Secrets Papagayo Is a Romantic Getaway Where Romance Meets Relaxation

I was looking for the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge solo. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica—a luxe, adults-only resort with jaw-dropping Pacific views — hit all the right notes, with a dreamy setting and genuinely laid-back atmosphere. After visiting dozens of all-inclusive resorts, I found this AAA Four Diamond property exceptionally peaceful, welcoming and enjoyable, even travelling solo.

Highlights

• Dreamy Tropical Setting: Hillside resort featuring mountain and beach views paired with a tranquil atmosphere
• Exclusive Preferred Club Upgrades: Upgraded suites include access to premium views, private areas and top-shelf liquor
• Ideal Location: Convenient 30-minute drive from Liberia airport and close to local wildlife and adventure excursions
• Diverse Culinary Options: Seven reservation-free dining options ranging from international buffets to Caribbean-inspired seafood
• Bungalow Accommodations: Spacious guest rooms featuring private balconies, terraces or plunge pools nestled into lush foliage

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.

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Overview of Room Quality and Types

Property: Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica | Address: 3 Km NW from Panama Beach Main Entrance, Playa Arenilla, Golfo de Papagayo, Guanacaste, 50503, Costa Rica | Phone: +506 2672-0000 | Rates: From $759 per night, king room

Secrets Papagayo features 202 guest rooms with private balconies or terraces. From suites with backyards and plunge pools to standard rooms with tropical views, there are options for every type of traveller. Each room offers 24-hour room service, concierge support, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily minibar replenishment and views of lush greenery or the Pacific Ocean.

• The Magic: Private bungalow-style layouts tucked into a steep hillside give every stay an exclusive retreat feel.
• What I Loved Best: Staying in a Preferred Club Junior Suite Plunge Pool with 592 square feet of space and a private backyard pool.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Choose an oceanfront Preferred Club suite to enjoy unobstructed 180-degree Pacific Ocean views right from your terrace.
• Custom Accommodation Highlight: Deluxe Ocean View King Balcony rooms sleep two with gorgeous water views, while Bungalow Tropical View Rooms sleep three amidst lush garden foliage.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The rooms are bungalow-style and the majority sit at the top of a steep hill. Many are accessible only by shuttle or stairs, so consult the hotel before booking if you have mobility issues.

Amenities and Atmosphere for Relaxation

One thing I really enjoyed about Secrets Papagayo was that it offered the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the amenities of an all-inclusive resort. While the main pool area is lively during the day, many pockets of stillness remain. The bungalow-style rooms create an expansive feel where you rarely notice neighbours, making the whole experience feel like a true escape.

• The Magic: The intimate layout lets guests find private pockets of stillness across the property despite full resort amenities.
• What I Loved Best: Unwinding at the lovely spa featuring an outdoor hydrotherapy pool and indoor treatment suites.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Book a private dinner for two at exclusive spots around the resort featuring a special menu to dine under the stars.
• Custom Relaxation Detail: Book an indoor or outdoor massage at the spa to unwind even further together.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Private dinners under the stars cost extra and must be reserved in advance with the concierge.

Pools and Beach

Secrets Papagayo has two pool areas: a main pool surrounded by restaurants and bars that is lively during the day with entertainment, and a secondary pool near the spa that is much more subdued. The quiet beach features still waters ideal for relaxing on a lounge chair or enjoying daily snorkeling excursions.

• The Magic: Direct access to a quiet black-sand beach with still waters ideal for peaceful relaxing.
• What I Loved Best: The calm ocean waters right off the beach that make snorkeling clear and enjoyable.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Sign up for one of the complimentary daily snorkeling adventures leaving right from the beach.

SheBuysTravel Tip: By midday, the area around the pool gets really hot, making afternoons the perfect excuse to grab a chair on the beach and catch a breeze.

Dining Options and Culinary Highlights

Overall, I was really impressed with the quality of dining options at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica and got genuinely excited about mealtime. The resort has seven dining options including a buffet, four à la carte restaurants, a grill and a café. The food and service were personal highlights of my stay. None of the restaurants require reservations, making meal times easy, whether you’re enjoying an international buffet breakfast at Market Café or Caribbean fusion at Aqua.

• The Magic: A completely reservation-free dining policy across all specialty restaurants makes meal planning totally stress-free.
• What I Loved Best: The spicy mojo shrimp served on grilled pineapple at Aqua, an indoor-outdoor bistro on the spa side.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Sample Costa Rican breakfast specialties at Market Café like tamales, gallo pinto, fried cheese and plantains.
• Culinary Highlight: Visit Portofino for a vibey Italian meal or Himitsu for delicious Japanese teppanyaki.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you want to stay in, the resort offers complimentary 24/7 room service.

Club Level Upgrade: Inclusions and Value

Preferred Club rooms are roughly 50 square feet larger than standard rooms and sit high on the hillside for unobstructed ocean views. Upgrade inclusions feature private plunge pools on select suites, dedicated check-in, concierge service, an upgraded minibar, premium bath amenities and access to a private lounge serving cocktails and light bites.

• The Magic: Hilltop placement delivering unobstructed panoramic views of the beach and ocean right from your private terrace.
• What I Loved Best: Having my own private plunge pool and backyard terrace overlooking the Pacific.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Visit the Preferred Club lounge throughout the day to enjoy top-shelf spirits and light bites in a quiet atmosphere.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Preferred Club guests get exclusive access to à la carte breakfast and lunch at Seaside Grill.

Club Level Upgrade: Is It Worth It?

The private plunge pool and incredible view made the upgrade worth it for me, because it made the whole experience feel super luxurious. So, the upgrade is worth it for couples and solo travellers seeking solitude, a private plunge pool and access to premium spirits at the lounge. However, standard rooms still feel spacious and luxurious if you plan to spend days at the main pool. When planning, consider weather too, as dry weather is worth higher room rates.

• The Magic: Tailor your stay to your exact travel style, whether you want private plunge-pool retreat vibes or main-pool social energy.
• What I Loved Best: Sipping crafted tropical cocktails at the Preferred Club lounge bar and having access to a private plunge pool.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Avoid visiting in September and October if you want to dodge daily rainy-season downpours.

SheBuysTravel Tip: November is when the rain begins to ease off, making way for the dry season.

Nearby Excursions

I liked that Secrets Papagayo feels secluded but is close to lots of fun excursions. Nearby activities include zip-lining, horseback riding, thermal springs, river safaris, volcano hiking, ATV tours, and rainforest visits, which you can book at the Amstar kiosk within the resort.

• The Magic: Enjoying a secluded, romantic mountaintop resort setting that remains remarkably convenient to a variety of excursions.
• What I Loved Best: Thrilling zip-line excursions high above the lush green canopy with sweeping ocean views.
• Must-Try Recommendation: Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park to experience its animal sanctuary and zip-lining course with incredible views.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Secrets Papagayo is located a 15-minute drive from the town of Coco Beach, a fun spot to pick up souvenirs or grab a meal.

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