Costa Rica offers travelers an opportunity to experience the best of both worlds: the worlds of luxury and beautiful nature. From surfing and snorkeling to hiking and rafting, Costa Rica’s top all inclusive hotels give tourists the chance to enjoy nature’s beauty while also getting a taste of culture. If you prefer to spend your time indoors, Costa Rica’s best all-inclusive resorts offer amenities like spas and pools, as well as top-shelf restaurants and bars that will keep you entertained throughout your trip.
There are many choices when booking a trip to this Central American country. You may also consider all inclusive packages that offer guests access to multiple restaurants, bars, pools, spa services, and other activities at moderate prices. These packages also come with free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the week. If you’re traveling with kids, all-inclusive hotels often provide babysitting services and children’s programs.
So, what are the best all inclusive resorts to book in Costa Rica? What do you need to know before booking an all inclusive package at a resort? Will you be staying in the northern, southern, or central region of Costa Rica?
Which Part of Costa Rica Should I Book An All-Inclusive Resort In?
Hiking in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an amazing destination for tourists because there are many places to go and see. There are beautiful beaches all around, like Playa del Coco, Montezuma, Tamarindo, Jaco Beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Puerto Viejo, and Dominical. There are breathtaking mountains to hike (with an active volcano), like Volcan Arenal, Poás Volcano, Barva Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, and Osa Peninsula. There are also tropical jungles, like Braulio Carrillo National Park, Corcovado National Park, Palo Verde National Park, La Amistad International Park, and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. These parks and reserves offer incredible views and activities. Some people enjoy going hiking, while others prefer relaxing on the beach.
No matter what you choose, Costa Rica will provide everything you need. There are many all inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, but most of them are located on the Pacific coast, so if you are determined to stay at an all inclusive resort, we suggest picking a destination, city, or town on the Pacific coast with an all inclusive resort that suits your needs best.
Benefits of Staying At An All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica
Resorts offer a lot of benefits to guests. Guests can enjoy the amenities at the resort without worrying about carrying cash or credit cards. All-inclusive resorts are known for endless entertainment, food, and drink. An all-inclusive hotel in Costa Rica truly means that you will enjoy accommodation, meals, and drinks, plus access to the natural beauty of the country. However, you will also have access to the endless amount of activities available within the resort. All-inclusive hotels often sit on beautiful white-sand beaches with incredible ocean views. They offer plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Guests may spend the morning lounging by the pool, enjoying a swim in the ocean in the afternoons, and relaxing on their balconies at sunset. They may venture off the property on tours to explore the surrounding area. When they feel like it, they can return to “home base” for meals and relaxation.
When booking a vacation, it is important to think about what kind of experience you want. For example, if you like adventure activities, then you will probably need to book a beachfront resort. If you want to relax and unwind, you may choose a quieter location. You may also want to think about your dietary preferences because some properties offer gluten-free options, and some don’t. You may also want a place that offers child care services because kids love to explore and play. You can easily find a family-friendly resort with activities for kids and adults alike.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica
Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of staying at a resort in Costa Rica, along with tips on how to choose where to book your stay in Costa Rica, here’s a master list of all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica!
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica – Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste Province
Hotel Riu Palace, a spacious resort sitting right on top of the beautiful Matapalo Beach welcomes travelers of all types – couples, families, and singles – to stay at its lavish property and enjoy plush amenities. Four main pools welcome visitors of all ages and age groups, offering plenty of fun activities like swimming, sailing, windsurfing, SUP, and kayaking in the Pacific Ocean.
Kids can get wet and wild at Splash Water World, an indoor water park with slides, fountains, and even a lazy river. Parents can relax in the spa, while kids can cool off in the pool with a complimentary swim lesson. After a long day of exploring, head back to your room for a relaxing soak in the tub. If you’re looking for ways to relax after a long day of fun in the sun, head to the RiuLand Kids Club, where children ages 4–12 can play games, watch movies, participate in arts and crafts, and even try out sports like soccer. While they’re experiencing all the fun in a kids club, you can sit back and relax on your balcony with a drink or have dinner at one of the Riu Palace’s themed restaurants.
You’ll also get access to the pool, hot tubs, and other amenities. If you’d prefer to stay inside, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Enjoy the poolside bar and restaurant, or check out the buffet meals at the buffet restaurant. And if you need to catch some ZZZ’s, just ask room service to bring you a snack or meal. Guests at Hotel RIU Palace Costa Rica are welcome to also stay at the sister property, Hotel RIU Guanacaste, but if you want to dine at Riu Guanacaste, you will have to pay extra. As far as nightlife goes, guests have access to a disco. Open seven days a week, the club plays everything from salsa to techno and house.
The Westin Reserva Conchal, All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa – Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Province
Playa Conchal, Guancaste Province
The resort is located on the northern coast of Costa Rica on Playa Conchal. It is a protected area with a beautiful beach and coral reef. The resort covers 2,400 acres of land and is surrounded by nature. There is a beautiful lagoon-style pool and a kid’s pool at the Westin Reserva Conchal resort. There is also a spa, tennis courts, a golf course, and a restaurant. The all-inclusive package includes breakfast each morning, lunch, and dinner every day, plus snacks throughout the day, drinks, non-motorized water sports, entertainment, tennis games, and kids’ club access.
There’s a private beach area reserved just for you. If you’re looking for something extra, there’s also a Royal Beach Club section, where adults can relax in a private pool and spa. And if you need a break from the sun, there are eight restaurants at this All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa that offer everything from sushi to tapas to seafood and steak. There are many all-inclusive hotels in Playa Conchal, but the Westin Reserva Conchal is one of few that also offers all-inclusive golfing packages.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo – Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste Province
Margaritaville Flamingo Beach Resort is an oceanfront resort located in Costa Rica on Flamingo Beach. The resort offers an array of activities including golf, tennis, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, zip-lining, horseback riding, and many other exciting adventures. This resort offers guests an all-inclusive package. Guests get three meals a day plus unlimited drinks.
Rooms feature modern decor and furnishings, along with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access. A buffet breakfast is served each morning, while lunch and dinner options include international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy cocktails and other drinks at the bar. Guests will also enjoy the services of a personal concierge, daily maid service, and 24-hour room service. There are also complementary activities like dance and craft classes, tennis, pool volleyball, basketball and other sports, and even yoga. Freebies include tennis rackets, beach towels, umbrellas, and beach chairs.
Dreams Las Mareas Resort & Spa – Playa el Jobo La Cruz, Guanacaste Province
Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind at an all-inclusive family resort, or you’re planning a romantic retreat for two, the Dreams Las Mareas Resort & Spa is the perfect place for you. Situated on Playa El Jobos in Guanacaste, the resort offers guests access to a number of activities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, a restaurant, a water slide, and even a kids club!
Guests can choose from a range of accommodations, each offering its own unique views of the surrounding mountains. If you want to stay connected, there’s Wi-Fi throughout the property, and if you need a break from the sun, there’s also cable TV in different locations throughout the resort. Families can spend quality time together in the Kids Club, which features kid-friendly games and activities like arts and crafts, cooking classes, and sports tournaments. For adults, there’s plenty to keep them busy too, with a full-service spa, fitness center, and golf courses available to those who wish to exercise their bodies. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area, whether you’re taking a hike through the rainforest, visiting nearby beaches, or heading into San Jose, the capital city.
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive – Pacific Coast, Puntarenas Province
Fiesta Resort is located on a beautiful tropical island with volcanic sand 1 hour west of San Jose. The sand is a deep ebony color that highlights the bright blue ocean water. There are three swimming pools, two restaurants, a spa, tennis courts, and a theater. Guests can also enjoy nightly entertainment at the amphitheater.
The hotel has 408 guestrooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. These rooms offer a comfortable atmosphere and a private bathroom. All-inclusive access means you will get unlimited cocktails and meals from four restaurants, seven bars, and pools, including a zero-depth pool perfect for young children. You’ll also enjoy activities like aqua aerobics, dancing classes, and watersports.
If traveling with children, the resort offers a fun kids’ club for ages 4–12. If you’re an older kid, there’s a teen club for 13–17 year-olds. In fact, the Fiesta Resort is known to be one of the top all-inclusive family resorts. The resort provides a business center and free Wi-Fi.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Playa Manzanillo, Guanacaste Province
Manzanillo, Costa Rica
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Costa Rica is located in the beautiful Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. The hotel offers guests a great experience with its all-inclusive concept. Guests can choose from a selection of activities and entertainment from the all-inclusive options. There are also many different restaurants and bars available for guests to choose from. The rooms offer a comfortable stay with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the pool area. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
After a long hike through the forest, a thrilling zip line ride, or a relaxing horseback ride, return to your spacious suite at the resort and relax in comfort. You will enjoy stunning views from your private balcony or terrace, which features comfortable beds. Food is available in many forms, including sushi, pasta, and pizza. If you prefer, you can dine at any of the resort’s seven restaurants, each serving different types of cuisine. Entertainment includes nightly shows and children’s activities. Kids also have access to a splash pool, play area, and the spa. Fitness facilities are available 24/7. Upgrade to a Star Class Room for a VIP experience at the hotel. You can gain access to exclusive areas of the resort, preferred rooms, a personal agent, and priority check-in/check-out.
Barceló Tambor Hotel – Playa Tambor, Puntarenas Province
Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Barceló Tambor Hotel, located on Tambor Beach, is a perfect place for families looking for a relaxing vacation. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained during their visit. The Barcylounge has an extensive array of entertainment to keep kids from four to twelve entertained, while the Teenage House caters to teenagers aged thirteen to seventeen with games, computers, musical instruments, a bungee jump, and a climbing wall.
Barcelo Tambor also has an amphitheater that holds entertainment for all ages. Guests can also play pick-up games like volleyball, soccer, or even try their aim at archers. There are two pools, both with salt water, and each has a separate area for kids. There is also a playground for younger children.
If you’d rather relax than swim at Tambor Beach, there are yoga classes and aerobics available. Guests can also indulge in massages, facials, body treatments, and other spa services at the U-Spa while enjoying a meal at either El Rancho restaurant or Miyako restaurant. Enjoy a relaxing round of golf at the nearby Los Delfinís Golf & Country Club, less than 1 km away from the resort.
The property boasts an array of luxury accommodations, including four deluxe suites and 56 superior-level accommodations. Each comes with a private balcony or terraced deck to enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean.
Best Beaches of Costa Rica
You know more about the type of all-inclusive resorts that are available within Costa Rica now. To dial down on your decision even further, you may be wondering, what are the best beaches of Costa Rica? It’s a valid question to ponder, since you’ll be spending most of your time at the resort, you want to make sure that you’re staying at a beautiful beach with clear waters and fun amenities. We’ve got you covered with an in-depth article on the best beaches of Costa Rica!
