15 Best All-inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica

With jungles, volcanoes, mountains, and almost 800 miles of shoreline along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a slice of Central American paradise. Its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities attract travelers from around the world.

Visitors get their pick of all-inclusive hotels and resorts catering to families and couples — and with everything from meals to activities included in the stay, these properties make sticking to a budget easy. Here are some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, from beachfront retreats to rainforest lodges.

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

Set on Costa Rica's North Pacific Coast, this secluded 2,400-acre resort is a short walk to Playa Conchal on Brasilito Bay. It features a lagoon-style pool, fitness facilities, tennis courts, a championship golf course, and a spa with treatments ranging from facials to body wraps (for an additional fee). Families traveling together will appreciate the kids club, kids pool, and family-friendly activities like bike riding and beach volleyball. Meals and drinks are included across the resort's 13 bars and restaurants.

The natural surroundings are a paradise for wildlife. Travel writer Jared Ranahan told Travel + Leisure they were "greeted by a massive band of mother coatis with tiny babies in tow" during a sunrise birdwatching tour at The Westin Reserva Conchal.

Occidental Papagayo

A stay at this adults-only resort in the Guanacaste area comes with all meals included from two à la carte restaurants serving Italian and Asian fusion cuisines, an international buffet, or the snack bar. At Occidental Papagayo, guests get access to two swimming pools, a gorgeous beach, and fun activities like sea kayaking and archery. Splurge on a Premium Level room to gain entry to a special lounge and receive turndown service.

Rancho Margot

A secluded getaway in the middle of a rainforest near Lake Arenal, Rancho Margot offers hostel-style accommodations and a deluxe bungalow sleeping up to four. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are included in your stay, as are yoga classes, access to a spring-fed pool, and a guided tour of the ranch. Additional activities and guided hikes are available at an extra cost.

Secrets Papagayo

Secrets Papagayo radiates romance: Its on-site spa offers couples massages in secluded outdoor spaces, and excursions from horseback riding to swimming at the base of waterfalls cater to lovebirds. At this five-star World of Hyatt resort, on-property activities, entertainment, and unlimited drinking and dining at any of the 12 bars and restaurants are covered in the price. Plus, a short walk from this adults-only all-inclusive resort will land you in the center of Arenillas Beach in Guanacaste.

La Paloma Lodge

La Paloma Lodge is set on 14 acres of tropical jungle overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and it's just a short walk to the secluded black-sand beaches of Drake Bay. The rooms immerse guests in nature with large windows, and some have balconies with views of the water. Meals are included and served family-style with fresh seafood, chicken, fruit, and homemade bread. The rate also includes full-day tours of Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, plus transfers from the Drake airstrip to the lodge and back.

Villas Sol Beach Resort

Located in a tropical setting with ocean and forest views, this resort features contemporary guest rooms and villas with either balconies or terraces. Guests can dine on local and international dishes at Bahía Restaurant or grab a cold drink from three bars. Villas Sol also has a coffee stand and snack bar, both covered in the all-inclusive rate, for when you're feeling peckish between meals. There's plenty to keep you busy between the pool and the spa, but if you want a break from the resort, take the free shuttle to one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa.

La Carolina Lodge

La Carolina Lodge is perched on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano overlooking a river and tropical forest. Couples, families, and larger groups are accommodated by cabins and homes dotted around the property. Three typical Costa Rican meals, fruit juices, tea, and coffee are included in the price, plus guests get free rein of the open-air yoga platform when there isn't a class in session. You're welcome to milk the cows and tour the garden for free, and for an additional fee, you can participate in a yoga retreat, go horseback riding, or indulge in spa treatments.

Riu Guanacaste

Three pools (one freshwater), a spa, and daily entertainment are some of Riu Guanacaste's standout amenities. The room rate covers all meals — including themed dinners — snacks, and beverages. Guests can partake in group fitness classes, play tennis, go kayaking, or even take an introductory diving lesson in the pool for free. Kids will especially love the Splash Water World water park, open six times a week.

CC Beach Front Papagayo

CC Beach Front Papagayo sits on 22 acres of tropical dry forest along one of Costa Rica's most pristine beaches, Playa Panama. Two on-site restaurants, four bars, two pools, hiking trails, and a children's play area provide plenty to do around the property. You can also pay extra to go kayaking, ride ATVs, or take a side trip out to Arenal Volcano National Park.

Fiesta Resort

Swimmers and sunbathers get their pick of several pools in addition to beautiful Playa El Roble when they stay at Fiesta Resort. Guests are treated to Latin American and international cuisines plus unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages at four restaurants and seven bars. This family-friendly pick includes entertainment and activities for all, like mini golf. The kids club holds supervised craft sessions and story times for four- to 12-year-olds, while the teens club offers video games, table tennis, and other entertainment for ages 13 to 17.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

The green landscapes of Guanacaste form the backdrop for this palm-dotted resort on Playa El Jobo. Dreams Las Mareas calls itself a family resort, catering to both couples and groups with children. Accommodations range from rooms with balconies to romantic swim-out suites, and they all come with 24-hour room service and a minibar that is refreshed daily. The rate includes unlimited dining and drinks at 19 on-site restaurants and bars, activities and entertainment galore including weekly beach parties and cooking classes, and access to the kids clubs.

"Each morning during my March 2022 stay, I was greeted by free-roaming capuchin monkeys, soaring magnificent frigatebirds, and tide pools teeming with colorful Pacific fauna at Dreams Las Mareas, a sprawling Costa Rican all-inclusive that made its debut in 2014," said Ranahan. "While the property offers incredible potential for wildlife lovers, it doubles as a top spot for an unforgettable honeymoon, equipped with a can’t-miss swim-up bar, massive suites complete with balcony hot tubs, and truly spectacular sunsets along the idyllic El Jobo beach."

Occidental Tamarindo

Located in northwest Costa Rica, the beachfront Occidental Tamarindo is about a mile and a half from the party-centric town it's named for, so you can walk from your room to bustling bars and restaurants in about 30 minutes. Of course, you could also not leave the property, especially because accommodations at Occidental Tamarindo come with unlimited dining and drinks at the three on-site restaurants and two bars, fitness classes, kids activities, and more.

"After a week of outdoor adventure in Costa Rica’s national parks, my family looked forward to a few days of respite at the all-inclusive Occidental Tamarindo on Playa Longosta. The resort is best suited for families with young children due to its small playground and children's area with arts and crafts," said Sheeka Sanahori, travel journalist and video producer. "The most memorable feature is the resort’s large central pool and beachfront."

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

Guanacaste's Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has four swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a gym, a sauna, and a spa. The all-inclusive rate covers meals at the hotel's main buffet and four themed restaurants, plus access to sports equipment like snorkel gear and kayaks. The property is right on Playa Matapalo, offering views of the water and opportunities for diving and fishing.

Margaritaville Beach Resort

This oceanfront resort set on Flamingo Beach delivers all the Jimmy Buffet-inspired carefree flair Margaritaville resorts are known for. Accommodations range from rooms with private patios overlooking the pool to suites with ocean views and spacious family rooms designed for larger groups. The resort itself is not all-inclusive, but there is a package that includes all meals and snacks, drinks, gratuities, complimentary bicycle rentals, and popcorn and drinks in the movie theater.

Surf Synergy

Looking for a more active all-inclusive vacation? Surf Synergy is a surf and wellness retreat located in the center of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast near Jaco. Made up of cozy bungalows and a main house, the property offers a customized experience that includes surf coaching, three wholesome meals a day (plus snacks), and yoga classes. Certain itineraries also include massages, excursions, and more.