Relive the Moment Contest!

We would like to congratulate the winners and all participants who submitted pictures for our "Relive the Moment" contest. We asked all couples who got married at our property, to post their favorite picture taken on their special day. Sheli & Marc Plenge who got married on our Spa Beach on September 10, 2011, will be enjoying our Junior Suite w/ plunge pool during their complimentary 4 day, 3 night stay at our property for their anniversary in 2013!

Please check out our facebook page for our 2nd and 3rd place winners: facebook.com/hiltonpapagayo

Location, location, location!

It is true that wedding details are important, but one detail that many tend to forget is… What’s next? Do we stay at the hotel after the wedding? Is there anything else to do outside of the resort? What about your guests – will they have the chance to have a vacation as well as attend our wedding? Sure… your family and friends come down to celebrate with you during your special day, but will that be the only highlight of their (and your!) trip? Yep…that’s a lot of questions… but don’t worry, Pura Vida, that’s why im here for.

Of course I can talk to you about our little slice of paradise we like to call Hilton Papagayo (the best resort out there by the way!), but instead, let me talk to you about what's around us. One thing is for sure, whatever time of year you come, take out your cameras, because Costa Rica is definitely Facebook worthy!

Between December and April, it is very rare for even a drop rain to fall in the area; therefore it’s commonly called the Gold Season. The rain starts creeping back in at the beginning of May, up to mid November, which is considered the Green Season. I have never seen a place that rain (yes, that weather that normally makes you want to stay in all day) brings smiles to everyone’s faces; this is because the area turns into a place that even locals feel that they have seen for the very first time. Lush and green, this incredible scenery is everything that you dreamed that Costa Rica would be.  These short afternoon showers, in no way stop guests from hitting the zip lines, white water rafting trips, atv tours, and even mud baths!  The Gold Season starts at the beginning of November, which is also great for many outdoor activities…like tanning of course! There is never a month that I would tell you “DON’T COME!” Rain or shine, Costa Rica looks beautiful, and I have no doubt that is magical place will surely surprise you.

Amazing highlights of the country can be experienced on tours such as white water rafting in Rio Tenorio, swimming in the majestic Rio Celeste, Cortes Waterfalls , Palo Verde National Park, Volcano Rincon de La Vieja, and Zip Lining at Congo Trail, are just some of the nearby activities that you can also enjoy. Reservations can easily be done on property, so don’t worry, PURA VIDA, everything is right here for you.

And if you prefer to venture out, rent a car with GPS (we have Alamo on site). Costa Rica is quite safe. I’m not saying to go dress like Mr. T. from the ATeam, rent a Benz and sick out your arm out the window with the next iPhone, but once you avoid actions such as these, you will get the opportunity to enjoy yourself. Remember, as the Ticos say…. Pura Vida.

Close to Hilton Papagayo (7 min), you can find a beach town called Playa Hermosa, where you can hang with the locals, enjoy local dishes such as a Cevichito or Arroz con Camarones. I won’t translate, I will let you Google that!  

You can also visit Playa del Coco (10 min) from the hotel, where you can find great nightlife. It’s a fun little beach town with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

You can explore Liberia, 25 minutes from the hotel. This is quite a large town (or small city) which is commonly called the heart of Guanacaste. Catholic Churches, Parks, Restaurants, Movie theaters, Universities, among others are found in this area...and for those who are not as adventurous; there are also fast food options, so you can get your McDonalds fix as well…

Why not take a 1 hour drive to the beautiful beaches of Tamarindo, famous for surfers, fun bars, large variety of restaurants and amazing sunsets.

These are just some suggestions, and believe me, there are many MORE.  So EXPLORE and see what’s in STORE, tell your significant other “don’t be a CHORE”, and do something you have never done BEFORE! 

As you can see, Costa Rica is a lovely destination that satisfies all tastes for you, your significant other, and your guests. Once you arrive, it a place that you will  be talking about for years to come…

The dreaded "B" word......Budget!

Every woman dreams with her wedding day, with that dress that makes her look like a princess, with the perfect place to say I do, and especially to find that special person with spend the rest of her life.

However, these dreams may be affected by one small detail: The budget.

There are so many things to organize, and most of the time you don´t know where to start, but a very important point is to know how much money you are going to set apart to organize the wedding of your dreams, without having to empty your pockets.

Here I’m going to give you some advice in making your wedding a great experience, without wondering if there will be any left for the honeymoon!

·         First step is to talk with your groom about the details that you think are most important for your wedding

·         Set the budget. This is the most important step because the other details are going to depend of it.

·         Decide the style of wedding you would like.

·         The wedding has a lot of details, like the invitations, "memories" for guests, etc. Try to save costs by making them by yourselves, its fun, involve family and friends, and you could take that money for something else (like those great flip flops you always wanted to wear under your wedding dress)!.

·         Celebrate the ceremony, reception and honeymoon in one place, which will save you much money. Obviously...Hilton Papagayo is a great option.

The place where you will be having the big day is very important… Only imagine yourself, at the seashore, with a cooling breeze, while all of your guests are amazed at such a breathtaking backdrop of a sunset, that creates a silhouette of a match made in heaven. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Like if we were talking about a scene out of The Notebook!? In Hilton Papagayo is possible, and you could be the stars!

We know that one’s budget is key, which at times to minimize the options that you always wanted, but it is also true that your wedding is YOUR WEDDING, and it may be something you have been dreaming every so long! So we have very attractive options that you should check out…

We want your wedding to be better than you ever dreamed, and that’s why we are open to see how we can provide options that fit into your budget.. this is what we refer to customizing your wedding to fit your budget.

Therefore never be afraid of the "B" word... we are here for you!

One image is worth a thousand words...

Nothing... Just take a look!