The 9 Best All-Inclusive Costa Rica Resorts of 2023

The Los Altos de Eros resort.
Courtesy of Los Altos de Eros resort

Our Top Picks

Best Adults-Only: Villa Buena Onda – See Rates at Kayak

"Accommodations feature balconies overlooking the pool and rainforest, premium amenities like surround sound, and luxury baths."

Best Budget: Fiesta Resort – See Rates at Kayak

"The property has four restaurants and seven bars with meals and drinks included to keep guests happy, and saving money."

Best Views: Paloma Lodge – See Rates at Kayak

"Perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the rainforest."

Best Value: Hotel Riu Palace – See Rates at Kayak

"Hotel amenities range from tennis and volleyball courts to windsurfing, sailing, and snorkeling."

Best Boutique: Drake Bay Getaway Resort – See Rates at Kayak

"Each uniquely designed cabin is uniquely designed but features floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the rainforest views."

Best Eco: Copa de Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort – See Rates at Kayak

"11 thatched roof, eco-cabins feature pillow-top orthopedic mattresses, Japanese soaking tubs, and private patios."

Best for Families: Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa – See Rates at Kayak

"The resort is home to two supervised children’s clubs – one for the younger crowd and one teen hang out."

Best for Romance: Secrets Papagayo – See Rates at Kayak

"Activities at the hotel include wine or rum tastings, cooking classes, yoga, beach volleyball, and more."

Best for Golf: Costa Rica Westin Playa Conchal – See Rates at Kayak

"The 18-hole, par 71 golf course offers gorgeous beach views, and there’s also a driving range and putting green."

Best Adults-Only: Villa Buena Onda

Set on a gorgeous hillside overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport, Villa Buena Onda is perfect for couples seeking a quiet, adults-only getaway. The rainforest mansion provides eight accommodations that blend Mexican and Balinese styles. Most accommodations feature balconies with hammocks overlooking the pool and rainforest, premium amenities such as surround sound, and luxury baths featuring glass-enclosed showers and natural products from local artisans. All-inclusive rates combine three a la carte meals daily, alcoholic beverages, shuttle to three nearby beaches, a gym, and access to the beach club with infinity pool.

Best Budget: Fiesta Resort

For an affordable all-inclusive that is ideal for those flying into San Jose Airport, the Fiesta Resort is a convenient option. Located about an hour from San Jose in Puntarenas, the resort is perched on a beautiful volcanic sand beach and has 408 standard rooms and suites. The property has three restaurants and five bars with meals and drinks included, and to keep guests active there are five swimming pools, tennis courts as well as soccer and beach volleyball.

In the evenings, nightly shows and karaoke keep things lively, and during the day expect nonstop activities like dancing, cocktail classes, and pool aerobics. Rates at Fiesta are significantly lower than other all-inclusive properties, making it a great bargain vacation.

Best Views: La Paloma Lodge

Set on the Osa Peninsula near the biologically diverse Corcovado National Park, La Paloma Lodge is perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the rainforest. The remote lodge consists of two-story ranchos perched on a cliff that overlooks Drake Bay and the Pacific Ocean for gorgeous views you can’t get enough of.

Accommodations feature hardwood floors, exposed wood beams, ceiling fans, sprawling windows, and eco-friendly bath products. Rates include meals, round-trip transfers from the Drake airstrip to the remote lodge, and two full-day tours with an expert guide to Corcovado, and Caño Island, home to a marine preserve. Other activities include horseback riding, birding, kayaking, and scuba diving.

Best Value: Hotel Riu Palace

For a 2-for-1 hotel value, guests staying at Hotel Riu Palace get access to a second sister hotel in Guanacaste. Located right on the beach of Matapalo, Hotel Riu Palace offers 24-hour all-inclusive service for dining at five restaurants serving Italian, Japanese, and fusion items, plus a coffee shop and ice cream parlor.

Choose from several fantastic bars and lounges for included drinks, plus a swim-up bar at one of the four pools. Other hotel amenities range from tennis and volleyball courts to windsurfing, sailing, and snorkeling.

Rooms have contemporary décor, air conditioning, minibars, and private balconies with views of the garden or ocean.

Best Boutique: Drake Bay Getaway Resort

Located on the northwest side of the Osa Peninsula, the intimate, Drake Bay Getaway Resort offers just five luxurious cabins built using sustainable techniques including solar water heaters and passive cooling design.

Each boutique cabin is uniquely designed but features floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the rainforest views from the shower or bed. The open-air deck has yoga mats for meditation, or in-room massages are also available.

Rates include all freshly prepared meals, fruit shakes, and coffees, and transfers to the airport, plus the use of kayaks and hiking trails. Additional nature tours are available for purchase.

Best Eco: Copa de Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort

Accessible by boat, the Copa de Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort is tucked away in a cove-filled portion of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. There are nine thatched roof, eco-cabins built with reforested wood, and feature pillow-top orthopedic mattresses, Japanese soaking tubs, and private patios with hammocks.

The beachfront resort has a multi-level pool and an open-air restaurant that serves included meals made of fresh, native ingredients. Rates include three meals per day, fresh juices, coffees, a welcome drink and use of kayaks and stand up paddleboards.

Tours with local guides including fishing trips, nighttime rainforest hikes, bird watching, whale watching, and more can be added to packages.

Best for Families: Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa

Families traveling to Costa Rica who are looking for an all-inclusive with plenty of activities for kids should try the Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa. The resort is home to two supervised children’s clubs – one for the younger crowd and one teen hang out, plus once a week there’s a beach camping trip for kids. The beachfront resort has plenty of water activities including kayaking, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, and sailing.

On land, take a Costa Rican culinary course, join in some pool-side entertainment, grab a bite to eat at several restaurants, enjoy theme night parties, or a movie on the big screen.

Rooms feature balconies with a hot tub or direct pool access, stocked mini-bar, and 24-hour concierge service.

Best for Romance: Secrets Papagayo

If you’re seeking a tranquil, romantic location for a wedding or honeymoon, Secrets Papagayo is a great choice. Perched on a beach in the province of Guanacaste, about 20 minutes from Liberia airport, Secrets offers its unlimited luxury rates covers top-shelf beverages and non-alcoholic drinks, 24-hour room service, beach service, no-reservation dining, and all daytime and night activities. That means no waiting for buffets or dining times, but instead enjoying a variety of intimate settings.

Activities at the hotel include wine or rum tastings, cooking classes, yoga, beach volleyball, and more. The 202 guestrooms and suites have balconies with views of the gardens or Gulf of Papagayo, and chic, bungalow-style décor.

Best for Golf: Costa Rica Westin Playa Conchal

For an all-inclusive getaway with a championship golf course, book a stay at the Westin Reserva Conchal on the North Pacific Riviera.

The sprawling 2,400-acre resort features 406 modern rooms (newly renovated in 2019) with amenities like LCD TVs, marble baths, and iPod docking stations. Inclusive rates cover meals, non-motorized watersports, kid’s club, nightly shows, and select beverages.

The 18-hole, par 71 golf course offers gorgeous beach views, and there’s also a driving range and putting green. When it’s time to unwind, there’s also a day spa, yoga classes, a beautiful lagoon-style swimming pool, and a swim-up bar.