Postcard from Andaz Papagayo, Costa Rica

Happy Sunday Darlings, 

I'm finally back in NYC for a little while. I've been traveling nonstop for the past 4 weeks and didn't even have the chance to tell you that I was heading to Costa Rica a week ago!! I'm currently in the process of preparing my new illustrated story for Dubai, but in the meantime I'll share with you some of my favorite photos from my stay at Andaz Papagayo.

I had seen glimpses of this hotel on Instagram prior to visiting but, like most things, nothing compares to seeing it in real life. First off, the climate in Costa Rica is so balmy and tropical. It instantly brought my stress levels down to nonexistent. This photo above is from the reception and it certainly sets the tone for your experience on property. Andaz Papagayo is a perfect paradise retreat for the NYC city girl or boy.

Just look at their sparkling infinity pool above, which we had nearly to ourselves the entire time we were there. We were visiting right at the end of their rainy season and got so lucky with sunshine everyday.

I knew I was in for serious trouble though when I first entered my room and saw my own personal terrace overlooking the bay. How was I ever going to be able to leave this place?! That balcony became my outdoor studio for the week and it was perfection...

Our first morning there, Andaz took us to a small local village where we got to see traditional folk dancing performed by the most beautiful Cost Rican students. I was so beyond inspired watching them dance that I had to keep painting them in my sketchbook to express how I felt.

We also got to learn about the coffee growing process in Costa Rica and pick beans straight from the trees (see below).

As soon as I got back to property, I immediately started getting down all that inspiration. There is nothing like drawing straight from your travels and capturing all those vivid first impressions.

The next morning I was greeted by a monkey on my terrace who came charging towards me when I made the quietest hello. I have never experienced anything like that before. It was the perfect reminder that Andaz Papagayo is really built into a very natural, tropical landscape.

Some of my favorite memories on property were having a hot stone massage in the open air cabana overlooking the water, learning mixology at Chao Pescao while designing my own signature cocktail, as well as eating the most incredible ceviche our last night at Ostra. It was the perfect getaway to recharge before the holiday season in NYC.

I'm so excited to share my last few projects and adventures of 2016 with you soon. Stay tuned and as always, follow along daily on INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWRITEDRAW for more.

Much love,
Meag xx