If you’re looking for a luxury resort in Costa Rica that truly welcomes families—without feeling like a chaotic, kid-packed theme park—the Andaz Papagayo is it.

Nestled in Guanacaste Province (aka the driest part of Costa Rica, making it a safer bet weather-wise), this resort strikes the perfect balance between laid-back luxury and family-friendly fun. With three beaches, a fantastic kids’ club, a paid nanny service, and an under-5s-eat-free policy that actually includes real food, we found it to be one of the best relax-at-the-beach resorts we’ve visited with our toddler.

But before we get into all the reasons this place is a dream for families, let’s talk about how to book it smarter.

Book Through a Hyatt Prive Agent for VIP Perks

If you’re considering a stay at the Andaz Papagayo, booking through a Hyatt Prive travel advisor (like me!) can score you exclusive perks at no additional cost. These benefits typically include:

Daily breakfast for two
$100 resort credit (perfect for poolside drinks or a spa treatment)
Room upgrade (subject to availability)
Early check-in & late check-out (when available)

These perks add serious value, especially at a luxury resort where extras can add up fast. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to me directly for a Hyatt Prive booking, or browse yourself here (note that Virtuoso doesn’t do the best at accounting for young children, and it’s best to search for the max number of adults for the most accurate pricing then reach out to us for help booking)!

Why the Andaz Papagayo Is Amazing for Families

1. Pools, pools, pools, and a Kids’ Club That’s Actually Fun (and Free!)

Some hotel kids’ clubs feel like an afterthought, but the Andaz Cambi Kids’ Club is bright, clean, and packed with activities. It’s open daily and offers a mix of free and paid activities, like:

Arts & crafts
Nature walks
Surf balance lessons
Wildlife scavenger hunts
Costa Rican dance classes

It’s available for kids ages 4-12, and if you have younger ones, you can book a paid nanny to stay with them. There are even evening programs if you want a date night (which we 100% took advantage of).

You can check out our whole Costa Rica itinerary with families with all of the luxury hotels we stayed in here.

2. Spacious, Ocean-View Rooms + Multi-Room Residences

Most of the rooms at the Andaz have ocean views, which is a dream to wake up to. If you’re traveling as a family, you’ll love that they have multi-room residences with full kitchens, living areas, and large terraces—ideal if you need more space to spread out.

4. Three Beaches, Calm Bay Waters & Wildlife Galore

The Andaz has three beaches, and the best one is their beach club, which you can reach by boat (it leaves every 20 minutes from the main beach). The boat ride itself was a highlight—we saw dolphins playing in the waves on the way!

The beaches here are mostly in a calm bay, so the water is gentle—great for little kids. And beyond the ocean, the wildlife spotting is unreal:

Colorful birds everywhere
Monkeys swinging through the trees
Coatis wandering around like they own the place

If your kids love animals, they’ll be fascinated by everything around them.

3. Kids Under 5 Eat Free (and It’s Not Just Chicken Nuggets!)

One of our absolute favorite things about this resort? Kids under 5 eat free. And not just off some sad, limited menu—they actually get a healthy, delicious selection.

Our toddler ate grilled fish, fresh veggies, and real, nutrient-packed meals every day, which was such a relief. It’s rare to find a resort that makes it easy for kids to eat well while traveling.

That said, this wasn’t the best food of our trip. I’d give it mostly a C+ (I don’t give out As easily!). The only downside of all of the major resorts in Guanacaste is you’ll be far from most local food, kind of like Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

5. When to Visit & Room Rates

Dry Season (Best Weather, Peak Prices): December – April
Shoulder Season (Good Weather, Fewer Crowds): May – August
Rainy Season (Cheapest, But Wetter!): September – November

Rooms start at $700 per night, so it’s definitely a splurge, but between the kids’ perks, luxury touches, and wildlife experiences, we found it well worth it. Browse here.

Final Thoughts: Is the Andaz Papagayo Worth It for Families?

Absolutely. Between the incredible kids’ club, family-friendly dining, beautiful beaches, and Hyatt Prive perks, the Andaz Papagayo is one of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica for parents who want both relaxation and adventure.

If you’re considering booking, reach out to me—I can help secure Hyatt Prive benefits to make your stay even more special!

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