A multi-generational trip to Costa Rica on points offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families with different ages, interests, and activity levels. And using points means there’s more in the travel budget for amazing activities! We recently returned from a trip there with Alex’s family. Two parents, two grandparents, and four active boys made for a fun time.

 

Getting To Costa Rica

We all flew to the Liberia Airport but on different airlines. Alex’s family flew on Southwest®, utilizing two Southwest® Companion Passes and points (31K points/person going and 39K points/person returning) for four people.  My husband and I flew on United Airlines, paying cash because I like to hoard my United miles for business-class seats on long-haul flights.

Alex and her family left SLC at the crack of dawn (5:30 a.m.)—can you imagine how early she had to get those boys up and to the airport? Yikes! They had a layover in Denver and ate breakfast at the Capital One Lounge. We missed them by about an hour as we got to the lounge later since our flight left an hour later than they did. 

Of course, we could have flown on Southwest® with them, but I preferred using my status on United Airlines for economy plus seats. It is a five-hour flight from Denver, and comfort is a priority to me.

 

 

Car Rentals in Costa Rica

 I went through AutoSlash for my midsize SUV and paid about $500 for a week from Hertz. I ordered a mid-size SUV, but I’d advise to not do that. On both of my trips, these have turned out to be tiny SUVs (the model was Toyota Raize) that feel like they will break down. Alex rented from Adobe and had a really nice Hyundai Santa Fe.

 

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort Redemption

Our first stop was the Andaz Papagayo. I’ve stayed there before, but it was Alex’s first stay. We were there during spring break, so unfortunately, my Globalist status and the template didn’t help us get an upgraded room. A standard room it was 😩. One of Alex’s boys stayed with us, so the hotel staff brought in a rollaway for them.

We booked before this property jumped up a category from a 7 to an 8, so we spent 29,000 Hyatt points/night for our stay. Because we are Globalists, complimentary breakfast and free parking were included.

We found welcome snacks, hats, and flip-flops in our rooms for each person. Immediately, we were impressed with the view of monkeys swinging in the trees and the howler monkeys’ thunderous noise.

 

 

 

 

Our Room

We had booked a standard king room, which was very similar to the room I had had the previous time (a two-queen room). There was plenty of space, a large bathroom, and a large terrace. My only complaint with the design is that the shower and toilet areas are not very private if you share it with others.

 

 

 

 

Pool and Beach Areas at the Andaz Papagayo

The main pool is in the main hotel area, near the Rio Bhongo restaurant. There is also an adults-only pool near the Ostra restaurant. You can walk down to the main beach area from the main pool, where there is a roped-off swimming area and plenty of complimentary water activities. Complimentary sunscreen, mosquito repellant, and cold water are available at all swimming pool and beach locations.

 

 

Additionally, there is a beach club, Casa de Playa. A short 10-minute boat ride takes you over and back throughout the day. Guests can unwind in shaded daybeds, hammocks, and lounge chairs, all positioned to take in the breathtaking views of Culebra Bay. Complimentary equipment includes paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear at both beach locations. An 82-foot infinity-edge pool offers a refreshing alternative to the ocean, with comfortable loungers surrounding it for ultimate relaxation.

 

 

 

We rented wave runners one day and some fishing gear to fish from kayaks another day, but basically, we spent most of our time here relaxing by the pool or beach. We only spent one day by the main pool, favoring the beach club for more island breezes. We also had better luck finding chairs there—spring break is definitely a busy time near the pool areas. 

 

 

Service at the Andaz Papagayo

We experienced superb service at the Andaz despite the hotel being at full capacity. As we drove in, the staff checked our names and they must have let everyone know we were on our way because we were addressed by name each time we were handed off to two different people. Impressive!  Washcloths, coconut water served in the shells, and magnificent views awaited us.

We consistently noticed the staff’s friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. All staff greeted us with genuine enthusiasm and exemplified the Pura Vida spirit.

 

Restaurants

Rio Bhongo

The first night, we had dinner at Rio Bhongo. They had several fresh fish options, and we could actually pick our fish. The sides were served family-style, and it was all delicious.

Breakfast is also served at Rio Bhongo, which offers a market-style breakfast buffet daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. ​Be prepared to be joined by a few monkeys hoping to grab your breakfast if you are not looking! (But the staff is great at shooing them away.)

The buffet features multiple stations with a wide variety of options, including traditional Costa Rican dishes and familiar breakfast staples such as pastries, scrambled eggs, fruits, and yogurts. As Globalists, we could also order from the menu and enjoy the customizable smoothie menu. Highlights were the huevos rancheros, fresh fruit, and spectacular banana bread. 

 

 

 

Meso

Meso is the restaurant at the beach club. On the second night, we took a shuttle there for dinner. The beef tagliata and the gianduia bouche dessert were the group’s favorites.

 

Chao Pescao Small Plates & Bar

This restaurant specializes in tapas-style dishes inspired by Latin American flavors and focuses on fresh, local ingredients.With its warm lighting, stylish décor, and laid-back ambiance, it was one of our favorite restaurants. We especially enjoyed the empanadas, brisket, pork belly tacos, and, of course, the churros. 

 

 

No Wake-Up Call Needed

I was easily awake every morning by 5:30 a.m.. A deep, guttural roar echoed through the jungle, my morning alarm clock. The howler monkeys were awake, and that meant I was too. Was I in Jurassic Park or Costa Rica? Seriously, it was slightly alarming!

I would go out on the terrace to do some work or enjoy some alone time, all the while a little afraid that some huge baboon would join me. The truth is that howler monkeys are not that big, but the noise they make is impressive!

 

 

Drive to the Arenal Area

On our fifth day, we drove to the Arenal area to Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. The drive took us about 3 1/2 hours. It is a very winding road, so be prepared.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a luxury eco-resort in the Arenal Volcano region of Costa Rica, and it’s famous for its natural hot springs, lush rainforest setting, and world-class spa. On arrival at the hotel, we were met with cool washcloths, watermelon drinks, and people who exuded the Pura Vida spirit. You can read more about our stay here. 

 

 

Activities in the Arenal Area

• Rappelling and ziplining with Maquique Adventures
• Enjoying the thermal hot springs
• Night Walk Around The Arenal Volcano

 

 

 

Flights Home

Alex’s crew flew out of San José on Southwest®, we returned on United out of Liberia airport. We didn’t want to get up early for the nonstop flight to Denver, so we took a later flight out to Houston and used a free-night certificate to stay at the Houston Marriott at the airport. This made for a nice relaxing trip home.

 

Bottom Line

Our multi-generational trip to Costa Rica on points and miles was nothing short of magical. We’re incredibly grateful that our children and grandchildren still want us along for the ride! Being able to stretch a dollar with points while making priceless family memories is a gift I never take for granted.

 

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