The best all-inclusive in Costa Rica for a carefree trip

Updated Dec 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle Froment

Emmanuelle Froment

Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle, a solo traveler and animal lover, has journeyed through numerous countries. A Scene+ expert and Caribbean travel specialist, she shares insights on maximizing rewards. Her love for the sea, inspired by family vacations in France's Languedoc-Roussillon, led her to spend 8 years in the French Antilles. While the call of the ocean remains, Montreal—her heart's city—is where she truly feels at home.
All posts by Emmanuelle Froment
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica – piscine
Country Costa Rica
To the point Here's our selection of the best all-inclusive in Costa Rica for a dream trip with family or adults.

Costa Rica - Our Best All-Inclusive Hotels for Your Vacation

Costa Rica, the pearl of Central America, seduces with its verdant nature, unique fauna and superb beaches. From sea turtle watching to jungle trekking, each activity plunges you into the heart of exceptional biodiversity.

Juan Santamaría International Airport, near San José’s capital, is well-served by numerous airlines. An on-site transportation network, including buses, shuttles and cabs, makes it easy to get between sites.

For a carefree stay, we offer a selection of the best all-inclusive resorts to make the most of your getaway.

Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa

Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, is a family-friendly beachfront hotel set amid the tropical vegetation of Costa Rica’s North Pacific Riviera. It features a championship golf course and a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, golf and a gym.

Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa – terrasse

The facility has two sections: one for families, with a mini club and playground, and another reserved for adults, offering a private pool and an exclusive lounge. The luxurious spa is also dedicated to adults.

With 406 rooms, three swimming pools, seven restaurants and five bars, this hotel is ideal for families and couples alike.

Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa – piscine

Papagayo Secrets

Secrets Papagayo is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the heart of the Gulf of Papagayo. With 202 rooms, the resort, surrounded by lush tropical nature, offers luxury accommodation and access to exclusive facilities such as a lounge and a private pool via the Preferred Club category.

Secrets Papagayo chambre

You can enjoy various outdoor activities, relaxing moments on a secluded beach, and massages at Secrets Spa by Pevonia. For meals, the resort offers a varied culinary experience without reservations, with seven restaurants to choose from. Evening entertainment includes open-air film screenings, theatre shows and a nearby nightclub.

Last but not least, the pool offers superb panoramic views, and the seafront grill is the perfect place to watch the sun set.

Riu Palace Costa Rica

Located on Matapalo beach in Guanacaste, the Riu Palace Costa Rica offers an all-inclusive experience packed with activities. Rooms are modern, and you can enjoy shared services with the neighbouring Riu Guanacaste and the Splash Water World water park. Various water sports and courses are offered, and there’s a spa to relax in.

Riu Palace Costa Rica – plage

Kids will love the Riuland miniclub, and adults can enjoy themselves at the nightclub. With 538 rooms, seven swimming pools, six restaurants and six bars, this resort is perfect for a modern and entertaining stay in Costa Rica.

Riu Palace Costa Rica

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica

The Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort of the Marriott Bonvoy program, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papagayo. It boasts 292 rooms, four swimming pools, seven restaurants and six bars. It serves a variety of international cuisine, with vegan and gluten-free options.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica

Travelers can choose suites for up to eight people and enjoy VIP benefits through the Star Class program. The resort also offers several family-friendly facilities, including a mini club and a water park.

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica chambre

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

The Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, part of the World of Hyatt, is located along Playa El Jobo. It offers various activities, including cooking classes, yoga classes and themed entertainment. Younger travellers can enjoy the Explorer’s Club for kids and the Core Zone for teens.

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica 1

The hotel features luxurious rooms with private terraces or balconies overlooking the sea or gardens. The Dreams Spa by Pevonia offers rejuvenating treatments for the ultimate in relaxation.

With its large swimming pool, the largest in the Guanacaste region, this all-inclusive is an ideal place to relax. It also boasts a charming wedding pavilion, perfect for sunset ceremonies.

CC Beach Front Papagayo

The CC Beach Front Papagayo is a boutique hotel offering an all-inclusive package. It is located on the edge of Papagayo Bay, surrounded by nine hectares of tropical dry forest. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

cc-beach-front-papagayo

The hotel also offers land-based activities such as ping-pong, volleyball and a gym. Relax in one of the four restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Spacious rooms offer sea or garden views.

CC Beach Front Papagayo – plage

Occidental Papagayo

Occidental Papagayo is an adults-only hotel on Playa Buena beach in the Gulf of Papagayo. This all-inclusive features spacious rooms and a spa and offers activities such as kayaking, volleyball, archery and deep-sea fishing excursions.

Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only

Facilities also include a fitness center, tennis courts and two swimming pools. In the evening, the à la carte restaurants range from Italian cuisine to Asian fusion and local specialties, all accompanied by music under the stars.

The hotel features 22 two-storey buildings, four restaurants, two bars and an ideal atmosphere for relaxation and leisure.

Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only plage

Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is a luxury all-inclusive hotel for adults only. Located on a hillside, you will surely appreciate the spectacular rainforest views.

Villas feature a four-poster bed, free Wi-Fi, a lounge corner, a furnished terrace and a private pool or whirlpool. A butler service is also available, as is a complimentary in-room breakfast.

Nayara Springs – vue

The establishment offers free yoga classes and several restaurants, including one with an onyx bar and another serving Latin-Asian fusion cuisine. It also boasts two outdoor pools, one with a bar and a chic spa with open-air treatment rooms.

Costa Rica - Save With Points

The best rewards points to reduce the cost of an all-inclusive trip are those you can use to book your trip, or get a Statement credit.

Some of the most popular loyalty programs are:

The most lucrative strategy is to take advantage of the credit card welcome bonus as a new customer, and maximize the rewards on your daily purchases.

Check out our guide on the best credit cards for Southern vacations with points.

If you are a member of the Aeroplanloyalty program, you can redeem your points at Aeroplan to reduce the cost of your all-inclusive package with Air Canada Vacations.

Our co-branded credit cards Aeroplan include the TD® Visa Infinite* Card AeroplanMD, which offers a welcome bonus and excellent travel insurance.

Our guide on how to use Aeroplan points for an all-inclusive vacation with Air Canada Vacations will show you the different steps involved in booking.

Aeroplan members can alsoearn up to 12,000 additional Aeroplan points when booking a package with Air Canada Vacations.

Costa Rica - Excursions You Don’t Want to Miss

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is full of treasures to discover.

Here are a few suggestions to add to your agenda:

  • Guided tour of Manuel Antonio Park with a naturalist: this excursion is perfect for observing sloths in their natural habitat, as well as toucans, monkeys and other wild animals;
  • La Fortuna: tour of waterfalls, Arenal volcano and hot springs: this excursion is ideal for discovering, among other things, the La Fortuna waterfall and the lava fields from the 1968 eruption;
  • Visit Tortuga Island with snorkelling and lunch: a dream day awaits you on Tortuga Island, but also on other islands, including San Lucas and Jesusita. Dolphins, whales and turtles are sure to be in evidence;
  • Costa Rica’s capital is full of charm: this free guided tour of San José, in a small group, is an opportunity to discover its picturesque historic centre.

Would you like to rent a car and explore the area at your own pace? Save by paying with a credit card that charges no foreign currency conversion fees.

Here are our card choices:

Bottom Line

With all-inclusive resorts offering relaxation, adventure and a wide range of activities, your stay in Costa Rica is sure to be an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a family or an adult.

Looking for another destination for an all-inclusive vacation? See our selection of the best in this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget for a one-week package in Costa Rica?

It all depends on your chosen travel period and hotel category. One of the best ways to lighten your bill is to use travel points from loyalty programs, such as Scene+.

Where is the best place to stay in Costa Rica?

With its volcanoes, rainforests, beaches and wildlife, Costa Rica is an exceptional destination. It all depends on your tastes! Our guide to Costa Rica will give you plenty of ideas for organizing your trip according to your expectations.

Tourism: which month should you go to Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, during the dry season.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond

Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond

Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Marjorie, with a passion for writing, travel, and wellness, has spent the last decade exploring the world from Central America to Asia, Europe, and Africa. A former travel advisor, she loves inspiring others and sharing her best discoveries. As the author of several novels and guides, Marjorie is also a specialist in the Caribbean and the travel agency sector, offering valuable insights for enriching travel experiences.
All posts by Marjorie Dumoulin-Lafond
Region
Costa Rica

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