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 ZilaraTM, 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 ResidencesTM
and Hyatt Residence ClubTM. 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
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Aurelia Vasquez, +1 312 780 5873
aurelia.vasquez@hyatt.com
or
The
Brandman Agency
Lee Edelstein, + 1 212 683 2442
lee@brandmanpr.com