Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of spending three nights at one of my favorite Hyatt properties of all time – The Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica. I stayed here previously in December 2014 as a family with my then-10-month old son. I had a blast with my family, but since we were traveling with an infant and I was also pregnant with #2, I was limited in experiencing all that the resort had to offer.
This time around, I got to do so much more, and I loved every bit of it! To start, I really love the Andaz brand in general because it’s Hyatt’s “lifestyle” brand, and each property has unique individuality with tons of local cultural integration (I also recently learned that there are only 12 Andaz properties worldwide… I really though there were more).
What I love even more about the Andaz Papagayo is that it still remains a Hyatt “sweet-spot” redemption, being that it’s a category 4 property (15,000 points); and it’s one of the best uses of the annual free-night certificate from the Hyatt Credit Card (definitely worth that $75 annual fee!).
The purpose of this post is to highlight my impressions of the property after visiting a second time (this time I was completely solo).
The grounds at the Andaz Papagayo is seriously breath-taking
Lets Talk Mosquitos
Let’s get this one out of the water first. SO many people have contacted me asking me if they should postpone or cancel their trips to the Andaz Papagayo because of the hype surrounding the Zika virus. First off, it’s only fair to say that I rarely attract insects in general (B+ blood type FWIW). I also don’t use bug spray… like ever (though it is available throughout the resort). With that being said, I can happily report that I did not receive a single mosquito bite on the Andaz Papagayo grounds.Â
I did get one bite while zip-lining in the rainforest during an outside excursion (more about that below), but I can assure you that I do not have the Zika virus. Again, I am not a healthcare professional, nor do I want you to rely solely on my advice, but I did not experience any issues with mosquitos, so there’s no need to worry.
One of the many amazing infinity pools.
Hyatt Diamond
This time around, I was a Hyatt Diamond. I did not apply one of my Diamond Suite Upgrades to my reservation (because I was alone, and what fun is that?), but I did get a chance to peek inside the suites. WOW, they quite impressive to say the least! There is one presidential suite and 4 amazing “andaz large suites”, with a private plunge pool on the outside deck; these were honestly some of the best suites I’ve seen in my life. Unfortunately a DSU does not get you that upgrade (instead, you’ll get the “andaz suite“, which is a category below).
“Andaz Large Suite” outside deck & plunge pool. Backpack: baggallini.
As far as breakfast, the Diamond breakfast benefit was great at the Rio Bhongo restaurant, which offers a full buffet and a la carte menu. The service is still a bit hit or miss like it was the first time I visited in December 2014, but hey – it’s hard to complain in paradise!
Breakfast with a view.
Fitness &Â Onda Spa
I love that they’ve made it so easy to stay fit at the resort! Aside from a modern gym, the resort offers a variety of daily fitness classes ranging from sunrise yoga, aerobics, and nature walks. I’d be lying if I told you that I woke up early for these 6-am classes (believe me, the intentions were so there, but I neverrrr get to sleep in anymore…). I’m still kicking myself in the butt for not trying at least one class during my stay.
I did however enjoy some morning snorkeling (that’s a workout, right?), which is free for resort guests. All non-motorized sports are included with your stay between 8 am and 4 pm (paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, etc.).
I also had a chance to indulge in a spa treatment at Onda spa. I personally prefer super-deep massages, so I asked for the deepest one they offered. I ended up going with the Caña Brava massage, which uses a combination of local Caña Brava sticks and hand techniques. This massage definitely gets into muscles that you probably never thought you had (and there were a few “ouch” moments). I did feel great and limber afterwards.
I also really like that you can customize your experience from start to finish by choosing everything ranging from the type of music you want to the aroma in the room, etc.
So many choices for fine details at Onda spa
Mixology Class
What intrigued me during my first visit was experiencing the cocktail creations created by the resort’s champion-mixologist at Chao Pescao. I was pregnant last time, so I could not indulge! This time around, I did not hold back, and I had fun tasting a variety of the signature cocktails. The resort has daily cocktail classes (margarita, sangria, etc. for $15 pp) and signature mixology classes for $30 a person (includes 2 drinks). It’s definitely a unique and fun experience to be part of.
Ostra
If you love ceviche and fresh seafood, then you’ll think you died and went straight to heaven at Ostra. Designed to emulate a private residence, Ostra restaurant focuses on the fresh seafood of the country. Ostra is an adults-only restaurant, so I was not able to dine here during my first visit with my infant son, but now I understand the hype!
The ambiance at this restaurant (both night and day) is pretty incredible, and I love the open-concept. You can watch your drinks being made at the cocktail station and then witness incredible ceviche creations in front of your eyes. The octopus dish was to die for.
Ceviche station at Ostra.
Mouth-watering grilled octopus.
Adventure Excursions
As I mentioned in my previous post, we did not participate in any excursions off of the resort during our first time. This time around, I took a day trip and went zip-lining, horseback riding, and spent some time in some great hot springs in the rainforest (complete with a volcanic mud body mask) from about 8 am to 5 pm. The Andaz Papagayo offers plenty of other organized-tour options as well including white water rafting, hiking, beach tours, and even a day trip to Nicaragua.
The tour company was amazing and everything was seamless from start-to-finish. I would do another excursion in a heartbeat the next time I return.
Overall, I had yet another incredible experience at the Andaz Papagayo. It’s definitely one of my favorite resorts and I hope it will remain a “sweet spot redemption” for as long as possible.
Have you recently visited this resort? If so, how was your experience?
Hi Angelina! Thank you for your trip report! I am going there in May. Could you tell me what is the name of the tour company you used? Do I need to book those excursion tours in advance?
Hi! The company was Swiss Travel. You can book in advance or right at the hotel :). Enjoy your stay!
Hi Angelina, I am staying at the Andaz next week as a solo traveler. Was it difficult booking excursions for yourself? I keep being told by different tour companies that a min of 2 people is required to book excursions.
My understanding is that most people with a Zika infection have no symptoms whatsoever. But, of course, much is still being learned.
We are going in June and would love to know which tour company you used for the zip-lining, horseback riding, and hot springs!
Thanks in advance!
Hi Bob the company was “Swiss travel”
So far, Costa Rica has been spared from any significant Zika outbreak. There have been cases reported, but so far, almost all have involved people who contracted the virus in other countries (usually Columbia). The Costa Rican government has been very aggressive in trying to prevent the virus from gaining a foothold in the country. So far, they have been successful – although wet season is coming within a month, which does increase mosquito activity. But, so far, the Zika situation is Costa Rica bears no similarity to what’s going on in El Salvador or Brazil. In fact, Florida has reported far more cases. This is a case of lumping all Central American countries together.
Also, let’s cut through the hysteria on Zika: you’re 100’s of times more likely to get Dengue fever in Costa Rica than Zika. And Dengue cases are quite rare anywhere in the country (though they do occur). Not to mention that Dengue is unheard of at the resort areas. One piece of advice, if you go to CR and are risk averse, stay in the Central Valley or Guanacaste and stay away from Limon province (in the east). The Caribbean side has conditions more conducive for mosquitoes than the west does.
Disclaimer: I just spent 2 weeks in the country – I did have 3 bites, and I am still fine.
Hi, I just stayed 4 nights and didn’t see any mosquitos at all. The hotel does offer both sunscreen & mosquito spray.
were you and tpg in papagayo at the same time?
Yes it was his birthday that weekend
Did you know TPG was going to be there before you went or was that a coincidence?
Found out a day or two beforehand actually from Facebook
How did you get to LIR from NJ/NY? Trying to figure out what’s a good price point for flights. Or did you use miles? If miles, what do you recommend? Also, how did you get from the airport to the hotel? Thanks!
Hi Ang this time I flew nonstop on JetBlue from JFK to LIR. Last time I flew on United miles EWR-IAH-LIR (tacked on a free domestic one way too). I see so many fare sales to LIR so it might be worth it to pay for a ticket instead of using miles. I took a shuttle to the andaz this time and last time I did taxi. The ride is about 30 minutes
Thanks for the tips =)
When is the best time to go to Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast side.
Dry season is December to April typically. During the time I was there a few weeks ago, it was so hot though (97 degrees each day and sunny). When I visited in December it was really lovely (mid 80s)
Wow. Nice place. I think you’ve convinced me to visit!
Headed there in July for 6 days. Planned to use points but it was better to do cash+points at 45,000 and $600 instead of 90,000 points. And our flight was just under $500 r/t from LAX to LIR on Alaska – can’t wait!
I love the Andaz Papagayo! My fiance and I went a year ago. I do have to say – we got A LOT of bug bites staying at the Andaz though, especially when we sat outside for dinner at Chao Pescao. We are both definitely prone to getting bit so I’m sure that played a factor (and the first night we didn’t put much bug spray on), but we noticed that the Andaz was the only place we got bit in Costa Rica (we also visited Monteverde, Arenal and Manual Antonio). Just wanted to throw that out there for those concerned about the Zika Virus.
Can you obtain Hyatt status with a credit card like Hilton And Starwood Gold
You can only get Hyatt Platinum status with the Hyatt Credit Card
Another dining option: during the marina walk they offered, we passed by the marina hotel that has a restuarant/bar. I didn’t eat there, but imagine the prices are much lower than at the hotel.
Is it still $99 all in to rent a car from the resort? We leave in 5 days and I am still debating taking a shuttle from the airport vs renting a car and driving to the Andaz. We only have 4 nights and are thinking of using a car one day only.
Do they still offer free shuttles to neighboring hotels?
Thanks!
Enjoyed your trip report (and your first one, too)! I’m headed there in July with my 14 year old son. You mention that Ostra is adults-only – is it 18+? I was hoping we could go there one of the nights. Thanks!
Thanks Leslie! You should have no problem with your 14 year old son. I saw teens dining with their families :)
Thanks for the quick response! He’s such a foodie – I think he’d enjoy it.
I’m at the hotel as l write this and agree it is wonderful. Haven’t had any if the service glitches that you and other people mention but that could be that the place is nearly empty; one of the staff told me it’s around 20% occupied. That, however, makes it great for activities. I’ve done a bunch of snorkeling, kayaking, biking and hiking and for all but one of them l was the only guest participating.
The only place I got mosquito bites was during one of the forest walks.
Given the low load, l was offered at check-in an upgrade to the large suite with plunge pool for $150 more but stuck with the standard suite (points+cash and DSU) and it’s phenomenal.
Are there any other complimentary offers for Diamonds like some snacks, drinks or other specials or just the complimentary breakfast? Thank you
hi angelina,
did you get travel vaccations before going? hep a and typhoid?
Hi Gary, I’ve never had a vaccine before traveling. Costa Rica is considered safe and I don’t think any vaccine is necessary, but of course don’t let me steer you in any direction :)