The 10 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a myriad of different vacation possibilities, from relaxing beachside breaks to rainforest eco-experiences. If you’re looking to rough it with a backpack, a compass, and a tent, this isn’t the article for you. If you enjoy having someone else take care of your meals, your drinks, your activities, and your entertainment, stay right where you are. All-inclusive resorts promise the ultimate in relaxation, with no need to worry about anything except getting 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 thoroughly spoilt for a few days, check out these 10 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.
10. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a family, a couple, a business traveler, or a solo adventurer, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica welcomes everyone with open arms. Located within a tropical jungle near El Jobo Beach, the hotel boasts 444 swanky suites, all of which come with a private balcony or terrace, a bathroom stocked with luxury bath products, and enough mod-cons and conveniences to make you feel truly at home. The dining options are excellent, as are the range of activities and amenities on offer.
9. Secrets Papagayo
Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon, your anniversary, or are simply looking to jump-start your love life, Secrets Papagayo is the perfect romantic getaway. Set in a dreamy location just 25 minutes from Liberia airport, it offers luxurious accommodation, 24-hour room service, beach access, a very enticing range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gorgeous local cuisine, and discrete, attentive service.
8. Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort
Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort isn’t necessarily the most authentic Costa Rica resort around. It is, on the other hand, a whole heap of fun, promising a never-ending schedule of activities, games, and entertainment to keep the whole family happy. The golf course is excellent, 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 delight of a Latin dance class, a Spanish lesson, or a game of tennis.
7. Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa
If you’re traveling with kids, the Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa makes a wise 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 nights, and poolside entertainment.
6. Drake Bay Getaway Resort
If you’re looking for an intimate, luxurious resort that prioritizes quality over quantity, look no further than Drake Bay Getaway Resort. Offering just five cabins, it’s probably the smallest resort on our list. It’s also one of the swankiest, and definitely one of the most eco-friendly. Everything has been arranged 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% 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.
5. Westin Reserva Conchal
Recommend by FamilyVacationist for its sensational location and excellent assortment of amenities, the Westin Reserva Conchal is ideal for families, couples, and single adventurers alike. Located around an hour’s drive from Liberia International Airport, the resort is situated on 2,400-acres of rainforest, guaranteeing eco explorers an endless array of recreational opportunities to enjoy. Included in the room rates are three meals a day (choose from either the a la carte or buffet options), snacks, beverages (both of the boozy and teetotal kind), and access to the Westin Family Kids Club. You’re also free to enjoy the table games, nightly entertainment, water sports, tennis courts, and multiple freshwater swimming pools.
4. Planet Hollywood Beach Resort
If you want to vacation like a star, take the advice of Forbes and consider a stay at the dreamy Planet Hollywood Beach Resort. Rooms are ultra-luxe, with a well-stocked fridge, super comfortable beds, and every convenience and comfort you can imagine. The onsite spa is just as excellent, as are the curated adventures in the surrounding rainforest. The service is extraordinary, with staff going out of their way to ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime.
3. La Palma Resort
If you like a room with a view, look no further than La Palma Resort, a remote lodge tucked away in the Corcovado National Park. The accommodation itself is sublime, with hardwood floors, natural bath products, exposed wooden beams, and artisanal furniture. The star attraction, though, is the panoramic windows, which offer breathtaking views over the surrounding rainforest. Included in the price are meals, airport transfers, beverages, and guided day tours to Corcovado and Caño Island.
2. Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Recommended by Rave Reviews as one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, the Lapa Rios Ecolodge is as close to paradise as most of us will ever get. Located on 1000 acres of rainforest, its setting is magical, making it the perfect destination for everyone from eco-adventures to honeymooners and families. Accommodation is provided by way of private, ultra-luxurious bungalows that can comfortably sleep up to 5 people. Included in the room rates are three a-la-carte daily meals, snacks, and beverages, along with a range of activities that include guided hikes and bird watching experiences.
1. 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 nuisance 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 scenic hillside overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch amenities have earned it a place on Trip Savvy’s list of the best all-inclusive Costa Rica resorts of 2021. In-room amenities include a balcony with a hammock overlooking the rainforest, surround sound, and luxurious bathrooms equipped with glass-enclosed showers and natural, locally made toiletries. Included in the room rate are three a la carte meals a day, plenty of booze, a shuttle service to the local beaches, a gym, and access to the beach club.