Hotels

The 10 Best Costa Rica Luxury Beach Resorts

The tropical Central American country is brimming with coastal resorts encouraging adventure, relaxation, and well-being. Here are the best Costa Rica luxury beach resorts.

By 

Emma Reynolds

 |  January 30, 2025

Costa Rica, a Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It has 12 microclimates and more than half a million species of flora and fauna. The country’s incredibly diverse topography ranges from lush rainforests and cloud forests to sun-drenched beaches and rugged mountains, as well as lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and natural splendors you can’t find anywhere else on Earth. Costa Rica appeals to all types of travelers, with a chic array of five-star wellness retreats, adventure-focused hotels, and glamorous accommodations that spare no detail when it comes to luxury. The country’s laid-back vibe, friendly locals, fresh fare, and endless activity options make it a beloved tropical place to visit — especially among jet-setters and A-listers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts. 

Embrace the country’s pura vida lifestyle with La Patiala’s curated list of the best luxury beach resorts in Costa Rica.

The 10 Best Costa Rica Luxury Beach Resorts

Does Costa Rica Have All-Inclusive Resorts?

Costa Rica has a variety of all-inclusive resorts in the most popular tourist destinations. These establishments blend local gastronomy, adventure, and spa treatments. There are large luxury, family-friendly resorts as well as more intimate luxury eco-resorts tucked into the rainforest. There’s also a range of all-inclusive properties positioned next to Costa Rica’s most sought-after natural attractions. 

The Best Luxury Beach Resorts in Costa Rica

Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Located on the north Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste province, Peninsula Papagayo is a master-planned 1,400-acre community with multiple resorts, 15 miles of coastline, award-winning golf courses, residences, and outdoor activities from hiking to surfing and beyond. The ultimate luxury hotel in the exclusive enclave — and perhaps all of Costa Rica — is the Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. The eco-chic resort is built into the tropical landscape and features 182 rooms and suites overlooking the jungle or ocean. It has six restaurants, a sumptuous 18-room spa, a fitness center, and direct beach access. There are also multimillion-dollar luxury residences available for purchase for those who just can’t stay away. 

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Nestled within the Peninsula Papagayo community near the Four Seasons, the Hyatt-owned Andaz Costa Rica delivers a fresh, design-forward stay. Envisioned by renowned Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher, the five-star luxury beach resort embraces nature-inspired elements through the use of stone, hardwood finishes, shells gathered from its two private beaches, and driftwood. These details come together in breezy, open-air spaces capped by soaring ceilings. Taking its cues from traditional Costa Rican art and architecture, Andaz seamlessly merges with the surrounding environment. 

The 153 total accommodations (131 rooms and 21 suites) overlook the beautiful Culebra Bay and feature local art and spacious balconies. It’s ideal for adults and families, with a comprehensive kids club and a separate adults-only pool, as well as a spa, a coffee program, a salon, three restaurants, bars, and a gym. 

Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas, also in the Guanacaste province, is a car-free, fully walkable beach town with vacation rentals, residences, shopping, dining, and hotels. Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas is a Relais & Châteaux-designated hotel revered for its breathtaking cliffside location overlooking the Guanacaste coast and Catalinas Islands. While it’s perched on the hillside, it’s a short walk (or golf cart drive) to two beautiful beaches. There are just 21 private villas, each with a zero-edge infinity pool, retractable walls for an open-air living experience, boho-chic décor, and large decks with daybeds and yoga mats. There’s one on-site restaurant, called Sentido Norte, though there are other restaurants within the Las Catalinas community that you shouldn’t miss. The hotel offers in-villa massages and facials, as well as group yoga and fitness classes with front-row water views. 

Florblanca

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after beach and surfing towns, located along the Nicoya Peninsula. The region is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, a term coined by author and journalist Dan Buettner, referring to regions where people live much longer and healthier lives than the average person. Once you arrive in the laid-back town, it’s easy to see why people tend to live longer. Santa Teresa is brimming with fresh-ingredient-focused restaurants, wellness offerings, and outdoor adventure. Should you want to pair your wellness pursuits with luxury, Florblanca is Santa Teresa’s finest stay. Not only is the Costa Rica luxury beach resort ideal for the avid beach lover, but it’s intimate by nature. 

There are just 11 jungle-chic villas throughout the lush, tropical grounds of the beachside hotel. The villas have soaring ceilings, a kitchenette, terraces, and open-air tubs and showers, as well as a neutral color palette with natural materials. There’s one on-site restaurant, Nectar, which serves an international menu with flavors from Latin, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. As for amenities, there’s a pool, gym, and sauna. Spa Bambú offers facials, massages, wraps, and scrubs. During your stay, book an on-site surfing instructor through the resort’s activity concierge. 

Arenas Del Mar

A beachside hotel in Manuel Antonio, Arenas Del Mar is a can’t-miss while in this resort district. The lively town is just north of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country’s most popular national parks with very vocal howler monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and much more. The sustainable, five-star hotel is located on 11 acres of private nature reserve; the hotel covers less than 25% of the property. It puts you at the heart of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and is perched right along the beach and surrounded by rainforest. 

The hotel has just 37 guest rooms and suites, with views of the Pacific Ocean and the national park. Terraces and private outdoor garden areas make you feel intimately connected to nature. Take advantage of the outdoor activities, from early-morning bird-watching and naturalist-led hikes to zip-lining in the rainforest canopy or swimming beneath waterfalls. There are two restaurants and fun beachside barbecues. Nature and conservation, like in all of Costa Rica, are exceptionally important here, and the staff is always excited to educate guests. 

El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

The beachfront hotel El Mangroove, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, is located on Papagayo Bay and sits on 17 verdant acres. The family-friendly boutique hotel is surrounded by forest and preserved mangroves and showcases a dose of cosmopolitan flair in a pristine, natural setting. Modern, “groovy” style meets unfiltered Costa Rican beauty through low-slung architecture, rustic bohemian furnishings, and regional artwork. The 85 spacious suites each have a private terrace, and some have a plunge pool. No matter which room category you choose, indoor-outdoor living is the name of the game, with breezy covered patios extending from the living rooms so you never feel too far from the tropical climate. There are three restaurants and bars, water sports, and a spa to round out your luxury stay.

Hotel Aguas Claras

Puerto Viejo in southeastern Costa Rica’s Limón Province may not be as popular among luxury travelers as, say, Guanacaste. However, Puerto Viejo offers laid-back boutique hotels, restaurants, and beaches that showcase a less crowded, more local side of the country. There are still beautiful beaches and national parks to enjoy and a slightly different approach to cuisine, which makes it a great stop as part of a larger Costa Rica trip. 

When it comes to choosing a hotel in the region, Hotel Aguas Claras is designed with discerning guests in mind. The oceanside resort is cozy, with just 13 rooms: six suites, six bungalows, and one two-story villa. It has a distinct Caribbean vibe, with traditional Caribbean architecture and bungalows. Though it is not directly on the beach, there is nearby beach access. And if you want to end your trip with a true Caribbean jaunt, these luxury Bahamas resorts have you covered.

Santarena Hotel at Las Catalinas

Want a more laid-back stay? In Las Catalinas, Santarena Hotel is the ideal stay for those who want barefoot elegance in a buzzy environment. At first glance, the hotel looks like a mansion plucked from old-world Europe, with its Spanish Mediterranean architecture, artisanal tilework, and airy atrium-style common spaces. The 45 contemporary guest rooms feature private terraces, spacious bathrooms, and bespoke, residential-style detailing, from vibrant tiles to locally sourced artwork. There’s also a rooftop pool facing the ocean, a restaurant serving a fusion of Costa Rican and international cuisine, and a bar with craft cocktails and South American wine. Exploring Las Catalinas through its winding cobblestone streets is a must, and just beyond the hotel, ocean adventure awaits.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

When some travel, they like to be spoiled for choice — and that’s exactly what JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa offers. The resort, located along the white-sand shores of Playa Mansita in the Guanacaste Province, has 310 guest rooms and suites. With more rooms comes more robust dining options. There are eight restaurants and bars on the property; a massive infinity pool and kids’ pool; tennis courts; biking trails; an equestrian center; a golf course; a fitness center; and a kids’ club. The resort, perfect for families, can arrange any type of outdoor or adventure activity you desire. But it is equally as perfect for those who want unbridled relaxation.  

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Playa Conchal, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is an oasis hidden among the mangroves of Guanacaste. The 150-room resort is true to W Hotels’ style, with a vibrant, bold aesthetic and contemporary design, as well as buzzy restaurants that create a wow factor in the heart of the jungle. There are five restaurants and bars, including the Zona Azul Beach Club; two pools (one reserved for adults); a golf course; water sports; a nearby nature reserve; and a signature Away Spa. 

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