“Pura Vida.” It’s a common phrase you’ll hear throughout Costa Rica, and after Sutton Planning’s recent site visit to Secrets Papagayo, our Program Manager Wendy Hodge quickly understood why. This adults-only resort is tucked into the cliffs and rainforest of the Papagayo Peninsula, and the combination of its luxury accommodations and warm Costa Rican hospitality is what makes the atmosphere feel both secluded yet inviting.
Preparing for an upcoming incentive program this year, Wendy joined industry and travel partners onsite to experience the resort firsthand, as site visits allow us to evaluate destinations through the eyes of our guests to ensure every recommendation is backed by real experience. Her first impressions were of a resort beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, with expansive ocean views, plenty of space for privacy, and a level of hospitality that immediately made guests feel welcome.
Secrets Papagayo Amenities
One of the standout features of Secrets Papagayo‘s amenities is is its relaxed and all-inclusive atmosphere. Guests can enjoy multiple restaurants and bars throughout the resort, such as the Barracuda Beach and Pool Bar or Seaside Grill with fresh seafood, without the need for reservations for a seamless dining experience. Market Cafe quickly became a favorite due to its offerings of a generous breakfast buffet with both Costa Rican specialties and American classics. Another standout favorite was the Coco Cafe, which served as a perfect stop for coffee and pastries between resort and seaside activities.
The resort’s layout is especially inviting for those who prioritize relaxation along with socialization. The Main Pool provides a lively gathering space with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, while the spa pool offers a quieter and more secluded setting away from the resorts larger crowds. Guests looking for an elevated experience can also take advantage of Secrets’ Preferred Club, which includes upgraded accommodations, personalized concierge service, exclusive dining access, and a private lounge.
Excursions Beyond the Resort
While Secrets Papagayo offers plenty to enjoy on the resort, the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s oceans and rainforests elevates the experience for incentive travelers. A highlight during this site visit was a catamaran sail through Amstar DMC, with the afternoon including coastal sightseeing and swimming paired with a lively onboard atmosphere. Even with an afternoon rain shower becoming a part of the experience, guests were invited to fish from the sides of the boat, reeling in two large mahi-mahi!
Experiences like these showcase why Costa Rica has become a leading destination for what is often called “soft adventure travel,” which combines active and engaging experiences with a lower level of risk and physical demand for travelers who want to immerse themselves in a destination without needing specialized skills or extensive preparation. Costa Rica is particularly well suited for this style of travel because it offers opportunities to zipline through the rainforest canopy, hike to waterfalls, explore volcanoes and hot springs, take wildlife cruises, snorkel along the coast, and visit local coffee and chocolate farms. These experiences give incentive guests the chance to step outside their comfort zone while remaining accessible to a wide range of interests and ages.
Want to learn more about soft adventure travel in Costa Rica? Check out Alabama World Travel’s latest blog for more!
Costa Rica for Incentive Travel
For those seeking to plan their next trip in a meaningful incentive travel destination, Costa Rica can offer both the luxury of first-class resorts along with authentic cultural experiences, as well as opportunities for soft adventure travel to allow travelers to experience the destination in a more approachable way. The country’s most popular activities, including ziplining, waterfall hikes, ATVs, wildlife encounters, and volcano tours, let travelers engage with the destination regardless of their preferred activity level, making them ideal for incentive groups with diverse interests. But more importantly, destinations like Costa Rica with these wide arrays of excursions help to increase engagement and motivation, with the exceptional hospitality and unforgettable excursions and amenities delivering the kind of reward that employees continue talking about once they return home to drive participation and ROI for future programs.
As we prepare to welcome guests to Costa Rica this December, Wendy’s firsthand experience at Secrets Papagayo has reinforced why it remains one of the country’s top destinations for luxury incentive travel and corporate retreats in Costa Rica. If you are ready to explore the Papagayo region for your next incentive travel program, contact our Sales & Marketing Advisor, Taylor, to start designing an experience that delivers lasting results.
Pura Vida!