Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica - Adults Only - All Inclusive

“A Must Stay”

Everything was exceptional from the time you step out the transportation van you’re greeted with a cold towel to cool off and a glass of champagne. The resort is beautiful and very secure. Guard at the entrance checking to ensure that no one gets through without a reservation. Food was excellent.... more

Everything was exceptional from the time you step out the transportation van you’re greeted with a cold towel to cool off and a glass of champagne. The resort is beautiful and very secure. Guard at the entrance checking to ensure that no one gets through without a reservation. Food was excellent. I ate at 4 of the 7 or 8 options and all were 10/10. Activities were fun and the customer service is unbelievably top notch. Even the shuttle drivers are so nice. I took full advantage of the shuttle service bc the resort is huge so it was a necessary and appreciated service. By the end of my stay, the drivers knew me by first name and knew exactly where my little bungalow suite was located. I plan to take my son the next time I go back and will stay at Secrets again. It’s a must stay for sure!!! Worth every dollar.

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“5 Star Staff Experiences”

Stayed 8 days here with friends. The property is absolutely breathtaking and I would go again for the views alone. Prior to our arrival of course I did my research, so I knew I was in for some hiking to and from my room depending on where my room would be located on this vast resort. I did indeed... more

Stayed 8 days here with friends. The property is absolutely breathtaking and I would go again for the views alone. Prior to our arrival of course I did my research, so I knew I was in for some hiking to and from my room depending on where my room would be located on this vast resort. I did indeed end up in the very back of the resort, up behind the spa in what felt like a very secluded piece of paradise. Even with it seeming like I was so far away, all of the amenities were really just a short beautiful hike away. So I will say, that if hiking/walking is not your thing, you may just want to stick to the shuttles that you can call for at any time. A lot of things I read online and from a few of the guest I spoke with along the way, people would say that they would have to wait extended times for transportation, but fortunately I did not experience that at all. All of the drivers were jolly and friendly, but I would have to say that Nelson was my favorite, probably in large part to him heaving my overpacked suitcases up the long steep stairs to my room. Thanks Nelson ;) There is a main pool (that is split into two) with a smaller hot hub located at the center of the resort and one more pool, that is equal in size and beauty on the Spa side. I enjoyed the festivities mostly at the main pool and only really visited the other side when I was receiving spa services. I visited the spa on three separate occasions because I was so impressed and loved all of the treatments they have available. Preferred guests have cabanas they are able to reserve, but I had no issues with the many loungers that are all around the pool. It did seem that the cabana guests received a little "better" and more "prompt" service, this should be expected as they did pay for exactly that. Eventually, I found a few great pool servers who waited on me and would refresh me with drinks as they would see mine empty. Activities would also take place at the main pool, in charge of Entertainment most days that I was there was Marilyn. She is fabulous and also frightening, only because she knows how to gather the crowd, and you realize you have no way out, only to find that in the end you have an absolute blast and no regrets are to be had. Thank you Marilyn for making me Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha and for the stretching and water aerobics, I looked forward to your smiling face and upbeat charisma all the days and wish you the best with school and all of your future endeavors. My prior research of this property left me thinking that the food would be subpar here but I found it to be exactly the opposite. They have different options, from hibachi, Italian, Japanese and even a buffet (Market Cafe). My first mention must go to the buffet, the food changes daily with every meal and it was always really good with a lot of options, this is also where you could get some of the more traditional Costa Rican items like Gallo Pinto. Breakfast here was my absolute favorite because of Eloy. A very attentive charming man who would have my cinnamon cappuccino ready as soon as I walked through the door. I enjoyed speaking with him when he would have time, learning about his kids (Sun and Moon) and listening about their adventures. Eloy was kind and I was grateful to spend breakfast with him for the week. I did experience a huge lack of service at the Seaside Grill. This is meant to be the upper end dining option in which only Preferred guest could dine at for breakfast. The two times I did dine there, made me relieved I did not spend the extra money. My last visit at Seaside lead me to the concierge because I felt compelled to say something. Johel is who I was graced with at guest services, he did an excellent job of listening thoroughly and promptly attending to the issue. He simply made me feel heard and was compassionate about my concerns. My interaction with Johel will always be a remembered one. I definitely want to mention William at the Sugar Reef bar, he was always there late night. He is an excellent bartender and does an awesome job of remembering guests and their stories. He makes you feel like your at home at your local bar with your normal bartender who always knows your name. And Armando, from Portofino (Italian Cuisine) He was my night in shining armor at this resort. I came to Secrets as a single lady with my best friend of 30 years and her husband. I will say that I do feel like this particular resort should be marketed as a couples only location instead of just adults only. Secrets only highlighted and enhanced my singledom and I was feeling somewhat out of place, that is until Armando! He went out of his way, above and beyond to make me feel like a princess. The staff here is very friendly, willing to share pieces of their lives and ready to listen to the guests stories as well. When Armando became privy to the knowledge that I was enjoying paradise solo, he stepped right up (very professionally) and arranged not 1 but 2 very special dinners for me and my friends. Armando provided 5 star service and we all felt as if we were part of a royal court of some sort. He helped us with our Spanish and taught us how to express our love for the food and Costa Rica. He even explained the layout of the country and gave us a drawing of the lay of the land, it was truly inspiring to see his love for his country translated to us. Armando was about the only person who could convince me to buy a bottle of champagne, which I did and I enjoyed, no buyers remorse here. Thank you Armando for a truly memorable dining experience in which my friends and I will never forget. All in all, Secrets Papagayo is breathtaking and there is so much more that I could include in this post such as excursions and the beautiful rooms and so on, but what really deserves great attention here is the staff. They are what makes Secrets in Costa Rica a place that all who visit here, want to return. It is the experience that the amazing people here create for each and every one of us who has the pleasure of visiting, want to come again. So again, a big Pura Vida to: Eloy Nelson Marilyn Johel William & Armando and all the others who made me fall in love with Costa Rica all over again.

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“Beautiful and relaxing but has some issues”

Very beautiful resort. Staff is very friendly and does an excellent job. Preferred club not worth extra expense due to limited access to benefits. Need to get rides to/from most cabanas can lead to time lost waiting for rides.