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Blessed with an abundant natural beauty, characterised by dense forests and crystal-clear waters, former backpackers’ haven Costa Rica now has luxury to offer.
Adding to the nation’s crop of five-star offerings, the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo opens on December 20, signalling the first hotel for the Andaz brand in Latin America.
Set on the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste on the northern Pacific coast, the resort and all 153 rooms and suites have ocean views across the Bay of Culebra.
Designed by Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher to complement the natural surroundings, striking pods and shells mimick an armadillo’s arched back and the roundness of a turtle’s head.
Interiors continue the natural theme, with driftwood carvings and woven textures, health-minded mini bars and locally produced artisan bath products. The resort will offer farm-to-table, locally inspired cuisine, a nine-treatment-room Sanctuary Spa, two cascading infinity pools and a private beach. Pura Vida! (as locals love to say).
Double rooms from £270 room only, papagayo.andaz.hyatt.com (fly to New York then onwards with Jet Blue to Liberia airport, 20 minutes from the hotel)