One of Latin America’s most exciting new hotel openings will be unveiled this December on the dramatic Papagayo Peninsula on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Andaz Papagayo will represent the debut of the Andaz brand in Latin America.A truly original and inventive resort designed by iconic Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher, Andaz Papagayo will showcase groundbreaking ‘naturalist’ design that will change the face of modern Costa Rican architecture and go back to the country’s ancient roots. Zurcher’s design taps into Mother Nature for its inspiration, turning its back on thetraditional architectural thinking of the last three decades, which focused on a more colonial style. Zurcher’s vision will unite the Andaz brand’s creative bohemian focus with a refined, yet comfortable atmosphere and signature personalised service.
Located adjacent to Marina Papagayo and overlooking the Bay of Culebra on a 28-acre parcel of oceanfront, Andaz Papagayo will feature 153 guestrooms including 21 luxury suites – four of which have plunge pools – and one vast Presidential Suite with a private, full-size pool. All rooms and suites will have spectacular views of the ocean and will balance modern design with touches of character that blend into the natural surroundings such as woven textiles, solid woods and carved local artifacts. Each will further have balconies and complimentary health-mindedminibars and bath products created by local artisans.
There will be three themed restaurants and a Marina Bar offering farm-to-table ingredients, locally inspired cuisine and a Latin-inspired cocktail menu. Chefs will infuse dishes with the finest regional ingredients, including Costa Rica’s legendary coffee and exotic fruits.
For those with pure relaxation in mind, there will be an 11,000 square-foot Sanctuary Spa featuring nine treatment rooms and an array of therapeutic treatments, along with a state-of-the-art gym. There will also be two swimming pools and a private beach.
Architect Ronald Zurcher is known for his integration of culture, natural history and the flow of the landscape in his design, which fits the Andaz mission to stimulate the creative senses of guests in refreshing ways. Zucher’s vision for Andaz Papagayo was to integrate organic forms and shapes of flora and fauna of the peninsula which he achieved by creating an imaginary gathering of animals using the shapes of cocoons and shells. As Zurcher says, “Costa Rica is known for its peace-loving attitude and I felt tapping into Mother Nature’s energy was the best way to connect the resort with the overall vibe of the country.”
The free-flowing environment Zurcher has created at Andaz Papagayo is in keeping with the Costa Rican ‘Pura Vida’ philosophy, which the hotel abides to. Meaning ‘Pure Life’ Andaz Papgayo reflects the authentic flavour of Costa Rica and compliments the brand’s own philosophy with no desks at check-in, no processes, no formality and thus, no stress. Guests are made to feel at home right away as hosts will welcome them in the open-air lobby and handle check-in seamlessly.
There will also be 8,200 sq ft of flexible meeting space and open air social spaces designed for anything from brainstorming sessions to wedding receptions which further reflects the social nature of the brand.
Península Papagayo offers a multitude of activities both on land and at sea including an 18-hole Arnold Palmer championship golf course, world record class fishing, surfing and eco-adventures like zip-lining and whitewater rafting. Local cultural sites of interest include the Palo Verde National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano. The Marina Papagayo offers 180 slips, impressivestate-of-the-art facilities, and a full menu of boating services catered primarily to the yachting community.
Andaz Papagayo will be located approximately 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR), which offers daily services from several major U.S. gateway cities, frequent regional service from San Jose, the capital city, and seasonal service from other main international destinations. San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) has regular connections to several gateway cities in Europe and Latin America.
Personal and uncomplicated, Andaz is a new hotel experience that is a fresh, stylish blend of engaging hospitality delivered in vibrant settings, created with simplicity and locality in mind. AndazPapagayo will join nine Andaz hotels that are currently open around the world, in destinations such as New York, California and Georgia in the US, London and Amsterdam in Europe and Shanghai in China.
