Tucked in the jungle of Costa Rica’s exclusive Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo embodies a mindful balance of luxury and nature. This World of Hyatt beauty blends seamlessly into its lush, 1,400-acre surroundings for instant immersion in the Pura Vida lifestyle with ocean views, meaningful local experiences and 5-star amenities that don’t detract from the peninsula’s serious commitment to sustainability. There’s also plenty of monkeys.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s rooms, suites and villas number more than 170, spread across the hillside property between a series of isolated houses blended into mature jungle growth. These seemingly private sanctuaries offer open-air layouts, organic materials and floor-to-ceiling windows framing inspiring views. Rooms are infused with local touches like handwoven textiles and native woods, as well as modern conveniences like rain showers and complimentary minibars stocked with Costa Rican snacks. Many include large private balconies, too.

© Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

I stayed in an Andaz Bay View Suite with more than 1,100 square feet of personal space including a large walk-in closet; separate living, working, and sleeping areas; and a gorgeous bathroom equipped with a soaking tub and walk-in rainfall shower against ceiling-to-floor windows (privacy tinted from shoulders down, not that there was anything but treetops nearby and Culebra Bay in the distance). During my suite tour on check-in, I was promised I would encounter monkeys from my corner suite and reminded to keep my balcony door locked at all times (because of clever monkeys, not human intruders). During my first morning shower, the promise was kept as a lone howler toured the coastline by treetop in front of me, crossing next to my suite, just lazily enough for me to throw on my robe and run to my balcony for a closer view before he continued on.

For even greater indulgence, consider the multilevel Penthouse Suites, perched at the highest vantage points of the resort with unrivaled ocean views, private infinity pools and expansive outdoor lounges.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is home to four restaurants, all with water views and open-air seating. The culinary program focuses on the peninsula’s sustainability efforts and celebrates Costa Rica’s rich flavors with locally sourced ingredients, sustainable seafood, and mindfully crafted dishes paying homage to both the local land and sea.

© Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

Ostra, the resort’s signature restaurant, takes inspiration from the Costa Rican bounty while incorporating global techniques, particularly from Japan. Catch of the day ceviche is the signature starter, but the pulled pork gyoza and Costa Rican croquettes are also worth sampling. The Japanese-Caribbean chicken curry was an unexpected fusion I was glad to have ordered. Hidden within the restaurant is Perla, acting as a sushi bar most weeknights and a ramen bar on weekends.

Rio Bhongo is the heart of the property’s dining scene, with all-day service that begins with a truly local breakfast buffet enhanced by an extensive coffee program highlighting Costa Rica’s world-renowned beans. I found the intimate outdoor coffee bar attached to Rio Bhongo the perfect spot to set up shop for a quiet, sun-drenched breakfast a bit removed from the morning crowd. Later in the morning, Coffee & Vinyls opens for gourmet coffees, drinks and Italian counter bites with a selection of 150 vinyl records you’re free to pop on the turntable. This is also the spot to take a barista class if you really want to dive into the coffee culture.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Chao Pescao serves Latin tapas, often with live music, and an exciting list of handcrafted cocktails. You can also take mixology lessons here. A 10-minute boat ride away, Meso serves a Mediterranean menu at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s beach club, Casa de Playa (alternatively, you can take a land shuttle). Once here, you’ll find a third pool, cabanas and plenty of loungers under the shade of trees or directly on the shoreline.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo invites guests to take part in the peninsula’s eco-conscious experiences like coral recovery projects from planting initiatives that help propagate the region’s healthy coral (a land- and snorkel-based activity) to coral gardening. Follow up on your efforts from home by tracking your specific corals with periodic photo updates.

At Palmares Outpost, an eco-adventure hub on the peninsula, participate in guided wildlife excursions, trekking through the tropical dry forest. With miles of trails, you could easily hike every day and never take the same route twice. On my journey, we encountered a bounty of colorful birds, including some rare species; a large crocodile; and plenty of monkeys, of course. For a bit more adventure, zip-lining courses and aerial obstacle courses surround parts of the Outpost. Of course, the Gulf of Papagayo’s crystal-clear waters provide plenty of opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, world-class snorkeling and relaxing (or celebratory) boat tours. The resort’s beachfront location makes it easy to embark on private yacht or scuba diving excursions.

© Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

Onda Spa is a sanctuary for holistic wellness tucked into the hillside overlooking the bay. Inspired by Costa Rica’s natural elements, the spa’s treatments incorporate local botanicals, volcanic minerals and organic coffee scrubs. Embracing a philosophy of connection with nature, Onda Spa uses sustainable, locally sourced ingredients to create rejuvenating and restorative experiences. Treatments are a true escape and often begin with an intention-setting ritual on the wooden bridge leading to treatment rooms, which can include outdoor beds to appreciate the sounds and rhythms of the forest.

But there are many other paths to wellness offered here, from sound healing and a suspended sound bath to reiki and multiple disciplines of yoga on the covered sky deck overlooking the canopy. The 24-hour fitness center also boasts views worth working up a sweat. Opting to skip the golf cart transfer for my own treatment, my walk through the winding forest paths from my suite at the opposite end of the property was a beautiful, meditative journey on its own, reminding me of the value in occasionally slowing down and taking the long way.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica by Hyatt

Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province
Liberia, Costa Rica
tel 506 2690 1234