of the cool places to visit in Costa Rica?
The province of Guanacaste is famous for its spectacular beaches along the Pacific coast.
What is the best time to visit the Guanacaste region?
From May to July and November to December.
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Final Thoughts on Andaz Costa Rica Resort Review: Stunning Luxury for Couples & Families
Ahhhh Costa Rica, you had me at “hola”!
Pura Vida or the “pure life” is a way of life in Costa Rica that embodies relaxation, enjoying nature and thriving on the simple joys of life.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica is one of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica where “Pura Vida” is visible in the hospitality, the freshness of the food, the treehouse vibe of your room, and the endless days of fun. Put on YOUR resting beach face and enjoy the good life!
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Looks like such a fun beautiful place to stay!
Andaz looks absolutely amazing- we have never been but now we want to go!
Looks like a beautiful place with plenty of things to see and do. I haven’t spent much time in this part of the world – but I think I will have to!
This looks like such a beautiful stay, I love having at least one relaxing resort holiday every year!
I love this! I have been wanting to go to Costa Rica again. I am going to keep Andaz in mind 🙂
Such a great post! I’ve been wanting to get over to Costa Rica. A few years ago I only made it to Panama. I will have to plan another trip down there soon and this will definitely come in handy.
The pool is lovely! I’d love to see more pictures of this beautiful place!
I love this article and appreciate all of your suggestions!
Lovely post. Thank you for sharing about Costa Rica ?
I fully plan on going to Costa Rica in the next 2 years! Great info!
Great photos!
I love this review and can’t wait to check it out next time we’re in Costa Rica! Pura Vida!!