Family-Friendly Luxury in Costa Rica: Our Stay at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

Logistics and pre-resort activities

We flew into Liberia (LIR), the closest airport to Peninsula Papagayo at just a 45-minute drive from the resort. Transfers are easy to arrange independently or through the resort.

Before check-in on our first full day, we stopped at Diamante Eco Adventure Park. I highly recommend building in time for this or something similar. It was a fantastic way to introduce our kids to Costa Rica’s wildlife and adventure spirit. The animal sanctuary, though compact, includes sloths, jaguars, pumas, and other species you don’t typically see up close. For more adventurous travelers, there are zip lines, horseback riding, and ATV experiences. The included lunch buffet makes it an easy, all-in day before transitioning into full resort mode.

Papagayo Park—perfect for kids of all ages!

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

First impressions at the Andaz are powerful. The open-air lobby immediately frames the surrounding landscape, and the welcome ritual—chilled scented towels and coconut water served in a fresh coconut—sets the tone.

Front lobby with sweeping views of Culebra Bay

The property feels intentionally woven into the hillside rather than imposed upon it. Although the resort is spread out, it never feels overwhelming. A simple WhatsApp message brings a golf cart to your building within minutes for a ride to dinner or provides help with securing a dinner reservation. We used this as a means of communication many times throughout our stay and the staff always answered quickly and helped with whatever request we had.

Service is where the Andaz truly shines. After our first dinner, staff remembered our drink preferences for the remainder of the week. The attention to detail is consistent but never intrusive. All we had to do was ask for something and we’d have our answer or the request taken care of immediately.

For families

For families, the resort’s layout works exceptionally well. There is a dedicated adults-only pool that remains serene and relaxation-focused, while the main family pool offers a lively yet elevated atmosphere with full poolside service. Afternoon complimentary popsicles are a small but thoughtful touch that our boys truly enjoyed.

Main pool area by Gaio restaurant

The complimentary Cambi Kids Club runs in four-hour morning and afternoon sessions, giving parents flexibility. While our boys attended an afternoon session, the adults participated in a barista class led by an incredibly knowledgeable staff member who walked us through Costa Rica’s coffee traditions and brewing methods. It was a highlight and one I recommend you take advantage of!

Highly recommend the barista class to learn more about Costa Rican coffee!

The beach & amenities

The beach access on the property is easy and seamless. You can enjoy lounger chairs right on the beach at Andaz or take the short boat transfer to the Beach Club, where Meso restaurant delivered my favorite meal of the trip. The Explorers outfitter operates from the beach and provides snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and other water activities.

Wildlife is constant, and we saw howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, iguanas, and countless birds. We also heard the monkeys in the early mornings, so light sleepers may want a sound machine to combat the early morning wake-up call.

A major addition to Peninsula Papagayo is the brand-new Papagayo Park, open to all resort guests on the peninsula. This is a significant draw for families. The park includes water slides, a splash pad, playground, basketball courts, skate and bike park, lawn games, a café, ice cream shop, and indoor craft space. It dramatically expands what’s available for kids throughout their stay and makes this resort especially compelling for multi-generational groups.

Food & drink

The dining options are strong and varied. Gaio offers a generous breakfast buffet with excellent cold brew every morning and poolside service during the day. Chao Pescao delivers a lively tapas experience with music and energy in the evenings. Ostra leans more refined with an Asian-fusion flare, while Meso at the Beach Club is worth the 15-minute transfer. During high-season, pop-up dining concepts may rotate into the mix. I recommend all reservations to be made around a month in advance, especially if you are a large family group. Pricing is consistent with luxury resort standards.

Evening fun at Chao Pescao

Accommodation

Our Forest View room with two double beds comfortably accommodated our family of four and we enjoyed the complimentary snacks, drinks, and coffee that are restocked daily. For larger groups, the two- and three-bedroom villas and penthouses are exceptional, complete with plunge pools and kitchen spaces—perfect for multi-gen travel.

Balcony of our two double bed Forest View room

A five-night stay felt ideal. Less than four would feel rushed given the range of activities, classes, and downtime opportunities available. The resort offers weekly activity programming such as pottery painting, guided cultural walks discussing the indigenous Chorotega history of the peninsula, and specialty classes like coffee tastings. There is a small fee for many of these experiences.

This property can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be—which is exactly why it works so well for families traveling together across generations.

Main family pool area by morning light

The Relaxation Pool, AKA adults-only section

• Liberia Airport (LIR) is the most convenient gateway and private transfers are simple to arrange. Once on Peninsula Papagayo, the resort is relatively secluded, so plan to spend the majority of your time on property.

• Restaurant reservations should be secured in advance, particularly during peak season.

• Wildlife is abundant—magical for most travelers but something to consider if you are sensitive to early-morning animal sounds. Also, do not leave your balcony door open while not in the room and refrain from leaving any belongings on the balcony. The monkeys are known to be curious and enter rooms if the doors are left open.

If your vision of Costa Rica centers around dense rainforest, hanging bridges, and high-adrenaline adventure, you may prefer combining this stay with La Fortuna or another inland region. Andaz Papagayo delivers coastal jungle beauty with curated adventure—not deep rainforest immersion.

That said, for families seeking the ease of flying into Liberia, settling into one exceptional property, and enjoying a balance of wildlife, water activities, and meaningful downtime, this is one of the strongest resort options in Guanacaste. It offers flexibility for grandparents who may prefer relaxation alongside kids who want movement and variety, without the need to constantly repack or change locations.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.