PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 3, 2015) — Apple Leisure Group®’s subsidiary, AMResorts®, announced the signing of the company’s third deal in the first quarter of 2015. Secrets® Papagayo Resort & Spa will also be the second property for the company in Costa Rica, following the highly anticipated opening of Dreams® Las Mareas Costa Rica late last year.
"Costa Rica is one of the leading destinations for North American travelers, and the country's sustainable tourism model is drawing attention from those seeking luxury accommodations that still offer a local experience. This presents a great opportunity to develop premium, all-inclusive resorts in the region," said Alex Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group.
AMResorts assumed management of the Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa on Feb. 28, 2015, and will operate the resort under the name Papagayo Resort & Spa until May 2015. The property will close for six months to undergo renovations to bring it to brand standards.
The project includes enhancing the resort’s 202 suites, facilities and amenities to offer AMResorts’ signature Unlimited-Luxury® vacation concept, such as premium accommodations and multiple gourmet à la carte and specialty dining restaurants. Guests will also enjoy 24-hour room and concierge service, pool and beach wait service, world class spa facilities, and unlimited international and domestic beverages and top-shelf spirits.
The resort will re-open as the adults-only Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa on Nov. 11, 2015, making it the 14th property for the award-winning Secrets Resort & Spas brand.
“Following the success of Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, which opened at 90 percent occupancy, we seized the opportunity to introduce our adults-only premium brand, Secrets Resorts & Spas, to complement our offerings in the destination,” said Javier Coll, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Apple Leisure Group. “Our ability to strategically identify desirable markets and efficiently convert existing properties to meet AMResorts’ brand standards also offers significant value to owners seeking to enter the luxury all-inclusive sector.”
Located in the Guanacaste region, Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa will be situated on a secluded beach on the Papagayo Peninsula, only 20 minutes away from Liberia International Airport. The area’s unique topography will allow guests to enjoy spectacular views of Culebra Bay, adding to the resort’s romantic ambiance.
"Guests appreciate the opportunity to vacation in unique destinations, and our growth strategy is focused on entering more places where travelers want to be,” said Gonzalo del Peon, President of AMResorts. “The Papagayo Peninsula is an excellent addition to AMResorts’ generous array of beachfront, tropical locations where guests can experience our Unlimited-Luxury® concept."
About Apple Leisure Group
Philadelphia-based Apple Leisure Group is a leading hospitality company holding a unique niche in the U.S. travel industry. Its vertically integrated business model and robust infrastructure leverages the expertise of six innovative subsidiaries to deliver exceptional value to savvy travelers and strong performance to owners. ALG’s award-winning subsidiaries include: Apple Vacations®, the world’s largest tour operator to Mexico and the Dominican Republic; Travel Impressions®, a prominent U.S. wholesaler possessing an extensive global portfolio; CheapCaribbean.com®, a popular online travel agency specializing in luxury vacation packages and resort accommodations in Mexico and the Caribbean; AMResorts, provider of marketing and brand management services to six luxury resort brands; Amstar DMC®, a destination management company offering premium airport transfers, tours and excursions; and Unlimited Vacation Club®, an elite benefits program for discerning travelers who expect the best in a vacation experience. For more information on Apple Leisure Group, visit www.appleleisuregroup.com.