Stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and sprawling nature reserves are all wrapped in the rugged terrain of Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula is a slice of paradise in Costa Rica, comprising some of the country’s best surfing beaches, such as Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Mal País, and Playa Grande. Meanwhile, Corcovado National Park offers 104,960 acres (42,475.84 hectares) of verdant forests filled with various wildlife ideal for thrill seekers who want to trek and camp deep in the woods. With its natural and cultural grandeur, Costa Rica is an oasis for couples seeking a romantic retreat. If you want to find the perfect romantic destination, read on for the best romantic getaways in Costa Rica.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. San Jose
San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital and largest city. Suitable for inquisitive couples, the cosmopolitan city is a gateway to many fascinating museums, including the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Jade Museum. The former showcases more than 800 historic displays, while the latter exhibits an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
This dynamic metropolis boasts a diverse architectural grandeur, combining a distinctly European flair and indigenous styles. It is also home to sprawling parks, such as La Sabana Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Book yourself a stylish stay in any of the recommended properties for a great experience.
Barceló San José
Address: Residencial El Robledal
Hilton San Jose La Sabana
Address: Antiguo Restaurante El Chicotesaban
2. Tamarindo
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.
Surfers and party animals are always drawn to Tamarindo for its thriving surfing and nightlife scenes. Tamarindo Beach is an idyllic setting to ride the waves for beginners and professional surfers. Its calm waters and gentle breeze and currents make it a great spot to try paddle boarding.
If you prefer a romantic cruise, you can sail through Tamarindo Bay while marveling at the stunning sunset. Once the night falls, action fills the Tamarindo strip. Paint the town red in Ocho Beach Bar And Restaurant, Pacifico Bar, or Rumors Tamarindo.
For your accommodation, you can check out Wyndham Tamarindo or Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. You can also choose to stay in a vacation rental.
Wyndham Tamarindo
Address: 200 metros al este y 800 metros al norte del Banco Nacional de Tamarindo
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
we had a quarter mile walk downhill to the beach an easy walk
3. Jaco
The mountains meet the sea in Jaco. The breathtaking natural scenery bounding the town is occupied by lush greenery making up nearby national parks. Jaco Beach offers an eccentric mix of rocks, sand, and deep blue waters.
Jaco is one of the closest beach towns to San Jose, so couples seeking some peace can easily escape the buzzing crowds without being too far off from the capital. From here, you can easily reach Carara National Park for hiking and wildlife-watching.
After a day out, get a good night’s rest in any of the accommodations listed here.
Crocs Resort & Casino
Address: Av Pastor Diaz 300 mts from the bridge, Provincia de Puntarenas, Jacó, 61101, Costa Rica
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the place is brand new was clean and safeclean and safe place… i’ll stay there againclean secure modern close to everythingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the middle of town and close to the beach
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Playa Herradura
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.
Playa Herradura is nestled along the Pacific Coast and set against a mountainous backdrop. It is a tropical paradise just 5.6 miles (9.01 kilometers) away from Jaco. Los Sueños Marina is an upscale neighborhood in this coastal town on 1,100 acres (445.15 hectares) of land. Many wet slip marinas, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a range of 5-star resorts comprise this affluent community.
This quaint locale is also an excellent hub for professional anglers to go for sport fishing. Los Sueños is a proud host of the famous Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown.
Luxury accommodations such as Paradise Bay Hotel Boutique and Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort are great places to stay for couples.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Address: 800 meters west of Herradura Entrance
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
for a 1bedroom unit this apt was perfect formy wife and ithe condo was very comfortable and the resort is beautifulCleanliness:
we stayed 4 nights and found the condo very inviting very clean well decoratedHost:
owner is friendly and helpful and so is the staff once at resortthe stay in costa rica office staff provided great concierge servicegreat time in los sueños veranda the owner john is a great host we enjoyed l ike alwaysRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great just a short walk to the pools and marina village
5. Puerto Viejo
One thing about Puerto Viejo is that you can only do limited things here, but that’s the highlight! While here, you can look forward to enjoying life at a slower pace. Discover the palm-lined streets and soak up the Caribbean vibe as you roll around the bicycle-friendly roads of the town. You might even come across some monkeys and toucans along the way!
This laid-back town is also known for its cacao, so be sure not to miss the cacao tours and chocolate-tasting experience during your visit! Furthermore, Playa Puerto Viejo has sections with calm and shallow waters, perfect for those who are not adept at swimming.
If you are coming with your fur baby, Selina Puerto Viejo offers a pet-friendly stay.
Selina Puerto Viejo
Address: Calle 256, 800 meters to the South of Puerto Viejo, on the way to Playa Cocles.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the location of this bungalow to playa chiquita and the sweetest restaurants and shops is fantastic
6. Dominical
Dominical is a hippie surfing town in Puntarenas Province. The Barú River and the Pacific Ocean flank this tranquil town. Dominical Beach has strong and consistent waves, making it a hot spot for experienced surfers. The rocky shores extend quite a distance, suitable for long strolls while watching the dreamy sunset.
If you want a healing experience, Dominical’s Danyasa Yoga Retreat provides individual yoga classes to improve your balance and calm your mind. Cap off the night by sampling a cold craft beer at the local craft brewery, Fuego Brew Co.
Tribe Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
Address: Tribe Boutique Hotel, Dominical Costa Rica 50 meters south of the school, next to ICE
Rio Lindo Resort
Address: Entering Dominical after 50 meters on the right
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
convenient location the casita was very clean and neatRead more reviewsHost:
the property is lovely and the hosts are amazingyou will fall in love with this place and the hosts will take good are of you
7. Quepos
If you plan to explore the smallest yet one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, you should go to Quepos. This lovely town is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. As you hit the trails and comb deep through the 1687.73-acre (683-hectare) park, you will be introduced to a mix of rugged rainforests and abundant wildlife. The park also has some hidden beaches, blue lagoons, and mangrove estuaries.
Besides being an idyllic spot, Quepos offers a wealth of opportunities for whale watching and you can also enjoy delectable seafood here. The romantic villa, La Foresta Nature Resort, and Villas Jacquelina listed here welcome you and your partner to recharge and recuperate.
La Foresta Nature Resort
Address: 200M Norte del Aeropuerto Quepos
Villas Jacquelina
Address: Villas Jacquelina, Calle 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was very clean and secureHost:
our property manager fernanda was amazing helpful and any questions/issues were taken care of super quickit was an amazing property they were so responsive and available for questions or assistancemaria erica and thomas are very responsive and made our stay perfect we will be backRead more reviewsLocation:
the pool area was the best place to watch the sunset every eveningwe will be recommending this place and hope to be back
8. La Fortuna
The town of La Fortuna is known for its breathtaking scenery, natural thermal springs, and thrilling outdoor activities. This is where you can find the perfectly-shaped stratovolcano, Arenal Volcano as well as the emerald-green La Fortuna Waterfall. It is situated near Lake Arenal.
La Fortuna may be small in size, but it is big in activities. Thrill seekers can hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park to get a closer look at the cone-shaped volcano. Meanwhile, those on a healing getaway can soak their cares in luxurious hot spring resorts, such as Tabacon and EcoTermales.
You can choose from Hotel Secreto La Fortuna, Selina La Fortuna, or a downtown apartment with a hot tub for a great stay here.
Selina La Fortuna
Address: Ave 325, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
Hotel Secreto La Fortuna
Address: 100 metros norte de la clínica
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner was pleasant and two blocks awayRead more reviewsLocation:
cozy and comfortable close to el centro but the feeling of being remote
9. Mal Pais
This tiny hamlet is nestled on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Mal Pais directly translates to “Bad Land” in English. Even so, the lovely region is anything but! Mal Pais is characterized by rugged coastlines, undersized coves, and a narrow channel port.
Its remoteness makes it an ideal destination for solitude seekers and eco-tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of cities. Some activities you can enjoy here are kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat tours. You can also drop by the neighboring Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to immerse yourself in nature.
If luxury is your requirement for accommodation, book a stay in Casita Silencio, Hotel Vista de Olas, or Paradise Beach Lodge.
Paradise Beach Lodge
Address: Mal Pais to Cabuya Road 100 meters after
Top guest reviews
Host:
our hosts were very helpful and welcoming and their property is a beautiful lush botanical gardenjulie and philip were so attentive warm and helpful with everything we neededRead more reviewsLocation:
i felt like i was in the best place in malpais
10. Monteverde
Visit one of the world’s most pristine cloud forests in Monteverde. This eco-tourism destination is perched at an elevation of 4,662 feet (1,420.98 meters), so you will be greeted by a thick veil of moisture-filled clouds when you come here. It features three distinctive cloud forest reserves: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Reserva Santa Elena, and Bosque Eterno de los Ninos.
Abundant in diverse flora and fauna, Monteverde is home to thousands of different insects, 2,500 species of plants, 400 types of birds, and over 100 kinds of mammals.
The modern apartment listed here, which is surrounded by a forest, is the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers. Meanwhile, if you have extra money to spend, consider booking at Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco and Hotel Flor de Bromelia.
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco - Costa Rica
Address: a 100 metros al este del ranario de Monteverde
Hotel Flor de Bromelia
Address: Calle El Sapo S/N, Cerro Plano
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
comfortable bed clean and well-equipped kitchenRead more reviewsHost:
friendly and helpful hosts
Rejuvenate your intimate connection in Costa Rica
Whether you are looking for a tranquil retreat or an exhilarating outdoor adventure, Costa Rica is the perfect place to be! Besides activities and attractions for couples, the country also packs a lot of lovely accommodations to complement your tours. Rejuvenate your intimate connection with your partner by exploring the best romantic getaways in Costa Rica.
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