For Eco-Adventures and āPura Vidaā in a Tropical Playground, Head to Peninsula Papagayo
A real off-the-beaten-path treasure, Peninsula Papagayo is an exclusive 1,400-acre gated community-meets-eco-preserve in Costa Ricaās Guanacaste province on the northwestern Pacific coast. Less than an hourās drive from Liberia International Airport (Angelenos take note: there are direct daily flights with Alaska Airlines from LAX), the peninsula boasts protected coves and beaches canopied by tropical dry forests home to monkeys and other exotic wildlife. Costa Rica has been an eco-tourism leader for decades (around 26% of land across the country is devoted to national parks and wildlife reserves), and outdoor adventures and attractions are major drawing cards here too, thanks to the Papagayo Explorers program alongside more leisurely pursuits like teeing off at the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course.
The Stay: Beachside Bliss at Andaz
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is one of just three resorts on the Peninsula. Itās a breezy, eco-chic hideaway perched above Culebra Bay. The free-flowing architecture blends effortlessly with the natural surroundings. Each of the 153 roomsāincluding 21 suites and a few villasāfeels tucked up in the treetops. Guests can soak in views of the bay or forest. Inside, modern design meets nature, with details like riverstone rain showers and warm, organic materials.
Want to unwind? Lounge beside one of the resortās four pools. For maximum relaxation, head to the adults-only pool for a peaceful escape. If youāre craving sand between your toes, take the boat transfer to one of three nearby beaches. When hunger hits, the resortās dining doesnāt disappoint. Grab tacos and tropical drinks at Andaz Beach House on Nacascolo Beach. For something elevated, dine at Ostra, where Chef Bruno Alves highlights local seafood like Nicoya oysters. His dishes bring global flair with Portuguese, Tongan and Cajun inspiration.
For Adrenaline Junkies: Outrigger Canoes, Zip Lines and Mountain Bike Trails
Most travelers associate Costa Rica with outdoor adventures like surfing and river rafting. Descending a zipline through the rainforest, however, is another experience closely associated with the Central American country, and Peninsula Papagayo delivers here too. Opened last November, the aerial trails at Palmares Conservation Area promise a thrilling three-hour circuitānavigate obstacles like Heebie Jeebie on the aerial trekking course, and climb a giant ficus tree after completing the zip line. If that sounds like too much excitement for your liking, follow a suspended cable stairway to the observation platform for views without the adrenaline dump. Beneath are 12 miles of wilderness trails (more on those in a moment) and a dedicated mountain bike trail that winds through the forest and along the coast to Palmares Beach. Riders of all levels can choose between a full-suspension āregularā mountain bike or an electric-assist off-road number for the challenge.Ā
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For Culture Seekers: Chocolate, Coffee and Community
Anyone keen to get a cultural taste of Costa Rica should plan to spend at least one day outside of the resort grounds. A great way to do that is on this road trip, organized by Papagayo Explorers, that gets off the beaten path around the Nicoya Peninsula. Additional experiences available via Andaz include a tour of TĆo Leo Coffee and Costa Rican-owned cacao plantation La Anita. Back at the resort, activities with a cultural lens range from a āpura vidaā cooking class and Spanish lessons to a weekly community project with Creciendo Juntos. The local nonprofit helps children and families in Guanacaste, but guests can make a difference when they travel by bringing a Backpack for School stuffed with supplies like notebooks, paper and pens. You can also visit the nearby town of El Triunfo for a traditional farm-to-table dinner.
For Wellness Devotees: Yoga, Spa Days and Hot Springs
Wellness is at the heart of the Andaz Resort experience. It goes far beyond the traditional spa visitāthough pampering is certainly on the menu. Start your day with a morning yoga and meditation session held at the treetop pavilion, surrounded by lush forest views.
Tucked toward the back of the resort, the 11,000-square-foot ONDA Spa offers nine treatment rooms and an extensive wellness menu. From beauty services to traditional and alternative therapies, thereās something for every wellness seeker. Try the Fresh Tropical Relief scrub and wrap or opt for a reiki session followed by suspended sound healing in an anti-gravity hammock.
If adventure is more your speed, book a day trip with the Papagayo Explorers Club. Theyāll take you off property to Sensoria, a private rainforest sanctuary near the RincĆ³n de la Vieja volcano. There, youāll find waterfalls, thermal springs and the kind of natural magic that recharges the soul.
For Wildlife Lovers: Spot birds, Monkeys and Butterflies
Fruit-loving coati (a furry mammal closely related to the raccoon) along with howler and capuchin monkeys are a regular feature around Andaz. Guests are advised not to leave belongings unattended on terraces unless they donāt mind them being taken into the forest! Another way to catch a glimpse of Peninsula Papagayoās diverse flora and fauna is on a guided tour.
More than 150 bird species and 15 monkey troops call the peninsula home. To experience this wildlife up close, the Papagayo Explorers Club offers group excursions led by expert naturalist guides. These treks through the Palmares Preserve are perfect for spotting and photographing animals in their natural habitat. Animal lovers will especially enjoy two standout Andaz tours. The Sloth Adventure takes you to the Llanos del Cortes waterfall, followed by a hike through a sanctuary to search for sloths and butterflies. Otherwise visit the Las Pumas rescue center, where youāll see jaguars, toucans and other rescued wildlife up close.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Guanacaste Province
Papagayo Peninsula
50104, Costa Rica
011.506.2690.1234
@andazpapagayo
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodorās Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
