Family vacations tend to require a spreadsheet, a backup plan and at least one meltdown. It’s why all-inclusive resorts have become the go-to move for parents who are tired of planning. But Costa Rica flips the all-inclusive resort script.
You’re not just getting unlimited poolside drinks (though yes, there’s that). You’re waking up to howler monkeys instead of alarm clocks, watching your kids actually look up from their screens to spot a scarlet macaw, and never once calculating what dinner is going to cost.
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All-inclusive family resorts handle the logistics. Meals, drinks, kids’ clubs and activities bundled into one upfront price. No surprise charges at checkout, although spa services and off-property excursions will cost you extra.
But here’s the difference. Costa Rica’s all-inclusive resorts sit on the edge of cloud forests and the Pacific coastline, where sea turtles actually nest. The wildlife isn’t a booked excursion. It’s literally outside your window.
Don’t think you need to stay put in one location. Plenty of families split their trip—a few days near Arenal Volcano for rainforest hikes and hot springs, then beach time at an all-inclusive family resort on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast.
Five All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Costa Rica
These five all-inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica nail their locations. You’re either steps from Guanacaste’s best beaches or close enough to rainforest day trips that you can actually do both.
1. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
Margaritaville is exactly what it sounds like—laid-back, beach-first and predictable in the best way for families who want easy. The resort offers family suites that sleep five or six, which absolutely matters when traveling with extended family or older kids who prefer their own beds.
Included activities cover Spanish lessons, traditional crafts and poolside games. Margaritaville is a low-key all-inclusive with zip-lining, hot springs and scuba diving available nearby for families who want to add adventure.
2. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Planet Hollywood is all about the water park—that’s why families book this all-inclusive. The resort leans into Hollywood branding (as in movie memorabilia, themed everything), which either lands with your kids or feels like too much.
There’s a burger joint, along with other restaurants and poolside dining. The resort also boasts kids-stay-free promotions and includes airport transfers with minimum night stays, which is a bonus if you’re watching costs.
3. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
Riu Palace is near Liberia on Matapalo Beach, making it super convenient if you’re flying into Liberia’s international airport and want to avoid a long transfer. Four outdoor pools mean families can pick between active splash zones or quieter water.
The kids’ club handles crafts, games and supervised activities for younger guests. The resort offers beachfront dining and nightly entertainment that’s hit-or-miss depending on your tolerance for resort shows. Four on-site restaurants cover enough variety that you’re not stuck eating the same buffet every night.
Riu Palace is a straightforward all-inclusive experience. You know what you’re getting, and it delivers without surprises. Guests also have free, unlimited access to nearby Splash Water World when the pools aren’t cutting it.
4. The Westin Reserva Conchal
The Westin sits on Playa Conchal and spans 2,400 acres of forest and coastline. Translation: your kids can roam without you losing sight of them, and there’s enough space that the resort never feels packed.
The lagoon-style pool complex is massive, with a separate kids’ pool. The Westin Kids Club runs programs for children under 12, included in your rate. Ten restaurants cover everything from Costa Rican staples to international options, so even picky eaters will find something that works.
Non-motorized water sports, snorkeling off Playa Conchal and tennis are all on the property. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, this is where you can burn points.
5. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Hacienda Pinilla is a 4,500-acre resort community with golf courses, nature trails and miles of coastline—and the JW Marriott Guanacaste is right in the middle of it on Playa Mansita. The beach here is calmer than some of Guanacaste’s surf-heavy stretches, which matters if you’ve got younger swimmers.
Five pools mean you’re not fighting for lounge chairs, and the lazy river keeps younger kids entertained for hours. The JW Kids Club accepts children ages 4-12 for either full-day or half-day sessions.
Three on-site restaurants cover the basics, but you can also access other dining spots within Hacienda Pinilla without leaving the property. Something to note, the resort skews slightly upscale, but the trade-off is better food and staff who may even remember your child’s name by day three.
What Else to Know About Costa Rica
Guanacaste dominates the all-inclusive scene thanks to white-sand beaches, sunshine and warm water. Playa Hermosa is the quieter option. Read less developed, a protected cove and calm water for paddleboarding with younger kids.
You won’t find traditional all-inclusive resorts in La Fortuna and Arenal, but the region is still worth a few days for rainforest hikes, volcano views and hot springs. Families typically book this area before heading to the coast.
Monteverde works better for families with older children. The cloud forest reserves, hanging bridges and wildlife tours require more stamina than toddler-friendly beach time.
Planning Your Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December through April. That said, we’re talking reliable weather, the highest prices and the biggest crowds. Green season (May through November) brings afternoon rain, lower rates and fewer tourists. Guanacaste still gets sunshine even during the green season.
Double-check what your all-inclusive resort package covers. Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, basic alcoholic drinks and on-site activities are standard. Premium spirits, spa services and off-site excursions are additional costs.
Consider booking at least one off-property experience. Catamaran sunset cruises, waterfall hikes, or national park visits complement resort downtime and give your kids something beyond the pool to remember.
For the most part, all-inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica typically accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. However, it’s worth confirming when you book if your family has specific dietary needs.
Snapshot
- Book all-inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica for stress-free vacations where meals, activities and kids’ clubs come bundled upfront.
- Wake up to howler monkeys and scarlet macaws at Guanacaste properties that put wildlife right outside your window instead of requiring booked excursions.
- Split your trip between Arenal Volcano for rainforest hikes and hot springs, then finish with beachfront relaxation at resorts near Liberia.
- Choose resorts based on what matters most—JW Marriott and Westin offer upscale experiences with loyalty points, Riu Palace delivers straightforward value near the airport, Margaritaville keeps it low-key and Planet Hollywood centers on water park access.
- Plan for Costa Rica’s dry season (December-April) if you want guaranteed sunshine, or save money during green season (May-November) when Guanacaste still delivers warm weather with fewer crowds.
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