A Harmony of Luxury and Nature: Accommodations and Design

Opened in December 2013, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo seamlessly blends contemporary design with the natural environment, utilizing local materials and art. My room offered a serene view of a beautiful tree and the bay beyond. Being nestled among the trees provides a sense of privacy and deeper connection to nature. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee on your patio and spotting a coati in the tree outside your room – pura vida!

The rooms themselves are incredibly well-appointed, making you wish you could replicate them at home. Highlights include double glass doors leading to a spacious enclosed patio with a comfortable couch, and a rain shower with a pebble floor that opens onto the patio for an invigorating open-air experience. The decor features simple yet beautifully designed hand-crafted wood furniture, embodying understated elegance.

Despite the natural aesthetic, the rooms are equipped with convenient technology. Lights automatically illuminate when approaching the bathroom, perfect for late-night trips. You'll find a speaker stand for the latest iPhone, a large flat-screen TV with HBO, and USB, HDMI, and audio ports. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire resort. Even the technology contributes to the resort's environmental balance, with energy-saving features like AC automatically shutting off when patio doors are opened. It's truly pura vida meets modern comfort.

Family-Friendly Accommodations and Deals

The hotel primarily offers double rooms, but these can be conjoined to create spacious family suites. To make this more affordable, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo offers a Family Plan, allowing members of the same family to book a second room at half price when they book one room at the regular rate. Additionally, kids under 12 eat free off the kids' menu at the more casual Rio Bhongo restaurant. To take advantage of these deals and inquire about any restrictions, simply ask when making your reservation.

Value and Dining: More Than Just a Resort Stay

While Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is not an all-inclusive resort, it offers several generous amenities that enhance the feeling of value. Each room features a complimentary minibar, refreshed daily, stocked with excellent coffee, teas, chocolate, chips, and soft drinks. Guests also receive complimentary sun hats and flip-flops to take home, along with beautiful straw beach bags for use during their stay – thoughtful touches that exemplify pura vida.

The resort boasts three on-site restaurants catering to diverse tastes: one specializing in seafood with a Latin flair, another offering tapas, and a third combining American and Central American flavors. The food at all establishments is exceptional, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients, including sustainably sourced seafood and organic produce when available. Unlike many resort restaurants that feel disconnected from their location, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s culinary offerings truly celebrate local Costa Rican flavors. You can savor authentic dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans), casado (a traditional plate), agua fresco (fresh fruit drinks), ceviche, and mechilado. It's a genuine taste of pura vida.

Family Fun and Relaxation: Pools, Beaches, and Activities

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is an ideal destination for families whose idea of vacation involves relaxing by a beautiful pool or beach. The resort features a stunning pool area with two pools, including a shallow wading area perfect for toddlers. Plush bean bag chaise loungers, ample umbrellas, and attentive staff who bring icy water and occasional complimentary sangria create a divine atmosphere for unwinding all day.

Parents will particularly appreciate the beach's calm, shallow waters and the shady lounge chairs nestled under the trees. Kids will love exploring the sand and spotting iguanas. The beach offers complimentary activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The snorkeling is excellent right in the shallow part of the beach, with an abundance of fish, making it perfect for children and beginners. (Note: There were only two kayaks and two paddleboards during my visit, so hopefully, more equipment will be added to minimize wait times.)

For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the Onda spa provides heavenly customized treatments using local ingredients. Families with younger children will appreciate the kids' club, which offers crafts, games, and activities for ages 4-12. Daily activities for adults include engaging cooking and mixology classes, while family activities like game nights or morning nature walks are also available. As the hotel matures, it's expected that even more activities will be introduced.

Tailored Adventures: Excursions and Experiences

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo prides itself on customization, and this extends to activities and excursions. Upon check-in, you won't be handed a generic list; instead, your host will inquire about your desired experiences in Costa Rica and then offer tailored excursions to suit your family's tastes.

Excursion options are diverse, ranging from adventurous canopy tours, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing, to nature tours like bird watching, visits to butterfly gardens or local farms. Cultural destinations are also available. Popular activities also include golf, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.

During my trip, I enjoyed a surfing lesson. Costa Rica is renowned for its world-class surfing, and even as a beginner, our guides from the famous Faherty Brand took us to a perfect beginner beach just 10 minutes away by boat. With their expert instruction, I was successfully "carving" the (small) waves – it was an awesome experience!

Adding these custom experiences will undoubtedly make your Costa Rican family vacation unforgettable, but it's important to note they are additional to your hotel stay and can be quite pricey. For example, my surfing expedition cost approximately $250 per person, with reduced fees for children.

Why Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is Perfect for Families

Sometimes high-end, high-style resorts seem more geared toward couples and are not particularly family-friendly. However, Andaz Papagayo is significantly more family-friendly than many similar resorts I've experienced, thanks to its excellent beach and pool areas, a complimentary kids' club, and an overall welcoming atmosphere for children.

I would enthusiastically recommend Andaz for young families with small children who will thoroughly enjoy the calm beach and dedicated play areas, while adults savor the luxurious amenities and delicious food. Families with older children might prefer to create a more adventurous vacation that includes at least one off-site excursion. 

Discover more and book your family's dream vacation on the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort website.