Choose your resort in Costa Rica
An all-inclusive family resort with a beach at your doorstep. A romantic rainforest hotel where thermal waters beckon you. An eco-lodge where wellness is rooted in every element. With so many accommodations designed to meet every style and budget, we've created a guide to help you choose your resort in Costa Rica.
Types of Costa Rica resorts
All-inclusive resorts
Leave all your worries behind and let pura vida take over your spirit. At an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica, you never have to think about the details as you enjoy unlimited dining, daily activities and live entertainment. Find family-friendly accommodations or choose an adult-only setting, and think about whether you'd like to be on the beach, go deep in a rainforest or stay high in a cloud forest – there are options in every region and landscape.
Beach resorts
While most beach resorts can be found along Costa Rica's Pacific coastline, the Caribbean coast also has some lovely laid-back options. Whether you choose all-inclusive or à la carte, these blissful bungalows, luxury hideaways and five-star getaways bring out the best of the beach. Depending on where you choose to stay, you might spend time in Tamarindo among the world's best surfers (beginners welcome, too!), swim in the calm waters of Papagayo Peninsula, watch incredible sunsets from Nicoya Peninsula, or explore the black-sand beach of Cahuita.
Costa Rica eco-lodges
As you listen to the sound of birdcall in a cloud forest or breathe in the pure air of one of the world's rare Blue Zones, the benefits of spending time in Costa Rica become clear. The country is a global leader in environmental protection, and that dedication has become the foundation of world-class eco-lodges. Connect with nature and yourself while knowing that you are doing your part in supporting sustainability.
Luxury hotels
Treat yourself to a journey unlike any other, where unfiltered nature and relaxed luxury come together in one unforgettable stay. Choose a resort where the jungle meets the ocean and your days are filled with activities like morning snorkeling and beachfront yoga, or a champagne lunch in a cabana and a massage to ease you into the evening. Up in the mountains, a waterfall hike or a canopy zip-line may be followed by a meal prepared by the chef using homegrown ingredients. Spacious rooms and epic views finish out a day to remember.
Family resorts
Take guided nature hikes designed to captivate the littlest guests. Jump from waterslides to a lazy river to hot springs in a single day. Go for tempting family meals where the only decision is whether or not to get seconds. From beach resorts to rainforest lodges, family-friendly accommodations are everywhere and are the perfect settings to unplug and reconnect with your loved ones.
Guanacaste
Choose Guanacaste to have effortless access to the Northwest’s Pacific coast beaches as soon as you arrive. Fly into Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia and you're within reach of nearby beaches, such as Playas del Coco and Playa Panamá and just a little further afield is Papagayo Peninsula. Then, with volcanoes, hot springs and wildlife refuges, the region is a perfect snapshot of life in Costa Rica. Plan your stay in an all-inclusive beach resort for both families and adults, an exclusive design hotel or a luxurious wellness retreat.
Central Pacific
Accessible from San José are natural paradises like Manuel Antonio National Park, where white sands meet the tropical rainforest, and Carara National Park, where wild scarlet macaws and white-faced capuchin monkeys proudly make their presences known. Lively Jacó is a pioneer in Costa Rica's surf culture, and Quepos is one of the world's top destinations for sport fishing. Look for upscale all-inclusive hotels, luxury eco-resorts and action-packed properties where golfing and fishing are daily activities.
South Pacific
Head to the quieter zone of Costa Rica that stretches from the Osa Peninsula to Panama and is best accessed by a short flight from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Secluded and wild, this southern shoreline is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts – especially those headed to the multiple ecosystems and hugely diverse wildlife at Corcovado National Park. Accommodations tend toward intimate boutique eco-lodges, luxury villas and nature retreats. Expect a humid, tropical climate year-round, and pack accordingly for heavier rainfall during the green season.
Caribbean
Also considered one of the less-explored sides of the country, the Caribbean coast has its own natural and cultural charms. Stretching from Tortuguero National Park to Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge near the Panamanian border in the south, the Caribbean coast is home to jungle lodges and laid-back beach retreats. Much of the culture is rooted in a blend of Jamaican, Latin American and Indigenous Bribri traditions and is often celebrated in the Afro Caribbean rhythms of reggae and calypso music and the Limonese Creole language.
How to choose where to stay
Take your travel time into account when planning. Costa Rica may look small on a map, but winding mountain roads, weather conditions and traffic can make trips longer than you expect. Flying into Liberia (LIR) gives you convenient access to many Guanacaste resorts, while arriving in San José (SJO) is a gateway to the Central Pacific or domestic flights to more remote regions. Costa Rica's weather varies dramatically depending on the region and time of year. The dry season generally brings sunnier days and higher demand, while the green season offers lush landscapes, lighter crowds and good value. Plan accordingly based on your intended activities. Do you want to walk straight from your room to the sand? Prefer to play in the pool or enjoy the seclusion of a rainforest setting? Not all beach resorts are necessarily on a beach, but that doesn't mean you're missing out on anything.
Think about what kind of activities you're looking for. High-adrenaline zip-lining and volcano hikes? Or do you prefer yoga time followed by spa time? From national park adventures to a day of chasing waves, each resort has a unique environment and access to activities.
Who are you traveling with? Depending on whether you're with small kids, adult kids, traveling as a couple or going solo, you could need very different amenities. Connected suites versus an adult-only villa, plentiful restaurants or a kitchen of your own – it's all here in Costa Rica. Begin by deciding what matters most and then let the country's diverse landscapes and experiences guide the rest. Browse our listings to learn more.