Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

I'm not the sort of person to do reviews, but I have to say this is one of the best and relaxed holidays we've ever had. After reading some reviews before we went I was a little apprehensive about the place, but honestly had nothing to worry about. We flew out with tui from Gatwick and forgot what hot weather felt like. Arrived at the hotel to be greeted with cool fresh smelling towels which was gratefully received. Handed a glass of bubbles and a swift check in was done. Was transported to our room in a lovely cool air conditioned van with our luggage. We were in room 450 which was one of the highest rooms. But the view from our room was spectacular. The hills were ok walking down to the main areas but we got the shuttle buses back as was very hot to be doing things like that. The buses were always there when we needed them. The scenery is absolutely stunning. The hotel do a fab job of keeping this lush as it's a very dry country. We experienced a few forest fires in the distance but goes without saying for such a hot/dry country. The food and restaurants were amazing. But one little niggle we had was the big corporate event of 150 people that arrived in our second week. Yes this was annoying as they were very loud, and the restaurant choices were scarce as they needed them for the event, but the hotel did try and keep it as separate as they could and keeping the event away from the normal guests. Once the event was over after a few days it was lovely and quiet again. We did struggle a few mornings with sunbeds but it was a great excuse to get up early in the morning to reserve as gave us all day to spend round this beautiful pool and make the most of our holiday. Rooms are lovely, not overly big but comfy, beds were so comfy I woke up so refreshed. Pools are cleaned regular and they were so lovely to go in when really hot. Jose kept us well and truly stocked up on drinks at the pool bar. Always got a huge smile to go with it. The entertainment team are fab. Big thumbs up to Carlos and I really loved Mary, what a character she is. Did some lovely trips. Got to see the real beauty of Costa Rica. All in all what a fab place to stay. Lots of birds round the pool to keep you entertained. Certainly no complaints at all apart from the event that happened. Its really what we needed. Only worry I had for the full 2 weeks was which restaurant to go to next 🤣 Super duper place for a seriously chilled holiday. A week after arriving home, still got the holiday blu's Cant wait to go back.

Was here for 2 weeks last week of March was for my wife's 50th, had a ocean view bungalow near the spar area.The staff are what makes this place they can't do enough to make sure you have a good holiday,the food was very good at all the restaurants the drinks are all top shelf, lots going on in the way of activities during the day loved Costa Rica done three excursions what a lovely country people are so friendly the only negative was the amount of private functions during our stay at the secrets resort but in all a very good holiday,Will definitely be visiting Costa Rica again.

Looking at the pro's and con's of this resort, we really couldn't find much to consider a con. The only things that could be considered more miss than hit would be the shuttle service from our bungalow to the main area and the hostesses at the restaurants were not overly friendly and did not hurry to seat people regardless of how many people were waiting. However, with that said, everything else was well above our expectations! Food- every bit of food eaten was delicious and perfect! Even the buffet, which was very small (and at other resorts is not great) had amazing food! It was delicious and the service was impeccable. Erick was our favorite server at Market Cafe. Room- our room was a Preferred Club Ocean View Bungalow King. It seemed small at first. But it was perfect! The huge shower had a window with a view of the bay. It made for longer showers... Room Service- the room service had a limited menu but everything was hot and delicious. And having a "Secrets" box was nice for a private delivery (didn't have to open room door for server). Pools- there was one pool on the fun side of the resort with 2 different areas of that pool, one with a swim up bar. Jose at the swim up bar made delicious drinks and kept them flowing. He was awesome and accommodating when we were trying different drinks (the Howler Monkey was awesome!). Housekeeping staff was great. They kept our room tidy and stocked with everything we needed. The mini bar was updated every day, without fail. 2 mini bottles of alcohol, 1 can of pringles and a pack of peanut m & m's. The mini fridge had beer, water, coke, diet coke, fresca, club soda and orange juice. Entertainment - the E Team were around and tried getting everyone involved in there activities but were not annoying. They were fun to watch! Overall, the employees of the resort were friendly and seemed happy. This was our 11th trip to an AM Resorts property and was by far one of the best! The resort is almost completely smoke free (other than a few designated smoking areas) which made for a very nice experience for us (non-smokers). There were sunny areas, there were shaded areas, there were air conditioned areas. If you wanted to find a place to relax, it was definitely possible. Everyone at the resort was welcoming and loved to hear how much we love their beautiful country. We will DEFINITELY return. The sooner the better!