Central and South America / Central America / Costa Rica / Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula / Playa Hermosa / Best Hotels

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Sharing the Papagayo Peninsula with the Four Seasons, this Hyatt resort offers similar luxury and service at a significantly better  price. Rooms are a blend of modern design and Costa Rican aesthetics, with woven textiles, bamboo, and carved artifacts. Balconies (and showers!) look out on the serene Culebra Bay. The 1,021-square-mile (11,000-sq.-ft.) spa is quite impressive, and there are four themed restaurants: the Río Bhongo, which mimics a river island; the elegant Ostra seafood restaurant; the fun Chao Pescao, where the drink menu runs multiple pages; and a casual, beachside cafe. There are two beaches and two swimming pools, one for families and one for adults only. Smaller dogs are allowed, and there’s a kids’ club.