Costa Rica has it all, from beautiful beaches and soaring mountains to lush jungles that are filled with wildlife, including four types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, countless lizard species, poison-dart frogs and an astounding variety of exotic birds and butterflies. If you already know you want to go but aren’t sure where to stay, these top resorts are sure to make the ideal spot to lie your head down each night, while allowing you to experience all that this Central American nation has to offer.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Situated in the northwest region of Costa Rica near the Gulf of Papagayo, this resort is considered to be one of the most luxurious resorts in all of Central America. There are ocean views from every one of the lavish rooms (choose from standard rooms, villas and luxury treehouses with plunge pools) that are beautifully decorated with bamboo, wood and stone, along with two gorgeous beaches and an 18-hole golf course. With so much to do right on-site, many guests elect to spend their entire vacation here without ever stepping foot off the property. Adults can take advantage of complimentary classes like salsa dancing and cooking, while the kids can enjoy classes on seashell collecting, bird watching and arts and crafts. There are multiple restaurants, a lively bar, a kids’ club and a teen center.
Key Amenities:
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Rooms, villas and luxury treehouses with plunge pools
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18-hole golf course and two beaches on site
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Complimentary classes for adults and kids
Liberia Guanaste 26Km al Norte del Doit, CR-G, Peninsula Papagayo, 05000, Costa Rica— +506 2696 0000
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
One of the top luxury properties in the region, the JW Marriott boasts attractive hacienda-style architecture with romantic white hammocks, indigenous art, and an intricate system of pools, including a massive free-form infinity pool and a separate children’s pool. It also features a beach for tranquil strolls, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling, along with a world-class spa. Rooms include deep soaking tubs and balconies with views of the garden, pool area or ocean. There are several on-site restaurants and bars, including the Azul Grill with Pacific Ocean views and terrace seating at Nau Lobby Bar.
Key Amenities:
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Free-form infinity pool and separate children’s pool
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Private beach with kayaking and snorkeling
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On-site, world-class spa
Hacienda Pinilla, Provincia de Guanacaste, Guanacaste, 50309, Costa Rica— +506 2681 2000
Secrets Papagayo
Secrets Papagayo is located just 20 minutes from the Liberia Airport, set upon a beachfront on the spectacular Papagayo Peninsula. It features luxurious suites that offer views of either the water or the gardens, along with top-notch amenities designed for an exclusive, intimate and relaxing, adults-only experience. It works under the concept of Unlimited-Luxury, which means that everything is included – and there are no reservations needed for any of its restaurants, while its bars offer up plenty of refreshing tropical beverages too. Secrets also boasts a beauty salon and spa, a gym, entertainment center, gift shop and a wide range of activities both during the day and after dark.
Key Amenities:
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Adults-only and all-inclusive beachfront resort
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Beauty salon and spa, gym and entertainment center
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Luxurious suites with waterfront or garden views
Nayara Springs, La Fortuna de San Carlos
This intimate, adult-only resort Nayara Springs is the top resort in the region with couples seeking solitude and romance. An ultra-exclusive boutique property, it sits on a forest-covered mountain within Arenal Volcano National Park, famous for housing one of the world’s highest concentrations of tropical plants and wildlife. The cluster of luxurious villas is surrounded by lush vegetation, providing the ultimate privacy. The spacious rustic-luxe rooms offer a bevy of complimentary amenities, like free minibar items and even free international calls, along with Bluetooth music players and espresso machines. There is a private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, and the property also features a tapas bar, coffee shop, gourmet Latin bistro and some of the highest-rated restaurants in Arenal and an extensive list of activities to enjoy.
Key Amenities:
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Adults-only, exclusive resort
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Private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs
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Located on forest-covered mountain within Arenal Volcano National Park
de, Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica— +1 888-332-2961
Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula
Set within the remote coastal rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios is the nation’s original luxury eco-lodge. Here, guests come to reconnect with nature, learn about sustainable tourism and enjoy the jaw-dropping surroundings. The lodge is tucked among 1,000 acres of wildlife-filled rainforest, with self-guided nature trails and waterfalls right on the property, and it also offers plenty of luxuries, like the rooms. In fact, all of its bungalows have thatched roofs, huge private decks for gazing at toucans, scarlet macaws and stunning ocean views. An outdoor swimming pool offers stunning ocean vistas, while the highly-rated on-site restaurant serves up sumptuous fare with jungle views.
Key Amenities:
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Original luxury eco-lodge on 1,000 acres of rainforest
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Bungalows with thatched roofs and private decks
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Self-guided nature trails and waterfalls on-site
Puntarenas Province, Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica— +1 800-963-1195
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Just 90 minutes from San Jose International Airport, this unique eco-lodge offers a cloud forest experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. The property offers lots of privacy and comfort in upscale cabins that are incredibly spacious and charming, with lots of wood and local character. The establishment also maintains an organic garden and trout pond, both of which guests have the option to choose their own ingredients from, to later be cooked up by the chef. Eggs and milk come from the lodge farm and the fruit from the orchard. There are also on-site hiking trails that lead to different pretty waterfalls, along with coffee tours, outstanding bird watching and horseback riding opportunities.
Key Amenities:
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Eco-lodge with cloud forest
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On-site trails with waterfalls, coffee tours and birdwatching
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Organic garden and trout pond
Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Hotel Punta Islita is a remote hideaway made up of a collection of luxurious villas and hotel rooms with terraces and hammocks spread across its campus. Offering a high-end beach getaway, it includes its own executive golf course and tennis courts, a canopy tour, and a beach club with an infinity pool. Cooking lessons, sunset cruises and private dinners by candlelight are on the menu too. There are unparalleled ocean views, a beautiful spa, and delicious cuisine at the on-site eatery. Plus, this environmentally friendly property gives back to the local community, making the experience a not-so-guilty pleasure.
Key Amenities:
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Remote location with oceanfront villas and hotel rooms
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Executive golf course and tennis courts
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Beach club with infinity pool and spa
160, Guanacaste Province, Punta Islita, 50201, Costa Rica— +506 2656 3500
Los Altos Beach Resort
Nestled in the lush rainforest with awe-inspiring ocean views, the Los Altos Beach Resort & Spa is a great option for families, offering all of the comforts of home with the addition of exotic adventure. The luxury condos include kitchens, high-end furnishings and balconies that open up to ocean views and are considered the most luxurious in Manuel Antonio. The resort features on-site beach access, an infinity pool with more ocean views, a fitness center, spa and an open-air restaurant that takes advantage of rainforest and ocean vistas. Enjoy relaxing, or stay as busy as you’d like with activities like snorkeling, whitewater rafting, parasailing, zip-lining, jungle hiking and more.
Key Amenities:
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Family-friendly condos with full kitchens and balconies
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On-site beach access and infinity pool
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Activities like snorkeling, rafting, parasailing and ziplining
Andaz Resort, Papagayo Peninsula - Guanacaste
The Andaz Resort is one of Costa Rica’s most popular resorts for couples, including honeymooners. The romantic property sits on a 1,400-acre private peninsula and has the feel of a luxurious jungle treehouse looking as if it was built right into the cliff-side. It’s spread across 28 acres and includes multiple pools, one that’s adults-only, along with complimentary water sports, including snorkeling gear, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Electric bikes are available for free if you want to explore on land. Dining is impressive with four different restaurants to choose from while the spa offers indoor and outdoor treatments. Rooms are spacious and include flat-screen TVs, free non-alcoholic minibars and drawers filled with snacks, his and hers flip-flops, umbrellas, flashlights, and beach bags.
Key Amenities:
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1,400-acre private peninsula
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Multiple pools with an adults-only option
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Complimentary water sports and electric bikes
Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province, Papagayo Peninsula, 50104, Costa Rica— +506 2690 1234
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa - Tambor
Located at the base of the Arenal Volcano in northern Costa Rica, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa takes advantage of natural, warm healing waters with a free shuttle that will bring you to the private rainforest reserve with 18 hot springs with waterfalls and many hidden hot pools ranging in temperatures from 77 to 122 degrees. Those who stay enjoy complimentary access to them all. It’s an ideal place for a spa/wellness retreat with pampering treatments that are enjoyed in bungalows that open to the lush greenery. Rooms showcase views of the rainforest and exotic wildlife like coati, all featuring air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen cable TVs. Suites come with separate showers and whirlpool tubs.
Key Amenities:
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Free access to private 18 hot springs
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Suites with rainforest views and whirlpool tubs
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Spa and wellness treatments in bungalows
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort - Manuel Antonio National Park
The only luxury resort in Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar provides easy access to a wide range of potential adventures on land and sea. A beachfront property, it sits on 11 acres where guests can enjoy both Espadilla and Playitas beaches and watch for wildlife like monkeys and sloths without leaving the grounds. There are two outdoor pools, a spa offering beauty treatments and various massages, and a variety of classes, including yoga, meditation and mindful breathing. There are beachside BBQs hosted frequently while the main restaurant offers a tasty breakfast with fresh-baked pastries, fruit, pancakes and eggs along with impressive lunch and dinner menus featuring fresh locally caught seafood and an excellent selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items. Many different types of rooms are available, some come with partial or full ocean views. All have coffeemakers and a supply of organic coffee, minibars with free snacks, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi.
Key Amenities:
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Located on 11 acres with access to two beaches
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Two outdoor pools and spa with wellness classes
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Beachside BBQs and breakfast offered
Dreams Las Mareas - Guanacaste
Dreams Las Mareas has an all-inclusive plan that covers almost everything. The philosophy of “unlimited luxury” includes friendly staff that will be there to refill your drink before you ask, while the lush grounds are incredibly picturesque with lots of greenery and local wildlife like howler monkeys that are commonly spotted. The property sits along Playa El Jobo, a beach with warm, calm water for swimming along with many hammocks and loungers for relaxation. There’s a full-service spa for taking that up a notch with a decadent treatment, two magnificent pools and a wide range of activity options for cocktail mixing classes to salsa dancing. All rooms come with stocked minibars, including top-shelf liquor, and terraces that include hot tubs overlooking the beach and the ocean.
Key Amenities:
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All-inclusive plan
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Full-service spa and two pools
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Located on beach with warm, calm water for swimming
La Paloma Lodge - Puntarenas
Remote La Paloma Lodge is perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific, offering panoramic ocean views and VIP service. Look forward to sleeping peacefully with a soundtrack of the tree frogs from high in the rainforest canopy and waking up to the calls of the toucans and scarlet macaws that fly just outside your window. After that, you can enjoy a dip in the pool or head down to the beautiful Playa Cocolito beach. A wealth of privately guided activities are available, including nature tours, river kayaking and diving trips. Snorkeling gear and boogie boards are complimentary, and in-room massages are available to soothe any sore muscles. Meals are all-inclusive and served family style, with guests gathering to dine while swapping tales of the day.
Key Amenities:
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Remote hillside lodge with rainforest and beach access
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Private guided nature tours, kayaking and diving trips
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All-inclusive, family-style meals
M8WF+666, Provincia de Puntarenas, Rancho Quemado, Costa Rica— +506 2293 7502
Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Reserva Conchal is a sprawling resort set on 2,400 acres along Playa Conchal Beach. A luxury all-inclusive, food, drinks and many activities are included in the rates. The property has two pools, one for adults only, a supervised kids’ club, an 18-hole championship golf course and multiple dining and drinking options, with everything from a la carte and buffet venues to a lively nightclub. A spa and hair salon are on-site, too, while accommodation is provided in lavish rooms, suites, and villas, including options with split levels with separate living areas and bedrooms. All have flat-screen TVs, iHome radios, kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. Family suites are available with special perks for the younger ones, like small robes, slippers and kid-friendly bath products.
Key Amenities:
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All-inclusive packages with food, drinks and activities
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Supervised kids’ club
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18-hole championship golf course
Playa Conchal Guanacaste, Guanacaste Province, 50308, Costa Rica— +506 2654 3500
Tulemar Resort - Manuel Antonio National Park
Tulemar Resort is less than a 10-minute drive from Manuel Antonio Park, set on a 33-acre property with abundant tropical flora and wildlife. It includes a semi-private stretch of beach that’s ideal for snorkeling and swimming, shared with just two other hotels. There are four infinity pools on-site, along with an open-air restaurant that has a patio for alfresco dining with a view of the ocean and rainforest. A variety of activity and tour options are available, including surfing, zip lining, horseback riding and catamaran tours. Accommodations include one- to four-bedroom bungalows and villas, all of which have kitchens or kitchenettes, multiple living areas and ocean-view balconies.
Key Amenities:
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Semi-private beach ideal for swimming
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Four infinity pools on-site with activities and tours available
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Bungalows and villas with kitchens and oceanview balconies
Tulemar Gardens, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, 60601, Costa Rica— +1 800-518-0831
Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort - Guanacaste
The adults-only Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort is an all-inclusive beachfront property with all sorts of wildlife that roam the grounds, including colorful birds, iguanas, and monkeys. The wide range of activities includes everything from diving and kayaking to eco-adventure tours and bocce ball. There’s a beautiful free-form pool with drink service, and a full-service spa offering a variety of massages, facials, and other treatments that can be enjoyed indoors and out, along with multiple dining and drinking options. After dark, enjoy dancing at the disco before returning to your room, all of which include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and minibars stocked with beers, soft drinks, and water. Most have furnished balconies or terraces with garden or ocean views.
Key Amenities:
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All-inclusive packages
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Free-form pool and beach
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Full-service spa on site
