Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5612 reviews

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  Our Favorite Secrets Resort

  This is our favorite Secrets resort. Love the bungalows and walking paths. The restaurants are wonderful. The staff unbelievably attentive. You can ride all parts by van--but walking is so good for you. We've been during the rainy season and the dry season--still so worth visiting.

  May 23, 2025
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  Pure magic from relaxing to partying!

  A magical experience. Everything you could want from an all-inclusive resort! This was our first and it won't be our last! The staff was fun and we enjoyed learning new phrases like "pura vida!" Food was so good! Drinks were always smooth and anything you can think of, plus more! The black sand beach was beautiful. The pools were relaxing. So many choices and something for everyone from quiet relaxation to late night party at the bar!

  May 18, 2025
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  Luxurious Costa Rica Home Away From Home

  We really enjoyed our 5 day (4 nights) stay at Secrets Papagayo. We had perfect weather at the end of February. Every day featured picture-perfect cloudless blue skies. The property is lushly landscaped with 2-unit bungalows nestled in the lush vegetation throughout the extensive property. We stayed on the spa side of the property which we enjoyed because of its peaceful atmosphere. Even though we were on the far side of the resort, we quickly discovered that a short 10-minute walk along the beach would bring us to the main pool and restaurants. At high tide and at night we used the shuttle which came promptly whenever called. There were so many things that we loved at this resort in addition to its natural beauty. First, the staff was always responsive and friendly. One driver took the time to point out a 4-foot-long green snake hidden in the bushes that looked like a vine. Housekeeping came promptly each morning to make our room while we were away at breakfast. Second, the food was abundant and tasty at all dining venues and featured a selection of well-prepared, high-quality local foods and attentive friendly service. There were sufficient seats in all restaurants so we never waited for a table. It was relaxing not having to manage dinner reservations but instead showing up to dine at a restaurant when we felt hungry. Like a home away from home. There was never a wait for drinks at the pool bar either. Drinks were delicious, not overly icy, prepared exactly as requested. The gelato and fruit smoothies were a nice treat at the end of the day. Third, the beach was calm with clear water and almost no waves. Fourth, the afternoon and evening entertainment gave us something to look forward to each day. The performers were quite talented and enthusiastic. We appreciated being a short drive from Coco Beach which is quite picturesque and has many restaurants and souvenir shops. The four days we spent at Secrets went by quickly and we are looking forward to returning next year, which we have already booked!

  May 17, 2025
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  Pura vida is right!

  Resort is great. It is helpful to know basic Spanish to help with communication with some staff at the resort. Staff is very nice and attentive. Shuttle rides are basically a requirement to get around, but are quick & easy to get. Would highly recommend.

  May 17, 2025
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  Papagayo is beautiful but Secrets left much to be desired

  Secrets Papagayo is located in a beautiful and idyllic setting. The resort is large and spread out which gives it a private feeling for couples. The service is very hit or miss. Some of the staff is very helpful and attentive. The majority seemed to be very young and inexperienced. Often not knowing the menus for the restaurant or type of liquor that were available. The host at Aqua was rude and dismissive when asked questions in English. The size of the resort is often an issue. There is no safe walking path outside the beach which is inaccessible at high tide. You have to rely on the shuttle service from the resort which is spotty at best. We would often have to call several times and wait 20+ minutes to get picked up. This was incredibly frustrating on the day we checked out. We called the shuttle and took over 40 mins to arrive causing us to nearly miss our airport transportation. Another issue is the availability of restaurants. Some are only open certain days and often unprepared for service. We went to seaside and both nights were told the ceviche wasn’t ready to serve yet. Cafe Coco, which closes at 10pm, would put away all their ice cream as early as 8pm. 2 hours before closing. Restaurants also require dress code for men only which often included wearing long pants. This is a tropical resort, half the people we spoke to didn’t even bring pants so would not be allowed to eat at the restaurant or be forced to buy pants at the resort gift shop. The best part of our trip was actually through one of the beach vendors. Jeff and Carlos run an excellent touring company with many excursions available. If you are interested in jet-skis or other excursions I would recommend them over the resorts options. While I would recommend Gunacaste I’m not sure I could recommend Secrets Papagayo. There are many other all inclusive resorts in the area and I don’t believe they met the standards expected for the price you pay.

  May 17, 2025