Curated Hotel: Living 'Pura Vida' at Secrets Papagayo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of ‘Pura Vida’, more eloquent than mere words can express, it’s an attitude of living the essence of pure life.
Getaway to Secrets Papagayo in Costa Rica
Our recent trip to Costa Rica was a travel bucket list item for us as our first trip to Central America. We fell in love with the casual, tropical vibe and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Costa Rica is infused with the attitude of 'Pura Vida', more eloquent than mere words can express, it's an attitude of living the essence of pure life.
Secrets Papagayo is a luxury, all-inclusive beachfront resort on the peninsula of Papagayo. The intimate collection of low, mostly one-story bungalows, are sprinkled throughout the expansive property, infused with tropical beauty. Chauffeured golf carts are available, at the touch of a button, to whisk you to your destination on the property. Ipads in each suite allow for ordering up spa services, room service and more. An in room 'secret cupboard' allows for your meals and drinks to be delivered to your suite, without being disturbed, with 24-hour room service. Once delivered, a light goes on and you know that your meal has arrived.
Stunning natural beauty abounds in Costa Rica.
secrets-papagayo-costa-rica
Evening at Secrets
From morning yoga on the beach, to kayaking, to wildlife hikes, bike tours, wine tasting dinners with live music, private beachside dinners and dance lessons, Secrets has plenty of options to keep you happy. Spotting the monkeys in the trees was one of the highlights for us. Secrets resorts are known for luxurious spa treatments and a couple's massage has become a must do for our getaways. We also made some fun new friends, always a plus of traveling. Dana and Chandler, see you in Aruba!! ;)
As preferred club members we can reserve a private beach cabana, with full service, for the day. We found this to be a wonderful way to spend a relaxing day (or 6) at the beach.
Food and drink options are limitless at Secrets. From healthy options to decadent dishes you can live it up however you like. With all-inclusive gourmet dining, you don't worry about a thing!
That moment, of taking care of a bit of travel business on my laptop, from this "home office". The stuff of my dreams!
A breakfast serenade at Secrets....
We enjoyed every minute of our getaway to Secrets Papagayo. Each time we visit a resort from the AMResorts group - Secrets, Zoetry, Dreams - we are so impressed with the impecable, friendly service. Staff is trained to make our staff seamless and enjoyable. We feel at home, at each resort, from the moment we are greeted with a friendly smile, served a cool towel, a frosty welcome drink and a "Welcome Home".
Costa Rica, infused with the attitude of 'Pura Vida' -- more eloquent than mere words can express -- it's an attitude of living the essence of pure life.
Costa Rica-you are such a natural beauty! We are taking your 'pura vida' attitude home with us!
To book a getaway to Costa Rica contact me:
For more on Unlimited Luxury at Secrets
Thank you to Unlimited Vacations and Secrets for making our stay so unforgettable!
The HOT List: City Guide - Chico, California
The HOT List: City Guides will feature an ‘in the know’ local sharing hot tips on her hometown. Our first HOT List features a longtime Chico resident, and one of my favorite people, Melanie Drakulic.
The HOT List: Chico
I'm excited to introduce a new series on Style*Mind*Chic Life for my Curated Travel brand. The HOT List: City Guides will feature an 'in the know' local sharing hot tips on her hometown. Our first HOT List features a longtime Chico resident, and one of my favorite people, Melanie Drakulic.
City Guide Bio: My name is Melanie Drakulic and I consider myself a local Chicoan. I was born in San Francisco, CA and moved around a bit from state to state until I was in 6th grade when my family moved to Chico. I attended Chico Junior High, Chico High, Butte College, and Chico State University undergraduate school and graduate school. I’ve been a child, a teen, and an adult in Chico and each stage has brought new insight for me about what a special community Chico really is.
How long have you lived in your city? 33 years (minus a few when we lived in Portland, OR)
3 Words to describe your city? Natural, Seasonal, & Homey
Best place to spend the night? Hotel Diamond is a historic building relatively recently restored and is in the heart of downtown Chico. It is walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and shops. There is also a restaurant and bar in the hotel that offers a fun atmosphere and live music.
Favorite spot for brunch? Nash’s Restaurant has always had a terrific brunch with bottomless champagne. The atmosphere is fun and lively for all ages.
(Mike and the kids)
Favorite place to catch a view? Monkey Face in Upper Bidwell park is a short hike that results in views of Horseshoe Lake, Bidwell Park Golf Course, and the surrounding lower parts of Upper Bidwell Park. Also driving down from Paradise, there is a lookout point where you can clearly view the Butte Creek Canyon that is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Favorite place for a date night?Fifth Street Steakhouse is our go to for date night. It’s fun to have a drink at the bar and intermingle with the crowd of various friends we run into also out on dates. Then to be seated in their red leather booth in the dimly lit, warmly decorated dining room makes for a perfect setting to enjoy wine and a delish meal.
Describe your favorite meal in town? The Sicilian Café is a locally owned family restaurant in a unique corner of downtown. It is the kind of place you go to spend the evening, not rush through a meal. You start with antipasti, then soup or salad (they have the best homemade blue cheese dressing), your entrée (my favorite is the Chicken Americano, my husband loves the Veal Parmesan), and of course dessert ~ the homemade tiramisu!
Favorite rooftop or dive bar? Of course, Duffy’s is the town favorite. It’s a locally owned dive bar with an eclectic mix of patrons, cheap drinks, a jukebox, sports on TV, lively talk, and down to earth service. And bonus - The Pub Scouts play their traditional Irish music there three nights a week.
Best spot to workout? Upper and Lower Bidwell Park are the best free and natural places to work out. Exercise options range from hiking, running, swimming, mountain biking, roller blading, golfing, etc. There are miles of trails and creeks to explore and work up a sweat on. If you’re looking for gym action, I go to the old tried and true Chico Sports Club. It’s not fancy, and maybe a bit outdated, but the instructors are the best. They make Zumba, Pump, HIT, Yoga, and Pilates fun and calorie burning!
Favorite places to shop? We shop for food at our local co-op S & S produce and Butcher Shop Meats. They provide mostly local, organic products in a quaint and rustic shop. If we are doing retail shopping, I generally head downtown to any of the local boutiques such as Urban Laundry, For Elyse, or Made In Chico. Chico Sports Ltd. And Fleet Feet are also good for sporting and exercise shops.
Favorite natural beauty spot? I really love Butte Creek along Honey Run Road. There are several spots you can pull over and picnic and play in the water along the road all the way up to Honey Run Covered Bridge.
(Melanie - another natural beauty - enjoying the water)
(Jack and Calina walking on rock walls)
Favorite street to wander? I love to wander around the Chico State Campus for its natural beauty with its many different trees, flowers, and the creek that runs through campus. The buildings are also beautiful with the classic brick buildings to more modern designs toward the newer parts of campus. I also like to meander down the little streets between Chico State and Chico High, like on W. Frances Willard to look at the quaint and unique architecture of the homes along that street.
Hidden Gem in your city? I’d have to again reference Bidwell Park, Lower Park & Upper Park. So much to do and see. From Lower Park trails and playgrounds to Upper Park hikes and swimming at stops like Bear Hole and Salmon Hole. So beautiful and accessible.
HOT List City Style Tips: Chico has four full seasons. Your wardrobe will need things for freezing cold, rain, mid 50’s to 60’s, warm sunny days, and blistering hot over 100 degree days. We are casual chic here. Dare I even say a little Bohemian? Well, at least I am ☺. Nothing too formal is necessary in Chico.
Thanks for sharing your HOT List Chico, Melanie. I've known you for 15 years and I still learned some new tips.
Love it when you dish, girlfriend! ;) xx
You know you want to book!
CURATED TRAVEL: Dream Destination - Bora Bora in French Polynesia
One of the destinations at the top of my travel bucket list is Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The shimmering turquoise waters and sparkling sugar sand beaches speak to a tropical paradise. The Tahitian experience, in over-water luxury bungalows, is the stuff of fantasy.
Destination: Bora Bora
One of the destinations at the top of my travel bucket list is Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The shimmering turquoise waters and sparkling sugar sand beaches speak to a tropical paradise. The Tahitian experience, in overwater luxury bungalows, is the stuff of fantasy.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is located on this pristine island in French Polynesia. Spanning 44 acres of lush landscaping, edged by powdery white sands and a crystalline lagoon with the majesty of Mount Otemanu for iconic backdrop, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort represents the epitome of carefree elegance.
For more on The St. Regis Bora Bora and the 5th-night free sale here.
I'm happy to book this unforgettable getaway for you!
For travel to other amazing destinations, contact me at Curated Travel services.
Which destination is on top of your travel bucket list?
Images: Classic Vacations
An Afternoon in Beguiling Bellagio on Lake Como
One afternoon Scott and I pointed our rented Peugeot northeast, from our villa in Lezzeno, to beautiful Bellagio for the afternoon. Known for grand hotels, elegant villas, voluptuous flower boxes and stunning views from the steep staircases of the city center. Bellagio is beguiling.
One afternoon Scott and I pointed our rented Peugeot northeast, from our villa in Lezzeno, to beautiful Bellagio for the afternoon. Known for grand hotels, elegant villas, voluptuous flower boxes and stunning views from the steep staircases of the city center. Bellagio is beguiling. Lake Como, in the Northern mountains of the Lombardy region, is breathtakingly beautiful with a chameleon microclimate for weather. In my earlier post of our stay in a lakeside villa, I mentioned the quick changes from cool and breezy, to rain showers, to brilliant sunshine within the space of an afternoon. It's all part of daily life at Lake Como and allows for these showy gardens and flower displays. On this afternoon in July, we appreciated the cool temps and brief rain showers as a break from the summer sun. We did stop to buy an umbrella at a nearby boutique which came in handy once we boarded a ferry later in the afternoon.
Bellagio is beguiling
If you are fortunate to find yourself in Bellagio for an afternoon, enjoy lunch at a tasty trattoria, people watch the colorful locals and tourists, climb the stone steps to pastel framed lake views and plot your next destination on Lake Como. It's easy to access other picturesque ports of call from the ferry center, or better yet, a water taxi.
Learn more about Bellagio on Trip Advisor.
To book your unforgettable trip to Lake Como contact me at Curated Travel.
Curated Travel: Tips on Prepping for an International Getaway
I've spent the weekend packing for our first getaway to Central America--Costa Rica--to be exact. I'm expecting a lush, tropical jungle, bold adventures, and a bit of luxury pictured above--and I'm excited. After 11 days home with the flu, I am feeling good as new and ready for a getaway to Secrets Papagayo with my favorite guy. Over the years, I've found that packing requires different strategies for different types of vacations. International travel has a few additional requirements.
I've spent the weekend packing for our first getaway to Central America--Costa Rica--to be exact. I'm expecting a lush, tropical jungle, bold adventures, and a bit of luxury pictured above--and I'm excited. After 11 days home with the flu, I am feeling good as new and ready for a getaway to Secrets Papagayo with my favorite guy. Over the years, I've found that packing requires different strategies for different types of vacations. International travel has a few additional requirements.
Confirm the Details:
We often book a vacation months ahead of time, so two weeks before a planned getaway I recheck all the details - hotel, flights, transportation, as well as one all-important detail, the weather. Checking the weather is always important, whether driving or flying. For this vacation, we were set to fly into Newark, New Jersey, but "Stella", the N'oreaster blizzard is expected on the same day. After hours of researching the best options, Scott worked with United and was able to reroute us through Houston, allowing us to arrive even earlier than expected in Costa Rica.
Prepping Your Documents:
*Passports - Check well ahead of time to be sure your passport is current with at least 6 months remaining valid once you arrive home.
*Photocopy of passports to carry in a different section of your luggage in case they are lost or stolen
*Check Covid Restrictions and Requirements for your destination from the CDC.
*Pack Vaccination record or covid test results
*Trip Details - Use an app to gather all of your information in one place. I like the Tripit app for storing all my trip info - flights, hotels, transportation
House Sitter
*Keys -- home/mailbox (or ask the post office to hold mail)
*Gate code (as needed)
*Local emergency contact info
*Wifi passwords
*Info on using TV/Media/Remotes
*Clean sheets/towels
*Stock kitchen with some yummy essentials
*Download WhatsApp in case you need to text with home from your destination for free
Packing:
*Carry on bag - include swimsuit, coverup (if headed to a beach vacation), beauty essentials like the Nars Mulitple Stick, toothbrush/paste in case your luggage is delayed or lost. Medications as needed. I pack a sleeping mask and a few melatonin tablets to help me sleep on a red-eye flight. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. A wrap or pashmina to double as a scarf or a pillow on the plane. Disinfectant wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, etc.
*Technology: Phone charge booster - I use one from Anker chargers. Adapters for electrical plugs as needed.
*Download music, movies, TV shows, and a splitter for earbuds if you plan to watch with a fellow traveler.
*Healthy snack - I always carry a snack bag of roasted almonds when I travel. Just a small handful will take the edge off hunger for flight delays, etc.
For Your Destination:
Use a language translation app like TripLingo for communicating with the locals on your vacation. This will make your ease of travel much improved and you will likely impress the locals, even make some new friends.
DO take business cards, or, at the very least, plan to share your Facebook profile with travelers and locals you meet along the way. Our travels are often greatly enriched by the friends we make along the journey. With the dawn of Facebook, it is super easy to keep in touch upon your return home. Hello Colleen and Kevin - from the UK - who we met in an Italian Villa in Umbria, Rolando and Rosemary from Zoetry Paraiso and a ceviche cooking class, Brock and Megan, Jenny and Tyler on a sunset sail in Riviera Cancun and so many others.
FINALLY - My best advice is to simply enjoy the adventure that is travel!
Heather
Curated Hotel: A Cozy Wine Country Getaway to the Wydown Hotel in St. Helena
Wydown Hotel has a well-appointed suite including luxury linens, super plush robes, slippers, gourmet coffees and fun touches like free bottles of Izze sparkling clementine. After settling into our rustic luxe suite we opened a bottle of wine and relaxed in the cozy leather chair for two. I spotted a hefty stack of stylish coffee table books on wine country life and knew this would be a cozy way to relax after the rainy drive.
We had just one free night of a long weekend for a getaway and agreed that even one night away was worth it. I booked a Sunday night in St. Helena and, despite the stormy forecast, we were up for a quick getaway to wine country.
Wydown Hotel has a well-appointed suite including luxury linens, super plush robes, slippers, gourmet coffees and fun touches like free bottles of Izze sparkling clementine. After settling into our rustic luxe suite we opened a bottle of wine and relaxed in the cozy leather chair for two. I spotted a hefty stack of stylish coffee table books on wine country life and knew this would be a cozy way to relax after the rainy drive.
For dinner, we chose a new destination for us, Brasswood, north of town on Highway 29 on the border between St. Helena and Calistoga. Many of the staff are from well known Tra Vigne restaurant which recently shuttered its doors. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, including some old favorites like the baked mozzarella from Tra Vigne, the friendly service and a romantic atmosphere on a rainy wine country night.
The next morning, following our continental breakfast en suite, we grabbed a couple of umbrellas from the hotel lobby and walked around downtown St. Helena. This charming town is beautiful in any season. I always enjoy returning to visit since I was fortunate to live in Napa Valley during college. I worked as a nanny for a wine-making family at Pine Ridge and did a year of student teaching right here in St. Helena. I love visiting the old haunts!
sthelena-getaway
sthelena-getaway
As the morning lengthened, the skies opened up and the winds grew blustery. We made the best possible decision for a rainy day in wine country, grab a window seat at a lovely bistro, enjoy a leisurely lunch and watch the world go by!
Market is a delicious dining option on Main Street in St. Helena. The menu is extensive, featuring American Classic comfort cuisine with a seasonal, fresh flavor. The space is lined with stone walls and has a truly authentic, wine country charm. Thanks to Chelsea for the amazing service and thanks to Market for featuring my Instagram shots on their website.
St. Helena Getaway
To Stay: Wydown Hotel
This quick trip was a good reminder that even if you have only a night, booking a getaway can be just the ticket to explore, adventure, connect and enjoy some new tastes of life.
To book your romantic getaway to wine country contact me at Curated Travel.
