A Dream Getaway: 9 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a little indulgence on a tropical paradise escape. Staying at one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica could see you waking up to awe-inspiring coastal views, hiking through lush rainforest retreats, or lounging by the swimming pool after a jam-packed day full of activities.

I found my visit to this wonderful country to resemble both extremes of a trip. It was relaxing at times, and at others, crammed full of every experience I could fit in. I quickly realized that Costa Rica could be as relaxing or heart-racing as you like – from basking on the beach or slowly meandering through lakes on old boats to spotting the local wildlife and whizzing through the rainforest on zip lines or ATVs!

The list below dives into nine of the best all-inclusive resorts in the country. Each one has its own unique charm with the potential to provide a truly remarkable visit for you to make the most of this amazing country.

TL;DR

• Best Budget Option – Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
• Best Mid-Range Option – Dreams Las Mareas
• Best Luxury Option – Tulemar Resort
• Best for Families Option – Planet Hollywood Resort
• Best for Adults Only Option – Secrets Papagayo
• Best for Beach Lovers Option – Tulemar Resort
• Best for Watersports Option – Barcelo Tambor
• Best for Activities Option – Montaña de Fuego
• Best for Amenities Option – Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

1. Montaña de Fuego

Address: 8 Km al Oeste de La Iglesia Catolia de la Fortuna San Carlos, Volcan Arenal, 00011 Fortuna, Costa Rica

Best for: Outdoor activity enthusiasts

Montaña de Fuego is an all-inclusive resort providing an ideal base for the adrenaline activities aplenty within La Fortuna. Then, when you need some respite, it provides a serene environment for rest and rejuvenation. 

The resort boasts a private natural reserve – 100 acres of tropical forest to explore alongside many other activities to keep you busy. Take things slow and opt for a horseback riding tour to Arenal Volcano. Or turn things up a notch and zoom through the canopies on a ziplining tour! Then, for a perfect end to the day, chill out by the swim-up bar or order room service to your private balcony for dinner.

If you want to step out of the resort, many alternative adrenaline-boosting activities are available in the area. One notable provider in the area would be Desafio Adventure Company.

I went paddleboarding, canyoning with waterfall rappelling, and whitewater rafting with this company. Paddleboarding, most notably, was a unique treat. Just imagine floating along a lake with a volcano as your backdrop!

Things to Do Nearby

• Hike up Arenal Volcano
• Go on a guided ATV adventure tour
• Spot wildlife on a river safari

Pros

• Private nature reserve
• Arenal is perfect for outdoor activities and adventures
• Onsite volcanic mud baths

Cons

• Not suited to those looking for a beach holiday

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Arenal, Costa Rica

2. Planet Hollywood, Costa Rica

Address: Playa Manzanillo, Bahia Culebra, 00011 Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Best for: Family vacations

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort. It offers activities suitable for all ages that can bring the family together and cater to different tastes and energy levels.

If you’re feeling peckish, Planet Hollywood provides no less than seven restaurants onsite. And when you’re not chowing down, the resort also provides many activities to enjoy the surrounding area.

Take the chance to go kayaking or paddleboarding, and even the chance to have a go on a hydro-bike. Then, once the day has played its course, sit back and enjoy a movie night under the stars.

Planet Hollywood offers a top-notch kids club for parents wanting a bit of R&R at the onsite spa and wellness center. While you relax, your children can let their creativity run wild. At the kids club, they can learn about directing movies or attend acting and singing classes.

Things to Do Nearby

• Sail out on a catamaran at sunset
• Have an adventure day of river tubing, horseback riding, and ziplining
• Visit the stunning La Leona Waterfall
• Watersports galore!

Pros

• Super kid-friendly with excellent activities are on offer at the kids club
• Seven different onsite restaurants
• A diverse variety of activities

Cons

• Not suitable for those looking for a quiet and serene getaway

See Related: Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica for Families

3. Tulemar Resort

Address: Tulemar Gardens, 60601 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Best for: Wildlife spotters

Tulemar Resort sits comfortably in Tulemar Gardens, a 33-acre gated and secure base for your time in the Manuel Antonio resort and park area. The full-service resort provides accommodations in the form of bungalows and luxury villas. Lush gardens, walking paths, and wildlife-spotting opportunities surround it.

Prepare yourself for award-worthy luxury on your visit. The resort boasts a personal concierge service, spa services, and four swimming pools to pick from. Moreover, you can sun yourself on its private secluded beach with a beach attendant present to see to refreshments.

However, if you can tear yourself from the resort long enough, what awaits you outside is the incredible Manuel Antonio National Park. I highly recommend going in with a guide, as their ability to spot even the smallest wildlife is incredible! Conveniently enough, Tulemar Resort provides a 3-hour park tour, which will surely elevate any visit.

Things to Do Nearby

• Go horseback riding
• Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment
• See things from a different perspective on a rainforest canopy tour
• Try your hand at some wildlife spotting at Manuel Antonio National Park

Pros

• Proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park
• Perfect choice for wildlife enthusiasts
• Private beach
• It’s just breathtaking here!

Cons

• Much of the resort involves steep paths and many stairs

See Related: Most Stunning, Unique Costa Rica Animals

4. Drake Bay Getaway Resort

Address: 200 Meters South of the Jinetes de Osa Hotel in Drake Bay, 60111 Drake, Costa Rica

Best for: Honeymooners

Drake Bay Getaway Resort is an all-inclusive, eco-luxury boutique resort. It’s situated on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, a location boasting some of the richest biodiversity in the entire world!

Expect peace and quiet when visiting the resort, as this sustainable property only features five cabins. Each cabin is beautifully designed with unbeatable panoramic views and comes fully equipped with Wi-Fi, should you need it.

A main flex for this luxury resort is the comprehensive honeymoon package that gives you the best possible start to married life. You can opt for rainforest or ocean views from your room, with a comfortable king-size bed to view from.

Then make the most of delicious meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Think local catch of the day straight to your dinner plate for meals inspired by Costa Rican specialties.

However, while designed with honeymooners in mind, anyone can still enjoy the experience here. Take advantage of where you are and venture out on a bird-watching tour, or visit the stunning Corcovado National Park. And if you don’t mind the early start, go on a whale and dolphin-watching tour to gain memories for a lifetime.

Things to Do Nearby

• Go on a tour of Corcovado National Park
• Stay up late for an evening jungle tour
• Scuba dive at Caño Island

Pros

• Very quiet
• Fresh, locally caught seafood
• Osa Peninsual’s rich biodiversity

Cons

• Limited amenities for an all-inclusive resort

See Related: Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rica

5. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Address: Playa Arenilla, Golfo de Papagayo, 01234 Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Best for: Adults wanting a child-free trip

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is an adult-only getaway in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Papagayo. One of the top adults-only resorts in the country, this resort has 202 luxurious, spacious rooms and suites to choose from that can offer either garden or ocean views. The resort is also part of the World of Hyatt, which means potentially great bonuses to members who can earn points to redeem on future travels!

If you’re after a brilliant beach resort in Costa Rica, this might be what you’re looking for. Enjoy morning strolls on the long stretch of unspoiled beach beside the Pacific Coast. Then, wind down in the evening listening to the waves while you eat dinner, sitting a mere stone’s throw away from the ocean.

However, if you’re after something more exhilarating, the resort stays true to Costa Rica’s reputation for being an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The resort offers many activities, like canopy tours, to add to your experience. It’s one thing seeing the trees towering above you, but it’s another to be in amongst the thick of it and get more of a bird’s eye view.

Things to Do Nearby

• Take a dip in some hot springs
• Stroll the gorgeous coastline
• Go whitewater rafting
• Book a fishing charter for the day

Pros

• Lots of activities on offer
• Earn points with World of Hyatt
• Adults-only

Cons

• Not much nightlife on offer for an adults-only resort

See Related: Best Costa Rica Excursions to Book Today

6. Dreams Las Mareas

Address: Playa El Jobo, El Jobo La Cruz de Guanacaste, Costa Rica, 00010 El Jobo, Costa Rica

Best for: Beach lovers

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is another all-inclusive brand that has joined the prestigious World of Hyatt. Nestled in a wonderfully pristine beach in El Jobo, this resort welcomes you with open arms and unlimited treats. Each of the 447 suites at this beachy rainforest resort provides the perfect views of the surrounding tropical gardens or calm seas.

As with any great all-inclusive resort, you can find all sorts of cuisines on offer, like Mexican, Pan-Asian, and Italian. Or, if you can’t decide, there’s a highly-rated international buffet waiting for you to go all in on. If you’re not too hungry, the barefoot grill serves casual quick bites by the infinity pool, and the swim-up bar adds a little oomph of splendor to your visit.

A great bonus to the resort’s location is its proximity to neighboring Nicaragua. Take a day out from your Costa Rican trip to see some of Nicaragua’s highlights.

To finish off, a sunset cruise across Lake Nicaragua will introduce you to mischievous capuchin monkeys at Monkey Island. Just watch out for these guys; I saw them once effortlessly pilfer someone’s ham sandwich out of their bag with no remorse.

Things to Do Nearby

• Visit Blue River Hot Springs
• Cruise across Lake Nicaragua and visit Monkey Island
• Take a day trip to Nicaragua

Pros

• Proximity to Nicaragua
• Beautiful location
• Wide range of activities

Cons

• Its popularity and size can lead to crowds at peak times

See Related: Best Things to Do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

7. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

Address: Playa Matapalo, Sardinal Carrillo, Guanacaste, 50503 Coco, Costa Rica

Best for: Thrill-seeking families

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica features numerous large outdoor swimming pools, a water park, a wellness center, a fitness center, and more dining options than you’d know what to do with. Moreover, with family rooms and a kids club available, this resort is a fantastic option for families looking for a place to stay.

The all-inclusive resort offers some brilliant activities to enjoy the surrounding area, like windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. But venture a little further afield, and you find other water sports available, as well as horseback riding and a very tempting golf course to play a game or two.

Close by the resort is the Diamante Eco Adventure Park, which is most definitely worth setting aside a day for. The list of activities available at the park is extensive, to say the least.

You could whizz down ziplines, traverse over hanging bridges, test your nerve on the Tarzan swing, or dip in the water and try out the many water sports available. If you’re more of a nature lover, the park holds the region’s largest animal sanctuary.

Things to Do Nearby

• Book a private ATV tour
• Numerous activities at Diamante Eco Adventure Park
• Relax at Miravalles Volcano hot springs
• A few rounds of golf
• Watersports like kayaking and windsurfing
• Horseback riding excursions

Pros

• Great facilities available for kids
• Beachfront location
• Kids Club
• Spacious rooms

Cons

• It can get noisy

See Related: Guanacaste Itinerary: A Week in Costa Rica’s Gold Coast

8. Barcelo Tambor

Address: Bahia Ballena, Playa Tambor, 60101 Tambor, Costa Rica

Best for: Scuba diving

Barcelo Tambor is a stunning all-inclusive beachfront resort that offers amazing views of the bay on one side and rolling hills on the other. Fuel up for the day at the El Tucan buffet breakfast, then lounge the day away around the poolside bar. End the day nicely with some Japanese cuisine at Miyako Japanese restaurant for dinner, easy!

The resort has 402 spacious rooms, which include 56 premium-level rooms and four suites for those wanting to splurge. The all-inclusive package ensures a relaxing stay that can be as jam-packed with activities as you please. Along with some top-notch dining options, there are aerobic and dance classes, karaoke nights, sporting activities, and different entertainment options put on each night. You also have the choice to upgrade to a more premium vacation package and truly make your trip something to remember.

The resort is also conveniently situated close to Isla Tortuga, considered one of the most famous dive sites on the country’s Pacific coast. A dive here might lead to spotting turtles and sperm whales!

Things to Do Nearby

• Go bird watching
• Visit Isla Tortuga for the day
• Go Scuba diving

Pros

• Great spot for scuba diving
• Nightly entertainment options
• Beachfront location

Cons

• Dining options are limited

See Related: Best Day Trips From San José, Costa Rica

9. Kalon Surf Resort

Address: Altos de Miramar 4km de Costanera Hatillo, Dominical Costa Rica

Best for: Surfers

Costa Rica is known for having great, dependable surf. A stay at Kalon Surf Resort will help any keen surfer make the most of this reputation.

The resort oozes all-inclusive luxury while proving the perfect base for getting in as much surf time as you want to squeeze into a visit. Even newbie surfers can enjoy a visit to Kalon. Certified instructors are at hand to help introduce you to the sport on uncrowded stretches of beaches.

This boutique-style resort offers a multi-layered surfing experience. When you’re not out on your board, you can take advantage of yoga and Pilates classes.

These classes are specifically tailored to the needs of surfers for recovery before your next session out in the water. In addition, the resort even has a masseuse onsite, so you can take some time out of riding the swells to relax.

While Kalon is primarily a surfer’s dream, its surfing package does include free time to enjoy the surrounding area. Noted a guest favorite, you can enjoy waterfall rappelling, tree climbing, and zip lining on a full-on jungle adventure at Manuel Antonio Park. Moreover, if you’re visiting in the right season, there’s also an unmissable opportunity to go dolphin and whale-watching.

Things to Do Nearby

• Take a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
• Go zip lining!
• Lounge on the beach
• Book a whale-watching excursion

Pro

• Surfing instructors for all levels
• Tailored to surfer’s needs with yoga, Pilates, and masseuse
• Stunning sea views
• One of the hottest resorts in Costa Rica right now

Cons

• Very expensive

See Related: Best Activities in Costa Rica: Top Outdoor Adventures

Summary of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

Resort Name	Location	Signature Amenities	Cost
Montaña de Fuego	Arenal	Private natural reserve	$$
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica	Guanacaste	Fantastic kids club	$$$
Tulemar Resort	Manuel Antonio	Tons of wildlife	$$
Drake Bay Getaway Resort	Osa Peninsula	Privacy and seclusion	$$
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica	Guanacaste	Only for adults	$$$
Dreams Las Mareas	Guanacaste	Swim-up bar	$$
Hotel Riu Palace	Guanacaste	Water park	$
Barcelo Tambor	Tambor	Proximity to Isla Tortuga	$
Kalon Surf Resort	Dominical	Surf instruction, yoga, pilates	$$

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