Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Appoints Markus Laahanen as General Manager

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Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo. March 16, 2026

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort proudly announces the appointment of Markus Laahanen as its new General Manager. A globally respected hospitality leader with more than two decades of experience across luxury resorts, wellness destinations, and lifestyle developments, Laahanen brings a deep commitment to thoughtful leadership, sustainability, and emotionally driven guest experiences.

An accomplished international hotelier, Laahanen joins Andaz Peninsula Papagayo with an extensive background spanning Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as an independent hospitality advisor, working on forward-thinking wellness and eco-luxury resort communities in Portugal, Spain, and Costa Rica, including large-scale mixed-use developments centered on regenerative farming, longevity, and community living.

Previously, Laahanen held senior leadership roles at some of the world's most respected luxury brands and destinations. His experience includes serving as Managing Director of NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancun, where he led the resort to achieve Forbes Five-Star status; Managing Director and Head of Development for Nomade and Be Hotels, overseeing brand expansion and hotel development across multiple continents; and General Manager of Zemi Beach House in Anguilla, where he guided the successful opening of the award-winning boutique resort and destination spa.

Earlier in his career, Laahanen held executive positions with Six Senses Resorts & Spas, GHM Hotels, and Leading Hotels of the World properties, including roles at The Setai Miami, The Chedi Milan, and Six Senses resorts in the Maldives and Spain. Known for his hands-on leadership style, operational excellence, and ability to build strong, purpose-driven teams, Laahanen has led numerous pre-openings, repositionings, and large-scale resort operations with a consistent focus on sustainability, wellness, and authentic connection to place.

In his new role at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, Laahanen will oversee all aspects of resort operations, guiding the property's continued evolution as a vibrant, design-forward luxury destination rooted in Costa Rica's natural beauty, culture, and community.