We’re staying at Secrets Papagayo, which is an adults-only all-inclusive resort for four days. We just spent three days at Secrets’ sister property, the family-friendly Dreams Las Mareas. I hired a private car from Liberia Airport Taxis to drive us from Dreams to Secrets. The drive is just under two hours, and the owner Alex made the ride go quickly.
This resort is super hilly and spread out, so I wouldn’t recommend it for those with mobility issues. There is a shuttle that constantly runs throughout the property, and it will take you to your room, restaurants, spa, or front desk.
Daily activities include yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, bike tour, Spanish lessons, water aerobics, painting class, and kayak tours. Evening entertainment features karaoke, live music, movies in the amphitheater, bingo, and a DJ in the amphitheater.
We’ve eaten at Seaside Steakhouse twice and had great steak and seafood for dinner. Portofino Italian restaurant was also very good. We’ve ordered room service for breakfast each morning and had lunch at Market Cafe buffet every afternoon.
Our room is a Bungalow Suite Tropical View, room 435. It’s a beautiful room with a partial view of the ocean (over the building in front of ours, down the hill), small balcony, minifridge stocked with water, beer, and soda, and bathroom with large shower. However, I’ve traveled to Secrets Maroma Beach in the Riviera Maya and this room just doesn’t compare. The Bungalow Suite is Secrets Papagayo’s entry-level room and our entry-level room at Secrets Maroma Beach had an indoor Jacuzzi and outdoor soaking tub, large bathroom, sunken living area, and large covered balcony. This is probably because Secrets Papagayo used to be a Hilton resort, so Secrets didn’t design the rooms like they did at Maroma Beach.
The beach is really nice with fine black sand and almost no waves. The resort is located in a small bay, so the water is really calm and warm. The resort offers snorkeling trips around the bay or you can check out snorkeling equipment and explore on your own.
Main pool with suites on hillside
Manatees and Sugar Reef Beach and Pool bars
Black sand beach
Bali beds on black sand beach
Bali beds, Seaside Grill, and suites on hillside
Map of Secrets Papagayo
Activities and Entertainment