Emily & Derek
August 11, 2023
Secrets Papagayo - Costa Rica

The Trip
We can't wait to see you!
August 9 to August 13
Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Ceremony
August 11, 2023
Main Beach Garden
11:00

The Party
August 11, 2023
TBD
TBD
About Emily and Derek
Derek and Emily first met during a boxing bootcamp class at a corporate fitness center. Emily was an intern at the fitness center who co-taught the class, while Derek would attend to get his sweat on during his lunch breaks. There wasn’t much dialogue exchanged between swift punches and upbeat coaching, but their brief interactions were always friendly.
Fast forward two years to the spring of 2020 when COVID-19 was ravaging the globe: social media held new importance as this was the only form of connection most of us had during this time. Derek and Emily both happened to download Tinder on the same day, and within hours their profiles were matched! Elated to see a familiar face, they met up later that week for a hike as their first date, and the rest is history.
The Big Day!
Tentative schedule for the week of the wedding:
Remember that the arrival and departure dates are suggestions; you can stay as little or as long as you’d like!
Wednesday, August 9 - Arrival day!
- Santos and Evans families arrive at at Liberia airport
- ILT Costa Rica transport to Secrets Papagayo
- Settle in, unpack & explore the resort grounds - free time
- 6:30 PM Meet-and-Greet Dinner
Thursday, August 10
- Potential excursion day or rest day - free time all day
- 7:30 PM Group Cocktail Hour at Sugar Reef Bar
Friday, August 11 - THE BIG DAY!
- Morning - free time
- Afternoon - wedding ceremony prep
- 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM Wedding Ceremony
- 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Sunset family photo session
- 6:00 PM Dinner with cake at Portofino’s
- Optional cocktails and dancing to follow
Saturday, August 12
- Potential excursion day or rest day - free time all day
Sunday, August 13 - Travel Day
- 9:00 AM Group breakfast prior to departures
- Evans family departs to Liberia airport via ILT Costa Rica transport
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Santos family departs from Secrets Papagayo for San Jose via ILT Costa Rica transport
How it works
Even if you’re not 100% sure that you can make the trip and you just want to get more info, please fill out the R.S.V. P. form. This will give us all the information we need to give you an accurate rate.
Reserve your room in 2 easy steps!
1. Complete the RSVP form. You can compare rooms and rates from within the RSVP form.
2. Submit your deposit. Once you’ve completed the RSVP form, you will automatically be directed to the page to submit your deposit. Please remember that pricing and availability are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made. If you wish to make occasional or monthly payments, please use the same link.
Room deposit: $200.00 per person.
Important Dates:
RSVP Deadline: December 7, 2022
Deposit Deadline: January 4, 2023
Final Payment: June 21, 2023
Please note! submitting an RSVP form does not guarantee your room. You must place a deposit on a room to hold your room & rate.
You can find the answer to the most frequently asked questions here!
Gmail users frequently find our emails in their spam folders. Please be sure to whitelist Bliss Honeymoons so you don’t miss any important details about the trip.
Secrets Papagayo - Costa Rica
SECRETS PAPAGAYO
RESORT QUICK FACTS
Set in the exclusive Gulf of Papagayo and close to the main Guanacaste Natural attractions
• Privileged and secure location only 20 minutes south of Liberia International Airport
• Intimate, romantic resort surrounded by two rocky hills with access to two stunning beaches
• Unique bungalow-style suites tucked away in the hills, offering intimacy and beautiful ocean views
• Lovely spa featuring an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, indoor treatment suites and outdoor massage palapas
• Stunning wedding ceremony and reception locations, as well as romantic nooks, located throughout the property
• Only 30 minutes from downtown Liberia with close proximity to Marina Papagayo & Playas El Coco with shopping
and entertainment
• Offering an array of nature-oriented activities including canopy tours, hiking, horseback riding and more
• Wildlife including tropical birds and monkeys can be spotted at the resort
• Unlimited Connectivity app with free Wi-Fi, international calling and more
Set in the exuberant Arenilla beach, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica will offer adults a stunning Unlimited-Luxury® getaway in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Papagayo. The secure community around Secrets Papagayo provides striking views of native flora and fauna and miles of unspoiled Pacific Coast beach. This resort boasts 202 spacious non-smoking guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace as well as a superb Unlimited-Luxury® experience starting with 24-hour room service, a daily refreshed mini-bar and more. The Preferred Club will provide an enhanced level of luxury with 65 ocean view suites and additional privileges including access to a private lounge, upgraded bath amenities and mini-bar, concierge service, pillow menu and much more.
Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail and cool towel, limitless gourmet cuisine, without reservations, at six restaurants and one café in addition to five bars that will serve unlimited top-shelf spirits. 24-hour dining options allow guests to enjoy late night bites at CoCo Café. Or stay in and order room service. It’s all available at any hour day or night. Days and nights are filled with land, beach and water activities and live entertainment. Two pools and a pristine beach await. Rejuvenation reigns supreme at the Secrets Spa by Pevonia®, offering massage, body and facial treatments in 13 treatment rooms and a full-service beauty salon. Follow up this rejuvenation at the fully equipped fitness center or by taking part in one of many daily and nighttime activities.
Just 20 minutes from the Liberia Airport and a mere 15 minutes from the touristic town of Coco Beach, Secrets Papagayo offers guests a privileged location both within the resort and throughout the area for an ideal Unlimited-Luxury® getaway on the Pacific Coast.
Resort Inclusions
- Accommodations as selected
- Welcome glass of Sparkling wine and a refreshing towel
- Wireless Internet available
- Valet parking service
- Hospitality Desk
- 6 swimming pools, one of them is a natural salt-water pool
- Personal Concierge Service from 8 am to 5 pm
- Unlimited free National and International Calls.
- Safe deposit box at the room
- All Gourmet meals and specialty bites
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from a selection of domestic and international premium brands
- Minibar with beer, water, and soft drinks stocked once a day
- 24-hour room service. Restrictions apply on rainy days
- Daily and nightly activity programs with live music and shows
- Green House Tour
- Cooking classes, Dancing lessons & Spanish lessons
- Archery, Rifle shooting, and Ping Pong
- Towel decorations
- Guided bicycle tour
- 1 hard surface lighted tennis court. Rackets and balls are provided free of charge. Restrictions apply to be used at night
- Fitness center, Sauna, and Steam Room
- Yoga Sessions, Cross Fit, Functional Training, and TRX sessions
- Aqua Gym and Water polo
- Non-motorized water sports: kayak and snorkeling gear
- Scuba clinics in the pool
- Water Volleyball and Beach Volleyball
Room options
The following rooms are included in the room block. You will find the rates in the following section. Don’t see a room you are interested in booking? Let me know!
Keep in mind
“Oceanview” vs. “Oceanfront”: An Oceanfront room category will have a straight-on view of the ocean. An “Oceanview” room will have a view of the ocean, but it is very unlikely that it will be a straight-on view of the ocean.
Certain rooms have "Preferred Club" in the name. Scroll down to see the details of these upgraded amenities.
The rooms!
Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean View: offers stunning ocean views, one king or two double-size beds, a 48” TV, and a private balcony or terrace. Includes Preferred Club Amenities. 452 square feet.
- Bedding: King bed or Two Doubles.
- Maximum occupancy: 2 adults
Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean Front: the Preferred Club Bungalows Ocean Front are located at some of the most convenient and attractive locations on the property; it also features one king-size bed, a 48” television, a private balcony, or a terrace.
- Bedding: King bed.
- Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.
Preferred Club Junior Suite Plunge Pool: 592 square feet. Offers gorgeous ocean views, convenient living room space, a 48” TV, bedroom with a king-size bed, and a private terrace with a table, chairs, two recliners, and a plunge pool located on the terrace overlooking Papagayo Bay.
- Bedding: King bed.
- Maximum occupancy: 2 adults.
ALL SUITES OFFER THE FOLLOWING AMENITIES:
- King-size bed or two double beds (bedding can be requested but not guaranteed)
- Private, furnished patio or balcony
- 24/7 room service with Secret Box for easy delivery and clean-up.
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Hair dryer
- Twice-daily maid service
- 48" Smart TV
- Air-conditioning with in-room climate control
- Direct-dial telephone
- Daily refreshed mini-bar with beer, soft drinks, and bottled water
- Electronic in-room safe
- Coffee and tea maker
- Iron or steam iron
- All rooms and suites are nonsmoking
ROOMS LABELED “PREFERRED CLUB” WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING UPGRADED AMENITIES
- Personalized check-in and checkout with concierge service
- Preferred status and amenities
• Private Preferred Club Lounge
• Upgraded mini-bar service and bath amenities
• Daily continental breakfast service, afternoon hot and cold hours d’oeuvres, exquisite desserts & fine liquors served in the Preferred Club Lounge
• Complimentary computer access in the Preferred Club Lounge
• Complimentary newspaper in room every day (available in English and Spanis
Rates
Double Occupancy Rates
Rates are per person, based on two or three people sharing a room.
Rates include hotel and non-stop airport transfers. Airfare and travel insurance are additional.
Rates listed below are per person, based on double occupancy.
Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean View 4 nights $1140.00. Additional nights are $285.00 each per person.
Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean Front View 4 nights: $1300.00. Additional nights are $325.00 each per person,
Preferred Club Junior Suite Plunge Pool 4 nights $1580.00. Additional nights are $395 each per person.
Single Occupancy Rates
Rates are based on only one person being in a room by themselves. Rates include hotel and non-stop airport transfers. Airfare and travel insurance are additional.
PLEASE NOTE: If you initially book a room alone, it will be at this single-occupancy rate. If, at any point before final payment, you add someone to your room, your rate will automatically change to the double-occupancy rate above.
Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean View: $440 per night
Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Ocean Front View: $495 per night
Preferred Club Jr Suite Plunge Pool: $755 per night
If you are viewing this on a cell phone, please double-check that you are looking at the correct rates (double occupancy vs. single occupancy).
Please note that there is a 3-night minimum.
RSVP Form
Please click here to submit the RSVP form.
Can’t make it? We’ll miss you! You can decline and be removed from the email list via the RSVP form.
Are you booking your flights independently? Please submit your flight info here.
Gmail users frequently find our emails in their spam folders. Please whitelist Bliss Honeymoons, so you don’t miss any important details about the trip.
Flight info
At Bliss Honeymoons we have access to both the same published fares that you see online, as well as contracted rates.
Unless you have points that allow you to fly for free, there is really no benefit to booking your own airfare.
If you book your air independently, your flights will not be covered under the cancel for any reason protection. So you would have to purchase a second policy to cover your air. If you really want to book your own flights, you are free to do so. But we do not mark up the cost of the flights and are able to save you a little bit of money by including it in the package.
If you wish to fly with Southwest or Spirit you must book directly through the airline.
Parties booking their flights independently are responsible for ensuring their flights match their hotel check-in and check-out dates. To ensure your transfers, please click here to send your flight confirmation to us no less than 45 days before departure here.
Baggage Fees: Baggage fees are not included and must be paid directly to the airline. Please refer to the airline’s website for charges. If you have a TSA precheck number or frequent flyer number, you will add it to your reservation directly through the airline’s website.
Please note! It’s not uncommon for your first and middle name to appear as one long name on the airline’s website. If this happens, don’t panic! Just check in as you normally would.
Have more flight questions? Check out our FAQs here.
Airport Transfers
Round-trip transportation from the airport is included in the package. Once you have cleared customs and collected your bags, please proceed outside to the shuttle area. Please do not stop inside the terminal and accept assistance from another party. The parties inside the airport are timeshare salespeople.
Your transfers are shared, non-stop transfers. If you prefer private transfers, they are available for $160.00 round trip.
Once you have exited the terminal, look for the AMStar Rep. They will be wearing a blue shirt, tan pants and holding a sign for AMStar.
You can find answers to most of your transfer questions here!
Travel Insurance and cancellation policy
If you’re attending a destination wedding, chances are you’re booking several months in advance. While we’re sure you have every intention of making the trip, life can be unpredictable. The months between the deposit and your anticipated travel date could bring a job change, illness, or other circumstances preventing you from traveling. Purchasing travel insurance is a smart investment that will protect you from financial loss.
And because most medical insurance policies do not offer coverage outside the United States, we do not recommend traveling without insurance. Our trip insurance covers trip delays, trip cancellations, some medical coverage, lost luggage, and more. Our insurance allows you to cancel for any covered reason and receive a full refund, even on non-refundable published airfare. Uncovered reasons are covered up to 75%. Review the policy for more details here.
If you book your air independently, we do offer a policy that will cover both your land and air. Please ask us for more info.
Insurance is just $149.00 per person and $79.00 per person for children under 12.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY*
The cost of the trip is not refundable. We urge you to purchase trip insurance to protect you from financial loss.
Please note! Once final payment has been made, no refunds are issued for a reduction in the number of nights, room category, or the number of people in your party. If you have trip insurance, we can file a claim for any reductions. This may incur a change fee.
Penalties apply to all bookings. However, if you have travel insurance, you can recoup these losses by filing a claim with travel insurance.
Please note! The cost of insurance is not refundable for any reason.
Still, think you don't need insurance? Here are 14 reasons why you do!
COVID FAQ
We understand that there’s a lot of uncertainty about travel right now.
Please note that these are the policies that are in place as of May 2, 2022. These rules could change between now and your departure date. Any updates will be posted here.
Q. Is a COVID test required to enter Costa Rica?
A. At this time, there is no test required. You do not have to take a COVID test or complete a health form to enter Costa Rica.
Q. What happens if there is a travel ban?
A. In case of a travel ban, we would move the wedding date. We will make every effort to ensure that everyone in the group can keep the same room and number of nights at the current group rate.
Q. Does the travel insurance cover us if we decide to cancel due to fear of COVID?
A. Our travel insurance is a ” cancel for any reason” policy. Covered reasons are covered at 100%. Uncovered reasons are covered at 75%. Canceling due to fear of COVID is no different than canceling for fear of spiders and falls under the provision of the uncovered reasons. There is a link to the policy in the insurance section of the wedding site. Please review the policy for covered and uncovered reasons.
Q. If there is a travel ban, aren’t the hotels and airlines required to give us a full refund?
No, they are not required to offer a refund for anything that falls under force majeure, such as government shutdowns, war, pandemics, or acts of God. We strongly encourage you to purchase trip insurance to protect yourself from financial loss.
Emily and Derek's Registry
We feel so fortunate for this wedding experience and that our family and friends from all over are joining us in celebrating our big day. This is truly the best wedding gift we could ask for! However, many of our guests have expressed that they enjoy the tradition of gift-giving, and we are very appreciative of this sentiment. You can find our registry here.
Fun Things To Do In Costa Rica
We offer a lot of great excursions in this destination! We recommend that you pre-book your excursions. By booking your excursions in advance, you won’t have to worry about exchange rates, getting closed out of something you really want to do, or getting stuck in a timeshare presentation when you thought you were going zip-lining! Most of our excursions include transportation.
Click here to explore and book excursions. If you need assistance, please let us know!
FAQ's
Q. Why should we book our travel with Bliss Honeymoons?
A. Great question! By booking with Bliss Honeymoons your travel arrangements will be handled by an experienced agent who not only understands all the details of your travel arrangements but has been to this resort and/or destination. Booking with Bliss Honeymoons also means:
- You’ll get to take advantage of the great group rate
- You will receive all the benefits of the group amenity package
- You won’t have to worry about getting bumped to a different resort
- We will manage all the flight schedule changes
- We’ll be available to assist you both before and during your trip
- You’ll get better trip insurance than what is available from an online site.
- You get to support a local business
- You won’t pay more than booking with an online site
Have questions about flights, rooms, rates, and more? Check out the frequently asked questions here!
Please contact us with any questions! We’re looking forward to working with you!
Contact Us
For faster service, please complete the RSVP form before contacting us with questions.
If you need to make a change to your RSVP or reservation, please send an email.
You can find the answers to many frequently asked questions here.
Email address: Melinda@blisshoneymoons.com
Assistant: Kristy@blisshoneymoons.com
Phone: 614-204-8181
The best time to reach us is between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM Eastern, Monday thru Friday.
We make every effort to provide a same-day response during normal business hours.
Please only utilize text messages in the event of an emergency.
Gmail users frequently find our emails in their spam folders. Please whitelist Bliss Honeymoons so you don’t miss any important details about the trip.
We Can’t Wait To See You!
Please let us know if you will be able to make it.

The Resort Gallery

Contact information
For faster service, please complete the RSVP form before contacting us with questions.For faster service, please complete the RSVP form before contacting us with questions.
You can find the answers to many frequently asked questions here.
Agent: Laura Frazier
Agent: Melinda Shade
Phone: 614-204-8181
The best time to reach us is between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM Eastern, Monday thru Friday.
We make every effort to provide a same-day response during normal business hours.
Please only utilize text messages in the event of an emergency.