Costa Rica provides a multitude of varied vacation alternatives, from quiet coastal vacations to rainforest eco-experiences. If you’re hoping to rough it with a backpack, a compass, and a tent, this isn’t the article for you. If you love having someone else take care of your meals, your drinks, your activities, and your entertainment, stay just where you are. All-inclusive resorts promise the ultimate in relaxation, with no need to worry about anything except travelling from the airport to the resort and back again (and if you’re lucky, even that will be taken care of). If you want to be pampered, indulged, and utterly spoilt for a few days, check out these 10 top all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.
Table of Contents
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a family, a couple, a business traveler, or a solitary adventurer, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica welcomes everyone with open arms. Located within a tropical jungle near El Jobo Beach, the hotel features 444 elegant suites, all of which come with a private balcony or terrace, a bathroom equipped with luxury bath items, and enough mod-cons and comforts to make you feel genuinely at home. The food selections are superb, as are the number of activities and amenities on offer.
Secrets Papagayo
Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon, your anniversary, or are simply trying to jump-start your love life, Secrets Papagayo is the ultimate romantic vacation. Set in a wonderful location just 25 minutes from Liberia airport, it offers exquisite accommodation, 24-hour room service, beach access, a very attractive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gorgeous local food, and discrete, dedicated service.
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort isn’t necessarily the most traditional Costa Rica resort around. It is, on the other hand, a whole heap of fun, promising a never-ending program of activities, games, and entertainment to keep the whole family happy. The golf course is fantastic, as are the full-service spa and choice of restaurants and bars. Kids get to escape the adults and hang out with their own kind at the Kids Club, while adults get to enjoy the fun of a Latin dance class, a Spanish lesson, or a game of tennis.
Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa
If you’re traveling with kids, the Dreams Las Mareas Resort & Spa makes a great choice. The all-inclusive resort offers a smorgasbord of activities for kids to enjoy, along with two supervised children’s clubs (one for the younger kids and the other for teens) that promise to keep them entertained while you head off to enjoy a soak in the hot tub or a quiet meal at one of the excellent onsite restaurants. Treats for the whole family to enjoy together include theme night parties, movie evenings, and poolside entertainment.
Drake Bay Getaway Resort
If you’re searching for a small, elegant resort that stresses quality over number, go no further than Drake Bay Getaway Resort. Offering just five cabins, it’s possibly the smallest resort on our list. It’s also one of the swankiest, and undoubtedly one of the most eco-friendly. Everything has been planned with sustainability in mind, from the solar heated water to the white roofing. If you’re a nature fanatic, you’re going to love it, and not just because over 90 percent of the resort is made from recyclable material – with 10 different curated tours that let you indulge in everything from whale watching to horseback riding, it’s the ideal place to experience the beauty of Costa Rica’s ecosystem.
Westin Reserva Conchal
Recommend by FamilyVacationist for its amazing location and excellent assortment of amenities, the Westin Reserva Conchal is ideal for families, couples, and solitary explorers alike. Located roughly an hour’s drive from Liberia International Airport, the resort is built on 2,400-acres of rainforest, giving eco explorers a limitless array of recreational options to enjoy. Included in the accommodation rates are three meals a day (select from either the a la carte or buffet options), snacks, beverages (both of the alcoholic and teetotal sort), and admission to the Westin Family Kids Club. You’re also free to enjoy the table games, nightly entertainment, water sports, tennis courts, and various freshwater swimming pools.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort
If you want to holiday like a celebrity, take the advise of Forbes and consider a stay at the lovely Planet Hollywood Beach Resort. Rooms are ultra-luxe, with a well-stocked fridge, very comfortable beds, and every convenience and comfort you can desire. The onsite spa is equally as fantastic, as are the planned activities in the neighboring rainforest. The service is exceptional, with workers going out of their way to ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime.
La Palma Resort
If you desire a hotel with a view, look no further than La Palma Resort, a lonely lodge tucked away in the Corcovado National Park. The lodging itself is sublime, with hardwood floors, natural bath products, exposed wooden beams, and artisanal furnishings. The big attraction, meanwhile, is the panoramic windows, which offer amazing views over the surrounding jungle. Included in the fee are meals, airport transportation, beverages, and guided day tours to Corcovado and Caño Island.
Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Recommended by Rave Reviews as one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, the Lapa Rios Ecolodge is as close to heaven as most of us will ever get. Located on 1000 acres of rainforest, its environment is stunning, making it the perfect place for everyone from eco-adventures to honeymooners and families. Accommodation is given by form of individual, ultra-luxurious bungalows that can comfortably sleep up to 5 people. Included in the accommodation prices are three a-la-carte daily meals, snacks, and beverages, along with a selection of activities that include guided walks and bird watching experiences.
Villa Buena Onda
Your own kids are one thing. Other people’s kids are quite another. If you want to escape the noise, the mess, and the inconvenience of the snotty-nosed brigade, the adults-only Villa Buena Onda could be your perfect match. Set just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport on a picturesque hillside overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, it’s stunning setting, luxury accommodations, and top-notch services have earned it a place on Trip Savvy’s list of the finest all-inclusive Costa Rica resorts of 2021. In-room facilities include a balcony with a hammock overlooking the rainforest, surround sound, and lavish bathrooms equipped with glass-enclosed showers and natural, locally manufactured toiletries. Included in the accommodation charge are three a la carte meals a day, plenty of wine, a shuttle service to the local beaches, a gym, and access to the beach club.