Openings marks second Andaz resort to open in 2013 as hotel welcomes guests to a “Pura Vida” experience

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2013-- Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica’s most 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 sweeping views of the Bay of Culebra with quiet and privileged views of the ocean, forest, and the country’s untouched natural beauty. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo brings to life the Andaz brand’s mission of creating inspiring, indigenous experiences and immersing guests into the destination’s local culture with an array of unique activities.

Situated on 28 oceanfront acres, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo offers sweeping views of the Bay of Culebra with quiet and privileged views of the ocean, forest, and the country's untouched natural beauty. (Photo: Business Wire)

“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.”

“Pura Vida,” a phrase widely used in Costa Rica that characterizes its modern culture, means “Pure Life” and is an expression symbolizing the idea of simply enjoying life and being happy. True to the Andaz ideals, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo reflects Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” philosophy, offering uncomplicated and personal service by people who have a passion for their heritage and community. The property aims to give guests a taste of the local culture in the comfortable and unique atmosphere for which Andaz is known.

Stay Experience

Renowned Costa Rican architect, Ronald Zurcher , created the resort's innovative pre-colonial design, which seamlessly blends organic and contemporary concepts with the country’s rich heritage. Situated on 28 oceanfront acres, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo features 153 guest rooms, including 21 luxury suites and 8,200 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Zurcher imagined a gathering of animals and used the shapes of cocoons and shells for the hotel’s facilities to create an intriguing design meant to stimulate the senses of guests in new and refreshing ways. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s free-flowing environment transforms the arrival experience by eliminating traditional check-in desks and synchronized procedures, making for a stress – and barrier – free experience.

Guests will feel at home as Andaz Hosts welcome them in the open-air lobby with a personal and uncomplicated check-in. Guestrooms and suites offer spacious balconies with breathtaking bay views and balance modern design with touches of local character, including woven textiles, solid woods 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 a variety of dining options, including three restaurants. Chao Pescao Small Plates & Bar is designed to help guests sit back, relax and sample seasonal Caribbean-inspired gourmet creations. The restaurant perfectly blends with the landscape, featuring an open terrace for guests to listen to live Latin music or simply take in the sounds of the nearby crashing waves. Ostra is the hotel’s specialty restaurant, designed to emulate a private residence. Focusing on all the fresh seafood Costa Rica has to offer, Ostra features three live culinary stations, allowing guests to sample delicious specialties and soak in the freshest products and flavors of the country. Rio Bhongo is the hotel’s three-meal, open-air restaurant and features a wine stand, as well as a coffee shop with the finest Costa Rican chocolate and tea.

The hotel also offers numerous outdoor and ocean activities, all meant to help capture the spirit and vibe of Costa Rica. The 11,000 square foot ONDA Spa will offer peace and tranquility with nine treatment rooms and an array of therapeutic treatments, along with a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym. A private accessible beach for Andaz Peninsula Papagayo guests ensures isolation from crowds, while two swimming pools encourage fun in the sun. The property also features more than 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space, housed in state-of-the-art studios with integrated audiovisual systems, a fully equipped open kitchen, and breakout spaces that are designed to stimulate the creative senses.

Local Flavor

True to the Andaz ethos, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo will pay homage to the destination’s rich 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 & 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.”

For more information, or to make a reservation, please visit http://papagayo.andaz.hyatt.com.

About Andaz Salon

Andaz has created the Andaz Salon, a series of local cultural events and partnerships with emerging talent in areas such as music, fashion, food, and film. Andaz Salon provides a way for like-minded individuals to share their passions, become inspired, and connect with up-and-coming cultural insiders who share their world, their interests, and knowledge of their industry. The Andaz Salon allows guests and locals to learn something new, spark their personal creativity, explore their own talents, and fuel their passion for life.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo will be hosting regular Andaz Salon events. For more information on the hotel’s Salon events and to experience Andaz Salon online, please visit www.AndazSalon.com.

About Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, picturesque in Northwest Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, offers guests sweeping views of the Bay of Culebra and its untouched surroundings. Iconic Costa Rican architect, Ronald Zurcher , developed the resort's innovative, pre-colonial design and the property features 153 guest rooms, including 21 luxury suites. Accommodations balance modern designs with touches of local character including woven textiles, solid woods and carved artifacts to create locally inspired experiences. The property is also providing unique experiential tourism with its Andaz Salon program. The program offers guests the exclusive opportunity to become inspired, learn and connect with the local culture of the destination in an immersive way, including surf opportunities from the Faherty Brand, art by Salvador Ordec, music from Jared Dietch , and fashion by Soludos.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company's subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Zilara^TM, and Hyatt Ziva ^TM brand names and have locations on six continents. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops, operates, markets or licenses Hyatt Residences^TM and Hyatt Residence Club^TM. As of September 30, 2013, the Company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 535 properties in 47 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20131220005534/en/

Source: Hyatt Hotels Corporation

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