Last updated July 19, 2025
Costa Rica beach resorts let the wild ride shotgun. This isn’t just a tagline. It’s reality. Macaws fly overhead during breakfast. You might even hear a howler monkey before your alarm. The jungle doesn’t stay politely in the background; it’s part of the story.
Costa Rica has long been a favorite for travelers wanting a bit of nature with their ocean. But more and more, Costa Rica has become a hub for wellness travel that feels personal, not packaged. The best beach resorts reflect that shift. They don’t just offer spa menus and smoothies. They build in time, quiet and space to unwind.
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Costa Rica is also a gold standard for conscious luxury travel. The country’s commitment to sustainability runs deep. More than a quarter of its land is protected and is home to approximately 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
Whether you’re here for the surf, the scenery or a few days off-grid, these five beach resorts show off what Costa Rica does best: no-frills beauty, comfort without excess and the kind of ease that doesn’t need an itinerary.
Five Costa Rica Beach Resorts Where Nature and Wellness Intertwine
You’ll find no shortage of beachfront stays in Costa Rica, from all-inclusive escapes to boutique wellness retreats tucked into the hillside. That said, if you’re looking for places that strike a balance between design, setting and a slower pace of travel, start with these five.
1. Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
This is where upscale meets unplugged. The resort’s refresh a few years ago added a dedicated Wellness Shala and the adults-only Virador Beach Club, where loungers, mezze and a low-key infinity pool all face the ocean.
Early risers can catch yoga by the water or join wildlife tours where sloths, macaws and the occasional howler monkey often make cameo appearances. The spa draws on local ingredients (think volcanic scrubs and coffee oils), and the dining stays grounded in regional flavors without overcomplicating things.
2. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Set above the Gulf of Papagayo, Andaz keeps things laid-back but sharp. Open-air spaces, clean lines and warm wood tones give it a modern edge without flash.
The ONDA Spa goes heavy on local ingredients (volcanic clay, coffee, aloe) and even offers sound-healing sessions in anti-gravity hammocks. Mornings might include yoga or a paddleboard session; evenings are all about ceviche, cocktails and sweeping views over the water.
3. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
On the quieter side of Papagayo, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort does a solid job of balancing recharge and recreation. The beach feels more relaxed than remote, with plenty of space to read, swim or nap in the shade.
The spa includes indoor-outdoor treatment rooms and a proper hydrotherapy circuit, including saunas and Swiss showers. You’ll also find a full fitness center, aqua aerobics, daily yoga, and menus that cater to both health-conscious and indulgent moods.
4. The Retreat Costa Rica
This is the smallest property on the list, and the most inward-facing. With just 25 rooms perched in the hills above the Pacific, The Retreat isn’t beachfront, but the ocean is always in view.
Daily yoga and meditation are paired with personalized wellness programs, from Ayurvedic cleanses to anti-inflammatory cooking classes. The Vida Mia Healing Center offers treatments that incorporate volcanic minerals, healing herbs and “crystalline therapy.” And when you’re craving the sea, Jacó Beach and Playa Hermosa are an easy hour away.
5. Nekajui, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve
Recently opened, Nekajui is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central America. The architecture is clean and quiet, with loads of natural materials and unobstructed ocean views. Rooms range from suites to cliffside villas with plunge pools.
The wow factor, however, is Nimbu Spa, which includes treehouse treatment rooms, cliffside hot tubs and what’s reportedly the largest hydrotherapy pool in Latin America. Nekajui is high-end, yes, but the focus still leans toward slow mornings, long walks and space to exhale.
Your Guide to Pura Vida Paradise
Costa Rica doesn’t do bad weather. The country stays warm and tropical year-round, though there are two distinct seasons to keep in mind.
- Dry season (December–April) means blue skies and long beach days. Say hello to bigger crowds and higher prices.
- Green season (May–November) brings afternoon rains, lusher landscapes and fewer tourists. Many travelers prefer it. The rain cools things off, the pace slows down and the jungle feels more alive.
You won’t need much, but a few smart additions will make things easier:
- Reef-safe sunscreen is a must (protect your skin and the coral reefs).
- Breathable, light clothing will be your best friend in the tropical heat.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for jungle treks and zip-lining adventures. Remember to toss in a light rain jacket if you’re visiting during the green season.
- Some resorts provide yoga mats and gear. If you’re picky about your props, bring your own.
- And don’t forget a reusable water bottle. You’ll be hydrating a lot. Luckily, most resorts have great filtered water, so you can refill all day long.
Most international travelers fly into either Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José (SJO) or Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR ).
- SJO is better if you’re heading south or inland.
- LIR is closer to Papagayo and most beach resorts.
Many resorts offer airport transfers, and some even arrange domestic flights or helicopter rides. Renting a car is possible, but Costa Rica’s roads are slow, winding and best left to a local driver.
Pura Vida Philosophy
You’ll hear pura vida everywhere. As a greeting, a goodbye and as a general vibe check. Roughly translated, it means “pure life,” but it’s really shorthand for slowing down.
Wake up with the sun. Swim when you feel like it. Let conversations run long. This unhurried rhythm is what makes Costa Rica feel so different and why people come back again and again.
Snapshot Summary
Looking for a stay where rainforest meets relaxation? These five Costa Rica beach resorts blend laid-back luxury with nature’s edge with oceanfront yoga, volcanic spa rituals and wildlife that never stays in the background. Whether you’re craving quiet, connection or something in between, each property offers its own take on the country’s signature pura vida rhythm.
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
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