14 Best Hotels and Resorts in Costa Rica

Pool overlooking the beach at Arenas del Mar — Photo:
Arenas del Mar

Costa Rica — Travel + Leisure’s Destination of the Year for 2024 — is a biodiverse wonderland with rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, hot springs, sandy beaches along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and incredible wildlife (including three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys).

A hub of ecotourism, the best things to do in Costa Rica range from cloud forest hikes and chocolate farm tours to surfing and yoga. Sure, you could fill a trip with myriad activities, but it’s equally wonderful to kick back, relax, and soak in the chilled-out spirit. For these reasons and so many more, this peaceful Central American nation wedged between Nicaragua and Panama stands out as a top vacation destination and one of my all-time favorite countries to visit. (We even spent an entire month in the beach town of Santa Teresa to celebrate my son’s first birthday.)

When it comes to accommodations, the hotel scene is as diverse as the terrain and varied attractions themselves. There are beautiful beach resorts that put guests steps from the waves, luxury tented camps, more rustic eco-lodges surrounded by prolific jungles, and five-star stays focused on wellness. Budget travelers will also find cool hostels with excellent Wi-Fi that allow digital nomads to work and play the pura vida way.

To help pick the perfect home base to make your tropical vacation dreams come true, we’ve rounded up the 14 best hotels in Costa Rica according to readers, travelers, and experts.

Nayara Springs

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

It’s perfect for a romantic vacation or a relaxing grown-up escape.

What to Consider

Leave the kids at home; Nayara Springs is adults-only.

Lauded as a grown-up getaway with romance relaxation in spades, Nayara Springs — a World’s Best Award winner in 2021, 2022, and 2023 — is an adults-only retreat and member of Relais & Chateaux that’s tucked away in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Framed by lush flora, each of the 35 luxury villas feels like a private hideaway. While it might be tempting to spend the whole time in your spring-fed plunge pool and outdoor shower, the rest of the estate is well worth exploring, too! Not surprisingly, the amenities are equally grown-up, with daily yoga, massages, volcanic mud facials in the open-air spa, and coffee tastings as standouts. Book a table at the fine dining restaurant for a memorable date night.

The Details:

Accommodations: Full breakfast, free wireless internet, access to the gym, and complimentary daily yoga included
Location: Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Nearby Attractions: Within the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park
Rates: Rates start at $860 per night for two adults

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Guest suite overlooking the ocean at Four Seasons Costa Rica — Four Seasons Resort

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

It’s a resort lovers' dream with loads of upscale amenities.

What to Consider

The property attracts a lot of families.

A favorite of families, romance-seeking couples, and groups of pals, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo — named one of the best hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure readers — truly ticks the boxes for luxury-living travelers of all ages. Occupying a prime position overlooking the waves on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, an exclusive 1,400-acre resort community, the five-star beach resort offers two beaches, six restaurants, four pools, watersports, kids and teen clubs, and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course. The modern spa encourages guests to unwind with rituals inspired by local healing traditions. Accommodations range from guest rooms and suites to sprawling private residences for more extended stays. The concierge team will happily set up excursions. Waterfall hikes to horseback riding, anyone?

The Details:

Accommodations: On-site amenities include six restaurants, four pools, two beaches, kids and teen clubs, and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course
Location: Located in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: 45-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Rates: Rates start at $1,200 per night

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

Guest room overlooking the jungle at Hacienda AltaGracia — Auberge Resorts Collection

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

Accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, mindful movement classes, amenities, and daily programming are included in the nightly rate.

What to Consider

Accommodations are one- or two-bedroom casitas only.

If you’re looking for R&R of the luxury variety, there’s no better place to recharge than Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection. The five-star property and World's Best Awards winner in 2023 is the pinnacle of a well-heeled holistic escape with swish accommodations and a spate of experiences to awaken the mind, body, and soul. Sweeping views of the San Isidro Valley and the sounds of bird singing set the tone for a magical stay at the 50-casita resort, which covers 180 acres of tropical forests, a coffee farm, stables, and organic gardens. For well-being seekers, The Well — the world-leading on-site wellness center — tops the list of restorative reasons to visit. Besides healing rituals and mindful movement classes, thrilling adventures like ficus tree climbing and horseback riding are also major drawcards.

The Details:

Accommodations: Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, experience designer, domestic air transfers, and select activities included as part of the holistic rate
Location: Located in Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Thirty-five-minute plane ride from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Rates: Rates start at $1,550 per night

Nayara Tented Camp

woman standing by infinity pool overlooking volcano — Nayara Resorts

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

It’s five-star, safari-style glamping with rainforest views.

What to Consider

Buckle up for a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

Nestled in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park and drawing inspiration from luxury safari lodges in Africa and Asia, Nayara Tented Camp — a World's Best Awards winner in 2022 and 2023 — takes glamping to the next level. Tented accommodations vary in size from romantic suites to family-friendly four-bedroom villas and show off canopy beds, freestanding tubs, and volcano-view terraces with private plunge pools fed by thermal waters. Though, that’s far from the only place to take a dip! The self-guided wellness circuit comprises six interconnected hot springs heated to varying temperatures. Guests can also take advantage of the restaurants and amenities at Nayara Spring and Nayara Gardens, which are linked via footbridges and jungle pathways.

The Details:

Accommodations: Full breakfast, free wireless internet, access to the gym, and complimentary daily yoga included
Location: Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Two-and-a-half-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Nearby Attractions: Sits within the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park
Rates: Rates start at $1,070 per night

Nayara Gardens

View of private bungalow in jungle — Nayara Resorts

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

Great for families.

What to Consider

The property welcomes a lot of kids, especially during school holidays and the summer.

A family-friendly base camp in Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Gardens — a Worlds Best Awards winner in 2021, 2022, and 2023 — lures adventure lovers of all ages with its lush surroundings, hilltop rainforest views, and abundance of outdoor activities. After a full day of exploring — and ideally a little downtime in the mineral springs and resort pool — guests can refuel with Latin American or Asian fusion fare before retiring to spacious casitas with private terraces, outdoor showers, hammocks, and hot tubs. Parents won't want to miss the volcanic massage in the open-air spa pavilions.

The Details:

Accommodations: Full breakfast, free wireless internet, access to the gym, and complimentary daily yoga included
Location: Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Two-and-a-half-hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Nearby Attractions: Sits within the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park
Rates: Rates start at $480 per night for two adults

Origins Lodge

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

Delicious food and a dazzling rainforest setting.

What to Consider

Don’t expect to find air conditioning or televisions in the rooms.

Answer the call of the wild at Origins Lodge, an off-the-grid, eco-conscious refuge ensconced by 111 acres of untamed jungle. It’s got all the wildlife peeping (hello, howler monkeys and sloths) you’d expect, plus hiking, horseback riding, organic garden tours, and an on-property waterfall. All seven luxury lodgings have private plunge pools heated by outdoor fireplaces. The lack of televisions encourages guests to disconnect completely. Head to the stunning yoga studio or spa suite to unwind even further. Surprising for such a remote retreat, the culinary program is positively pilgrimage-worthy, with a delicious daily breakfast that’s included, as well as supplemental gourmet prix fixe lunch and dinner options with menus that change daily.

The Details:

Accommodation: Breakfast and select activities such as yoga, on-site hikes, trekking and horseback riding to the waterfall, and an organic garden tour are included
Location: Located in the north rainforest jungle of Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Ninety-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Rates: Rates start at $908 per night for two adults

Hotel Belmar

Book Now

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like

The carbon-neutral, planet-positive, family-owned hotel was one of the first eco-hotels in the region.

What to Consider

It’s located three hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

The oldest continually operated eco-lodge in Monteverde, a town at the edge of the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Hotel Belmar provides access to boundless eco-adventures such as horseback riding, a thrilling ropes course, and ATV excursions at the adjacent Savia private reserve and Finca Madre Tierra. Even with rugged terrain and opportunities for outdoor recreation at every turn, the experience of staying at this planet-positive property and 2023 World's Best Awards winner isn’t as rugged as one might think. Treehouse-style rooms are draped in wood and have floor-to-ceiling windows, freestanding tubs, and substantial wraparound terraces. Folks keen to sample Costa Rica’s local culinary exports are in for a treat as cocktail classes and organic coffee and craft beer tastings are included in the rate.

The Details:

Accommodations: Select activities such as on-site yoga, mocktail classes, organic coffee tastings, and craft beer tastings included
Location: Located in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Three hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Nearby Attractions: On the edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and with access to the hotel’s Savia private reserve for eco-adventures and Finca Madre Tierra organic farm
Rates: Rates start at $235 per night for two adults

Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

Aerial of woman standing on patio in the middle of the jungle — Hideaway Rio Celeste

Book Now

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like

It’s the only luxury hotel on the Rio Celeste.

What to Consider

You’re packing for the rainforest, so bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, and insect repellent.

A World's Best Awards winner in 2023, Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel earns top billing for its location on an 80-acre rainforest reserve in the foothills of northern Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park. Past guests rave about the wildlife encounters, scenic trails, exclusive swimming access, and wild spirit. Light-filled casitas look out over the gardens or rainforest. While lounging by the pool or relishing a massage at the spa, there’s a real sense that you’re a million miles away from the realities of the daily grind. Despite its off-the-grid atmosphere, the property does have Wi-Fi if you need to check on things back home (though disconnecting is obviously encouraged and honestly pretty easy to do in such a stunning environment).

The Details:

Accommodations: Breakfast, wireless internet, and access to the gym included; private river access
Location: Located in Rio Celeste, Costa Rica
Nearby Attractions: Sits within the heart of the Tenorio Volcano National Park
Rates: Rates start at $435 per night for two adults

Lapa Rios Lodge

Book Now

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like

Accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and most on-site activities are included in the rate.

What to Consider

The minimum guest age is 6 years old.

Set on 1,000 acres of tropical lowland rainforest overlooking the Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Lodge is a true luxury eco-lodge — and one of the first properties in the country to earn the distinction. The sustainably minded hotel supplies open-air, treehouse-style bungalows with ceiling fans, solar-heated water, and bamboo furnishings. Favored for its commitment to nature and immersive experiences, guests love seeing frogs, howler monkeys, and scarlet macaws on guided night walks and birdwatching activities. For more adrenaline-pumping adventures, why not try surfing or scuba diving? On the food front, the chefs at Brisa Azul spotlight seasonal ingredients through plant-based and carnivore-friendly menus.

The Details:

Accommodations: Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and select on-site experiences included
Location: Located on the Osa Peninsula
Nearby Attractions: Sits within 1,000 acres of rainforest reserve, overlooking the point at which the Pacific Ocean meets the Golfo Dulce
Rates: Rates start at $1,268 per night for two adults

Hotel Nantipa

Book Now

Also available to book at TripAdvisor.com

What We Like

It’s a boutique oasis in the chill beach town of Santa Teresa.

What to Consider

High season (December through April) books up quickly.

Located in Santa Teresa, a low-key beach town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's Blue Zones, Hotel Nantipa channels laid-back vibes in a design-forward way that still speaks to the untamed nature of the region. Sheltered by foliage-frame pebbled paths, standalone bungalows flaunt breezy decor and indoor/outdoor showers. Our favorite feature? The private terraces with hammocks and plunge pools. While the fully stocked beachfront villas are perfect for multigenerational families and larger groups. There’s also a lovely main pool and an intimate spa sanctuary. Manzu Restaurant occupies a prime spot right on the sand. It’s a splendid setting to eat fresh sea bass ceviche, sip on a pineapple margarita, and watch the sunset.

The Details:

Accommodations: Breakfast included, on-site activities include yoga, movie nights, beach clean-ups, and surfboard rentals
Location: Located in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Distance to Airport: Fifty-minute drive from Tambor Airport (TMU)
Rates: Rates start at $495 per night for two adults

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

Book Now

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like

It’s the only luxury resort in Manuel Antonio that’s right on the beach.

What to Consider

You’ll need to take a flight, rent a car, or arrange transport through the hotel from San Jose to Arenas del Mar.

Positioned within an 11-acre private nature reserve that connects to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort is the luxury beachfront resort in Manuel Antonio. So, if you’re a fan of swimming in the ocean, building sandcastles, and lounging under a shaded umbrella, it’s the best option. Further distinguishing itself from other properties in the area, it has luxury suites with sweeping views and plush king-size beds that helped earn it a coveted spot on T+L’s World's Best Awards list in 2023. The property also brings guests close to incredible wildlife with the chance to spot red-eyed tree frogs on nocturnal walks with in-house naturalists and go on daytime excursions to the biodiverse Barú National Wildlife Refuge.

The Details:

Accommodations: Full a la carte breakfast included
Location: Located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Nearby Attractions: Sits within an 11-acre private nature reserve and connects to Manuel Antonio National Park
Rates: Rates start at $495 per night for two adults

Pacuare Lodge

Book Now

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like

The minimum guest age is 7 years old.

What to Consider

There are no roads leading to Pacuare Lodge; most guests arrive via the Pacuare River.

Pacuare Lodge makes eco-tourism dreams come true, starting with the adrenaline-pumping approach. Most guests arrive at the far-flung refuge by rafting in on one of the world’s most beautiful white-water rivers. The thrills continue with ziplining through the forest canopy and canyoning. A scenic backdrop for adventure or relaxation, the intimate property marries an untamed landscape and indigenous Cabécar-inspired architecture. When it’s time to kick back, gardens and secluded suites with large terraces and private spring-fed pools await. Alternatively, a trip to Jawa Juü Spa or downward dog by the river is a great way to reset. True to its low-impact quintessence, the culinary program takes a farm-to-table approach emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.

The Details:

Accommodations: Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, transportation, select on-site experiences, and electric golf carts to get around included
Location: Located in Turrialba, Costa Rica
Rates: Rates start at $1,336 per night for two adults

Finca Rosa Blanca

Aerial view of a person swimming in a pool in the middle of a jungle — Piotr Bratosiewicz / Finca Rosa

Book Now

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like

The signature shade-grown organic coffee tour includes a cupping experience.

What to Consider

It is close to the capital but far from the beach (about two hours).

Situated in the highlands above the capital of San Jose, Finca Rosa Blanca blends hospitality and agriculture. A 14-key inn and sustainable coffee farm, the property is the perfect place to sip home-grown java while admiring the majesty of volcanoes and tropical forests. Not surprisingly, given the quality of the crops, the gourmet offerings are a standout across the board. The cuisine celebrates the region's culinary traditions while introducing creative twists that excite the palate. In addition to touring the shade-grown coffee plantation and tantalizing their tastebuds, guests have the opportunity to swim in the infinity pool, do yoga, go on excursions with in-house naturalist guides, bliss out at the wellness center, and snooze in character-filled suites featuring comfy beds, jacuzzi tubs, private verandas, and hand-crafted artwork.

The Details:

Accommodations: Breakfast, afternoon Rosa Blanca organic coffee, and cookies included
Location: Located in the coffee highlands of the Central Vally in Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Twenty-five-minute drive ride from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Rates: Rates start at $360 per night for two adults

Hotel Aguas Claras

Book Now

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like

Full board upgrades are available.

What to Consider

The high season is typically the opposite of the rest of Costa Rica’s peak rainy period.

Seated between the rainforest and beach on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, Hotel Aguas Claras gives travelers a taste of two different realms of natural beauty. That means access to Playa Chiquita and an abundance of tropical flora. Besides its spellbinding nature, it has plenty of design credentials courtesy of individually designed one- and two-bedroom bungalows and themed suites appointed with local art and handcrafted decor. At this easy-going boutique oasis in Puerto Viejo, guests can also look forward to experiencing Afro-Caribbean culture. Love aquatic adventures? The property is located just 25 minutes from Cahuita National Park, which houses the country's largest system of coral reefs.

The Details:

Accommodations: Full a la carte breakfast included
Location: Located in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Distance from Airport: Twenty-five minutes from Cahuita National Park
Rates: Rates start at $365 per night for two adults

Know Before You Go

Decide what kind of trip you want.

What’s so amazing about visiting Costa Rica is that you can tailor a vacation to your interests. Do you prefer to hang by the pool or spend days riding waves and building sand castles? Are rugged rainforest adventures a must, or would you like more spa time? Are you traveling with kids? (Some properties have age minimums, so that’s something to consider.)

Be honest about how much you’re willing to “rough it."

Costa Rica is a bastion of untamed natural beauty. And while it's tempting to go all in on a remote lodge, that might not be the best fit for every traveler. Before settling on a hotel, ask yourself: Do I need Wi-Fi? Is air conditioning a must? Am I OK with a long drive on windy roads?

Consider seasonality.

Because of Costa Rica’s topography and varied terrain, certain times of the year bring swings in weather to different parts of the country. Looking into this ahead of booking will help you to avoid the rainy season in the rainforest or skip the peak period by the beach.

Be mindful of budget.

Accommodations in Costa Rica run the gamut from backpacker-friendly hostels to five-star resorts. Some luxury hotels cost upwards of $1,500 a night. But you certainly don’t need to spend that much for a five-star stay. Whatever your budget, it’s possible to find a fabulous overnight.

How We Chose These Hotels

Lindsay Cohn is a travel journalist with a deep love and appreciation for Costa Rica. The hotels on this list were chosen based on her personal experience and research and the first-hand accounts of Travel + Leisure editors and other contributors. Many of these hotels have also been voted into their respective categories in the World’s Best Awards by T+L readers.