Beautiful Costa Rica is a haven for all kinds of families. Maybe you’re the adventurous kind, hoping to go zip-lining, embark on a jungle safari, and snorkel your way around the place. Or perhaps you’re all about relaxation and are hoping to spend your time in this wonderful country laying back on the white sand beaches, floating around azure infinity pools, or digging into a new book amid the rainforest. Costa Rica is home to plenty of stunning resorts that tick off all of the above and more, especially if you’re traveling with children. You’ll find gorgeous hotels here with kids’ clubs and impressive excursions to suit children of all ages, plus spas and more adventurous opportunities for adults. Read on for all of the best Costa Rica resorts for families.
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel - Puerto Viejo
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel brings together the best of both worlds: a boutique hotel atmosphere with a level of bespoke care and attention to match, combined with a posh resort’s impressive range of amenities. This family-friendly spot sits in Puerto Viejo and comes packed to the brim with everything needed for adults and kids alike to have a wonderful getaway. Offering a beautiful tropical forest setting, Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel is home to a beach club, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a few different restaurants to keep you satisfied. Adults will fall in love with the Jungle Spa, which offers a range of incredible treatments like facials, body scrubs, body wraps, and massages. Kids will love all of the excursions and things to do available nearby, like sloth sanctuaries, rainforest canopy tours, and even dolphin and turtle-watching trips.
Hacienda AltaGracia - San Jose
Hacienda AltaGracia steps things up a notch when it comes to luxury vacations. This premium resort may not be the most budget-friendly around, but it offers a family adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica that you and your family will treasure forever. Set in San Jose, this luxury resort is best known for its spectacular landscapes and horseback riding opportunities. Adventure lovers will adore this place for its ever-changing list of excursions, which can be tailored to your preferences. The resort itself is also one of the largest around, covering plenty of ground that you’re free to wander throughout your stay. With three swimming pools, there are plenty of spots to soak up the sunshine. There’s also a spa if you’re looking for some unparalleled relaxation while the kids are off having fun.
The Springs Resort & Spa - La Fortuna
The Springs Resort & Spa was designed with families in mind, and it’s one of the most popular resorts in the area for those traveling with kids. This five-star hotel is seriously gorgeous, set on multiple levels that offer stunning views of the Arenal volcano and valley. Rooms here come with more of those impressive views, as well as multiple bed types to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep. And that’s something you’ll definitely appreciate after an action-packed few days here. Opportunities at this hotel include everything from river tubing and horseback tours to rock climbing and abseiling. At the resort itself, spend time working your way through the 28 hot spring pools, the beautifully tranquil spa, and the impressive fitness center. There are several bars and even a sushi restaurant – you’ll never get bored.
Sí Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge - Manuel Antonio
It doesn’t matter what kind of views you enjoy best because Sí Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge has a little of everything. Set just above the jungles of Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park, it looks directly down to the verdant greenery with a backdrop of the ocean just past that. The beach is only a five-minute drive away, while the hotel offers wonderful sunset views over that same ocean. The coolest part? Its seemingly endless array of amenities. Outside you’ll find not just two outdoor pools with waterslides, hot tubs, and a swim-up bar, but also a butterfly garden, a cinema, and a snack bar with live music. Despite its central location, the tranquility of this resort will have you feeling like you’ve vanished into the middle of the jungle. It’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Margaritaville Beach Resort - Playa Flamingo
Head to the one and only Playa Flamingo to check into the majestic Margaritaville Beach Resort, one of Costa Rica’s most amazing eco-lodges. As its name suggests, this resort is perched right against the water’s edge, making it one of the best family-friendly resorts if you’re a fan of a dip in the ocean. This picturesque hotel is a luxurious one, from its bright and spacious bedrooms overlooking the ocean through to its impressive decor and designs throughout. You’ll find three swimming pools throughout Margaritaville Beach Resort, as well as easy access to the golden sands and the lapping ocean waters. Its excellent location makes this resort one of the best for those who like a jam-packed vacation. Try your hand at everything from whitewater rafting and zip-lining adventures through to scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and volcano tours during your stay at this wonderful spot.
La Foresta Nature Resort - Quepos
La Foresta Nature Resort is the sort of place you check into once and spend the next few years desperately wishing you could visit again. This incredible resort sits in the heart of the rainforest with its own zip line taking you from one end to the other. A top resort for families looking to enjoy their vacation together in Costa Rica, this five-star resort certainly offers it all. You don’t have to look far to enjoy the magical views at this hotel because you’ll see them from every room. Expect Costa Rican-style decor with traditional tiled floors and wooden furnishings, as well as specific family-size rooms equipped with all the essentials and more. Swim in the outdoor pool or relax on the spacious terrace. You can also hike through the hotel’s surroundings or take a quick ride by car to the beach, which is only 15 minutes away.
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort - Tamarindo
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort firmly believes in phrases like “bigger is better” and “good things come in threes” or, in their case, in fours. With four restaurants and four bars, you’ll never run out of places to eat and drink while you’re staying here. Perfect for fussy children or more adventurous eaters who love a bit of variety, this four-star resort is a brilliant choice for keeping everyone happy. Overlooking the ocean, the main restaurant here is known for its Costa Rican dishes, steak, and seafood, all of which you can enjoy on its terrace. You’ll probably have a big appetite while staying here, after working your way through the three swimming pools. Adults can also make use of the other facilities, including a casino and a spa.
Dreams Las Mareas - Playa El Jobo
Not only is Dreams Las Mareas set on a beach, but it’s set on its own private beach, which means you’re free to let the kids play in the sand or dip their toes in the water without having to keep quite as close of a watchful eye over them as you would on a public beach. This five-star resort is a haven for relaxation and is perfect for families with teens, as it’s a place where the entire family (all ages) can switch off in paradise for a week or so without any stress or difficulties. With its multiple swimming pools, surrounding tropical gardens, and air-conditioned suites, it promises to keep you comfortable whether you’re looking to jump in the water or pop back to your room for an afternoon nap. Views from the rooms here go all out, overlooking the verdant jungle down below and the ocean just behind.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica - Playa Manzanillo
Okay, so Planet Hollywood Costa Rica may not be the most secret Costa Rica resort around, but it’s definitely one of the most action-packed. A family favorite with vibrant entertainment around every corner, this five-star resort doesn’t hold back when it comes to offering the full package. This luxury spot sits in Guanacaste and is one of the best if you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica that takes care of your every need. If you love dining out, you’ll find seven unique restaurants at this particular Planet Hollywood. Its beachfront location means you’re never far from the water, and the two on-site swimming pools also allow for a quick and easy dip in the pool. This place genuinely takes care of your every need, but if you want to venture out and explore more of Costa Rica, the tour desk is well-equipped to arrange all kinds of exciting excursions.
Los Lagos Hotel Resort & Spa - La Fortuna
Los Lagos Hotel Resort & Spa is something of a hidden secret when it comes to Costa Rica resorts. While it’s officially a three-star hotel, you’ll definitely assume it’s at least a star higher when you’re checking into your spacious room and admiring the stunning views peeking out from every window. This large resort certainly has a lot going for it, like its incredible pool with a backdrop of mountains or its great location next to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. The resort also offers a thermal spa, which means that downtime away from the kids can be spent in a place of pure relaxation. Head to the Las Palmas Restaurant for a taste of local Costa Rican food, as this on-site restaurant features gourmet, tropical dishes mostly made with local produce. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the hotel also offers tours up to the volcano’s best viewpoint.
Villas Sol Beach Resort - Playa Hermosa
Villas Sol Beach Resort is a sprawling all-inclusive resort that takes up an endless amount of space. You’ll check into your beautiful villa and want to reserve some time just to wander around the depth and breadth of the resort, finding your way around and checking out the beautiful surroundings. A great choice for any families with a love for adrenaline and adventure, Villas Sol Beach Resort offers a whole host of on-site water sports for all of the family to enjoy. The villas here were designed specifically with families in mind and they offer a range of amenities to keep everyone comfortable. The hotel’s restaurant is just as versatile, offering themed dinner nights, including Costa Rican, Mexican and Italian. You’ll get to taste the world without ever having to step foot outside of this enormous resort’s grounds.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel - Playa Tamarindo
Looking to try your hand at quad biking, fishing, or horseback riding while you’re in Costa Rica? Look no further than Cala Luna Boutique Hotel. This four-star resort in Guanacaste is tailored equally to adventure lovers as it is to families looking to kick back with a new book by the ocean, ensuring plenty of fun for everyone. Those looking to explore the parks and nature sites of Guanacaste Province without quite as much white-knuckle action can enjoy a jungle boat safari, while family members who really want to breathe deeply can relax in the private pool or in the large pool. Rooms here are just as gorgeous, offering a sophisticated array of cream tones and dark wood furniture, with curtains designed to be thrown back to let the sunshine blaze through each morning. Feeling hungry? You’ll fall in love with the on-site restaurant’s Italian fusion dishes and fresh seafood or sushi.
Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort - Drake Bay
You get the best of both when you check into Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort. As its name suggests, this uniquely positioned Costa Rica beach resort offers days spent lying back on the golden sand or adventures through the rainforest. It ensures lots of fun no matter what you wake up in the mood for. A top spot for families, and particularly those with children of varying ages who might want different styles of entertainment, Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort is a place you’ll long to return to. It’s also an eco-friendly resort, made almost entirely from recycled teak, cypress, and Melina wood. Wander through the rooms and suites to find bright decor, high ceilings, air conditioning, and gorgeous views from terraces or balconies. The beachfront restaurant serves up local seafood, while you’ll also find Costa Rican coffee and cocktails freshly served.
Parador Nature Resort & Spa - Punta Quepos
It’s hard to beat the location of this luxury hotel if you’re looking for good views. Parador Nature Resort & Spa comes surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, meaning you’ll wake up to nothing but the crashing ocean waves and the occasional chirp from a nearby bird. This five-star resort blends its eco-friendly nature with all the luxury amenities you’d expect from such a spot, including its five swimming pools and on-site premium spa. As well as multiple swimming pools, this fancy resort is home to multiple restaurants. Check out La Galeria Restaurant if you’re looking to dig into dinner overlooking the hotel’s stunning gardens, or go to El Quijote or El Galeon to keep you feeling full around lunchtime. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, there’s a free shuttle bus to the beach and plenty of nearby hiking trails.
