The 12 Best Costa Rica Resorts for Every Traveler

The Hotel Riu Palace, Costa Rica, is located on the edge of Matapalo Beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. As a guest at one of the best all-inclusive resorts, you'll enjoy unlimited access to its various restaurants, bars, and swimming pools. All 538 rooms feature convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service, and a complimentary mini-bar.

Start your trip off with a wellness treatment at the Renova Spa before unwinding at the swim-up bar or private beachfront. Leave free time in your itinerary for an unforgettable visit to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park or an evening in Guancaste's largest city, Liberia.

If it's your first time visiting Costa Rica, book a stay at The Westin Golf Resort and Spa at Playa Conchal. Tucked between lush forests and revitalizing Pacific Ocean waters, it's the ultimate all-inclusive golf resort— complete with luxurious accommodations, nightly entertainment, unlimited food and drinks, and 24-hour room service.

Golfers can enjoy the thrill of beachfront golfing on a par 71 championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Once you've finished practicing your swing, head to the Heavenly Spa by Westin for an invigorating massage. Foodies will love the resort's world-class restaurants, with fine dining experiences ranging from Mexican classics to Asian fusion, Continential buffets, and Northern Italian fare. The Westin Family Kids Club ensures younger guests have a great stay too.

Unlike some tropical destinations, Costa Rica is relatively easy to visit on a budget— especially when you book a stay at the all-inclusive Fiesta Resort. The family-friendly beachfront resort offers endless food and drinks, complimentary services, and tons of money-saving deals when you book strategically. It's perfect for families, couples, and groups of all kinds.

Plus, The Fiesta Resort is supported by The Blue Flag Program and the Sustainable Tourism Certification, so you can truly feel good about your stay. Soak up the sun alongside one of five swimming pools, relax at the Heliconia Spa, or get your heart racing with on-site water sports equipment rentals. Guests of all ages will love spending an afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or taking photos at the dark volcanic rock beach.

Head to the coveted Nayara Springs Resort in Arenal Volcano National Park for the ultimate escape. Its leisurely, adults-only environment allows you to relax truly, recharge, and reconnect through the energizing power of nature. The sustainable resort was recently recognized as one of the world's top two luxury resorts by Travel & Leisure, the world's best hotel spa by Conde Nast Traveller, and the number one luxury resort worldwide by TripAdvisor.

Start each morning with an instructor-led yoga class or a stroll through the property's lush gardens. Spend the day unwinding by the pool, zip-lining through the forest, or making friends with resident sloths on the Perezoso trail. The resort's delicious dining options use locally and seasonally available products to create authentic local and global cuisine. After dark, join a naturalist guide on a unique frog-watching tour around the property.

Experience "Pura Vida" at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula. Its secluded location, superior service, and luxurious accommodations make it the perfect place for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or romantic escape. The friendly staff is more than happy to help couples book romantic dates, like a private dining experience in the chef's personal herb garden, a side-by-side couple's massage, or an interactive mixology class.

The resort offers all the world-class services and amenities you've come to expect from the Four Seasons hotel brand: childcare, personal trainers, 24-hour room service, housekeeping, and more. The resort grounds are ideal for those with an active lifestyle and are home to five pro-level tennis courts, four outdoor pools, two beaches, and an extensive fitness center. Golf Digest ranked its Arnold Palmer-designed golf course among the "Top 100 Courses Outside the US."

The Böena Wilderness Lodges are an exclusive collection of four Costa Rican eco-resorts located in some of the most beautiful destinations around the island. Each offers an authentic adventure for those looking to soak in the natural beauty of Costa Rica and preserve its beauty for generations to come. Böena goes above and beyond other eco-resorts to support local food producers and protect more than 1,977 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical forest.

The four unique sites are more than just luxury lodges; they're a tranquil paradise that awakens the senses and heals the body and soul. Stay in the spectacular cloud forests of Monteverde, the enchanting Corcovado National Park, the scenic Pacuare river, or the sea turtle nesting grounds at Tortuguero National Park. Each location is worth a trip of its own.

The Springs Resort and Spa has everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation. It's hosted reality shows like The Bachelor and Keeping Up with the Kardashians and has been recognized as a five-star property by CNN Travel.

The 165-acre property includes a Club Rio Adventure Center with river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, hot springs, and an adorable animal sanctuary. Plus, it offers child care services so you can enjoy relaxation time at the pool, the fourteen thousand square foot Sanctuary Spa, or a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Let the family fun begin!

If you're visiting Costa Rica to soak up the spectacular scenery, book a stay at the GAIA Hotel and Nature Reserve. Located along Manuel Antonio Beach, it seamlessly blends modern amenities with the beauty of the surrounding coastal forests. The resort's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation ensure future generations can enjoy the unique landscape too.

GAIA's idyllic location makes it the ideal place for a relaxing getaway. Unwind in an aromatherapy steam room or Finnish sauna at the Terra Spa, spend the day poolside, or schedule a private yoga class on your balcony or rooftop terrace with one of the certified instructors on staff. Then, enjoy healthy, local cuisine at the La Luna Restaurant and cocktails with a 360-degree sunset view from the hotel's brand-new SkyLounge.

The Arenas Del Mar Costa Rica Resort is the only luxury resort in Manual Antonio, with 11 acres of high-end accommodations and amenities right on the beach. It was recently featured in Travel + Leisure, Beyond Green, and Conde Nast Traveler. With pristine blue waters, delicious dining options, and the National Park at your fingertips, you'll never want to head home!

The resort's five-star beachfront suites are within walking distance of Playitas Beach, Espadilla Beach, the nearby town, and the National Park. In-house naturalist guides can help you spot local wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds as you explore the grounds. Complimentary yoga classes and curated dining experiences turn the small moments into the sublime.

The Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa was created by Jaime Mikowski, a board-certified architect and true nature lover. Tucked at the base of the majestic Arenal volcano, its lush grounds and modern interiors offer an idyllic escape from reality. It's been recognized as a top Costa Rica resort by Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, Conde Nast Traveler, and more.

The Spa at Tabacon renders its treatments al-fresco in outdoor bungalows surrounded by the sounds of local wildlife and the bubbling hot springs. A trip to the thermal mineral springs in Arenal's largest private rainforest reserve is an absolute must during your stay. Guests receive complimentary access to the thermal river, its pools, and the lush Shangri-La Gardens.

The Tulemar Resort Hotel offers the most comprehensive all-inclusive experience for its guests. During your visit, you'll enjoy unlimited access to two gourmet restaurants, four swimming pools, water sports equipment rentals, beach amenities, and a full concierge service. It was recently recognized as the #1 Hotel in the world by the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards 2022.

Located among the local flora and fauna, Tulemar's budget-friendly bungalows overlook the lush tropical rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park. A trip to the private beach, pool bar, or Plumeria Spa is guaranteed to put your mind at ease. You'll return home feeling more relaxed— and more appreciative of the natural world.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa is located a few miles south of Tamarindo, next to an 18-hole golf course and on the beach. The Hacienda Pinilla Gold Course is the perfect place to start your day and spend your afternoon lounging on the beautiful Mansita Beach and Tamarindo Beach. If you are feeling adventurous, check out the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking. Also, check out the ecotour and zip lining.

The oceanfront and family-friendly resort are surrounded by lush green jungle. Featuring an impressive infinity pool, outdoor whirlpools, six restaurants, hiking trails, a kid's club with daily activities, and a spa with indoor and outdoor treatment options. The quaint surf village of Tamarindo is 30 minutes from the resort and has charming local stores, laid-back restaurants, and bars.