Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
8.5 / 10
Palmprint score
Strongest on service and pools & spa
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica at a glance
- Location
- Guanacaste
- Guests
- Adults only
- The plan
- All-inclusive
- Setting
- Near the coast
- Guest rating
- 4.4 / 5 on Google2,610 reviews
- Best months
- Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
- Pools
- 2 pools
- Airport transfer
- LIRAbout 20 minutes
- Dining
- 7 restaurants
- Drinks
- 5 bars
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Rooms & prices
Named-room seasonal samples are not available yet. Check current availability with the resort.
Taxes and fees vary by channel, so compare the final screen, not the first one.
Latest tracker sample · USD
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Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Things to know
before you go
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is an adults-only all-inclusive on Arenilla Beach in the Gulf of Papagayo.
The resort is quiet, scenic, and romantic rather than a party-focused adults-only resort.
The property is hilly and spread out, so shuttles are important for many guests.
Beach water is generally calm and usable, but the volcanic darker sand gets hot and the beach is not the white-sand Caribbean style some guests expect.
Recent guest comments mention renovations or needed updates, so room-condition feedback should be checked close to booking.
Hidden tips
Book Preferred Club if you want better views, lounge access, and a more private feel.
Choose this for quiet romance and nature views rather than nightlife.
Pack footwear for hot dark sand and hillside walking.
Things guests wish they had known
This is a quiet resort; nightlife typically winds down early.
The property layout involves hills and shuttles.
The beach is natural and scenic, but not the classic white-sand Caribbean look.
Strengths from our research
Quiet adults-only atmosphere.
Beautiful Gulf of Papagayo views.
Good romance and honeymoon fit.
Small-to-mid-size resort feel compared with larger Costa Rica all-inclusives.
Friendly staff and scenic room categories receive recurring praise.
Other considerations from our research
Hilly layout is not ideal for mobility-limited guests.
Food is generally good but not consistently exceptional.
Beach is scenic and calm but not a powdery white-sand beach.
Some rooms and facilities may feel due for updates.
What guests say
Most loved
- Quiet adults-only atmosphere
- Bay and ocean views
- Friendly staff
- Romantic hillside rooms
- Relaxed pools and shuttle service
Most complained about
- Hilly resort layout
- Food is good but not exceptional
- Beach sand gets hot and is darker volcanic sand
- Some areas need updates or renovation
From Reddit
Reddit feedback is generally favorable for quiet, romance, views, staff, and all-inclusive ease, while repeatedly warning about the hillside layout, modest nightlife, and good-but-not-spectacular food.
What’s included
Included
- Premium & à la carte diningIncluded
Unlimited-Luxury: gourmet a la carte dining, no reservations required
- Top-shelf liquorIncluded
unlimited international top-shelf spirits
- Room serviceIncluded
24-hour room service
- Wi-FiIncluded
- In-room minibarIncluded
refreshed daily with beer, soft drinks, water and snacks
- Non-motorized water sportsIncluded
Not included
- Spa treatmentsCosts extra
Secrets Spa by Pevonia treatments at extra cost
- Airport transfersCosts extra
Guests pay for their own airport transportation; the resort's concierge will arrange a ride at the guest's cost.
Policies & availability
- Kids' clubNot available
adults-only resort (18+)
Inclusions can vary by room category and season. Confirm your plan before booking. How we verify this
- Value
- 8.0 out of 10
- Service
- 8.5 out of 10
- Beach
- 8.1 out of 10
- Dining
- 8.0 out of 10
- Rooms
- 8.2 out of 10
- Pools & Spa
- 8.5 out of 10
Confidence is high across the board except value, service, beach, dining, rooms, pools & spa and remote work, where the evidence is thinner.
Score breakdown, research & sources
How we scored Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
9 categories, scored from official sources and read against what guests actually report. Verified Jun 28, 2026 under Palmprint methodology 1.0.
The six that set the score
And 3 more we track
Confidence is high across the board except value, service, beach, dining, rooms, pools & spa and remote work, where the evidence is thinner.
Open a category
Value8.0Medium confidence
- Food Value
- 7.8
- Layout Caveat
- 7.0
- Romance Value
- 8.5
- All Inclusive Value
- 8.2
Service8.5Medium confidence
- Shuttle Service
- 8.4
- Consistency Caveat
- 7.5
- Restaurant Service
- 8.2
- Staff Friendliness
- 8.7
Beach8.1Medium confidence
- Scenery
- 8.8
- Beach Access
- 8.7
- Swimmability
- 8.3
- Sand Heat Caveat
- 6.7
- White Sand Expectation Caveat
- 6.8
Dining8.0Medium confidence
- Foodie Caveat
- 7.0
- Restaurant Variety
- 8.0
- Guest Food Sentiment
- 8.0
- Preferred Club Value
- 8.1
Rooms8.2Medium confidence
- Views
- 8.7
- Room Size
- 8.2
- Update Caveat
- 7.0
- Preferred Club Plunge Pool
- 8.6
Pools & Spa8.5Medium confidence
- Main Pool
- 8.5
- Quiet Pool
- 8.6
- Pool Service
- 8.4
- Lounger Availability
- 8.0
Romance8.8High confidence
- Quiet
- 8.7
- Views
- 8.8
- Adults Only
- 9.0
- Preferred Club
- 8.6
Quiet8.7High confidence
- Quiet Pool
- 8.7
- Adults Only
- 8.8
- Hillside Privacy
- 8.4
- Low Key Nightlife
- 8.8
Remote work8.0Medium confidence
- Wifi
- 8.3
- Quiet
- 8.7
- Room Comfort
- 8.2
- Workspace Evidence
- 6.8
What it does best
- Quiet adults-only atmosphere.
- Beautiful Gulf of Papagayo views.
- Good romance and honeymoon fit.
- Small-to-mid-size resort feel compared with larger Costa Rica all-inclusives.
- Friendly staff and scenic room categories receive recurring praise.
Where it costs you
- Hilly layout is not ideal for mobility-limited guests.
- Food is generally good but not consistently exceptional.
- Beach is scenic and calm but not a powdery white-sand beach.
- Some rooms and facilities may feel due for updates.
Room intelligence
- Rooms To Avoid
- Guests with mobility concerns should avoid higher hillside rooms unless they are comfortable relying on resort shuttles.The resort is widely described as hilly and spread out.
- Best Room Category
- Preferred Club Junior Suite Plunge Pool or Preferred Club ocean-view categoriesBest fit for couples prioritizing views, private outdoor space, and a quieter upgraded experience.
Everything we read on Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Restaurants & bars
Palmprint food score 8.0 / 10
- Places to eat
- 7
- A la carte
- 4
- Buffets
- 1
- Bars and lounges
- 5
- Swim-up bars
- 1
Asian · Italian · International · Grill/Seafood · Healthy/Spa cuisine · Cafe
No reservations needed anywhere.
Aqua
Healthy style cuisine Casual Elegance required for dinner
Included in the plan
More about Aqua
- Hours
- Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Barefoot Grill
Snacks and grill specialties. Located in the main pool area, by the bar Sugar Reef Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner No dress code
Included in the plan
More about Barefoot Grill
- Hours
- Open 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Barracuda
Swim-up bar at the pool
Included in the plan
More about Barracuda
- Service
- Bar
- Hours
- 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Coco Café
Premium coffee and deli snacks served in a casual and relaxed atmosphere Open throughout the day
Included in the plan
More about Coco Café
- Hours
- Open 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Dress code
- Casual
Himitsu
Specializing in a fusion of Pan-Asian cuisine served à la carte
Included in the plan
More about Himitsu
- Hours
- Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Dress code
- Casual Elegance
Manatees
Beach and pool bar offering signature cocktails
Included in the plan
More about Manatees
- Service
- Bar
- Hours
- 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Market Café
Located in front of the main pool/area Buffet style with international cuisine, theme stations and a show cooking experience Casual Elegance required for dinner
Included in the plan
More about Market Café
- Hours
- Breakfast 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Portofino
Delectable Italian à la carte cuisine Wine cellar *Available for private dining with an excellent selection of international fine wines; Additional charges apply.
Included in the plan
More about Portofino
- Hours
- Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Dress code
- Formal
Rendezvous
Lobby bar featuring chic furniture for lounging with a refreshing cocktail
Included in the plan
More about Rendezvous
- Service
- Bar
- Hours
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Revive
Located next to the spa, offering a wide selection of healthy and natural beverages and cocktails
Included in the plan
More about Revive
- Service
- Bar
- Hours
- 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Seaside Grill
À la Carte Breakfast, Grilled favorites and quick bites served poolside *Breakfast exclusive for Preferred Club guests only No dress code
Included in the plan
More about Seaside Grill
- Hours
- Breakfast* 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sugar Reef
Tropical cocktails with great ocean views by the pool and on the beach
Included in the plan
More about Sugar Reef
- Service
- Bar
- Hours
- 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Six restaurants plus Coco Cafe (Himitsu, Portofino, Seaside Grill, Market Cafe buffet, Aqua spa restaurant); five bars incl. swim-up
Venues, opening hours and plan inclusions can change by season. Confirm your choices when booking.
Rooms & suites
Seasonally sampled rooms are not available yet.
More room options (9)
| Suite | Occupancy | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical View king Bed Tropical View (Not on regular sale) | Sleeps 2 | 398 ft²37 m² |
| Panoramic Deluxe Ocean View King Balcony Ocean View | Sleeps 2 | 398 ft²37 m² |
| Bungalow Suite Tropical View Tropical View | Sleeps 3 | 452 ft²42 m² |
| Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean View Ocean View | Sleeps 3 | 452 ft²42 m² |
| Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean Front Ocean Front View | Sleeps 2 | 452 ft²42 m² |
| Preferred Club Junior Suite Plunge Ocean View Pool | Sleeps 2 | 592 ft²55 m² |
| Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean Ocean Front Front | Sleeps 2 | 624 ft²58 m² |
| Preferred Club Honeymoon Suite Ocean Front | Sleeps 2 | 689 ft²64 m² |
| Preferred Club Presidential Suite Ocean View | Sleeps 4 | 1,399 ft²130 m² |
Occupancy limits and connecting-room requests should be confirmed for your party before booking.
Pools and the beach
Pools & waterplay
Two pools overlooking the Pacific; entire resort is adults-only
The beach itself
Dark volcanic-sand cove on sheltered Playa Arenilla, Papagayo Bay (Pacific); official and review reports describe calm morning water; sargassum is a Caribbean/Atlantic phenomenon
- Calm water, swimmable straight off the sand
Counts come from the resort's own published information; the scores are ours, from the Palmprint file below.
Families & group stays
Taking a group to Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Adults-only; meeting facilities, group dining and wedding coordinator offered; evenings are wine tastings, beach movie screenings and quiet bars
- Private dining & events
- Bookable
- Group rates
- Negotiable on a block
- Nightlife
- Low-key, quiet by late evening
Tell us the trip, we'll tell you the resort
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Group availability and rates move with the season. Confirm the specifics with the resort for your dates.
When to go
Best months: Dec to Apr
Temperature barely moves here across the year, so rain is the whole decision: the wet months run May to Nov.
Jan
Best93°F / 34°C1 rain daysFeb
Best95°F / 35°C0 rain daysMar
Best95°F / 35°C0 rain daysApr
Best93°F / 34°C3 rain daysMay
Wet91°F / 33°C12 rain daysJun
Wet90°F / 32°C14 rain daysJul
Wet90°F / 32°C10 rain daysAug
Wet90°F / 32°C13 rain daysSep
Wet90°F / 32°C16 rain daysOct
Wet90°F / 32°C17 rain daysNov
Wet90°F / 32°C9 rain daysDec
Best91°F / 33°C2 rain days
Average daily highs and monthly rain days. Seasonal averages, not a forecast.
Monthly climate data
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 93 degrees Fahrenheit | 95 degrees Fahrenheit | 95 degrees Fahrenheit | 93 degrees Fahrenheit | 91 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 91 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rain days | 1 day | 0 days | 0 days | 3 days | 12 days | 14 days | 10 days | 13 days | 16 days | 17 days | 9 days | 2 days |
| Verdict | Best | Best | Best | Best | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Best |
Getting to Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
- Nearest airport
- LIR · Liberia Airport
- Approximate transfer
- 20 minutes
- Transportation
- The resort lists transfers at extra cost. Your package may differ.
Your own driver. Possibly a lower price.
A personalized airport pickup could cost less than a taxi or shared shuttle. Compare private transfer prices before you decide.
Check my transfer price (opens in a new tab)We may earn a commission if you book through this link.
Destination essentials & trip planning
North West from Panama Beach Main Entrance, Papagayo Golf and Country Club, 10 Km, Guanacaste Province, Papagayo, 50503, Costa Rica · +506 2672 0000
Costa Rica
- Language
- Spanish (English common in tourist areas)
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón – USD widely accepted
- Power
- 120V, Type A/B plugs (same as the US)
- Driving
- On the right
- Main airport
- Liberia – Daniel Oduber (LIR)
- Flight time
- ~3.5–5.5h from the US (nonstops to Liberia)
Who it suits
Three of the 9 categories we score in the Palmprint file for Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica; the full set is above.
What we'd book around it
Affiliate · commission at no cost to youFlights
Fly into LIR, 20 minutes from the gate; round trips from about $558.
Search fares (opens in a new tab)Insurance
Storms move flights in season, and the cheapest rates are usually non-refundable.
Compare cover (opens in a new tab)Data
An eSIM for the flight and the beach; Wi-Fi is included on the resort but stops at the gate.
Get an eSIM (opens in a new tab)Kayaks & paddleboards is already in the rate. Don't pay for them twice.
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