Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo evaluate

What’s the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo?

This Andaz property is nestled right into a hillside on Peninsula Papagayo, overlooking the glowing Culebra Bay (which is seen from virtually all over the place on the property). The peninsula — which can be house to many different accommodations, every with its personal strip of sand — is a tropical dry forest, one of many largest in Central America. This implies when you go to round March, you may count on dry landscapes, and when you go to round October, you may be met with lush greenery.

How you can e-book a keep on the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

Getting there

This resort is barely about 20 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós Worldwide Airport (LIR) in Liberia. There are many taxis ready on the airport, and fares often fall between $45 and $60. In the event you’d relatively have a personal airport switch, you may contact the resort to make preparations.

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

A lot of the drive is on a one-lane street, so it might take anyplace from half-hour to an hour, relying on site visitors. You will go farms and sugar cane fields earlier than pulling into the fantastically manicured grounds and having fun with ocean views as you wind right 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 an alternative. Irrespective of the place you verify in, you may obtain recent coconut water and a cool, refreshing towel.

The method was clean and fast: We gave the check-in attendant our passports and reviewed a map of the resort earlier than heading outdoors, 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 find out 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 normal king room with partial bay views, however relying in your chosen room, you may 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 area had a snug sofa, a espresso desk and a chair. I additionally observed a second balcony door that led straight into a large bathe.

With a rainfall bathe head, a second handheld bathe wand, grey stone flooring, Lather bathtub merchandise and ocean views, you may see why the bathe was the most effective elements of this room.

Tranquil, spa-inspired parts continued all through the remainder of the area with clean 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 area 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 provided 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 night time’s sleep. Plus, retailers — three-pronged and USB — had 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 equipment 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 picket 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 correct held an iron, ironing board, complimentary flip-flops and an umbrella (key when you’re visiting in the course of the wet season).

The cupboard on the left held a secure, a minifridge (stocked with water, soda and the standard 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. Every thing was complimentary besides the alcoholic drinks.

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

One other picket armchair and footstool beside the mattress had been positioned to have a look at the view by way of floor-to-ceiling home windows.

Final however not least, I can not overlook the fedoras — meant for friends 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 sporting theirs across the resort and thought it was a cute contact.

Giant teams can e-book a residence or villa

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

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

I do know I rave in regards to the views in virtually 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 choice for a getaway with a number of {couples} or a household journey. As said above, you may’t use factors to e-book a keep in one in every of these properties, however you may as an alternative use them as a technique to earn factors.

Eating experiences spotlight Central American delicacies

Ostra

The resort just lately renovated its signature restaurant, Ostra, which now serves globally influenced Costa Rican delicacies.

A tunnel takes you into an elegant bar space main into the principle restaurant.

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

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 spotlight the nation’s conventional dishes since this delicacies would not usually 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 known 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 completely for these staying in suites and residences.

The meal service began with wholesome juice photographs alongside recent 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 obtained the eggs Benedict. The parts had been on the smaller facet however finally effectively sized since we had been already full from the appetizers.

Chao Pescao

Tapas-style restaurant Chao Pescao provided probably the most upbeat eating ambiance on the Andaz, full with a dwell music efficiency.

That is undoubtedly the spot for dinner when you’re on the resort to have a good time a birthday, engagement or different vital occasion.

The menu map illustrating which international locations impressed which dishes made the dinner a studying expertise and led to many fascinating food-related conversations with waiters.

The cocktails had been as scrumptious as they had been lovely. I ordered the orizaba ($16), a jalapeno-infused margarita with a rim of home made 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).

Due to our waiter’s advice, we completed with a vanilla sponge cake ($9), which did not disappoint.

Rio Bhongo

Possibly I have been staying on the fallacious locations, however I’ve by no means actually been impressed by a resort breakfast buffet — till now.

A wide range of recent juices, yogurt parfaits, sliced fruit, eggs, bacon and gallo pinto had been just the start of this spectacular unfold.

The desk of recent bread and pastries alone was overwhelming, and a employees member was frying recent pancakes on a griddle.

On the bar within the nook, friends can order mimosas, juices or every other breakfast drinks.

The complete breakfast buffet prices $35, and the continental breakfast buffet choice — which does not embrace 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 situated off-site at seashore membership Casa de Playa — gives Mediterranean delicacies with Central American influences.

Because it had solely opened every week earlier than I visited, some menu objects weren’t accessible. We nonetheless obtained 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 accessible once I visited, Meso can 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 seashore at off-site Casa de Playa.

The adults-only infinity pool sits under Ostra, so you may 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 recent watermelon ice pop to take pleasure in.

There are snug loungers throughout. I used to be shocked to seek out out the resort 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 ambiance and unobstructed views. Nonetheless, it appeared just like the younger youngsters had 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 seashore, Playa Sombrero Oscuro, provided loads of loungers, and it was by no means tough to discover a place to sit down there both. I appreciated how the loungers had been organized in little nooks separated by bushes so every celebration might have a little bit of privateness. There was additionally loads of shade, due to the various bushes on the seashore.

The small seashore 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 seashore stroll within the sand — or to unfold out removed from different friends.

As an alternative of taking a left down the steps to Playa Sombrero Oscuro, you may take a proper to the extra hidden Playa Sombrero Claro.

There are not any chairs on this seashore, however you may deliver a towel to sit down on if you’d like a extra secluded ambiance.

Casa de Playa is a enjoyable mini tour

It is a five-minute boat journey from the principle resort space to the Andaz’s revamped personal seashore membership, Casa de Playa. The boat leaves periodically from Playa Sombrero Oscuro, and a posted schedule close to the seashore will inform you of the instances.

Using the boat to the seashore membership is a enjoyable added perk, and it is good to get just a little tour of the bay from the water. Go away some cushion time in your itinerary, although, as a result of the boat can run not on time, and it is not massive sufficient to suit quite a lot of events directly.

Whereas the resort’s on-site seashores are fairly small, the one at Casa de Playa makes up for it. It gives an extended stretch of white sand with loads of loungers and daybeds.

Like on the on-site seashore, there are many bushes right here to supply shade.

Friends can order drinks from a bar on the sand and lease complimentary water sports activities gear.

Behind the sand and loungers, there’s an 82-foot pool that many individuals had been having fun with throughout my go to. The restaurant Meso sits straight behind the pool.

There are many methods to remain energetic

The resort gives an expansive 24-hour indoor health space under 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 periods. Examine the resort’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 gorgeous climate, you should utilize the coated, open-air health space close to the spa. The gazebo-like area gives TRX bands, free weights, yoga mats, a water dispenser and, after all, ocean views.

In the event you’re curious about water sports activities, you may lease complimentary kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding gear on the resort’s important seashore by way of 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 friends embark on excursions, there are pickleball and tennis courts. To not point out, there’s an 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed golf course completely for resort friends.

The Explorers program gives enjoyable and well-run excursions

The resort 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 night time 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 accessible to friends 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 seashore, the place we climbed into an outrigger canoe with 4 others.

We spent two hours paddling by way of lovely 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 seashore and providing us recent coconuts to drink from, in addition to beers and water.

I later spoke to a few who took their two younger youngsters for an off-roading tour by way of The Explorers, and so they had the identical rave evaluations about their tour information.

Distinctive spa choices for final rest

The therapies at Onda Spa had been among the highlights of my keep.

On my first day, I acquired a 60-minute Papagayo Illuminating Facial ($185), which focuses on exfoliation and vitamin C. Earlier than my therapy, I launched a flower off a bridge to honor the indigenous Chorotega tribe of Costa Rica — a small element that went a great 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 type of sound bathtub therapy, so I wasn’t certain what to anticipate as my information led me to an open-air room that, you guessed it, missed the ocean.

She chosen important oils for me and made me really feel very snug so I might totally calm down and benefit from the session.

Along with its 9 therapy 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 resort respects its pure environment and helps its group 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 resort sources its produce straight from farms on the peninsula and operates a coral restoration challenge on its seashore. (Enjoyable reality: I discovered coral creates much more oxygen than bushes do.)

Not solely can friends be ok with staying right here, however they will additionally be taught so much in regards to the atmosphere and sustainability initiatives throughout their stays.

The employees was the cherry on high 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 friends 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 friends really feel at house. I believe this, greater than the rest, would make me wish to return time and time once more.

Causes the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo won’t be for you

I believe this can be a stellar property for a lot of causes, however here is why this resort won’t be what you are searching for:

• There are not any nightlife choices right here, and eating places shut by 10 p.m. In the event you’re searching for a celebration atmosphere, take into account trying elsewhere.
• If you need 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 accommodations, not outlets or eating places.)
• In the event 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 seashore is not wheelchair accessible.
• Vacationers who need nothing greater than to take lengthy walks on the sand would possibly wish to search for a resort with a bigger seashore. Whereas the Casa de Playa seashore membership has a extra expansive sand space than the seashores straight on the property, it is nonetheless a ship journey away.

Accessibility

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

Do not forget that despite the fact that the accessible rooms are on the bottom ground, the uneven toilet flooring might current points, and there are not any automated 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 seashore shouldn’t be accessible because of an extended staircase.

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

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

Total, I felt this may be a tough resort for somebody with bodily disabilities to go to because of its hillside location, inclined pathways and plenty of staircases, regardless of the resort’s efforts to supply accessibility options.

Additionally, despite the fact that there are lights alongside the ramps and pathways, it is nonetheless very dim at night time.

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