Best resorts in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of those rustic experiences that linger long after you’ve boarded the plane home. From hidden beaches to historic monuments, the country is a perfect blend of contrasts that will have you wishing you could stay a little longer. However, if you think “Pura Vida” is just a catchy phrase slapped on a tourist T-shirt, think again.

Costa Rica takes its laid-back luxury very seriously, and nowhere is that more evident than in its jaw-dropping lineup of resorts. From the Pacific’s surf-soaked shores to the Caribbean’s untamed beauty, Costa Rica offers stays that make you wonder if you accidentally checked into paradise instead of a hotel. Here’s our list of the best resorts in Costa Rica;

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Nekajui, Papagayo Peninsula

Perched high on the Papagayo Peninsula, Nekajui feels less like a resort and more like a secret sanctuary tucked away in nature’s embrace. Rising above the lush, monkey-filled hillside that tumbles down toward the Pacific, the property commands views that make you grateful for the gift of sight.

Passing through the weighty wooden doors of the entry casita, you step into a gaslit courtyard anchored by a grand ceiba tree. Here, local legend meets quiet luxury and the air itself seems to whisper “you’ve arrived.” The atmosphere carries the warmth of staying at an old friend’s estate—if that friend happened to have impeccable taste and a sunset that stops time.

Each evening, the sky transforms into a masterpiece, best admired from a suspension bridge, a private balcony, or a terrace with a perfectly mixed cocktail in hand. Stay long enough, and you’ll find yourself chasing that sunset from every possible vantage point, unwilling to let its magic go unseen.

Also Read: Top Things to See in Costa Rica.

Hacienda AltaGracia, Santa Elena

Tucked away in Costa Rica’s southern highlands, Hacienda AltaGracia is less a hotel and more a living, breathing slice of mountain wilderness. The hotel is perched in the Pérez Zeledón canton, where the Brunqueña and Talamanca ranges embrace the San Isidro valley. Its casitas open onto sweeping green hills that seem to stretch into forever.

Spanning 178 acres, the property is so expansive that a morning stroll feels like the perfect exercise routine. Reimagined in 2021, AltaGracia flips the traditional “home base for excursions” model on its head, instead weaving the spirit of the region directly into every experience. Days here flow between hiking, biking, white-water rafting, and ziplining adventures, or saddling up at the stables.

Come evening, the excitement shifts to friendly rodeo contests as chefs transform regional treasures like tacacos and arracache into feasts. At Hacienda AltaGracia, the land doesn’t just surround you—it draws you in, one unforgettable moment at a time.

Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal Volcano National Park

At Nayara Tented Camp, nature feels like it’s on a first-name basis with its guests. Toucans and parrots swoop between towering cecropias while sloths lazily claim the treetops as their personal hammocks. Hard to believe this lush expanse was once depleted, only to be revived after the visionary owner began restoring land adjacent to his estate.

Today, Nayara Springs and its sister properties share the sprawling site, yet the tented camp effortlessly steals the spotlight. Its stand-alone canvas-draped cabins, designed by eco-conscious masterminds at Luxury Frontiers, strike a perfect balance between indulgence and environmental respect.

As the team continues rewilding the terrain and reintroducing native flora and fauna, more of these thoughtfully perched lodges are taking root. From the comfort of your private plunge pool, you can gaze out at Arenal’s gently smoldering volcano.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo

At the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, luxury sometimes takes on a theatrical twist and whimsical charm. Since its $35-million facelift in 2018, the resort has become a playground for both the fabulously extravagant and families seeking their own brand of adventure.

Beyond the wild whims, the real magic happens in the beach-view bedrooms and sprawling family suites. Here, everyone can gather after days packed with unforgettable experiences—snorkeling alongside rays, chasing Pacific swells. For foodies, savoring Chef Heberto’s smoky Chorotega-style octopus should high up in your itinerary.

Young explorers dive into nature’s wonders at the resort’s lively Explorer’s Club, where Jhonny’s bullet ant tattoo sparks fascinated questions. Meanwhile, adults find their slice of serenity at Prieta Beach Club. It’s a Balearic-inspired haven of chic cabanas and easygoing bliss.

Cielo Lodge, Golfito Bay

At the end of a winding dirt-and-gravel road in the lush hills above Golfito Bay, Cielo Lodge appears like a mirage summoned by nature lovers and off-grid dreamers. With just six solar-powered cabins, this boutique escape offers serenity on a silver platter. The lodge’s infinity pool melts into panoramic views of the bay’s fjord-like curve, while its breezy restaurant gazes over the pool, the jungle, and the horizon beyond.

From dawn to dusk, the soundtrack is pure rainforest: frogs chirping, monkeys howling, birds singing, and crickets sawing through the twilight. The visionaries behind it all, Keith and Nicole Goldstein, swapped Silicon Valley startups for sloths and sea breezes. Getting to and from the resort is part of the adventure.

It starts with a curated boat trip across the Golfo Dulce, past rustic beach huts, thriving wildlife sanctuaries, and the untouched edges of Piedras Blancas National Park. It is the kind of excursion that begins with dolphins and ends with disbelief. Within minutes of departure, the lodge disappears into the folds of the forest as if it never existed, leaving only the scent of salt air and the shimmer of glassy water.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort, Peninsula Papagayo

Perched elegantly on a lush hillside overlooking two pristine beaches, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort blends modern design with nature’s charm. Its whelk-shaped communal spaces and seven sleek, low-rise buildings seem to melt into the landscape. However, its bamboo-framed walkways and floor-to-ceiling windows keep the outside world just a glance away.

The resort’s playful spirit is everywhere, from the wooden carts by the pools to Chao Pescao, the liveliest of the three restaurants. Start the day with a hearty gallo pinto breakfast, then let the spa team whip up a made-to-order organic scrub and a custom tea blend to match.

Conclusion

Costa Rica doesn’t just do resorts—it reinvents the idea of escape. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, romance, or a hammock with a view, the country has a place ready to ruin every other vacation you’ve ever taken.