Peninsula Papagayo Beach Clubs & Resort Access
Your Insider Guide to Prieta Beach Club, Four Seasons, Andaz & Nekajui
One of the greatest advantages of staying within Peninsula Papagayo is that your vacation doesn’t revolve around a single resort.
Unlike many luxury destinations, Peninsula Papagayo offers an extraordinary collection of private beach clubs, world-class resorts, exceptional restaurants, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable experiences—all within one spectacular gated peninsula. During a single stay, you can spend the morning paddleboarding at Prieta Beach Club, enjoy lunch overlooking Playa Virador at the Four Seasons, relax beside the infinity pools at the Andaz, or toast the sunset from one of the newest ultra-luxury resorts in the world, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Each destination offers its own distinct personality, atmosphere, and amenities, making it possible to create a different luxury experience every day of your vacation.
One of the questions we hear most often from guests is:
“What resorts and beach clubs can we actually use during our stay?”
The answer depends on where you’re staying, current resort policies, and availability—but that’s exactly where our concierge team comes in.
Having owned a home within Peninsula Papagayo for more than fifteen years and helped hundreds of guests plan unforgettable vacations, we’ve learned that understanding your access options before you arrive can make a tremendous difference in your experience.
This guide explains the beach clubs, resort guest passes, dining opportunities, and luxury experiences available throughout Peninsula Papagayo, along with our personal recommendations based on years of living, vacationing, and welcoming guests to this extraordinary destination.
Jane’s Recommendations
Best Overall Beach Club: Prieta Beach Club
Best for Families: Prieta Beach Club
Best Luxury Resort Day: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Best Calm Beach: Casa de Playa at Andaz
Best Sunset Experience: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Best Spa Experience: Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Understanding Beach & Resort Access
One of the things that makes Peninsula Papagayo so unique is that your vacation isn’t centered around a single resort. Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a collection of luxury resorts, private beach clubs, beautiful beaches, and exceptional dining experiences—all within one extraordinary gated peninsula.
Because Peninsula Papagayo is home to several independently operated properties, each has its own amenities, guest privileges, and access policies. These include:
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- Prieta Beach Club
- Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
- Andaz Costa Rica Resort
- Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Another point that often surprises first-time visitors is that all beaches in Costa Rica are public. While everyone has the legal right to enjoy the beach itself, the roads, trails, and entrances leading to many of these beaches pass through privately owned resort property. As a result, the most convenient access is often available only to resort guests, members, or qualifying villa guests.
Access to beach clubs, resort guest passes, golf, spa facilities, and other amenities may also vary throughout the year based on occupancy, holidays, and current resort policies.
One of the advantages of staying with Papagayo Luxury is that you don’t have to navigate those details on your own. Before your arrival, our concierge team will explain your available access privileges, recommend the experiences that best match your vacation style, and coordinate every eligible reservation—from beach clubs and resort guest passes to golf tee times, spa appointments, restaurant reservations, and much more.
Jane’s Insider Tip: Many of the peninsula’s most popular experiences, including resort guest passes, golf tee times, spa appointments, and specialty dining, have limited availability, particularly during holidays and peak travel periods. Sharing your wish list with us before you arrive allows us to prioritize your requests and coordinate reservations as soon as they become available.
Prieta Beach Club
Our Favorite Overall Beach Club Experience
If we had to recommend just one beach club to most of our guests, it would almost always be Prieta Beach Club.
Located on beautiful Playa Prieta, this private members club offers what many families are looking for most: a beautiful beach, excellent dining, an inviting infinity pool, water activities, children’s programs, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the day.
Unlike some luxury resorts where guests move from one activity to the next, Prieta invites you to settle in. Spend the morning on the beach, learn to surf, paddleboard along the shoreline, relax beside the infinity pool, enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean, and stay long enough for sunset cocktails or dinner.
Many of our guests arrive expecting to spend just a few hours here.
Very few actually do.
Why Guests Love Prieta Beach Club
What makes Prieta Beach Club so special isn’t simply the beautiful beach, infinity pool, or excellent amenities—it’s how naturally everything flows together.
The beach is only steps from the pool, so it’s easy to move between swimming, paddleboarding, relaxing in the shade, or enjoying lunch overlooking the ocean. Children disappear into hours of beach play while parents relax nearby, and before long everyone finds themselves back together watching another spectacular Peninsula Papagayo sunset.
Rather than feeling like a resort where you’re constantly moving from one scheduled activity to the next, Prieta often feels like your own private beach community—a place where families naturally settle in, relax, and simply enjoy being together.
A Place Everyone Can Enjoy
One of the things we love most about Prieta Beach Club is how naturally it brings everyone together while still giving each person the freedom to enjoy the day their own way.
Couples can spend a quiet afternoon reading beside the infinity pool, friends can gather over lunch and cocktails, while children build sandcastles, search for hermit crabs, or spend hours playing along the beach just steps away. Everyone seems to find their own favorite way to enjoy Prieta, yet somehow the day always comes back together.
There is an unmistakable elegance to Prieta, but it never feels pretentious. Children can simply be children, adults can truly unwind, and no one feels the need to dress up or follow a schedule.
It’s luxury that’s welcoming, relaxed, and wonderfully unhurried.
Beginner Surf Lessons & Water Activities
One of the unique advantages of Playa Prieta is that it often offers gentle, beginner-friendly waves that are ideal for first-time surfers.
Unlike the calmer bay beaches within Peninsula Papagayo, Prieta experiences enough wave action to create a fun learning environment while still remaining approachable for many beginners when conditions are favorable.
Surf lessons are available for both children and adults, making this a memorable experience for families looking to try something new together.
Beyond surfing, guests can also enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and simply relaxing along the shoreline.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful afternoon by the ocean, Prieta offers a wonderful balance of both.
A Beach Children Never Forget
One of our favorite things about Prieta Beach Club isn’t the pool or even the restaurant- it’s watching children discover the beach.
They spend hours building sand castles, collecting shells, searching for hermit crabs, and exploring the shoreline.
Some of our own family’s favorite Peninsula Papagayo memories happened right here.
As the tide changes, the beach becomes a natural playground.
Families often tell us they had planned to explore other parts of the peninsula, only to realize they never wanted to leave Prieta.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Luxury Day Passes, Playa Virador & Playa Blanca
One of the things that makes Peninsula Papagayo so special is that guests staying in private villas can enjoy experiences throughout the resort community. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon or evening, whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying a memorable dinner, or simply watching the sun set over the Pacific.
While Prieta Beach Club remains our favorite overall beach club experience, Four Seasons offers an entirely different atmosphere. It is more refined, quieter, and ideal for couples, adults, or families looking to enjoy luxury amenities for a day or a beautiful evening by the ocean.
Four Seasons Day Pass
A limited number of Four Seasons Day Passes are often available for guests staying within Peninsula Papagayo, allowing access to many of the resort’s amenities.
When available, the Four Seasons Day Pass typically include access to:
• Playa Virador
• Playa Blanca
• Resort swimming pools
• Beach loungers
• Beach service
• Fitness Center
• Restaurants and bars
Availability is limited and passes are generally confirmed the day before your visit. Our concierge team is happy to check availability and arrange reservations for our guests.
Playa Virador
Playa Virador is Four Seasons’ primary beach and offers one of the peninsula’s most beautiful settings for spending an afternoon or enjoying an unforgettable sunset. Unlike the calmer bay beaches, Playa Virador faces the Pacific Ocean and often has gentle surf, creating a more dynamic beach experience while still being enjoyable for swimming during much of the year.
Towering shade trees, comfortable loungers, beachfront cabanas, attentive beach service, and Virador Beach Club combine to create one of the most relaxing places to unwind within Peninsula Papagayo. For guests looking to be more active, surf lessons are also available, making Playa Virador another excellent place to experience Costa Rica’s famous Pacific waves with professional instruction.
If you’re looking for a classic luxury resort beach experience that combines beautiful scenery, attentive service, and exceptional dining, Playa Virador is hard to beat.
Planning where to eat? Don’t miss our complete Peninsula Papagayo Restaurant Guide, featuring every restaurant, insider recommendations, and our favorite dishes.
Jane’s Insider Tip: If we could recommend just one restaurant at Four Seasons, it would be Virador. Between the beachfront setting, exceptional cocktails, and beautiful sunsets, it’s one of our favorite dining experiences.
Why We Love It
One of our favorite ways to enjoy Four Seasons is to arrive in the late afternoon. Spend a little time walking Playa Virador, enjoy a cocktail overlooking the Pacific, settle into dinner at Virador Restaurant, and stay long enough to watch the sky change colors as the sun disappears beyond the horizon.
It feels entirely different from a day at Prieta Beach Club—and that’s exactly why we enjoy both. Prieta is where we often spend an active day paddleboarding, surfing, or enjoying lunch by the water. Four Seasons is where we slow down, relax, and savor one of the peninsula’s most beautiful sunset settings.
Playa Blanca
Just a short walk from Playa Virador, Playa Blanca offers a quieter, more sheltered beach tucked into a small cove. Because it sits inside a protected bay, the water is typically calmer than Playa Virador, making it a wonderful spot for younger children or anyone who simply wants to float and relax.
Like all beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Blanca is public. However, the surrounding land is privately owned by Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, so practical access is generally available only to resort guests or those visiting with a Four Seasons Day Pass.
Although smaller than Playa Virador, Playa Blanca provides a peaceful alternative that many guests never discover. Its calm water also makes it the preferable swimming beaches within the Four Seasons Resort.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort
Two Distinct Resort Experiences
The Andaz offers two distinctly different experiences—something no other resort within Peninsula Papagayo provides. Guests can spend the day enjoying the hillside main resort with its beautiful saltwater infinity pools and panoramic bay views, or relax at Casa de Playa, the resort’s beachfront club on tranquil Playa Nacascolo. Each offers a completely different atmosphere, allowing you to choose the experience that best matches your vacation style.
Andaz Resort Day Pass
The main Andaz resort sits high above Culebra Bay, where contemporary architecture blends seamlessly into Peninsula Papagayo’s tropical dry forest. The open-air design, lush landscaping, and panoramic ocean views create a relaxed atmosphere that feels distinctly different from the Four Seasons while delivering the same level of luxury and service.
One of the resort’s signature features is its beautiful saltwater infinity pools, including both family-friendly pools and a quieter adults-only pool. Many guests enjoy swimming in saltwater pools because they tend to be gentler on the skin and eyes while providing a refreshing alternative to traditional chlorinated pools.
Although the main resort is not located directly on a sandy beach, its elevated setting provides some of the most beautiful views anywhere within Peninsula Papagayo.
When available, the Andaz Resort Day Pass typically includes:
- Saltwater resort pools
- Resort beaches
- Fitness Center
- Ostra Restaurant
- Chao Pescao
- Resort bars
- Additional resort amenities available that day
The atmosphere at Andaz feels sophisticated, contemporary, and connected to nature. Open-air architecture, lush landscaping, and panoramic views create a vacation experience that is distinctly different from the Four Seasons while maintaining the same level of luxury and service.
Casa de Playa Day Pass
For guests looking for a true beach club experience, Casa de Playa offers something entirely different from the main resort.
Located directly on Playa Nacascolo, Casa de Playa combines one of Peninsula Papagayo’s calmest beaches with an oceanfront pool, comfortable lounge chairs, beach service, and the outstanding Meso restaurant.
Hotel guests travel between the main Andaz resort and Casa de Playa via the scenic Nimbu boat or complimentary resort shuttle, making the journey itself part of the experience. Jane’s Insider Tip: Our concierge will arrange pickup, generally near the Nature Center by the golf driving range. This needs to be arranged as it is not a typical pick up.
Because Playa Nacascolo sits inside protected Bahía Culebra, the water is typically calm throughout the year, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and families with children.
The atmosphere is laid-back, barefoot beach club. Many guests spend the day alternating between the pool, the beach, lunch at Meso, and a cocktail while enjoying views across the bay.
Which Andaz Experience Is Right For You?
Choose the Andaz Resort Day Pass if you’re looking for:
- Multiple saltwater infinity pools
- Adults-only pool
- Contemporary resort atmosphere
- Panoramic ocean views
- Several restaurants and bars
- A relaxing luxury resort day
- Beach that is a quick walk down the hill
Choose the Casa de Playa Day Pass if you’re looking for:
- Direct beach access
- Calm water for swimming
- Paddleboarding or kayaking
- A beachfront pool
- Lunch at Meso
- A more relaxed beach club atmosphere
Jane’s Insider Tip
One of the things I appreciate most about Andaz is the flexibility it offers.
Unlike the other resorts within Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz provides two completely different experiences. The main resort is perfect for guests who want beautiful pools, architecture, and panoramic views, while Casa de Playa offers one of the most relaxing beach days on the peninsula.
Together, they showcase two very different—and equally memorable—sides of the Andaz experience.
Good to Know: Day passes are subject to availability and may be limited during holidays or periods of high occupancy. Our concierge team is happy to check availability, explain the differences between each experience, and help determine which option best fits your vacation.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Peninsula Papagayo’s Newest Luxury Experience
Perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve introduces an entirely new level of luxury to Peninsula Papagayo.
Unlike traditional luxury resorts, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are intentionally intimate, highly personalized, and designed around privacy, exceptional service, and immersive experiences. Nekajui blends striking architecture with Costa Rica’s natural beauty, creating one of the most spectacular resort settings in Central America.
Guests will discover breathtaking ocean views, world-class dining, an exceptional wellness spa, and thoughtfully designed spaces that celebrate the surrounding tropical landscape.
At this time, Nekajui does not publicly offer a traditional resort day pass similar to those occasionally available at the Four Seasons or Andaz. Rather than spending an entire day at the resort, our guests visit Nekajui for a memorable dinner, sunset cocktails, or an indulgent afternoon at the spa.
Because access opportunities continue to evolve, I recommend speaking with our concierge before your arrival if visiting Nekajui is on your wish list. We’ll be happy to check the latest options available during your stay.
Jane’s Insider Tip
Jane’s Insider TipEven without a traditional day pass, Nekajui is absolutely worth experiencing if the opportunity arises.
Whether it’s enjoying sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific, reserving dinner at one of the resort’s outstanding restaurants, or treating yourself to a spa experience, Nekajui offers a completely different perspective on Peninsula Papagayo and complements a visit to the Four Seasons, Andaz, or Prieta Beach Club beautifully.
Our concierge team is happy to help arrange reservations whenever possible.
Our Favorite Ways to Experience Peninsula Papagayo
One of the greatest advantages of staying within Peninsula Papagayo is that you don’t have to choose just one experience. Many of our guests enjoy spending different days at different resorts, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
A perfect week might include an active family day at Prieta Beach Club, a sunset dinner at the Four Seasons, a relaxing afternoon at Casa de Playa, and an evening cocktail or spa experience at Nekajui.
Rather than asking which is “best,” we encourage guests to experience the variety that makes Peninsula Papagayo so special.
Why Book with Papagayo Luxury?
Choosing the right villa is only the beginning of planning an unforgettable vacation.
One of the advantages of booking through Papagayo Luxury is having a knowledgeable concierge team that understands Peninsula Papagayo from firsthand experience. Having owned a home within the resort for more than fifteen years and welcomed guests from around the world, we know which experiences are worth prioritizing, which restaurants book first, which beach clubs best fit different travel styles, and how to help you make the most of your time here.
Before you arrive, we’ll help coordinate eligible resort guest passes, beach club access, restaurant reservations, golf tee times, spa appointments, transportation, private chefs, and countless other details so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
Our goal is simple: to help you experience Peninsula Papagayo the way we would recommend it to our own family and friends. Every recommendation on this page is based on firsthand experience—from years of living, vacationing, and welcoming guests within Peninsula Papagayo.
Planning Your Stay?
Not sure which beach club, resort, or experience is the best fit for your vacation?
Every guest is different. Families with young children often prioritize different experiences than couples celebrating an anniversary or groups of friends looking for adventure.
When you book with Papagayo Luxury, we’ll help build an itinerary that matches your travel style, recommend our favorite experiences, and coordinate eligible reservations before and during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Papagayo Luxury arrange resort guest passes or golf reservations if I’m not staying in one of your villas?
We receive this question frequently, and we’d genuinely love to help whenever we can.
Unfortunately, Peninsula Papagayo’s resort policies allow us to arrange resort guest passes, beach club access, golf tee times, and many other amenities only for guests with confirmed reservations in qualifying Papagayo Luxury villas. Even if you’re staying elsewhere within Costa Rica or another vacation rental inside the resort, we aren’t permitted to request these reservations on your behalf.
If you’re staying with Papagayo Luxury, however, our concierge team will gladly coordinate every eligible experience available during your stay, including beach club access, resort guest passes, golf tee times, restaurant reservations, spa appointments, transportation, and much more.
Can guests staying in a private villa use the beach clubs?
In many cases, yes.
Guests staying in qualifying villas within Peninsula Papagayo may enjoy access to private beach clubs and select resort amenities that are not available to visitors staying outside the resort.
Access varies by villa, season, occupancy, and current resort policies, so your available privileges will be confirmed by our concierge before your arrival.
Is Prieta Beach Club open to the public?
No.
Prieta Beach Club is a private members club primarily reserved for Peninsula Papagayo homeowners, their guests, and qualifying villa guests.
General public access is not available.
Can I purchase a Four Seasons Resort Day Pass?
Qualifying villa guests staying within Peninsula Papagayo may have the opportunity to purchase a Four Seasons Resort Day Pass, depending on resort occupancy and current policies.
Day Pass availability is generally confirmed by the resort within 24 hours of your requested visit date, so advance confirmation is not typically possible. If you’re staying with Papagayo Luxury, our concierge team will monitor availability, submit your request at the appropriate time, and notify you as soon as the resort confirms whether passes are available.
Does the Andaz offer resort day passes?
Yes. Depending on current resort policies and availability, qualifying villa guests may be able to purchase either an Andaz Resort Day Pass for the main resort or a separate Casa de Playa Day Pass for the beachfront club on Playa Nacascolo.
Like the Four Seasons, day pass availability is generally confirmed within 24 hours of your requested visit date.Our concierge team will explain the differences between the two experiences, submit your request, and let you know as soon as the resort confirms availability.
Does Nekajui offer a resort day pass?
At this time, Nekajui does not publicly offer a traditional resort day pass similar to those available at the Four Seasons or Andaz.
However, guests staying within Peninsula Papagayo may have opportunities to experience the resort through restaurant reservations, spa appointments, or other select experiences, depending on current resort policies and availability.
If visiting Nekajui is on your wish list, our concierge team will be happy to check the latest options available during your stay.
Which beach club is best for families?
It depends on the type of beach day you’re looking for.
Prieta Beach Club is usually our first recommendation because it offers a wonderful combination of beach activities, beginner surf lessons, paddleboarding, an infinity pool, excellent dining, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
If calm water for swimming and paddleboarding is your top priority, Casa de Playa at the Andaz or the Andaz Hotel Day Pass are excellent choices thanks to the protected location on Playa Nacascolo.
Which beach club is best for couples?
Couples often enjoy the Four Seasons Resort, where they can spend the afternoon on Playa Virador before enjoying sunset cocktails or dinner overlooking the Pacific.
For a quieter and more relaxed experience, Prieta Beach Club is also a wonderful choice, offering a beautiful setting to unwind by the infinity pool or spend the day together on the beach.
Can you reserve beach club access before we arrive?
We begin planning your itinerary well before you arrive and are happy to coordinate eligible beach club access, restaurant reservations, golf tee times, spa appointments, transportation, private chefs, and other vacation experiences.
Some reservations can be confirmed well in advance, while hotel day passes are typically confirmed by the resorts within 24 hours of your requested visit date, depending on occupancy and current policies.
We recommend discussing your preferred itinerary with us before your arrival so we can prioritize your requests and coordinate each reservation as soon as it becomes available.
Continue Exploring Peninsula Papagayo
Planning your itinerary?
These guides can help you make the most of your stay.
- Restaurants in Peninsula Papagayo
- Beaches of Peninsula Papagayo
- Papagayo Park
- Things to Do
- Concierge Services
- Golf at Peninsula Papagayo
- Luxury Villa Rentals
Ready to Experience Peninsula Papagayo?
Whether you’re planning a multi-generational family vacation, a couples’ getaway, or a week with friends, we’ll help you create an itinerary that matches your travel style.
From choosing the right villa to coordinating beach club access, private chefs, transportation, golf, spa experiences, and unforgettable adventures, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Our concierge team will help you choose the right beach clubs, reserve resort experiences, recommend restaurants, arrange transportation, and plan the kind of vacation you’ll still be talking about long after you’ve returned home.
