Costa Rica has the best beach resorts in the world. These resorts include Andaz, Four Seasons, AKWA, Kalon Surf, and Fiesta Central. Hence, many resorts have taken advantage of tourists who flock to the beaches. Depending on the activities and amenities you want, a resort always has them.
I have enjoyed experiencing several of these Costa Rican beach resorts. Some have left me disappointed, and others have left me in awe. This list is ranking the ones that get the most mentions and visits, and isn’t my preferred list – I’m simply sharing the popular destinations and link you to my reviews where I’ve had the chance to share my opinion.
Key Takeaways From the Article
Before settling on the beach resort you want to visit, there are a few factors that you must consider. Every beach resort might not have what you’re looking for. Research first and confirm that your desired activities are available at that specific beach resort. Here are a few key points about the best beach resorts in Costa Rica:.
- If you’re traveling with your kids, choose a resort with a kids’ club or child-friendly activities. Andaz and Fiesta Beach Resorts are my top favorites.
- Choose a beach resort with surf instructors if one of your activities is learning to surf. AKWA Resort is a good choice for surfing.
- A luxury beach resort should provide luxury; my top choice is Kalon Surf Resort.
5 of the Most Popular Beach Resorts in Costa Rica
Whether traveling solo, with family, in a group, or with your spouse, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. When choosing a beach resort, you want one with access to a beach and various other activities.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort-Peninsula Papagayo
The Andaz is one of the best family-friendly Costa Rica beach resorts. It is situated right in the rainforest, near the Culebra. The resort is on private 1,400-acre land.
The resort follows the Hyatt concept and is less than one hour from the airport.
Activities and Access to the Beach
The kids will enjoy a swim in the kids’ pool while you use the adults’ pool. The resort has a club for kids aged 5–12 years. Don’t leave your pet behind, as the resort is pet-friendly.
During the day, you can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and beach visits with your kids. Plan to visit the Palo Verde National Park and the Arenal Volcano National Park. The parks are an hour’s drive at maximum.
Accommodations and Amenities
Enjoy your stay in the resort’s beautiful rooms with wooden decor. Your family will enjoy their large bathrooms with luxurious toiletries. The resort rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, which give you and your family three different beach views.
You can also stay at the villa and enjoy a plunge pool or a deep-soaking tub.
As a guest, you can enjoy sumptuous local and international dishes at any of the three on-site restaurants.
Enjoy amenities like free parking, a spa, a fitness center, and a tea or coffee maker in every room. There is free WiFi throughout the resort.
You can book the resort online.
Four Seasons Beach Resort, Papagayo
The Four Seasons Beach Resort is the only resort to make it onto the Forbes Five-Star Resorts list. Four Seasons is one of the best Costa Rican honeymoon resorts.
You can book a private transfer where the resort sends their staff to pick you up from the airport. The nearest airport is 40 minutes away from the resort.
Activities and Access to the Beach
You can spend time at the beach spa and partake in watersport activities. Dance the night away at the Virador Beach Club within the resort. The club is an outdoor eatery and lounge. A private cabana and an adults-only infinity pool complete the setup for a beautiful evening.
Accommodations and Amenities
You can choose to stay in the rooms or in the more private residences. The villas might be more expensive, but you’ll have some privacy with your loved ones.
You’ll enjoy several amenities at the resort, such as free WiFi and parking.
Make reservations by calling (800) 781-5700 or through the concierge at CostaRica@FourSeasons.com.
Kalon Surf Resort-Dominical
Kalon is off the beaten path and is located south of Costa Rica, near Dominical and Manuel Antonio. But don’t worry; you can request that the resort send their driver to pick you up from the airport. The resort is nestled near the Osa Peninsula jungle, stretching right up to the beach.
It is one of the best luxury beach resorts in Costa Rica. The resort offers a one-week exclusive package when you land in San Jose.
Activities and Access to the Beach
One of the most popular activities at Kalon Resort is surfing. The resort has surf instructors who train the guests in surfing. The instructors will take you to uncrowded beaches so that you can practice and improve your skills.
Apart from surfing, you can enjoy walks along short trails into the jungle. Or spend the afternoon swimming and lazing around the pool.
A mid-week massage by the resort’s onsite masseuse will help relax your muscles after all the activities at the resort and the beach. The massage is part of the exclusive seven-day package.
Next to the resort, you can take your kids on a tour of Donia Sonia and Don Luis’s farm. The farm provides the resort with eggs, meat, and cheese. One of the resort’s members will be your guide to the farm. Your kids will enjoy watching the pigs, milking the cows, and eating a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
Accommodations and Amenities
You can choose Kalon’s ocean-view rooms with rain showers, king-sized beds, and private balconies. Alternatively, book the resort’s two-bedroom bungalow with a private patio.
All the resort’s guests gather for a 3-course dinner at long tables and have a glass of wine. You can have your breakfast at the resort or on the beach.
The amenities available at the resort include free internet and parking, a souvenir shop, laundry, and handicapped-accessible rooms.
AKWA Resorts-Santa Teresa
One of Costa Rica’s beach resorts with surfing, AKWA Resorts, is located on the north side of Santa Teresa. The town is on the Nicoya Peninsula’s western side and is popular among surfers. Although Santa Teresa is a small town, its pristine beaches have earned it the reputation of being a world-class surfing destination.
Activities and Access to the Beach
If you’re a first-time surfer, the resort has trainers who will show you how. They are also good if you want to perfect your surfing. The resort is 294 meters from the beach. Each accommodation has a view of the Pacific Ocean and access to an outdoor pool.
You can undertake several activities around the resort, such as hiking, horseback riding, diving, fishing, and snorkeling. These are some popular activities.
Accommodations and Amenities
AKWA Resorts has spacious rooms with king-size beds. However, you can also stay in their luxurious villas or bungalows. The villas have an equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, showers, and a spacious living room.
The resort’s bungalow has a kitchenette, one bedroom, a shower, a terrace, and a pool.
Free WiFi and onsite parking are some amenities available for guests at the AKWA resort.
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Fiesta Resort Central Pacific-Puntarenas
Fiesta Resort is a family-friendly resort overlooking a dark volcanic sand beach. The resort is in El Roble and overlooks the bright blue Pacific Ocean. Palo Verde National Park is just 10 minutes from Fiesta Resort.
It’s the most popular among all-inclusive Costa Rica beach resorts.
Activities and Access to the Beach
Fiesta Resort has a kids’ pool, club, and playground. The kids’ club has supervised activities for kids between 4 and 12 years old. A teens’ club for youngsters between 13 and 17 is also available. The amphitheater is a major entertainment center for the whole family.
Your family can spend the day on the beach engaging in volleyball, tennis, soccer, and foosball. Billiards and miniature golf are also available. While staying at the Fiesta Resort, you can access Jaco and Manuel Antonio Beaches.
The resort’s six swimming pools provide enough entertainment space for all guests.
Accommodations and Amenities
Fiesta Resort has 408 guest rooms and suites. Each room or suite has private balconies with a garden, pool, or ocean view.
You can have your meals in any of the resort’s four restaurants. Spend your evening in any of the seven bars, including a poolside bar.
The resort’s amenities include free WiFi, complimentary on-site parking, a spa, a laundry area, a gift shop, and a car rental desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of Costa Rica has the best beach resorts?
The Gulf of Papagayo has the best beach resorts. The area boasts the most luxurious and exclusive beach resorts. Even the more budget-friendly resorts offer 5-star amenities.
What is the number-one beach in Costa Rica?
The Playa Manuel Antonio beach is the most popular in Costa Rica. The ocean water is so clear that you can see the sandy bottom. The beach borders Manuel Antonio National Park. Hence, you might be lucky to see some white-faced monkeys along the beach’s paths.
Is swimming in the ocean in Costa Rica safe?
Yes, it is safe to swim in Costa Rica’s ocean. However, be careful with the riptides. Avoid swimming in a secluded area, as most Costa Rican beaches don’t have lifeguards. Swim where you’ve seen other people swim.
If it’s your first time visiting the country, make sure to know the differences between the Caribbean and Pacific Coast and what you can expect in each area.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is the driest. However, September and October are ideal if you want to avoid crowds. Remember to visit some of the beach resorts mentioned in this article.
Please share some of the best beach resorts you have visited in Costa Rica. You can also share your experiences with the ones we have mentioned.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
