The Hyatt Andaz Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

I have this goal of seeing at least one new destination each year. 2014 was a fantastic year as far as that goal went because I saw quite a few new places! Angeline and I went on an Alaskan cruise, we visited Aruba, Dominican Republic and Curacao on the Carnival Freedom, we took a weekend trip to Daytona Beach and last but certainly not least, my friend and I spent a few days at the Hyatt Andaz Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

We loved Costa Rica so much that we planned a second trip to the Arenal Volcano area just a few months later!

The Andaz Papagayo Resort is located in Guanacaste, where the Gulf of Papagayo and Culebra Bay meet. The waters are quiet, the forest dense and the property itself is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. When we visited, the property had just opened a few months prior and everything still had that new car smell, so to speak!

The motto of Costa Rica is PURA VIDA, which translates to Pure Life in Spanish. The Andaz Papagayo Resort captures this philosophy perfectly through the use of a woodland-inspired architecture and of course, the location! Don't take my word for it, though - Conde Nast Traveller's 2014 Hot List named the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo as one of the best new resorts in the world!

The Andaz Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica features 153 deluxe guest rooms that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. With three restaurants, a kid's club, a spa, two infinity pools as well as two secluded beaches and a championship golf course, you have everything you need in one location at the Andaz.

Of course, while in Costa Rica, you may want to venture out and explore some of the national parks and attractions that have made Costa Rica so famous for ecotourism! The Andaz Papagayo Resort is centrally located and not too far from Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Marina Papagayo, and Palo Verde National Park!

The Andaz Papagayo Resort Guest Rooms

With 153 guest rooms and suites with balconies, you'll find yourself in the lap of luxury. I was blown away by the spaciousness of my suite and the balcony was one of the nicest I've ever had. I travel quite a bit, so that is saying a lot! Rooms are decorated in a natural theme and very simple but elegant.

My favorite part of my suite was the outdoor shower - while you can draw the shade for privacy, you can also open the door and literally have an outdoor shower!

There are two infinity pools on the property, one is for families and one is for adults only. They are each within close proximity to the Rio Bhongo Restaurant and have bar service available.

Each guest room has complimentary wireless internet as well as complimentary sun visors and flip flops, as well as a complimentary mini bar with non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. I loved this feature, it was so nice to not have to order room service every time I wanted a drink. Those snacks really came in handy for a quick bite on my way out the door for our daily excursions as well!

The two beaches are accessible via a winding path through the woods, and you never know what you may encounter on the walk down...

There is wildlife all around the Andaz Papagayo Resort! Nestled into the woods with very little industrialization, the creatures roam free and remind you that this is THEIR turf!

We even saw a family of White Faced Capuchin Monkeys one day on our way off the property to an excursion!