Best Resorts to Stay in Costa Rica

Take your vacation from merely memorable to completely unforgettable, with a stay at one of Costa Rica’s luxury resorts. Whether you’re on a romantic honeymoon or a deluxe getaway with the entire family, Costa Rica’s boutique hotels and exclusive resorts deliver quality and sumptuous comfort. From the nation’s most iconic hot springs and Pacific Ocean vistas; from ultra soft linens to private concierges; from eco-friendly practices to wildlife preservation, Costa Rican luxury hotels redefine “five-star.”

For every one of Costa Rica’s diverse destinations, there are several luxury hotels to choose from. Landscapes dramatically change throughout the country, but the boutique-feel, personalized service is a standard all Costa Rica five-star resorts strive to follow, no matter where they are located. You are able to safely enjoy the facilities and natural surroundings, while your stay is contributing to their eco-sustainable efforts.

As the country’s popularity has grown, so has the number of 5 star luxury hotels and Costa Rica luxury resorts throughout the country. While you can find luxury in any destination, world renowned hotel brands are almost exclusively set on the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste.

Spread around the golden coast, many of Costa Rica’s best hotels are under one hour away from Liberia International Airport. Every hotel is an architectural statement, with modern facilities perfectly blended in natural surroundings. Famous architects are competing in defining stylish and contemporary green luxury. Multiple dining venues at each Costa Rica 5-star resort offer endless possibilities for dining experiences. You will never have to leave the property in search for better dining option!

The nation’s inland offerings are as lavish as their seaside counterparts. Arenal, the land of hot springs, dramatic landscapes and thrilling adventures, offers personalized service like nowhere else. Upscale boutique hotels promise volcano-view dinners, spa treatments in the rainforest, and private gardens. Secluded hot-spring pools and exquisite dining options are a norm here.

Costa Rica’s 5-star hotels don’t stop at stunning architecture and first-class amenities. Even behind the scenes, only the best will suffice. These hotels adhere to the country’s strict standards for sustainability. They support local businesses, use environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and innovative recycling programs. A stay at one of these luxury hotels in Costa Rica is an indulgence in Mother Nature and a thanks to the local community.

Many of our guests come with families, so we’ve become experts in the best kid-friendly and teen-friendly options, both in the jungle and by the sea. These hotels and resorts offer plenty of safe excitement for the kids so that the parents can relax on their own for a bit before heading out on a family-friendly adventure everyone will remember for years to come.

Whether you picture an active beach or a private one, one with turquoise, green, or deep blue water, volcanic sand, white sand, or sand made of shells, we have all types of beaches and some excellent hotels near them. What could be better than a room overlooking the sea? There are some near beach towns with great nightlife and others in remote areas all about the environment. Do you hope to see sea turtles or find a secluded swimming hole? Rainforest retreat still near the beach more your style? There’s a beach and a beach hotel to meet each and every traveler’s dream.

Boutique hotels are set apart from the rest because they offer a unique look into the local culture. Small B&Bs, homes turned into hotels, and Costa Rica luxury boutiques are available as your home away from home. You can expect privacy, impressive views, personalized attention, and world class comforts. Some are adults only. Some focus on being eco-friendly. All are exquisite!

Knowing that you’re in for an all-inclusive stay takes your level of relaxation up a few notches. With absolutely nothing to worry about, you can enjoy time with your travel companions at the pristine beaches, specialty restaurants, in nature, or on adventures. In addition to having your meals and drinks provided, we can also get you access to natural beauties and incredible excursions. There’s one really special all-inclusive that’s actually in a tree house! Keep in mind there are some options that allow you to have some all inclusive days and then other days when you’ll be out and about and eat off site, if that’s better for you.

Most likely, you’ll spend just a day or two in San Jose, if you have a particularly early or late flight. In this case, it makes sense to stay in the capital, near the airport. The Central Valley also offers tourist attractions that can be done in a day. You might choose to see waterfall gardens, hike a volcano, try white water rafting, or indulge in some typical food, coffee, and tropical drinks. Some hotels within an hour from the airport are destinations themselves, where you might enjoy staying on a working coffee plantation or in a cloud forest. There’s a nice hotel just across from the airport with a shuttle service included and another great option in the heart of downtown near all the action and souvenir shops.

You’ll be out of your hotel a lot in Monteverde, as this place is all about nature. You’ll be hiking through the cloud forest, going on adventure tours, like the tarzan swing and hanging bridges, and birdwatching. After a fun day, you can return to your luxurious Monteverde hotel, warm up, and take advantage of all its amenities. Monteverde is a nice add on for a few days before or after another location because of its unique cool climate where you can see different species, breathe the freshest air, and look down over the clouds.

Tamarindo is known for its spirited nightlife and as a hotspot for beginner surfers. It’s also well-known for the JW Marriott, a 5-star hotel with four restaurants. There are other options nearby for honeymooners seeking something more chic and guests wanting to be close to the parties. Tamarindo is a town with many niches and just as many hotel types.

The swimmable waters of Manuel Antonio are just a few steps from some of hotels we recommend. We have options you can feel good about. Arenas del Mar, for example, is luxurious yet eco-conscious. There are hotels more like a private oasis and others with a Costa Rica five-star resort and spa feel. You can find panoramic views and secluded jungle hideouts.

Arenal has it all, everything from cute rustic bungalows to upscale full resorts. Whether you seek sophistication, views of the volcano, or on-site thermal hot springs, you’ll find it in Arenal. There are options with tons of privacy and options with activities on site. Arenal is a paradise, no matter which hotel type you choose.

The high-end, ultra luxurious options are found in Guanacaste. Fine dining and modern rooms meet white sand beaches. Imagine it! Exquisite service abounds at The Four Seasons and The Westin Conchal. All inclusive and on the beach, too. What more could one dream of? If you seek something smaller and more intimate or romantic there are boutiques in Guanacaste, as well.

From boutique Ecolodges tucked away in incredible rainforest, to opulent beach suites, if you want luxury and uniqueness then Costa Rica can provide.

The beautiful beaches of the Northern Pacific region are also home to some of the most famous—and some of our favorite—places to stay.

Westin Playa Conchal, arguably best all-inclusive  in Costa Rica, you will find 406 rooms on over 1500 acres of forest and beach. 7 restaurants, huge pools and any number of activities, make the Westin a firm favorite and especially amongst families.

The Reserva Conchal is situated next to the Westin Conchal but offers a luxury condo service. Here you will find great service, amazing scenery and luxury amenities to rival any destination, including an 18 hole golf course.

Further south along the Central Pacific Coast you will find the famous resort of Manuel Antonio and here you can find some of our favorite hotels.

Arenas Del Mar is a stunning boutique hotel offering the highest level of luxury possible in a jungle setting. Jacuzzi’s, private decks and the Las Brisas Spa ensure this hotel is a favorite.

If you desire to travel even further South to explore the more remote area of Osa then you do not have to compromise on your accommodation. Here you can find the Lapa Rios Eco Resort; winner of the Conde Nast award for Hotel’s committed to the environment. Set in a private reserve of over 1000 acres you will truly experience nature on your doorstep.

We hope this gives you an idea as a starting point for your Costa Rica vacation but please call or email us to find out more about all the other wonderful hotels we offer. At Costa Rican Vacations we do not promote a hotel we would not stay in ourselves!

Experts teach you how to enjoy the best Costa Rica has to offer. Discover the experience you want to get from your next trip to the tropics!

There are so many options for 5-star hotels in Costa Rica, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Not to worry! Our travel consultants have visited many of Costa Rica hotels first-hand! Let them know what are you looking for and they will find the perfect choice for you.

We know which top hotels are best suited to lazy mornings and romantic seclusion, as we tried them all out! Which family-friendly hotels offer room to run, engaging kids programs? Are there children’s entertaining activities for when you snag a bit of alone time? Yes, there are. To find out which of these Costa Rica 5-star resorts is the best for you, email or call 1-800-606-1860 today!