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9 Best Beach Resorts in Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine shoreline with countless beautiful beaches. If you’d like to stay right on the sand enjoying fabulous sea views and easy access to water sports, there are lots of beachfront resorts to choose from. For the best of the best, book one of these.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Peninsula Papagayo Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Credit: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo by Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Peninsula Papagayo

One of the most luxurious hotels in Costa Rica and in all of Central America, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is extremely secluded. Set on a narrow isthmus, it provides ocean views from nearly every vantage point, including every one of the lavish rooms, which feature marble baths and screened-in living-room terraces. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course offers even more breathtaking ocean vistas, while its Pesce restaurant serves outstanding Italian fare and seafood specialties. Activities include kayaking, hiking, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Swedish massage is available for relaxing afterward.

Key Amenities:

  • Secluded beachfront location on narrow isthmus

  • 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course

  • Marble baths and screened-in terraces

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, Manuel Antonio Arenas Del Mar
Credit: Arenas Del Mar by arenasdelmar.com

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, Manuel Antonio

The Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort sits within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park. This eco-resort offers some of the nicest rooms in the area, which include vibrant local art along with large private terraces, some with hot tubs. It also boasts two unspoiled, nearly-deserted beaches along with two pools and a spa. The surroundings are spectacular, with lots of wildlife, including butterflies, birds and monkeys that occasionally come to visit. Complimentary cooking classes, rum tasting and sustainability tours are offered too.

Key Amenities:

  • Private terraces with hot tubs

  • Two nearly deserted unspoiled beaches

  • Wildlife-spotting and tours available

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Guanacaste JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Credit: JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa by marriott.com

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Guanacaste

The luxurious, hacienda-style JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa has a beautiful beach that’s ideal for peaceful strolls as well as activities like snorkeling and diving. The property has multiple restaurants and bars on site, a sprawling infinity pool and a fabulous spa offering massages, facials, pedicures, plunge pools and therapy baths. Activities available include surfing, kayaking, hiking and biking. Rooms include deep soaking tubs and balconies with views of the sea, garden or pool.

Key Amenities:

  • Oceanfront hotel ideal for snorkeling and diving

  • Spa with plunge pools and therapy baths

  • Rooms with deep soaking tubs and balconies

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, Papagayo Peninsula Secrets Papagayo
Credit: Secrets Papagayo by secretsresorts.com

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, Papagayo Peninsula

Located on the beautiful Papagayo Peninsula, Secrets Papagayo offers luxurious suites with views of the ocean or lush gardens, providing a tranquil adult-only experience. The all-inclusive rates include meals at six excellent a la carte restaurants and one buffet – no reservations required, along with access to a two-tier pool with a swim-up bar and a beautiful spa pool. The activity options are practically endless and include snorkeling tours, yoga classes, water aerobics, cooking classes, hiking, wine tasting, rum tasting, non-motorized water sports and more. There are special theme nights featuring live music and karaoke too.

Key Amenities:

  • Adults-only, all-inclusive hotel

  • Two-tier pool with swim-up bar

  • Themed nights and activities

Tulemar Resort, Manuel Antonio Tulemar Resort
Credit: Tulemar Resort by Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Resort, Manuel Antonio

Tulemar Resort sits across 33 acres, filled with tropical flora and wildlife. There are four infinity pools, a secluded beach and a restaurant with ocean views, while Manuel Antonio National Park is less than a 10-minute drive away. Accommodations range from one- to four-bedroom bungalows and villas, all of which include kitchens or kitchenettes, multiple living areas and balconies with water views. Many different tours and activity options are available, including surfing, canyoning tours through the rainforest, zip lining, horseback riding and catamaran tours.

Key Amenities:

  • Secluded beach and tropical flora

  • Bungalows and villas with kitchens and balconies

  • Four infinity pools

Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, Punta Islita Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Credit: Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection by marriott.com

Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, Punta Islita

This remote, high-end beach retreat is made up of luxurious villas and rooms with terraces and romantic hammocks. Guests can look forward to unbeatable ocean views, a magnificent infinity pool and a beach pool, both of which include swim-up bars. Enjoy golfing, tennis, sunset cruises, cooking lessons and private candlelight dinners as well as relaxing at the spa.

Key Amenities:

  • Complimentary ec-adventures and cultural experiences

  • Villas with terraces and hammocks

  • Infinity pool and beach pool with swim-up bars

Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa Hotel Bosque del Mar, Costa Rica
Credit: Hotel Bosque del Mar, Costa Rica by bosquedelmar.com

Hotel Bosque del Mar, Playa Hermosa

The upscale Bosque del Mar is a contemporary boutique hotel located along Playa Hermosa, popular for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. Its spacious suites include separate living areas and bedrooms, along with glass walls that open to private wood-deck terraces, some of which face the ocean. Watch for the iguanas that soak up the sun from balconies, and listen for the howler monkeys that provide a morning wake-up call. Guests can enjoy the expansive open-air restaurant that overlooks the ocean, a spa that offers in-room and beachfront massage as well as a free-form pool.

Key Amenities:

  • Located on Playa Hermosa

  • Glass walls opening to private wood-deck terraces

  • Spa offering in-room and beachfront massages

Los Altos Beach Resort, Manuel Antonio Los Altos Beach Resort
Credit: Los Altos Beach Resort by losaltosresort.com

Los Altos Beach Resort, Manuel Antonio

Los Altos Beach Resort & Spa is tucked within the rainforest and offers jaw-dropping ocean views. A top resort for families, having all the comforts of a home with 2,500-square-foot condos that include three bedrooms, kitchens and balconies that open up to views of the water is appreciated. Enjoy easy access to the beach, a fabulous infinity pool, a spa and an open-air eatery with rainforest and ocean views. There are plenty of ways to relax or get active, with the chance to enjoy everything from snorkeling and jungle hikes to zip lining,  whitewater rafting and parasailing.

Key Amenities:

  • Located within rainforest with easy beach access

  • Condos with three bedrooms, kitchens and balconies

  • Open-air eatery with rainforest and ocean views

Bahia del Sol Hotel, Guanacaste Bahia del Sol Costa Rica
Credit: Bahia del Sol Costa Rica by bahiadelsolhotel.com

Bahia del Sol Hotel, Guanacaste

The intimate Bahia del Sol Beach Front Hotel & Suites sits along the shores of Playa Potrero, a black-sand beach that edges calm waters, ideal for swimming. The resort is filled with tropical gardens and caters to those who want to get active, relax or enjoy a little of both. It features an outdoor pool and poolside bar, spa and Jacuzzi and also offers free fitness and yoga classes. Activity options include snorkeling and sailing in the Catalina islands, horseback rides on the sand, hikes through the rainforest and diving excursions.

Key Amenities:

  • Access to black-sand beach Playa Potrero

  • Outdoor pool and bar

  • Free fitness and yoga classes

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