Top 10 Costa Rica Beach Resorts

In Costa Rica, you’ll find lush jungles, dramatic mountains, and a pristine coastline that showcases the ocean. Staying at a Costa Rica beach resort allows you to fully soak in that serenity and beauty. 

Imagine starting your morning on a deserted beach, a cup of coffee in hand as seabirds dive for their breakfast, or falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing outside your open window. Find your perfect escape at any of these top 10 Costa Rica beach resorts. 

Costa Rica Beach Resorts Quick Picks:

Best Costa Rica beach resort for couples: Secrets Papagayo

Best Costa Rica beach resort for families:  Dreams Las Mareas

Best Costa Rica beach resort for a wellness retreat: Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

Best small Costa Rica beach resort: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

For a peaceful getaway off the beaten path, spend time in nature at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort. This stunning property sits on 11 acres outside of Manuel Antonio National Park and offers guests ample opportunities to observe the natural flora and fauna of Costa Rica. For the best chance to see turtles, whales, sloths, monkeys, and birds in their natural habitat, plan your visit between May and November. 

Luxury rooms are sunny and bright. The spa-like bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads, and private hot tubs are built right into the balcony or terrace. The Playitas rooms are well-suited for families or groups and can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests. 

There is only one restaurant on the property. Along with its regular menu, which features both international and local favorites, the restaurant hosts beach bbqs, street food nights, and tortilla-making classes every week. 

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Near Montezuma in the province of Puntarenas, you’ll find Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, a charming and intimate luxury Costa Rica beach resort and 12-time recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Just 23 guest rooms are scattered around the forested grounds, promising seclusion for guests without being far away from amenities. 

There are a few family accommodation options, but the main clientele here is couples and most of the rooms have a maximum occupancy of 2-3 people. The Beachfront Bungalow provides easy access to the beach, while the Garden Bungalow is surrounded by amazing gardens and provides more privacy. 

Coco Joe’s Bungalow is built just outside the tree line of the forest and a few yards back from the beach, offering the best of both worlds. Cabins are more customizable, and you can let resort staff know if you need one king-size bed, a double and a single, or 3 single beds when you make your reservation. 

Breakfast and dinner are included in the rate. The menu is extensive and includes options that accommodate a vegan or raw-food diet, as well as gluten-free items. There is also a separate children’s and sushi menu. 

The Westin Reserva Conchal

The Westin Reserva Conchal Spa & Golf Resort is a massive 2400-acre complex built on the shores of a private beach. Despite the size, there are only 406 rooms and suites, so you can enjoy an uncrowded feeling.

As an eco-friendly resort in Costa Rica, The Westin Reserva Conchal has been designed in harmony with its natural surroundings. Amenities include tennis courts, a professionally designed golf course, a signature Westin Fitness Studio, and a massive freshwater lagoon-style swimming pool. There are separate kiddie pools walled off within the main pool so parents can always be close by, and there is an island with a small Jacuzzi in the middle of the pool. 

For golfers, The Westin offers its Golf Experience Package, which includes a 4-night stay in a beautiful suite, 2 complimentary rounds of golf per stay, a $25 spa credit, and free use of a golf cart and practice facilities. Private, group, and children’s instruction is available for new players. 

Secrets Papagayo 

Secrets Papagayo is an adult-only Costa Rica all-inclusive nestled in a secure community along the secluded and unspoiled shores of Playa Arenilla by the stunning Gulf of Papagayo. Rooms and suites are spacious and all have a private balcony or terrace.

Surrounded by nature, this ultra-romantic property is perfect for couples and offers generous wedding, honeymoon, and elopement packages. A total of 12 restaurants and bars include 4 a la carte options for dinner and a health-food option called Aqua with vegan and vegetarian dishes. 

This resort is known for its tranquility and welcoming atmosphere, and it offers a range of activities from leisurely to energetic. There is a swimming pool on either end of the resort grounds. The main pool is near many of the restaurants and bars and is where the majority of daily events and activities are held. A second “relaxation” pool is outside the spa and steps from a picturesque spot that offers amazing sunset views. Between tours, fishing trips, scuba dives, and spa treatments, be sure to take advantage of local wine, coffee, and rum tastings. 

CC Beachfront Papagayo 

CC Beachfront Papagayo is also in the lovely Guanacaste region. This Costa Rica beach resort stands just steps from the shores of Playa Panama, giving guests easy access to the warm, turquoise water. 

Families will be most comfortable in large, ocean view suites, while couples will appreciate the privacy provided by the tropical shrubs and trees in the garden view rooms. There are also Master Suites with full kitchens available if you prefer to make your own meals. On-site dining options include a buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus an a la carte eatery open for dinner only. In the afternoons, a sports bar near the playground serves small plates and snacks. 

Central to the resort grounds is the large main swimming pool. The side of the pool has a shallow platform with rows of submerged sun loungers and three small built-in hot tubs. Water, land, and “relaxation’ tours to places like the Celeste River and hot springs can be booked on the resort’s website.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

Margaritaville Beach Resort on Playa Flamingo is centrally located in Guanacaste so you’ll have easy access to all the national parks, attractions, and activities that make Costa Rica an exciting family vacation spot. 

The resort even has its own yacht for guests to charter for private tours plus an on-site photographer to capture all your new memories. Daily activities like salsa lessons, pool games, and cocktail-making classes fill the time between lounging at the pool or beach and going to dinner. 

This Costa Rica beach resort is near fishing charters, tour providers, and scenic spots as well as local restaurants. The dining options at the resort are kid-friendly, serving options like pizza, sandwiches, grilled steaks, and cafe favorites. Room service is available as well, but is not included in the rate. 

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

As a winner of Trip Advisor’s 2023 Travelers Choice Award, Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort has everything guests expect at a Costa Rica beach resort like oceanview rooms, watersport equipment, and a laid-back vibe. Sandwiched between the lovely Playa Tamarindo and the beach town of the same name, this special property will satisfy both nature lovers and guests who want the convenience of a nearby town.  

Sunset oceanview rooms are close enough to the beach that you can hear the waves crashing on the shore from your room. Family suites are larger and are conveniently located just steps from the main pool. Couples looking for a quieter space can reserve a Tropicana Suite, which is near a second, smaller pool. 

Six unique restaurants line the Boulevard Diria, a walking path through the middle of the resort grounds adjacent to the beach. Along with kid-friendly options like pizza and an ice cream shop, there is also a traditional Mexican restaurant and a grill that specializes in freshly caught seafood. 

Dreams Las Mareas

Unlike many of Costa Rica’s all-inclusive resorts, the family-friendly all-inclusive Dreams Las Mareas is somewhat remote, far away from other large hotels and major tourist attractions. This can be a con to some, but it’s a huge draw for many travelers looking for a place to rest and recharge.

Rooms here are spacious and modern, offering mountain or ocean views. Select suites come with private plunge pools, hot tubs, or whirlpools. There are 15 dining options, 4 bars including a swim-up bar and a beach bar, a coffee shop, and  nightclub.

This Costa Rica all-inclusive family resort sits on the world-famous Playa El Jobo beach, and the use of non-motorized watersports equipment is included in the rate. There are also 3 pools including a children’s pool with a water slide and an adult pool, as well as a kids’ club.

Occidental Papagayo

Occidental Papagayo is less than 10 miles from Coco Beach and Playa Hermosa, and it has its own private beach area for guests. This Costa Rican oasis is nestled in the trees alongside a cove that faces Culebra Bay, meaning calm water conditions perfect for snorkeling are all but guaranteed. 

Compared to the rest of the resort, the guest rooms and suites are a bit underwhelming, with dated furniture and simple decor. Deluxe one and two-bedroom bayview options are available. Guests who upgrade to a premium suite will enjoy extras like turn-down service, free laundry, access to the Premium Lounge, and priority seating at the resort’s restaurants. Junior Premium Suites come with a private hot tub in the bathroom, while Master Suites have them on the terrace. 

Four eateries include a snack bar and a buffet restaurant plus two a la carte options for dinner where guests will receive one complimentary dinner for every three nights booked. Evening entertainment varies but includes a live musical performance three times a week.

Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club

Rounding out our list of the best Costa Rica beach resorts is Jaco Laguna Resort & Beach Club, a 4-star luxury resort on Jaco Beach, one of Costa Rica’s premier surfing beaches. The resort offers surf school packages and private or group lessons, and there are several other surf schools in the surrounding area. However, you don’t need to surf to enjoy the beach, and slower-paced activities like hiking, horseback riding, and yoga (on the beach or on a SUP) are offered as well.  

The on-site restaurant has a huge covered balcony that overlooks the outdoor pool. International and local dishes are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Happy Hour drink specials are featured Monday to Thursday. 

Standard rooms sleep two or four guests. Double rooms come with the option of a king-sized bed. Couples on a Costa Rican honeymoon might consider an Ocean Suite, which features a private balcony overlooking the ocean, a rainfall shower head and a private marble Jacuzzi tub.  

Which is your favorite of these top 10 Costa Rica beach resorts? Let us know in the comments! And if you need help planning your Costa Rica vacation, reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors.