For Phil’s 30th Birthday last year (January, 28, 2018), we wanted to do something big to celebrate! We kept hearing amazing things about a new Hyatt property in the Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica – the Hyatt Andaz – and after looking more in to it, we definitely understood the appeal! We booked and prepared for our first trip to Central America.
This location and resort ended up being exactly what we were looking for – beautiful scenery, relaxing, secluded, with available excursions that we could take advantage of if we wanted to explore off the property.
We spent the first day exploring the property, relaxing in the pools, enjoying the delicious food and beverages, and taking in the incredible views. 
Phil quickly learned upon researching the area that there was a nearby 18 hole, par-72 Arnold Palmer course, The Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo in the Four Seasons, which was ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 courses outside of the United States. So we booked a tee time and I was the designated caddy / cart driver / photographer for the day, and enjoyed the gorgeous cliff-side views that the course offered while Phil played! 
On our final full day in Costa Rica, we decided to book a hiking excursion in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, one of the parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area. Because we visited during dry season, we opted to hike the trails along the slope of the ancient Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which last erupted in 1983.
We had a hilarious and quirky tour guide, which made the hike incredibly entertaining to go along with the spectacular views through the park. The trail passed right along volcanic craters and bubbling hot springs – all activity from the volcano!
As the trail progressed, we ended up walking the last couple of miles through the gorgeous rain forest where we came across waterfalls and were at one point surrounded by very playful monkeys! 
Even though it was a short stay, Costa Rica quickly became one of our favorite travel destinations! We know that we will be back for more Pura Vida!
LaFs in the Bay 
Looks as if a good time was had by all! You two have some interesting t imes…and the best is yet to come!.