Costa Rica is lined with gorgeous beaches and, as a result, some of the best beach resorts in Central America. Travelers have their pick of familiar name brands and authentic boutique hotels, all showcasing the country’s stunning coast. Take look at our picks for the best Costa Rica beach resorts.
Beach Resort for the Family:
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa
JW Marriott as seen in our Kids Love Costa Rica vacation
Just an hour south of the Liberia airport is the JW Marriott Guanacaste, home to the biggest pool in Central America. This is a great option for families who want to minimize travel and maximize relaxation. Kid’s Club activities are scheduled daily, creating the perfect moment for parents to indulge in a spa treatment or enjoy a poolside drink. The beach directly in front of the resort is a network of lively tide pools – a great place to explore miniscule marine life with the little ones. Further down the beach guests can enjoy surf lessons and other water activities arranged by the hotel concierge. Learn more in our JW Marriott Family Resort Review.
Beach Resort for All-Inclusive:
Westin Playa Conchal Resort
Westin Playa Conchal as seen in our Honeymoon Heaven vacation
Costa Rica’s best all-inclusive is the Westin, located 20 minutes outside of Tamarindo on Playa Conchal. The white-sand beach is one of the best in the country, making the Westin a perfect one-stop shop for a Costa Rica beach vacation. Live the all-inclusive life at the swim-up bar and feel the beat at a live music show!
Beach Resort for Luxury:
Four Seasons Papagayo Resort
Four Seasons as seen in our Exclusive Getaway vacation
A great luxury beach resort can be hard to find, unless you’re in Papagayo, Costa Rica. The Four Seasons Papagayo sits at the tip of the peninsula, a privileged position that offers incredible ocean views and ripe conditions for the perfect beach day. Flanked by the Gulf of Papagayo and the Pacific Ocean, guests have access to two great beaches for fishing, SCUBA, snorkeling, and sailing. When your toes are sick of being buried in the sand enjoy the country’s best golf experience at the Arnold Palmer golf course. For a special experience, our Experts recommend a private beach dinner.
Beach Resort for Style:
Andaz Papagayo Resort
Andaz Papagayo as seen in our Family Eco Safari vacation
Also available in Papagayo is the new Andaz Papagayo Resort. Creative architecture and attention to detail put this atypical resort experience over the top. Even the music playing the restaurants was carefully selected by a team of Costa Rican culture experts in an effort to evoke the Guanacaste region’s essence. The resort’s low-key beaches are perfect for those looking for a calmer experience. The bay-protected waters are infinitely still – ideal conditions for swimming, standup-paddleboarding, and snorkeling. If it is bigger waves you crave, grab a kayak and paddle to other beautiful beaches around the peninsula.
Beach Resort for Off-the-Beaten Path:
Hotel Punta Islita
Punta Islita as seen in our Culinary & Cultural Experience vacation
To avoid the crowds, head to Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. This boutique hotel has all the appeal of a standard resort in a more secluded location. Not only will you enjoy the quiet beach, but a distinct dose of Costa Rican charm. The hotel has carefully curated a program of on-site experiences that integrate the local community and spirit of the region. You’ll leave with a taste of Costa Rican culture to match your tan.
Beach Resort for a Little Bit of Everything:
Arenas del Mar Beach Resort
Arenas del Mar as seen in our Classic Costa Rica Luxury vacation
Manuel Antonio is the perfect mix of beach and rainforest. While you won’t find mega resorts here, you can still have an upscale beach experience complete with sand, surf, and wildlife. Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort offers the best of both worlds, set between the rainforest and two different beaches. Combine this with top-notch service, amazing views, and close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park and you have the recipe for a perfect beach vacation. Relax with a beach chair and book or take a surf lesson right in front of the hotel.
Ready to plan? Check out all of our all inclusive vacation packages!
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