Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

First, I must say that we were very lucky to even to get to come to Costa Rica. We arrived in country on March 14th and by mid-week the COVID outbreak had changed the world. We did our best to enjoy this resort and country and not let the worries of what may come or be impact our trip. Having said that lets get down to it. The food at this resort really leaves a lot to be desired. I can only recommend this to the management, add food options or a restaurant that highlights real Costa Rican food. I am talking meat, rice, plantains, what is served at restaurants off the resort! The good include room service, however let me warn you depending on your package your menu options may differ. Breakfast at Aqua (by the spa) became our go to, best breakfast other than room service. Barefoot Grill is a decent spot for lunch, though the menu is a bit limited in light, cool, healthy options. Market Café which is the buffet is just that, a boring buffet. Unfortunately for us as the amount of people at the resort shrunk down during our stay and Aqua closed, we had to eat at the buffet a few times. As for dinner nothing exciting to report. We did dine at all three, Himitsu – way too much soy sauce on everything! Portofino – just trying and failing at Italian in a region that should focus on local! And Seaside Grill – best choice for a decent dinner. The little coffee/snack shop, Coco Café is an okay little spot for a treat or java fix. But get bigger cups and lids that work. I will say this, as a person with food allergies the resort and the restaurants did an excellent job of not only keeping me safe but also addressing my allergies appropriately. Drinks, are just bad. They either have no alcohol in them or taste very sugary, and heavy on the syrup. I appreciate a healthy vacation, but it got to the point where I didn’t even bother to order cocktails. However they do have Mexican Coke Cola, so that was a plus. Coffee was always good. The resort it is beautiful. The view of the bay is amazing! The rooms and facilities are built into the landscape without changing it. However it is hilly! And if you are in a 400 level room, good luck! My trick ended up bring walking up and down the beach to get from one side of the resort to the other. Like other all-inclusive resorts there are activity vendors hanging out on the beach. I never really was sure what water actives were part of the resort and available for our use. Pools are clean, but not cool! The beach is nice, tide really effects it. But almost no one used the beach or ocean. We did and a few times and definitely got stung by what I can only assume are little jelly’s. Lots of birds, iguanas, monkeys, cats, and even saw whales in the bay. Seems like there probably aren’t enough lounge chairs by the pools if the resort is at full capacity. The resort itself is very secluded. It is very private feeling. Highly recommend a walk up the beach to the national park directly located to the resort. The rooms are comfortable and well done. We have traveled enough that we weren’t shocked per say by the lack of privacy for the toilet. Beds are comfortable, if extra pillows or linens are needed not a problem. Plenty of towels, storage, and self-care amenities provided. Little fridge that is stocked, maybe not frequently enough during our stay. We sat daily on our little balcony. No noise issues, no problems with the air conditioner. Little tablet to help you order room service, or just learn more about the resort and Costa Rica. I really can’t knock the room. However I can knock the location of ours. Like I said we were in a 400 room. At the very top of the resort. At the top of a huge hill. I wish I would have known this sooner because I would have asked for a different room. It was annoying having to use the shuttle to get everywhere when I wanted to be outside enjoying where I was. The shuttles do come often and the drivers are amazing. But they are little, cramped, and not how I pictured my time here. Staff for the most part made the resort! All the drivers of the shuttles were just awesome! They made an effort to get to know us. They went out of their way to please us. And I really can’t say thank you enough to them. However, I have to say that right after checking in, we were asked to listen to a presentation and this was beyond annoying! The guy would not stop. We finally just walked away. The food service staff and bartenders are just okay. The Spa was fine. They did a great job of fixing a nail polish issue, even were able to do shellac manicure. However the massage was not worth the time or money. The women who did mine was all of 90lbs and could not really put strength into the massage when needed. The workout facilities are beyond hot! It is like the air conditioning does not work. And the door to outside does not lock properly. I felt a bit unsafe alone in the gym a few times. Small amount of equipment, but it will get the job done. Guest yoga instructor was nothing special. The resort needs to address their dress codes. Not only did no one I saw really follow it, but then saw a person turned away over it at a restaurant over it. They need to make a decision, it is hot here. And people are typically traveling from far away. So why make such limitations. This is not the Four Seasons, sorry to say it. Overall I loved Costa Rica. I will return to this country! However I will not return to this resort or recommend it to most people. It just was so average and typical of an all-inclusive.

Our room was in the 100 level, with a beautful view of the bay. The room was very spacious, with a seating area, a large bathroom area and great rainhead shower. It was an easy walk to the main pool and dining area of the resort. The housekeeping staff was very attentive and service included nightly turndown. Our adult children and my mom went on the trip. We all felt very comfortable at the resort and there were plenty of activities to appeal to veryone. The resort is relatively small, making it intimate and quiet. We got to know some of the other guests simply by seeing them multiple times. The nicest part of the trip was the genuine friendliness of the staff. We truly left having made friends with some of the amazing staff. Merari and Andre on the recreation staff were a lot of fun and went out of their way to include our family in activities. We ate at the Restaurante Sea Side four times during our stay. Johnny, the manager and sommolier, was extremely gracious and knowledgeable. We caught tuna and mahi on a fishing excursion. The chef at Seaside prepared seviche, and grilled and blackened fish from our catch the same evening! The landscape, resort, activities, and food were all amazing. But it truly was the staff at Secrets Papagayo that made the trip one we will remember fondly for a lifetime. Pura Vida!

We loved our stay at Secrets! Even though it seemed like the world was falling down around us (COVID-19) the staff at Secrets was helpful, friendly and had hand sanitizer everywhere! I would highly recommend Secrets Papagayo- it was a truly romantic and special time away. We will be going back!! Shout out to JJ for making us feel right at home on the first day!!