15 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

Written by Darren tcc
Updated on
Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission.

Eager to get away from your busy city life and dive deep into the perfect tropical vacation? Or maybe you’re planning a honeymoon and want to head someplace warm, sandy, and unforgettable. When planning that special getaway, Costa Rica is just the place to lose all your troubles and stress to the Caribbean! Costa Rica is a beautiful country in the Caribbean with a tropical climate year-round. Costa Rica is just the place to go to escape the dreary winter months. Located on the Central American isthmus, this not-quite island is flanked on both sides by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and it’s a perfect destination vacation spot.

Planning that perfect vacation might not always be easy. Costa Rica has 7 different provinces, as well as beaches, mountains, and forests to explore. Finding the right vacation spot for your needs can include a lot of research. Are you looking for something for the whole family, or maybe something a little more romantic for you and your significant other? Whatever you’re looking for, you’re going to want to make sure it’s the absolute best.

Let’s have a look at the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica:

1. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Secrets Papagayo Costa RicaSource: sunquest
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Eager for a romantic getaway? Consider this beautiful adult-only resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Secrets Papagayo is located on the Papagayo Peninsula, and it is just the place you’re looking for when it comes to romance. This resort has 202 luxurious guest rooms and suites that offer views of the Gulf or the beautiful, lush gardens.

Let your taste-buds experience fine Costa Rican cuisine at one of the three restaurants on the resort, or stay tucked away on your romantic getaway with 24-hour room service. You can also connect with your partner at the spa with one of the couple massages offered. However, you chose to spend your time here, Secrets Papagayo is sure to be just the romantic vacation you need.

Website: http://www.secretsresorts.com/papagayo

2. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

Hotel Riu Palace Costa RicaSource: riu.com
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

Looking for something for the whole family? Take a look at Hotel Riu Palace, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and sitting on Matapalo beach, this all-inclusive hotel is perfect for a family vacation. There’s plenty of room for the whole family since this hotel offers over 500 guest bedrooms and suites, each one with a balcony that overlooks the beautiful beaches.

Hotel Riu Palace has four theme restaurants that offer both classic meals and exotic, local cuisine. There is also a buffet restaurant if you like variety with every meal! This hotel offers daytime entertainment for both adults and children, so there’s something for every age range, as well as golfing, horseback riding, and water sports.

Website: http://www.riu.com/en/hotel/costa-rica/guanacaste/hotel-riu-palace-costa-rica/

3. The Westin Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Golf Resort & SpaSource: westinplayaconchal
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa

This resort is on 2,400 beautiful acres in Costa Rica’s fantastic North-Pacific Riviera. It sits on the Playa Conchal Beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The Westin Resort offers guestrooms, suites, and villas for those who like to vacation in absolute luxury. Choose from nine restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that bring Costa Rican cuisine to life.

Bringing the whole family? The Westin Resort offers a supervised kids club so that the parents can take some much-needed rest. While the kids are occupied, maybe take a tennis lesson, or sing karaoke, or go snorkeling. There’s so much to do that you’ll never get bored.

Website: http://www.westinplayaconchal.com/

4. La Paloma Lodge

La Paloma LodgeSource: lapalomalodge
La Paloma Lodge

Are sun, sand, and surf not really your things? Try secluded, black sand beaches, the cool Aguitas River, and the Costa Rican jungle. La Paloma Lodge is on the Osa Peninsula in Drake Bay, Costa Rica and it sits on a cliff that overlooks the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. Stay in one of the Lodge’s 7 bungalows or 4 guest rooms, surrounded by nature.

Become one with nature here: take a night hike and see the nocturnal wildlife, or spend an afternoon exploring the rainforest on horseback. Or see Costa Rica as you’ve never thought possible with a canopy tour, zip-lining high above the ground through the trees. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be unforgettable.

Website: http://www.lapalomalodge.com/

5. Drake Bay Getaway Resort

Drake Bay Getaway ResortSource: drakebaygetaway
Drake Bay Getaway Resort

If you’re into something with a little more rustic, adventurous charm, the Drake Bay Getaway Resort on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is just for you. This resort sits on Drake Bay’s coastal hills, and you can stay in one of their luxury cabins with a captivating view of the ocean and the mountains.  Enjoy real, Costa Rican cuisine at the restaurant and cafe offered by this resort, where you’ll be able to dine on only the finest local ingredients from spices to vegetables to seafood.

Plan a tour and experience Costa Rica up close and personal with tours of Corcovado National Park, or go ziplining through the trees. You can even take a whale-watching tour! The Drake Bay Getaway Resort has everything you need to have an amazing vacation.

Website: http://www.drakebaygetaway.com/

6. DoubleTree Resort

DoubleTree ResortSource: hilton
DoubleTree Resort

Just 50 minutes from the capital city, San Jose, is the beautiful beachfront property of the DoubleTree Resort. Just below a hillside, this resort has a view of the Pacific Ocean, with magnificent, dark volcanic sands. DoubleTree Resort offers an array of guest rooms and suites that overlook the ocean and give you a view to remember.

This resort offers 3 different restaurants and 7 bars so you can find the exact taste you’re looking for – including a sunset bar set over the waters on the pier attached to the hotel! Bring the kids along on this vacation and keep them busy with a playground or the kids club. Exercise your mind and your body with a fitness room or a trip to the spa, or explore the island with a sightseeing tour.

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sjodtdt-doubletree-cariari-san-jose-costa-rica/

7. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Dreams Las Mareas Costa RicaSource: expedia
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Whether you’re looking for family fun, a romantic hideaway for two, or just some alone time – the Dreams Las Mareas is for everyone. Dreams Las Mareas is seated on Playa El Jobo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and is surrounded by the mountains and jungles of Costa Rica. Stay in a jungle top suite overlooking the trees, or enjoy an ocean view.

Whatever food you’re craving, you can find it at one of the resort’s five restaurants, such as Himitsu, or relax at the Barefoot Grill. You can get a taste of both international and local cuisine, along with 24-hour dining options for all your late-night snacks. Both kids and teens will have something to do here with a fully supervised kids club and a hangout for teens, while parents can check out the golf course or enjoy a day on the beach or the pool.

Website: http://www.dreamsresorts.com/en_us/resorts/costa-rica/las-mareas.html

8. Barceló Tambor Hotel

Barceló Tambor HotelSource: barcelo
Barceló Tambor Hotel

This hotel, located on Tambor Beach, is set against the backdrop of a beautiful, tropical rainforest, while still boasting its white sand beachfront. The Barcelo Tambor Hotel is just for you if you’re looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to the sights of Costa Rica. You can pick between rooms and suites that have a view of the ocean, or a view of the fantastic, tropical rainforest.

Although this resort only has 2 restaurants and bars, you can sample both local and international cuisine. Get anything from Costa Rican dishes to Japanese! You can spend your free time at a trip to the spa, or take guided tours by horseback. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, take to the waters and experience them up close and personal with scuba diving.

Website: https://www.barcelo.com/en-gb/hotels/costa-rica/beach-tambor/barcelo-tambor/

9. Occidental Tamarindo

Occidental TamarindoSource: barcelo
Occidental Tamarindo

If you’re looking for a place to plan either your wedding or your honeymoon, this is the ideal location. Occidental Tamarindo is located just 2 kilometers from the Tamarindo city center and sits on Langosta beach for all the sun and sand you could want. There are 198 rooms to choose from, so you can get a guestroom or suite with a romantic view of the ocean at sunset.

For dining, pick between one of Occidental Tamarindo’s 2 restaurants and bars, with international and local meals- and don’t forget the cocktails. For things to do, you can stay in at the spa, or go on an excursion to the Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs. Or explore the city on your own and make your own adventures!

Website: https://www.barcelo.com/en-gb/hotels/costa-rica/tamarindo/occidental-tamarindo/

10. Hotel Riu Guanacaste

Hotel Riu GuanacasteSource: riu
Hotel Riu Guanacaste

Hotel Riu Guanacaste is set in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and is settled on the Mata Palo beach. This is a five-star resort with a fantastic seafront location and a stunning view of the ocean. Easily the biggest hotel on the list, this resort has 701 rooms to choose from, so if you’re looking for variety and grandeur, this is the place.

When it’s time to eat, chose from one of the four formal dining restaurants or take advantage of the hotel’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets and cooking stations. With their supervised kids’ programs, this is another hotel that you can bring the whole family to. When you’re ready for some fun, you can hit the beach or go snorkeling, windsurfing, or paddle boarding – and so much more.

Website: http://www.riu.com/en/hotel/costa-rica/guanacaste/hotel-riu-guanacaste/

11. Villa Buena Onda

Villa Buena OndaSource: villabuenaonda
Villa Buena Onda

Ready to experience a stunning view of Costa Rica? You can at the Villa Buena Onda. This luxury hotel is on the hillside overlooking the Golden Coast of Guanacaste. This is a perfect place for a sneaky romantic getaway, or to plan your honeymoon, as it is an adult-only hotel. Choose between 8 different rooms and relax your troubles away at this decadent, exclusive hotel.

Each all-inclusive stay includes a meal plan, which has three a la carte meals a day. You’ll be able to enjoy a real taste of Costa Rica with locally grown ingredients. You can stay in the hotel for maximum relaxation, or you can explore the land by sailing, ziplining, or horseback riding.

Website: http://www.villabuenaonda.com/

12. Los Altos De Eros Hotel & Spa

Los Altos De Eros Hotel & SpaSource: losaltosdeeros
Los Altos De Eros Hotel & Spa

Los Altos De Eros is another resort located in Guanacaste, on a mountaintop that overlooks the ocean. Enjoy the privacy of the jungle, and really experience the flora of Costa Rica, while still being a 15-minute drive from Tamarindo. This is a small, luxury hotel with six rooms that each offer an amazing view of the surrounding area.

The chefs here offer a new lunch and dinner option every night of the week so you can experience all of the finest food that the area has to offer. Or, if you’re feeling like an adventure, drive into town for some sushi! For the ultimate relaxation experience in this luxury, secluded hotel, take advantage of the spa and really let all your worries go.

Website: http://losaltosdeeros.com/

13. Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa

Flamingo Beach Resort & SpaSource: resortflamingobeach
Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa

Ready to stay in a real tropical paradise? Flamingo Beach Resort is a stunning, tropical oceanfront resort in Guanacaste on Flamingo Beach. It sits between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with gorgeous golden sands. Choose between a variety of rooms and suites for you, a couple, or the whole family.

Here, you can have a view with your meal at the Oceanfront Restaurant and Lounge. If you’re looking for some relaxation, hit the spa – or if you’re wanting something more, check out kayaks and paddle boats.

Website: http://www.resortflamingobeach.com/

14. Lapa Rios Lodge

Lapa Rios LodgeSource: laparios
Lapa Rios Lodge

Are you looking to vacation in Costa Rica, but don’t want all the hustle and bustle of the tourist destination? Check out Lapa Rios Lodge. This getaway is in a secluded, private nature reserve in the Osa Peninsula. Stay in one of the 17 private bungalows and discover the Costa Rican wilderness like you’ve never imagined before.

Lapa Rios offers 13 guided tours on the property and you’ll be able to explore Costa Rica in a completely unique way. Or, you can choose a local tour where you can rappel down a waterfall or learn to surf. You can even book a boat trip and go whale watching. There’s endless beauty to be found in Costa Rica, and Lapa Rios showcases the best.

Website: http://www.laparios.com/

15. Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort

Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest ResortSource: copadearbol
Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort

If you’re looking for exclusivity and seclusion, this one is the resort for you. Located between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park, getting to this area is by boat only. The resort itself is sat between the jungle and the ocean, allowing you to be immersed completely in the untouched, Costa Rican wilderness where you can enjoy one of the 11 rooms they have to offer.

Copa Del Arbol has an open-air beachfront restaurant where you can get fresh, local ingredients in your meals, including the fresh catch of the day. Each meal is also made to be healthy, so don’t worry about cheating on your diet. Make sure to take advantage of this remote location, and go on a tour of the rainforest or get in a boat and see the whales and other local marine life.

Website: http://www.copadearbol.com/



15 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica:

  • Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
  • Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
  • The Westin Golf Resort & Spa
  • La Paloma Lodge
  • Drake Bay Getaway Resort
  • DoubleTree Resort
  • Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
  • Barceló Tambor Hotel
  • Occidental Tamarindo
  • Hotel Riu Guanacaste
  • Villa Buena Onda
  • Los Altos De Eros Hotel & Spa
  • Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa
  • Lapa Rios Lodge
  • Copa De Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort