What It’s Like to Stay at Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica

From its coastal suites and coconut cocktails to mornings with howler monkeys and nights under the stars, this Costa Rican spot strikes that rare balance of comfort, warmth, and thoughtful hospitality. Here’s everything we loved, ate, sipped, and nearly packed in our suitcase.

bySharan Kuganesan

If you love great food, stunning ocean views, and a touch of luxury, then the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort was likely built for you. It’s a property designed to make everything feel effortless, and why would you have it any other way, you’re on coveted vacation time, after all.

My stay at the five-star hotel was nothing short of pura vida — the Costa Rican way of life that celebrates simply enjoying the moment and finding joy in everything. I’m here to spill the (proverbial) coffee beans on why it should be near the top of your luxury travel list.

Just a quick 30-minute drive from Liberia airport, you can opt to rent your own car or let the resort handle private transportation. If you choose the latter, kick back and unwind in a jet-black SUV stocked with snacks, Wi-Fi and even an ice-cold Imperial beer. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a chilled towel and a refreshing coconut drink, the first signs of hospitality so seamless, you won’t have to think twice about your exhaustion.

The Property

Perched on a hillside overlooking Culebra Bay, the peninsula is home to a mix of luxury resorts and newly opened residences. You might spot a few yachts anchored at the nearby marina. Mornings here start with the thrums of howler monkeys, you’ll often catch them swinging past your balcony, making for an entertaining morning cup of coffee. It’s a rare and charming find when wildlife roams so freely around a property.

Even when the resort’s 177 rooms are fully booked, you’d be hard-pressed to feel the crowd. Whether you’re sunning by one of the infinity pools, taking a boat ride to the resort’s private beach, Casa de Playa, or spending time at the more rustic beachfront, there’s always a new way to enjoy the day. Getting around is made a little easier with a golf cart pick-up service.

The Rooms

Whether you’re staying in one of Andaz’ multi-bedroom villas or a king-bed suite, all rooms are decked with floor-to-ceiling windows and private outdoor terraces that overlook the ocean. It’s earthy inside with bamboo accents, woven textures and hand-carved artifacts sprinkled about.

Thoughtful touches are everywhere: wide-brimmed sun hats hang neatly on the wall, and flip-flops are placed nearby — both complimentary and yours to keep. Spacious walk-in closets come equipped with full-length mirrors, plush bathrobes, and even a beach tote for easy outings. The mini-fridge is generously stocked with plantain chips, sodas, bottled waters, beers and other treats that are all conveniently included in your stay, so go ahead and indulge.

The bathroom is a spa-like retreat, designed with a natural palette, stone flooring, and bamboo finishes. Somewhere between tranquil and inviting, the space is especially dreamy at sunset, when terracotta hues filter in, casting a golden glow over the sand-colored space. A rainfall shower opens to panoramic ocean views and a deep soaking tub invites you to wind down with a glass of wind at the end of the night.

Beds are sizable and cloud-like, outfitted with crisp white linens and textured headboards. Come evening, turndown service happens quietly and effortlessly – curtains drawn, lights dimmed, a glass of water placed by your bedside, all without interruption. And with a single tap of a bedside button, the entire room softens into nighttime mode. Like I said: easy.

Dining at Andaz Papagayo

It’s rare to find a property where every dining option truly impresses – but Andaz Papagayo delivers. Alongside reliable buffet offerings, there’s a little something across the resort’s restaurants that goes above and beyond the standard high-end hotel fare.

Our favorite, hands down, is Chao Pescao, a vibrant tapas bar that draws inspiration from a map of Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the culinary direction of Chef Javier, each dish is a thoughtful interpretation of regional favorites. Expect everything from Peruvian Arroz Chaufa to Jerk Chicken from Jamaica. And yes, even the pork belly tacos rival those found in Mexico. Spice levels, cooking techniques, and sauces are all spot-on, delivering authenticity in practically every bite. The mixology is just as impressive. Whether you’re hankering for a bold rum-forward drink from Venezuela or a smooth glass of Argentine pinot noir. Our pick would be the Sierra Madre, a smoky, spicy homage to Mexico made with mezcal, jalapeños, and naranjila juice, all expertly blended and salted.

Ostra at night commands the kind of mood worth getting dressed up for. Under soft, ambient lighting, guests dine on a Southeast Asian-inspired menu featuring dishes like Malaysian Coconut Laksa and a Vietnamese Snapper Cá Kho Tô. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t skip, it’s the Arroz de Maíz—a rich, slow-cooked pork belly atop miso corn rice, finished with a citrus beurre blanc that ties it all together beautifully.

There’s also Perla, a sushi bar nestled inside Ostra. Here, you can sit at the open kitchen counter as you watch local fish being prepared with Japanese precision right in front of you. No imported salmon here, instead, you’ll see sustainably sourced catch from Costa Rica’s waters. Think sea bass sashimi or red snapper rolls topped with aji amarillo sauce and mango. Of course, the selection will evolve with the tides. And then there’s dessert: the deconstructed Horchata Parfait with cinnamon ice cream and cashew praline is a dish you’ll think about long after you’ve left.

If you’re a World of Hyatt Globalist member, there’s a slightly more exclusive breakfast experience at Ostra that’s our pick to start your morning a little slower. Under a canopy of monstera plants, breakfast no longer feels like a forgotten meal, but one that Chef puts pride in creating a catered experience for each guest. It’s tableside and filled with more heart than your usual buffet. The pre-meal starts with a shot of the day’s fresh juice, a fruit bowl with yogurt and granola, and a mini charcuterie offering local cheeses, meats, trout pâté, butter and jam. It’s followed by a personalized pastry service – think pistachio croissants and warm, thyme-seasoned local bread. All this is before you’ve even placed your main order. Plates on the menu are intentionally small, and you’re encouraged to try as much as you like without pressure.

The Extras

What sets the Andaz Papagayo apart is how exceptional the staff are, remembering your name, and often what you did the day before. They anticipate your wants before you even realize them yourself. There’s also a host of activities and things to keep you busy if lounging poolside isn’t your thing. There’s a laid-back Becoming a Barista class, where you’ll likely learn a thing or two that’ll help level up your coffee-making at home. A resident barista walks you through various brewing techniques, coffee strengths, tips, all while records spin in the background. A treatment at Onda Spa is an absolute must. Where else can you get a deep-tissue massage or volcanic mud ritual secluded and outdoor with the cool breeze — nature as your backdrop.

If more gyms meant lifting to the tune of birds chirping and green monsteras surrounding me, I’d probably be a regular. The open-air fitness space is a dream that’s akin to a wellness retreat than a workout space. Outside of the property, the concierge team will arrange just about any activity you dream up, whether that’s a trek through Arenal volcano, tubing down the Rio Celeste or even a family beach photoshoot. On any given night, live music fills the air , whether an acoustic duo strumming beachside or a Latin trio coloring the tapas bar.