Partying at the new Hilton Papagayo

When these folks throw a party, it’s a show stopper! Celebrating the inauguration of Hilton’s new management relationship with the resort at Papagayo, this see-and-be-seen do was a huge deal, not just for the region, but for the entire country of Costa Rica. The President was slated to attend, the secret service had swept the grounds, and the clifftop Presidential Suite was ready, but he had to cancel at the last minute. Still, the Minister of Economy and several of Hilton’s top execs worldwide, as well as the top businessmen and social stars of this Central American country, turned out for the bash that was held poolside.

Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., a late-breaking thunderstorm could have rained on Hilton’s parade, but the incredibly friendly and hard-working hotel staff managed to pack everything up, wait until the rain ended, and put it all back together again in just an hour. I was so impressed watching, not just catering employees, but housekeepers and literally every employee in the place, hauling furniture, sweeping up debris, and drying off every soaked surface to present what turned out to be a mini “festivale”.

The Executive Chef and his staff outdid themselves. Every guest was greeted with a tropical cocktail, and the spread of food from duck wraps to tiny spoons of lobster and avocado salad was both elegant and delicious. The hot table featured a huge roast beef, roast pork, and a triumph of a paella.

The party theme was based on Costa Rica’s seasons. During the dry (gold season), the country looks like a parched, golden map of hills and valleys, but once the rainy (green) season begins in June, everything turns into a verdant green. Staffers were costumed in these two themes and guests were asked to wear green and gold.