Stay & Play

Guanacaste Escapes – The Other Costa Rica

by Susan Campbell

Last summer I had the opportunity to take my adult daughter and her boyfriend to Costa Rica. We had decided to take advantage of Westjet’s new direct flights to Liberia to explore two new resorts in the region of Guanacaste. But we soon discovered there’s more than one side to Costa Rica!

It’s not all lush rain forest jungles and canopy bridges as the promotions might have you believe. Those settings are four to six hours away from Liberia! In fact, the region of Guanacaste is much more of a farming community, and their forests are much like ours. They even have our type of animals including cheeky raccoons. But at dusk, the haunting sound of howler monkeys “barking” in the distant hills does afford a fast reality check. And the intriguing soft black volcanic sands cresting teal surf are also a reminder that you’re definitely far from home.

Adult-Only Secrets Papagayo

Our first stay was at the all-inclusive adult-only Secrets -only 20 minutes from Liberia airport on the Papagayo peninsula. It’s a massive multi-level assortment of cottage style bungalows dotted throughout rolling forested hillsides cascading down to the sea. Though they do offer one block of oceanfront rooms more hotel style facing the beach. The scope of property is massive, but getting around is made easier by their complimentary shuttles that run continually day and night. Unless you’re highly energetic and ready to tackle very steep inclines in the hot sun, their drivers will become your new best friends!

Our cottages were right beside the separate spa pool. It was the best of both worlds. Our location afforded us the separate spa beach, which was always gloriously deserted and an ideal spot to unwind by the sea and take in stellar sunsets. And at low tide, we could walk along the water to the main beach to join the fun around the pool bar. Don’t miss the Happy Hour there- they have a crazy talented barkeep doing shooter shows daily. There are also guided snorkel tours, paddle-boarding lessons, cooking lessons, yoga, rum tastings and the like, all included. You can do a lot or do nothing; it’s totally up to you.

Nights are all about great dining in a choice of 3 a la carte restaurants (no reservations required,) or the Market Café buffet that rotates culinary themes. The buffet also stays open all night for snacks, and they also offer 24/7 room service. So quality food and drink around the clock is never, ever an issue! But we especially enjoyed the healthy options at the spa pool restaurant because my daughter is vegan and they had much more to offer her there.

We found Secrets Papagayo to be a lovely laid-back resort and we had a refreshing and enlightening respite there before we moved on to explore more of Costa Rica.

www.secretsresorts.com/papagayo