Costa Rica offers exciting experiences to tourists, especially outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is mainly famous for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and rich marine life and wildlife. Interestingly, over 25 percent of the entire country comprises protected national parks and reserves, making for breathtaking landscapes which are a sight to behold. Incredible adventures await, such as hiking through thick jungles, surfing along turquoise waters, and ziplining through cloud-covered rainforests. If you need a breather, you can also take advantage of the many retreats in this travel destination, including yoga and wellness programs. To have a little taste of everything the country has to offer, check out the top beach resorts in Costa Rica, below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 23, 2024.
1. Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo (from USD 340)
Good value for the money, with beachfront location and multiple pools.
Beautiful pools, beachfront location, and easy access to town.
Perfect location in the heart of town, with beach view rooms and proximity to restaurants.
Excellent breakfast with diverse options, but some room for improvement in on-site restaurant offerings.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is one of the most popular beachfront resorts in Tamarindo, beautifully located directly on Playa Tamarindo. Promising you welcoming hospitality, it offers around 240 guest rooms and suites that will make you feel at home right by the beach. Most of these rooms even have views of the sea, tropical gardens, or pool areas.
Moreover, this resort offers a dynamic culinary experience, with numerous dining options on-site. The restaurants you can choose from here include Ay Caramba!, Brisa Mar, and Nari.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Address: Playa Tamarindo
114.17 km (71.0 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
2. Croc’s Resort & Casino, Jaco (from USD 240)
Nestled on the peaceful end of Jaco Beach in Jaco, Croc’s Resort & Casino offers you the quiet escape you need from the hustle and bustle. It guarantees you all kinds of fun on the beach with various activities available for you to try, such as horseback riding, fishing, and surfing. After an exhausting day, you can unwind in the swimming pool or visit Carara Spa & Salon to pamper yourself.
This resort is home to 152 guest rooms and 14 condo units, providing you with restful sleep to complete your stay.
Crocs Resort & Casino
Address: Av Pastor Diaz 300 mts from the bridge, Provincia de Puntarenas, Jacó, 61101, Costa Rica
45.57 km (28.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
3. Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Jaco (from USD 504)
High prices for dining and amenities, but worth the cost for the beautiful location and well-kept facilities.
Abundance of activities, clean pools, and well-maintained grounds. Limited free use of resort facilities and high course fees for activities.
Convenient location with beautiful views, easy access to the marina and nearby shops, and proximity to the beach and other attractions.
Varied dining options, excellent breakfast, and well-prepared fresh catch. Some complaints about high food prices and limited restaurant choices.
Positioned in Playa Herradura, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is surrounded by breathtaking rainforest. It also provides convenient access to Carara National Park where you can try numerous activities such as fishing and hiking. You can also enjoy many recreational opportunities when you stay here, especially with the 18-hole championship golf course on-site.
Inside, this resort has a well-equipped wellness center, Sibo Spa, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center. The spa guarantees you tranquil pampering with the use of many unique elements and all-natural ingredients.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Address: 800 meters west of Herradura Entrance
41.57 km (25.9 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
4. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Culebra (from USD 459)
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort offers a Hollywood-themed beach getaway on Playa Manzanillo in Puntarenas. Delivering luxury accommodations, it features 292 guest suites. The in-house spa, PH Spa, blends the timeless charm of Hollywood’s golden age and calming natural touches. It is open every day between 8:30am and 8pm.
For more, this resort has different dining outlets, including Blue Star Tex-Mex Cantina, Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill, and Gusto Italian Trattoria. There are also on-site bars for those who want to enjoy a drink after dinner.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Address: Playa Manzanillo Playa Manzanillo Bahia Culebra
114.51 km (71.2 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
5. Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel, Puerto Viejo (from USD 218)
Reasonable pricing for a jungle beachfront hotel with various amenities.
Multiple pools, beach club, spa, and daily activities like yoga and tours.
Perfectly situated near the beach, with easy access to nearby restaurants and attractions.
Delicious food at the beachfront restaurant, though some aspects of the menu and service could be improved.
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel offers you an indulgent Caribbean getaway, with unrivaled views of the Caribbean Coast from most of its guest rooms and suites. Located right in front of the beach in the forests of Puerto Viejo, it is stunningly surrounded by lush greenery. You can further discover the jungle by going on a jungle hike, one of the activities offered by the hotel.
If it is pampering that you need, visit this resort’s state-of-the-art wellness facility at the heart of a verdant jungle garden, Jungle Spa.
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
Address: Puerto Viejo
235.57 km (146.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
6. Barceló Tambor, Tambor (from USD 216)
Reasonable all-inclusive pricing with optional premium level upgrade.
Beautiful pools, beach, and grounds with a variety of activities including mini-golf, beach volleyball, and gym.
Fantastic beachfront location with private beach area and proximity to wildlife and nature.
Great dining options including Spanish and French themed nights, but some inconsistency in food quality and variety.
Ideally set on Playa Tambor, Barceló Tambor has fascinating outdoor scenery. It features 402 guest rooms and suites which have a balcony or a terrace where you can lounge and enjoy the breathtaking views. Ensuring you a hassle-free vacation, this resort offers an all-inclusive program that comes with three buffet meals per day. You can also enjoy numerous activities when you stay here, such as diving and different sports.
Moreover, on-site leisure facilities include two outdoor swimming pools connected by a waterfall and a dedicated children’s swimming pool.
Barceló Tambor - All Inclusive
Address: Bahia Ballena, Playa Tambor
32.41 km (20.2 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
7. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo, Playa Flamingo (from USD 341)
Guaranteeing you a relaxing beach vacation in Guanacaste, Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo is a tropical paradise of its own. It is home to well-appointed guest rooms and suites that you can call your home away from home. At the on-site OnZen Spa on the second floor, you can go on a rejuvenating journey with indoor whirlpool tubs, saunas, and steam-therapy rooms.
Moreover, this resort has a dedicated fitness center that beautifully overlooks the beach and swimming pool.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
Address: Playa Flamingo
115.05 km (71.5 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
8. Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica, El Roble (from USD 298)
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific in El Roble is a beachfront paradise with a dark volcanic sand beach, numerous swimming pools, and lush tropical gardens, providing you with the breather you need. Ensuring you a fun-filled holiday with your family and friends, it offers various activities, such as beach volleyball and tennis. This resort also has a kids and teens’ club, so there is something for all ages to enjoy.
Moreover, live entertainment is presented every evening for those who’d like a nightlife experience here.
Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific - Costa Rica
Address: El Roble
12.37 km (7.7 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
9. Occidental Tamarindo, Tamarindo (from USD 164)
A world-class resort in Tamarindo, Occidental Tamarindo is only some distance away from several beaches. It also offers 198 guest rooms and suites suitable for business and leisure travelers.
With the resort’s all-inclusive program, you can enjoy a generous buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Langosta. A snack bar is included, too. Besides food, the program also provides access to many activities, such as aerobics, beach football and volleyball, dance classes, and tennis. Guests can also have fun watching the live night shows.
Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
Address: 1.5 km al sur de Playa Tamarindo
114.67 km (71.3 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
10. Hotel Punta Leona, Jaco (from USD 191)
Hotel Punta Leona is nestled in Tarcoles, only 60 minutes away from San Jose. It features an abundant tropical forest and a pristine white-sand beach, providing a scenic escape from urban life. Catering to the needs of different guests, this resort offers numerous accommodation options, including guest rooms and apartments. Staying here grants you access to many land and water sports, such as boogie boarding, indoor soccer, kayaking, snorkeling, and tennis.
You can also join one-day tours that take you to popular attractions, such as Arenal Volcano and Savegre River.
Hotel Punta Leona
Address: Punta Leona
36.7 km (22.9 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
Immerse in Costa Rica’s tropical paradise
Costa Rica’s rich natural beauty guarantees you a one-of-a-kind retreat. Ensure that you have a place to call home when you visit here and check out these top beach resorts in Costa Rica, for a variety of options.
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