costa rica resorts

12 Best Resorts in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Resorts Guide [2024]

Long a favorite destination for wellness-minded travelers and expats looking for a quieter pace of life among green jungles or on white sand beaches, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the Americas.

Planning your own once-in-a-lifetime getaway to Costa Rica? These are the 12 most impressive Costa Rica resorts to choose from. With rustic jungle escapes to expansive beach resorts, these best resorts in Costa Rica are guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip.

resorts in costa rica
Courtesy of Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our disclosure policy.

Best Resorts in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s long history as a favorite vacation destination means that there are an incredible number of eco-lodges, hotels, and resorts in Costa Rica to choose from. Both beach resorts and jungle resorts are popular and plentiful here, as are those that seamlessly combine the feel of both.

These are our top picks of the best Costa Rica resorts for every style of travel:

For as many luxury resorts as there are in Costa Rica, there’s simply no beating Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, a stunning jungle resort known for its incredible wellness experiences and expansive views.

However, the luxurious details and stunning volcano views at Nayara Tented Camp helped this resort earn the title of the number-one resort in Central America by Travel + Leisure this year.

Read on for even more details about the best resorts in Costa Rica – for travelers of every budget.

Hacienda AltaGracia
Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection

Costa Rica Resorts

1. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

Best Luxury Resort in Costa Rica

From the lush mountains of Pérez Zeledón emerges Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, one of the most esteemed Costa Rica resorts known for its luxurious accommodations, next-level amenities, and personalized, curated experience from arrival to departure.

Hacienda AltaGracia is a true wellness haven in Costa Rica, which makes it a must for traveling looking to connect with self and surroundings. The resort is home to THE WELL at Hacienda AltaGracia, the first international outpost of the famed New York-based brand, meaning travelers can now experience all the transformative treatments from the lushness of the tropical rainforest.

Whether you’re drawn to Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection for a transformative wellness experience, or you’re just looking to escape to this resort’s stunning mountaintop location, you’ll love what you find at Hacienda AltaGracia. A bespoke travel experience awaits where every detail points to an unforgettable stay.

Reviews and Bookings: Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

Nayara Tented Camp
Courtesy of Nayara Tented Camp

2. Nayara Tented Camp

Best Jungle Resort in Costa Rica

Located at the foot of Costa Rica’s breathtaking Arenal Volcano in the heart of the rainforest, Nayara Tented Camp is one of the most unique Costa Rica resorts in the country. This stunning and luxurious resort opened in 2019 as one of the first luxury camps in Central America.

Nayara Tented Camp is a true jungle escape unlike any other in Costa Rica. With just 21 luxe and spacious tents, all with air-conditioning and inviting contemporary furnishings, Nayara Tented Camp offers a boutique experience for travelers looking for seclusion among the lush rainforest. Private patios give guests the ultimate in indoor-outdoor living, and plunge pools are standard in every room.

Nayara Tented Camp is also well-known for being one of the world’s most impressive eco-resorts, with a commitment to sustainability woven into every detail of its operation. Guests can enjoy the benefits of the resort’s impressive planet-positive qualities as well, visiting the camp’s private hot springs pools in areas reforested with indigenous flora and cared for meticulously.

Reviews and Bookings: Nayara Tented Camp

W Costa Rica
Courtesy of W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

3. W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

Best Beach Resort in Costa Rica

From the white sands of one of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal offers a mix of luxury and the local for to make it the best beach resort in Costa Rica.

Wellness and inspiration are the name of the game at the W. Everything from spa treatments and fitness classes to a round of golf on the resort’s course awaits guests looking for a little something more out of their Costa Rica resort experience. Or, relax at the peaceful pool deck just steps from the sand of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches.

Enjoy some of Costa Rica’s most impressive and dramatic landscapes at the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal. Bathe in hot springs at Arenal Volcano, go ziplining over the forest canopy, or hike to jungle waterfalls for a refreshing swim. You’ll make it back to this award-winning Costa Rican resort in time for dinner at one of the many restaurants or bars.

Reviews and Bookings: W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

andaz papagayo
Courtesy of Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

4. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Best Family-Friendly Resort in Costa Rica

Hidden away on Costa Rica’s prestigious and upscale Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo combines luxury design and furnishings with an incredible array of resort amenities and perks for an unmatched Costa Rica resort experience.

Offering a dedicated kids club and babysitting services while also reserving adults-only spaces across the resort for those traveling without kids, this resort is our pick for the best family-friendly resort in Costa Rica.

Perched among rainforest trees and with oceanfront views, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo offers a nice mix of the jungle and beach experiences of the best Costa Rica resorts. The resort is expansive, including 131 guest rooms and 21 luxurious suites, while still providing guests with the boutique experience and attention of a much smaller property.

Reviews and Bookings: Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton
Courtesy of Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton

5. Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton

Ditch the busy Nicoya Peninsula and buzzy Peninsula Papagayo for the Osa Peninsula, home to some of Costa Rica’s few remaining hidden gems. There’s no better place from which to discover these hidden gems than the Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, one of the finest resorts in Costa Rica.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Botánika Osa Peninsula emerges from the forest with modern design and large glass windows bringing the jungle inside from every angle. 138 rooms and suites welcome guests to this private jungle escape, though resort amenities like an expansive pool and a number of gourmet restaurants make the stay anything but roughing it.

While this resort is unique in a town marked by tiny hostels and laid-back yoga retreats, it’s perfect for travelers looking to escape and enjoy the beautiful, untouched surroundings in the Corcovado National Park.

Reviews and Bookings: Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton

villa punto de vista
Courtesy of Villa Punto de Vista

6. Villa Punto de Vista

Just a stone’s throw from the sandy shores and richly diverse rainforest of Manuel Antonio, Villa Punto de Vista isn’t like all the cookie-cutter Costa Rica resorts out there. This private villa has 10 spacious suites that can welcome up to thirty guests, offering the luxury of seclusion even the most exclusive resort in Costa Rica never could.

With over 12,000 square feet of space designed to maximize both jungle and Pacific Ocean views, Villa Punto de Vista has quickly become a fan favorite among travelers looking for a getaway with friends and family unlike any other. The villa is also a popular destination for travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding venue with space for a full wedding party.

Villa Punto de Vista‘s concierge and house manager make sure every detail of guests’ stays goes to plan for a memorable visit to one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. Private chef, butler, and maid service make this luxury stay one of a kind, exceeding every expectation and putting comparable Costa Rica resorts to shame!

Reviews and Bookings: Villa Punto de Vista 

hotel belmar
Courtesy of Hotel Belmar

7. Hotel Belmar

Nestled among the mountains of the lush Monteverde cloud forest, Hotel Belmar has long been a leader in sustainable travel in Costa Rica, considered among the best eco-resorts in the country.

Founded more than 35 years ago as the first upscale, sustainable hotel in Costa Rica, Hotel Belmar is a destination that continues to push the bounds of the eco-luxury tourism experience to the delight of guests and locals alike.

Despite being a boutique property home to just 26 beautiful rooms and suites, Hotel Belmar offers an incredible array of activities and excursions for guests looking to experience this stunning and untouched corner of Costa Rica. It’s all the best of a boutique stay with the extensive resort amenities that active travelers will love.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Belmar

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more. Check out the policies available from SafetyWing or compare plans using Visitors Coverage.

Westin Reserva Conchal
Courtesy of The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

8. The Westin Reserva Conchal

Just down the pristine white sand from the W Costa Rica is The Westin Reserva Conchal, yet another of the most impressive resorts in Costa Rica known for its incredible beachfront and luxurious amenities and spaces.

Offering everything from a renowned golf course and spa to an impressive kids club, it’s a favorite spot for travelers looking to enjoy a vacation in Costa Rica with family. Kids can search out Costa Rica’s rich and diverse flora and fauna as parents relax on the beach or at the spa, or join in on the fun as a family exploring the resort’s extensive property and beyond with experienced guides.

Modern and stylish yet comfortable rooms and suites come in a range of shapes and sizes perfect for families traveling together or couples looking for more seclusion from a romantic escape among some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.

Reviews and Bookings: The Westin Reserva Conchal

El Mangroove
Courtesy of El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

9. El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

Oceanfront El Mangroove, Autograph Collection is one of the best resorts in Costa Rica for travelers looking for laid-back luxury and a boutique, friendly experience among some of the country’s most desirable coastline.

One of Costa Rica’s newer luxury resorts, El Mangroove offers luxe yet welcoming suites, each offering clean, contemporary furnishings and private outdoor spaces with stunning views.

Overlooking stunning Culebra Bay and the Gulf of Papagayo yet just a short drive from the international airport in Liberia, El Mangroove, Autograph Collection is one of the most easily accessible resorts in Costa Rica despite feeling a million miles away. Most travelers can find themselves on a shaded lounger by the pool within just a few hours of leaving home.

Reviews and Bookings: El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling without a good VPN (Virtual Private Network). Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers. We’ve used NordVPN for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

Punta Islita
Courtesy of Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

10. Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

Clinging to the lush hillside overlooking one of the most pristine bays in Guanacaste, Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection is an intimate jungle escape among the best resorts in Costa Rica. Offering experiences from hiking and ziplining to long days on Guanacaste’s gorgeous beaches, Hotel Punta Islita rivals the most impressive Costa Rica resorts you’ll find on this list with its top-notch guest experience.

One of the highlights of a stay at Hotel Punta Islita is visiting the resort’s Nanku Spa. This wellness-focused rejuvenating spa offers an array of treatments and healing rituals inspired by the ancient wisdom of the Chorotega indigenous peoples of the area. Treatments can be added to any stay, though some of the hotel’s inclusive packages include spa visits.

Reviews and Bookings: Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

nantipa
Courtesy of Nantipa

11. Nantipa

For a luxurious yet off-the-beaten-path getaway in one of the most charming beach towns in Costa Rica, look no further than Nantipa. This beachfront boutique resort property in Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula is the embodiment of the laidback pura vida lifestyle that has so long drawn travelers to Costa Rica.

Despite its beachfront location, Nantipa feels straight out of the Costa Rican rainforest, with winding paths surrounded by lush foliage and providing seclusion and privacy at the 19 guest bungalows across the nearly six-acre property. Nantipa is also the perfect spot from which to explore Santa Teresa and the rest of the Nicoya Peninsula, home to yoga pavilions and retreat centers, delicious local and international food options, and some of Costa Rica’s best waves.

Reviews and Bookings: Nantipa

arenas del mar
Courtesy of Arenas Del Mar

12. Arenas Del Mar

If you’re looking to experience the most impressive beaches in Costa Rica without missing out on the country’s lush rainforests and jungles, the beachfront Arenas Del Mar resort in Manuel Antonio is for you.

Perched on eleven lush acres of beachfront backing up to the untouched jungles of Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas del Mar is a dreamy resort that offers every imaginable amenity from its enviable location in one of Costa Rica’s most desirable areas. There’s nowhere like Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, with everything from expansive beach views to delicious food and excursions through the park that bring visitors up close and personal with the area’s rich flora and fauna.

Arenas Del Mar takes seriously its proximity to one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and guarded natural areas. As a member of the Cayuga Collection group of sustainable luxury hotels in Central America, the resort maintains a dedication to providing a clean and green experience that preserves the area for years to come.

Reviews and Bookings: Arenas Del Mar

Costa Rica Resorts

While many travelers might not consider the beaches and jungles of Costa Rica as a prestigious resort destination on par with the beaches of Mexico or the islands of the Caribbean, Costa Rica resorts often offer all the same amenities and much more.

With eco-friendly details, unparalleled wellness treatments and yoga retreats, and easy access to the country’s best hidden gems, these incredible resorts in Costa Rica offer one of the best ways to experience the country.

carley rojas avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.