The 9 Best All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica in 2023 (2023)

Our top picks

Best for adults only: Villa Buena Onda

Perched on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport, Villa Buena Onda is perfect for couples looking for a tranquil adults-only vacation. The Rainforest Villa offers eight accommodations that blend Mexican and Balinese styles. Most accommodations feature balconies with hammocks overlooking the pool and rainforest, premium amenities like surround sound, and luxurious bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and natural products made by local artisans. All-inclusive rates combine three daily a la carte meals, alcoholic beverages, shuttle to three nearby beaches, a gym, and access to the Beach Club with an infinity pool.

Best Budget: Fiesta Resort

For an affordable all-inclusive that's ideal for those flying into San Jose Airport, the Fiesta Resort is a practical option. Located about an hour from San Jose in Puntarenas on a beautiful volcanic sand beach, the resort has 408 standard rooms and suites. The property has three restaurants and five bars where meals and drinks are included, and to keep guests active there are five swimming pools, tennis courts, and soccer and beach volleyball.

In the evenings, nightly shows and karaoke keep you entertained, while during the day there are non-stop activities like dancing, cocktail classes and pool aerobics. Fiesta's rates are significantly lower than other all-inclusives, making it a great bargain vacation.

Best views: La Paloma Lodge

Located on the Osa Peninsula near the biologically diverse Corcovado National Park, La Paloma Lodge is perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the rainforest. The secluded lodge consists of two story ranchos perched on a bluff overlooking Drake Bay and the Pacific Ocean, giving you an amazing view you can't get enough of.

Accommodations feature hardwood floors, exposed wood beams, ceiling fans, expansive windows, and eco-friendly bath products. Rates include meals, round-trip transfers from Drake Airport to the remote lodge, and two full-day tours with an expert guide to Corcovado and Caño Island, home to a marine reserve. Other activities include horseback riding, bird watching, and kayakingScuba diving.

Best value for money: Hotel Riu Palace

For a 2-for-1 hotel value, Hotel Riu Palace guests get access to a second sister property in Guanacaste. Located directly on the beach at Matapalo, the Hotel Riu Palace offers 24-hour all-inclusive dining at five restaurants serving Italian, Japanese, and fusion dishes, as well as a coffee shop and ice cream shop.

Choose from several fantastic bars and lounges with drinks included, as well as a swim-up bar at one of the four pools. Other hotel amenities range from tennis and volleyball courts to windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling.

The rooms feature modern decor, air conditioning, a minibar and a private balcony overlooking the garden or the sea.

Beste Boutique: Drake Bay Getaway Resort

Located on the northwest side of the Osa Peninsula, the intimate Drake Bay Getaway Resort offers just five luxurious cabins built using sustainable techniques including solar water heaters and passive cooling design.

Each boutique cabin is uniquely designed, yet features floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy rainforest views from the shower or bed. The open-air deck has yoga mats for meditation, or in-room massages are also available.

Rates include all freshly prepared meals, fruit shakes and coffee, plus airport transfers and use of kayaks and hiking trails. Additional nature tours are available for purchase.

Best Eco: Copa de Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort

Accessible by boat, Copa de Arbol Beach and Rainforest Resort is tucked away in a cove-filled part of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. There are nine thatched eco-cabins built from reforested timber and feature orthopedic pillow-top mattresses, Japanese bathtubs, and private patios with hammocks.

The beach resort has a multi-tiered pool and an open-air restaurant that serves free meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Rates include three meals per day, fresh juice, coffee, a welcome drink, and use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Tours with local guides including fishing trips, night time rainforest walks, bird watching, whale watching and more can be added to packages.

Best for Families: Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa

Families traveling to Costa Rica looking for an all-inclusive with lots of activities for kids should try the Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa. The resort is home to two supervised kids' clubs -- one for the younger crowd and one for teens, plus there's a weekly beach camping trip for kids. The beach resort offers numerous water activities such as kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddling, fishing and sailing.

On land, take a Costa Rican cooking class, join in poolside entertainment, grab a bite to eat at several restaurants, enjoy themed evening parties or a movie on the big screen.

Rooms feature balconies with hot tubs or direct pool access, stocked minibars, and 24-hour concierge service.

Best for Romance: Secrets Papagayo

If you are looking for a quiet, romantic location for a wedding or honeymoon, Secrets Papagayo is a great choice. Located on a provincial beachGuanacaste, approximately 20 minutes from Liberia Airport, Secrets offers unlimited luxury fares that include premium beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, beach service, unreserved dining and all day and night activities. That means you don't have to wait for buffets or meal times, instead enjoying a variety of intimate settings.

Activities at the hotel include wine or rum tastings, cooking classes, yoga, beach volleyball and more. The 202 guest rooms and suites have balconies overlooking the gardens or the Gulf of Papagayo and chic bungalow-style decor.

Best for Golf: Costa Rica Westin Playa Conchal

For an all-inclusive vacation with a championship golf course, book a stay at the Westin Reserva Conchal on the North Pacific Riviera.

The sprawling 2,400-acre resort has 406 contemporary rooms (newly renovated in 2019) with amenities like LCD TVs, marble bathrooms, and iPod docks. All-inclusive rates cover meals, non-motorized water sports, a kids' club, nightly shows, and select drinks.

The 18-hole, par 71 golf course offers wonderful views of the beach and there is also a driving range and putting green. When it's time to relax, there's also a day spa, yoga classes, a gorgeous lagoon-style swimming pool, and a swim-up bar.