CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica’s anticipated new property and the second Andaz resort to open this year following Andaz Maui at Wailea in early September. Located on the northwest Pacific coast of the country, the resort offers views of the Bay of Culebra.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the Andaz brand and a world-class resort to such a desirable and unique destination in Latin America,” said Michael Schmid, general manager of Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. “Costa Rica is full of rich culture and history, and we can’t wait to provide our guests with new and inspiring experiences that will help them feel like a true local during their stay.”
Costa Rican architect, Ronald Zurcher, created the resort’s pre-colonial design, which blends organic and contemporary concepts with the country’s rich heritage. Situated on 28 oceanfront acres, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo features 153 guestrooms, including 21 luxury suites, and 8,200 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Zurcher used the shapes of cocoons and shells for the hotel’s facilities to create a design meant to stimulate the senses. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s free-flowing environment transforms the arrival experience by eliminating traditional check-in desks and synchronized procedures, making for a barrier-free experience.
Guestrooms and suites offer spacious balconies with bay views and balance modern design with touches of local character, including woven textiles, solid wood,s and carved artifacts to create an authentic, local feel.
“The hotel’s design is meant to seamlessly integrate Papagayo’s beautiful environment and its unique local heritage, and I was particularly inspired by the organic forms and shapes of the native flora and fauna of the peninsula,” said Zurcher. “The effect will translate into a feeling of groundedness for both guests and associates of Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. Costa Rica is known for its peace-loving attitude, and I felt that tapping into Mother Nature’s energy was the best way to connect the resort with the overall vibe of the country.”
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo offers three restaurants. Chao Pescao Small Plates and Bar features seasonal Caribbean-inspired gourmet creations. Ostra is the hotel’s specialty restaurant, designed to emulate a private residence. It features three live culinary stations, allowing guests to sample specialties. Rio Bhongo is the hotel’s three-meal, open-air restaurant and features a wine stand, as well as a coffee shop with Costa Rican chocolate and tea.
The hotel also offers numerous outdoor and ocean activities. The 11,000 square foot ONDA Spa offers nine treatment rooms and an array of therapeutic treatments, along with a 24-hour gym. The resort also offers a private accessible beach for Andaz Peninsula Papagayo guests and two swimming pools.
True to the Andaz ethos, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo will pay homage to the destination’s culture and history through the brand’s Andaz Salon program, which offers guests access to locally inspired events and programming. The hotel’s Cultural Insiders will aim to educate guests and offer experiences that leave them feeling connected to Costa Rica. Upon opening, twin brothers and surf enthusiasts, Alex and Mike Faherty, co-founders of the Faherty Brand, will provide guests with their own “How to Surf Costa Rica” guide. Created exclusively for the hotel, the guide reveals the hottest, hidden surf spots in all of Costa Rica. For the art lover, a collection of 15 works by native Costa Rican artist, Salvador Odrec, is featured throughout the property’s public spaces. Music maestro, Jared Dietch, has also curated an exclusive soundtrack for the hotel, as well as a downloadable, Costa Rican inspired playlist for guests to enjoy after their visit.
“As a brand, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities that Andaz hotels call home, and we are thrilled to be working with local talent in Costa Rica to help drive unique cultural experiences for our guests,” said Sara Kearney, vice president of brands for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. “As the brand continues to grow in exciting destinations, we will continue to stay true to the Andaz DNA and work with the locals who help define and represent all that these locations have to offer.”
