Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Peninsula Papagayo
Vibe
Open-air pavilions nestle into the forested hillside, connected by breezy pathways and golf carts humming down toward Culebra Bay.
“Hillside canopy perch”
Curvaceous seashell and cocoon-inspired villas by Ronald Zürcher cascading down the tropical forest hillside.
Attentive hillside golf cart transfers, dedicated surf concierges, and open-air rain showers overlooking the bay.
Three distinct beaches, multiple tiered infinity pools, water sports, and a boat-accessible beach club.
On Peninsula Papagayo overlooking Culebra Bay, surrounded by tropical dry forest and private coastal beaches.
“This, however, is all three: a member of Hyatt’s luxury-boutique Andaz line, it’s environmentally sensitive, swanky as all get-out, and visually inventive as well.”
Rooms
Walk-in rain showers open onto bay-facing balconies, where woven textiles and river-stone accents frame views through the dry forest canopy.
“Built into the forested hills of the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo blends into Costa Rica's north Pacific coastline.”
Wellness
ONDA Spa offers open-air suites in the trees, complemented by a movement dojo, cold plunge, and winding adult infinity pool.
“a series of earth-hued stone and hardwood structures that blend seamlessly into the greenery.”
Backstory
Architect Ronald Zürcher modeled the curvaceous wooden rooflines on native seashell and cocoon shapes found along the Papagayo coast.
“Even standard rooms—which are sprinkled over a hillside that’s bookended with beaches—elicit a strong sense of place with hand-carved artifacts...”
Eat & drink
Chao Pescao pours regional Latin cocktails beside vinyl DJ sets, while Ostra serves fresh local seafood under the forest canopy.
The neighborhood
Spanning a 1,400-acre peninsula, miles of nature trails and three calm bay beaches provide easy access to surfing and coastal wildlife.
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Secluded
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.