Costa Rica is a popular holiday destination thanks to its vivid tropical landscapes, clean and stunning beaches, as well as the abundant amount of wildlife that calls this country home.

You’ll also be able to discover the immense rainforests, vast coastline, and even the active volcanoes that can be found here. 

This makes Costa Rica the perfect holiday destination both for thrill seekers, and for those who are looking for somewhere enjoyable to relax.

If this sounds like it appeals to you, then you’ll be glad to hear that Costa Rica isn’t short of incredible resorts for you to stay in, so now you just need to choose which one! 

We’ve compiled a list of five of the best resorts you can stay at during your time in Costa Rica, and if you’re looking for travel advice for the country, then we’ve also included a convenient FAQ to answer the most common questions about a visit here. 

Best Costa Rica Resorts

1. Tabacon Resort & Spa

Found amongst the dense tropical rainforests at the base of the towering Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Resort & Spa is situated in the northern part of Costa Rica, and has become famous for its incredible hot springs, all of which are naturally heated by the geothermal activity of the volcano, which certainly makes for a relaxing yet unique experience. 

Contributing to the relaxing atmosphere of the hot springs is the beautifully landscaped gardens and the vivid rainforest that surrounds it, making it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. 

For those who want a little bit of privacy during their time at Tabacon Resort & Spa, then an escape to the Shangri-La Gardens is definitely worth it, reserved for adults staying at the resort only, which is excellent for escaping the noise and bustle of everyday life. 

There are a number of different restaurant and bar options for you to sample at the resort, and there’s even the possibility for you and that special someone to enjoy a private dining experience, surrounded by the vast rainforest. 

Tabacon Resort & Spa is certainly one of the most well-revered resorts in Costa Rica, and for good reason, making it an excellent choice for your time there. 

2. Hotel Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort

Another resort located in proximity to the majestic beauty of the Arenal Volcano is Hotel Royal Corin, which also includes a thermal water spa and resort as a part of its offering.

Much like other resorts in La Fortuna, Hotel Royal Corin is surrounded by lush green tropical gardens that really help to make you feel one with nature during your stay. 

The rooms found in the resort are always well-equipped and tastefully decorated, fitted with all of the modern amenities you could want from a room, including air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, minibars, and in some cases, even your own private balcony. 

With both a more casual bar and lounge area, and both the Lava Restaurant and Emperador Restaurant serving delicious food within the resort, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the incredible culinary delights that Costa Rica has to offer without so much as lifting a finger. 

Plus, being in close proximity to the volcano’s national park, as well as the La Fortuna Waterfall means that guests can make good use of the natural world around them to participate in some adventurous activities, perfect for those who can’t help but want to explore what’s around them! 

3. Tulemar Resort

For the travellers who are looking for a little more privacy and serenity during their stay in Costa Rica, then a stay at Tulemar Resort should certainly be worth considering.

This resort is situated on a 33-acre private reserve that features its own gated entrance, ensuring that only genuine visitors are able to access the resort. 

The resort has a diverse range of accommodation options available for prospective guests, all of which are standalone villas, with the most famous options being the Tulemar Bungalows & Villas.

All of the rooms come with all of the luxurious amenities you can expect from a resort, including a daily maid service, a concierge service, as well as access to the spa, pools, and beach bars. 

The resort itself overlooks the elegant Manuel Antonio coastline, providing the perfect combination of tropical rainforests, and warm, sunny beaches. In fact, Tulemar Resort is so well revered, that it was actually rated as Tripadvisor’s best hotel in the world for 2022!

So, if you want to experience the secluded life in the heart of Costa Rica’s natural world, then a trip to Tulemar resort should definitely be on your bucket list, and we’re sure that it won’t disappoint. 

4. Parador Resort & Spa

For those who want to live the life of luxury without compromising on ethics, then Parador Resort & Spa is going to make for the perfect holiday destination, with its focus on providing an eco-luxury resort experience, ensuring that not only are you provided with an experience that you’ll never forget, but that you’re also protecting mother nature from any potential damage or harm during your stay. 

With staff ready to help you with every aspect of your holiday experience, there is a load of things that you can get up to during your stay at Parador Resort & Spa, such as swinging your way through the canopy of the green rainforests, letting your toes sink into the sand and sea of the white sand beach, or even just settling down to enjoy some of the incredible cuisines on offer. 

Speaking of cuisine, there are a number of different options for you to choose from when eating at this resort, including the El Galeón Pool Bar, which allows you to sink your teeth into something delicious without ever having to leave the pool. 

This resort is going to be the perfect place to stay for guests of all ages, so if you’re looking to pick a stunning Costa Rican resort for your nice holiday, then Parador Resort & Spa is one that will definitely impress. 

5. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

If you’re looking for an adults-only getaway resort for your time in Costa Rica, then look no further than Secrets Papagayo, a resort situated on the ebullient Arenilla Beach, which is surrounded by incredible coastline views and unspoiled fauna that will certainly leave you almost speechless. 

With 202 incredibly spacious and modern suites for you to choose from, each of these suites comes equipped with its own private balcony or terrace, 24-hour room service, minibar, and much more. 

There’s also limitless cuisine on offer, and between four different restaurants as well as a café, you can be sure that there are plenty of gourmet options to choose from that will ultimately make deciding what you want much harder than you thought it would be.

Of course, there are also five bars for you to drink at too. 

For those looking to relax, there are two pools, a beach, and even a spa, allowing you to rejuvenate yourself as you desire, which can be followed up by a trip to the fitness centre to help get the blood pumping again! 

Overall, for those who want to spend time alone without the hassle of children on the resort, then Secrets Papagayo is certainly a great choice of resort. 

Final Thoughts

We hope that you’ve enjoyed our guide to some of the most stunning resorts in Costa Rica which will ensure that you have the perfect holiday. All of these resorts are luxurious and filled with the amenities you need to enjoy your time there! 

If you have some questions about your stay in Costa Rica, then check out our helpful guide below. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve never visited Costa Rica before, then there’s a good chance that you might have a number of questions that you’ll want to ask, which is exactly what this handy section is about, as we’ll provide you with the answers to some of the most common questions about a stay in Costa Rica! 

Is Costa Rica Safe? 

Costa Rica has long been known as one of the safest places to visit in Central America, so whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, or even solo, so long as you take some necessary precautions, you should be absolutely fine. 

How Do You Get To Costa Rica?

If you’re looking to get to Costa Rica from UK shores, then you’ll be able to choose from a number of different airline companies for flights, who’ll provide you with direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica in around 14 hours! 

Is Costa Rica Expensive?

Because of its thriving tourism industry, Costa Rica does definitely tend to veer on the more expensive side of things when it comes to Central American countries. But when compared to the UK, it’s a much cheaper place! 

The Best Resorts in Costa Rica - Top 5