Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo overview

Getting there

This lodge is simply 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. In case you’d somewhat have a personal airport switch, you’ll be able to contact the lodge to make preparations.

In case you select to lease a automotive, you may be glad to know valet parking and self-parking are free on the lodge.

Many of the drive is on a one-lane street, so it may take wherever from half-hour to an hour, relying on site visitors. You will move farms and sugar cane fields earlier than pulling into the superbly manicured grounds and having fun with ocean views as you wind all the way 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 personal 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 a substitute. Regardless of the place you test in, you may 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 primary room directions like tips on how to use the lights and balcony doorways.

Comfy, spa-like rooms

This property gives 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 might need jungle views or a personal 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 observed the out of doors house had a snug sofa, a espresso desk and a chair. I additionally observed a second balcony door that led immediately into an enormous bathe.

With a rainfall bathe head, a second handheld bathe wand, grey stone flooring, Lather tub merchandise and ocean views, you’ll be able to see why the bathe was among the best components 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 range 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 snug, 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 amazing evening’s sleep. Plus, shops — three-pronged and USB — have been conveniently positioned beside the mattress.

The self-importance space had every little thing I wanted: a wall-mounted magnifying mirror, a Conair-branded hair dryer (1,875 watts), hand cleaning soap, loads of towels and a package with a nail file, cotton pads, cotton swabs, a bathe cap and extra. The self-importance 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.

An enormous 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 fitting held an iron, ironing board, complimentary flip-flops and an umbrella (key for those who’re visiting in the course of the wet season).

The cupboard on the left held a protected, a minifridge (stocked with water, soda and the everyday 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 baggage. The whole lot was complimentary besides the alcoholic drinks.

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

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

Final however not least, I am unable to neglect 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 carrying theirs across the lodge and thought it was a cute contact.

Giant teams can e book a residence or villa

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

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

I do know I rave concerning 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 snug sofa, daybed and plunge pool.

A residence could be an amazing possibility 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 certainly one of these properties, however you’ll be able to as a substitute use them as a strategy 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 a classy bar space main into the principle restaurant.

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

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 would not typically 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 referred to as Perla. You will not see salmon rolls or different typical sushi choices on the menu — it solely gives 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 bought the eggs Benedict. The parts have been on the smaller aspect however finally properly sized since we have 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 for those who’re on the resort to have a good time a birthday, engagement or different essential 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 have been as scrumptious as they have been stunning. I ordered the orizaba ($16), a jalapeno-infused margarita with a rim of do-it-yourself blackberry salt. My mother ordered the smokey pineapple ($18), which got here smoking beneath a fragile glass cloche.

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

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

Rio Bhongo

Possibly I have been staying on the improper 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 have been just 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 every other breakfast drinks.

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

Meso

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

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

Whereas it wasn’t but out there once 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 gives 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 get pleasure from.

There are snug loungers throughout. I used to be shocked to search 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 all the time simple to discover a chair.

I spent all my free time on the adults-only pool due to its quieter environment and unobstructed views. Nonetheless, it appeared just like the younger youngsters have 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 primary seaside, Playa Sombrero Oscuro, supplied loads of loungers, and it was by no means troublesome to discover a place to sit down there both. I appreciated how the loungers have been organized in little nooks separated by timber so every occasion may have a little bit of privateness. There was additionally loads of shade, due to the numerous timber on the seaside.

The small seaside space is nice for youths 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 are not any chairs on this seaside, however you’ll be able to deliver a towel to sit down on if you would like a extra secluded environment.

Casa de Playa is a enjoyable mini tour

It is a five-minute boat trip 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.

Driving the boat to the seaside membership is a enjoyable added perk, and it is good to get a little bit 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 isn’t massive 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 gives 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 supply 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 have been having fun with throughout my go to. The restaurant Meso sits immediately behind the pool.

There are many methods to remain lively

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

The gymnasium 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 classes. Verify the lodge’s occasion calendar to see when the guided lessons happen throughout your keep, or contact the spa to order a personal yoga session.

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

In case you’re considering water sports activities, you’ll be able to lease complimentary kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding tools on the lodge’s important 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 gives 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 evening 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 out there 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 stunning mangroves. Our information was partaking and uber-knowledgable about all of the wildlife, stating completely different birds and supplying many enjoyable info (and jokes).

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

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

Distinctive spa choices for final leisure

The therapies at Onda Spa have 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 remedy, 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 form of sound tub remedy, so I wasn’t certain what to anticipate as my information led me to an open-air room that, you guessed it, ignored the ocean.

She chosen important oils for me and made me really feel very snug so I may totally loosen up and benefit from the session.

Along with its 9 remedy rooms, the 11,000-square-foot spa space additionally has a personal 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. each day.

Sustainable and community-oriented

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

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 immediately from farms on the peninsula and operates a coral restoration undertaking on its seaside. (Enjoyable reality: I discovered coral creates much more oxygen than timber do.)

Not solely can company be ok with staying right here, however they will additionally be taught loads concerning the surroundings and sustainability initiatives throughout their stays.

The employees was the cherry on prime of an amazing keep

Everybody I met throughout my travels round Costa Rica was pleasant, heat and welcoming, 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 wish to return time and time once more.

Causes the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo may not be for you

I believe it is a stellar property for a lot of causes, however this is why this resort may not be what you are in search of:

• There are not any nightlife choices right here, and eating places shut by 10 p.m. In case you’re in search of a celebration surroundings, contemplate 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 wish to keep in Guanacaste cities similar to Tamarindo, Nosara or Samara. (The Andaz is surrounded by lodges, not outlets or eating places.)
• In case you or your journey companion have mobility points, you may in all probability wish to keep elsewhere. Whereas golf carts can be found 24/7 for transportation across the resort, the property is kind of hilly, there are not 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 wish 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 immediately on the property, it is nonetheless a ship trip away.

Accessibility

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

Do not forget that although the accessible rooms are on the bottom flooring, the uneven lavatory flooring may current points, and there are not 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 shouldn’t be accessible on account of a protracted staircase.

As an alternative, the resort gives transportation by way of shuttle to off-site seaside membership Casa de Playa (a couple of 15-minute drive) for company with mobility points. Based on the lodge’s web site, although, this seaside shouldn’t be wheelchair accessible both.

The lodge gives 24/7 transportation across the property in golf carts and has wheelchairs out there on-site. Nonetheless, there are not any elevators on the property.

General, I felt this may be a troublesome resort for somebody with bodily disabilities to go to on account of its hillside location, inclined pathways and lots of staircases, regardless of the resort’s efforts to supply accessibility options.

Additionally, although there are lights alongside the ramps and pathways, it is nonetheless very dim at evening.

Alternate options to the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo