These are some of the best Costa Rica resorts, ranging from jungle treetop escapes to volcanic hot springs and beachfront all-inclusives.
Costa Rica has long been a magnet for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation—and it’s easy to see why. With two stunning coastlines, lush rainforests and some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, Costa Rica has become a global wellness destination where pura vida is not just a slogan, but a way of life.
Jump to:
- Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Peninsula Papagayo
- Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica — Peninsula Papagayo
- Andaz Costa Rica Resort — Peninsula Papagayo
- The Springs Resort & Spa — Arenal
- Tulemar — Manuel Antonio
- Nayara Gardens & Nayara Tented Camp — Arenal
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa — Arenal
- The Westin Reserva Conchal — Playa Conchal
- Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River — Bagaces
- Hotel Riu Guanacaste — Playa Matapalo
The best Costa Rica resorts tap into this spirit with nature at center stage. Whether you’re waking up to the calls of howler monkeys in the rainforest canopy, slipping into a thermal hot spring after a volcano hike or sipping cocktails as the sun sinks into the Pacific (or Caribbean), the right resort can turn a meh vacation into an unforgettable one.
Ten Best Costa Rica Resorts for Every Traveler
.From five-star retreats that rival the world’s top wellness destinations to eco-friendly lodges that let you sleep under the stars, the best Costa Rica resorts redefine what it means to travel well.
1. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Peninsula Papagayo
New on the scene, Nekajui (pronounced NEK-ah-wee) is already making waves. It’s the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and sits perched on the cliffs of Guanacaste’s Peninsula Papagayo.
The design blends Costa Rican heritage with modern luxury. Think treetop suites that feel like elevated jungle hideouts and an expansive spa that takes wellness to new heights. Add in 107 ocean-facing accommodations plus ultra-exclusive villas, and you’ve got the region’s new gold standard for indulgence.
Best for: Couples & luxury seekers
2. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica — Peninsula Papagayo
If Nekajui is the flashy newcomer, Four Seasons Papagayo is the reigning classic. Set on its own slender isthmus, the resort spills down a hillside to two sandy beaches.
Rooms and suites come with sweeping Pacific views, while private residences make it easy to gather the whole crew. The service is spot-on, polished but warm. Whether you’re playing a round of golf, sipping cocktails poolside or kayaking at sunrise, this is Costa Rica luxury done right.
Best for: Families, groups and luxury travelers
3. Andaz Costa Rica Resort — Peninsula Papagayo
Part of Hyatt’s Andaz brand, this resort manages to hit that sweet spot between approachable and indulgent. Perched above Culebra Bay, the property boasts two tucked-away beaches, vibrant Costa Rican-inspired art and guest rooms designed for breezy indoor-outdoor living. Families love the kids’ club; couples fall for the infinity pools and spa tucked into the trees. It’s stylish without ever feeling too pretentious.
Best for: Families & design-minded travelers
4. The Springs Resort & Spa — Arenal
Hot springs and volcano views. Need we say more? The Springs in Arenal is practically a village unto itself, with villas spread across lush grounds and multiple thermal pools, each a different temperature.
Spend the day soaking while Arenal Volcano looms dramatically in the distance, then head to Club Rio, the resort’s private adventure playground, for river tubing, kayaking or even a visit to the wildlife rescue center.
Best for: Adventure lovers & hot spring enthusiasts
5. Tulemar — Manuel Antonio
Set along the Pacific coast in Manuel Antonio, Tulemar delivers a different kind of luxury: rainforest immersion. The 33-acre gated property is home to villas, bungalows and a private stretch of beach—plus more monkeys, sloths and colorful birds than you can count. Nature walks led by in-house guides showcase the property’s biodiversity. In the evening, sunsets from your balcony are nothing short of cinematic.
Best for: Nature lovers & wildlife enthusiasts
6. Nayara Gardens & Nayara Tented Camp — Arenal
If you’ve ever dreamed of a safari-style tent in the middle of the jungle, Nayara Tented Camp makes it happen. Elevated canvas tents with plunge pools and canopy views sit alongside Nayara Gardens, with its lush villas and romantic vibe.
Together they form one of the country’s most beloved luxury experiences. Bonus: the property has its own sloth sanctuary, with newly planted trees designed to attract these slow-moving cuties!
Best for: Couples & wildlife lovers
7. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa — Arenal
Tabacón is basically the OG of hot spring resorts in Costa Rica. Built around a natural thermal river that winds through lush gardens, the resort features pools and waterfalls that feel both wild and luxurious. You’ll find plenty of chic rooms and a world-class spa, but the real draw is slipping into those steaming waters after a day of hiking around Arenal.
Best for: Wellness travelers & spa lovers
8. The Westin Reserva Conchal — Playa Conchal
Costa Rica’s luxury scene is more than just boutique stays and The Westin Reserva Conchal proves that an all-inclusive can be every bit as elegant. Located on Playa Conchal (famous for its crushed-shell sand), the resort offers the convenience of multiple restaurants, a sprawling pool and a championship golf course. It’s polished, family-friendly and just steps from one of Guanacaste’s most photogenic beaches.
Best for: Families & golf enthusiasts
9. Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River — Bagaces
Looking for something more offbeat? Rio Perdido is a boutique adventure-wellness resort built around a warm, mineral-rich river in Guanacaste’s interior. Guests stay in stylish bungalows and can spend days zip-lining through canyons, tubing the private river or soaking in natural thermal pools that feel gloriously untamed. It’s luxury (but with mud on your hiking boots).
Best for: Adventure travelers & boutique seekers
10. Hotel Riu Guanacaste — Playa Matapalo
Not every luxury experience needs to break the bank. Hotel Riu Guanacaste is an all-inclusive beachfront resort with modern rooms, multiple pools and daily activities. It’s perfect for families or couples looking for Costa Rica’s luxury feel without the hefty price tag, all while enjoying one of Guanacaste’s prettiest beaches.
Best for: Budget-conscious families & couples
Planning Your Pura Vida Escape
Before you book one of the above best Costa Rica resorts, a few insider tips can help you make the most of your pura vida getaway.
Best time to visit: If sun is what you’re after, December through March brings the driest skies along the Pacific coast. Prefer lush, green landscapes and fewer crowds? Visit between May and October, when afternoon showers keep everything impossibly vibrant.
Where to fly: Touch down at Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia for easy access to Papagayo, Conchal and Tamarindo. If your plans include Arenal’s volcano views or the wildlife of Manuel Antonio, San José (SJO) is your best bet.
What to pack: Think practical but eco-friendly. Reef-safe sunscreen is a must, along with sturdy shoes for hiking jungle trails, insect repellent for those humid nights and—if you love exploring off the beach—your own snorkel gear. Don’t forget a light rain jacket if you’re traveling in the green season.
Snapshot Summary
Costa Rica has become a global wellness destination where the best resorts seamlessly blend adventure with relaxation across stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine coastlines. These ten exceptional properties showcase the country’s authentic pura vida lifestyle through transformative luxury experiences and natural immersion. From the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui perched on Peninsula Papagayo’s cliffs to Tulemar’s rainforest wildlife encounters in Manuel Antonio, each resort provides unique access to thermal pools, volcano views and biodiverse ecosystems. Whether seeking family-friendly all-inclusives like Westin Reserva Conchal or boutique adventure retreats like Rio Perdido, these destinations transform ordinary vacations into rejuvenating wellness escapes where nature takes center stage.
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