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The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica for a Carefree Trip

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica for a Carefree Trip
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Costa Rica
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Costa Rica – Our Best All-Inclusive Hotels for Your Vacation

The Costa Rica, a true gem of Central America, captivates travellers with its lush nature, unique wildlife, and stunning beaches. From observing sea turtles to jungle hikes, each activity immerses you in exceptional biodiversity.

Juan Santamaría International Airport, near the capital San José, is well-served by numerous airlines. Locally, a transportation network, including buses, shuttles, and taxis, will allow you to move easily between sites.

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

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa is a family-friendly hotel located beachfront, amidst the tropical vegetation of North Pacific Riviera of Costa Rica. It offers a championship golf course and a variety of activities such as beach volleyball, golf, and a gym.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa terrace

The resort features two sections: one for families, with a kids’ club and a playground, and an adults-only section, offering a private pool and an exclusive lounge. The luxurious spa is also adults-only.

With 406 rooms, three pools, seven restaurants, and five bars, this hotel is suitable for both families and couples.

To learn more, read our review of the Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa pool

Papagayo Secrets

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

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Secrets Papagayo room

You can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, relaxing moments on a secluded beach, as well as massages at Secrets Spa by Pevonia. For dining, the resort offers a varied culinary experience without reservations, with seven restaurants to choose from. In the evening, entertainment such as outdoor movie screenings, theater shows, and a nearby nightclub are also available.

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 activity-rich all-inclusive experience. The rooms are modern, and you can enjoy shared services with the neighboring Riu Guanacaste, as well as the Splash Water World water park. Water sports and various classes are offered, and you can enjoy a spa to relax.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Riu Palace Costa Rica beach

Children will enjoy the Riuland kids’ club, and adults can have fun at the nightclub. With 538 rooms, seven pools, six restaurants, and six bars, this resort is perfect for a modern and entertaining stay in Costa Rica.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Riu Palace Costa Rica

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica

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

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Planet Hollywood Costa Rica

Travellers can choose suites accommodating up to eight people and enjoy VIP benefits through the Star Class program. The resort also offers several family-friendly facilities, such as a kids’ club and a water park.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Planet Hollywood Costa Rica room

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is a luxurious hacienda-style resort nestled in the heart of Hacienda Pinilla, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Travellers enjoy a private beach, a vast infinity pool, a spa recognized among the top five in Latin America by Spa Magazine, and a kids’ club supervised by certified staff.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

The hotel features 310 elegant rooms and suites, each offering stunning views of the ocean or gardens, premium bedding, and 24-hour room service to ensure a comfortable stay.

Travellers have access to 7 varied dining options, including cooking and cocktail-making classes to enhance their culinary experience.

CC Beach Front Papagayo

The CC Beach Front Papagayo is a boutique hotel that also offers an all-inclusive plan. It is located on the shores of Papagayo Bay, surrounded by nine hectares of dry tropical forest. You can enjoy two pools, jacuzzis, and also enjoy water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - cc beach front papagayo

The hotel also offers land activities such as table tennis, volleyball, and a gym. Relax in one of the four restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The spacious rooms offer sea or garden views.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - CC Beach Front Papagayo beach

Occidental Papagayo

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

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Occidental Papagayo Adults Only

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

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

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Occidental Papagayo Adults Only beach

Nayara Springs

Nayara Springs is an adults-only luxury hotel that offers an all-inclusive plan. Perched on a hillside, you will surely appreciate the spectacular views of the rainforest.

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.

The best all-inclusives in Costa Rica for a carefree trip - Nayara Springs view

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

Costa Rica – Save With Points

Travel rewards

The best reward points to reduce the cost of an all-inclusive trip are those you can use to book your trip or get a statement credit for it.

Some of the most popular loyalty programs are:

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

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

For example, holders of the National Bank World Mastercard can benefit from a better exchange rate and bonus points when booking through À la carte Travel℠, maximizing the value of their points. The ratio is 10,000 points per $100 increment, and even when redeeming points for your booking, you continue to earn points. Furthermore, the card allows you to earn 5 points per dollar on groceries and restaurants, even abroad.

Aeroplan

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

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 also have the opportunity to earn up to 20,000 additional Aeroplan points when booking a package with Air Canada Vacations.

Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy

If you plan to travel in the coming months, note that Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy offers an exclusive deal: get 25,000 bonus points when booking a stay of 4 nights or more at an all-inclusive resort. This promotion is valid for Marriott Bonvoy members who book between October 1 and October 31, 2025, for stays until March 31, 2026.

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: Waterfall Circuit, 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;
  • Tortuga Island Tour with snorkeling and lunch: a dream day awaits you on Tortuga Island, as well as on other islands, including San Lucas and Jesusita. You’re sure to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles during your visit;
  • 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.

Do you want to rent a car to explore the territory at your own pace? Save by paying with a credit card that charges no foreign currency conversion fees.

Here are our card choices:




Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$120Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
Annual fee$150Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
Annual fee$399Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026
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Bottom Line

Thanks to all-inclusive resorts offering relaxation, adventures, and varied activities, your stay in Costa Rica will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience, whether for families or adults.

Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
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on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget for a one-week all-inclusive 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, numerous beaches, and wildlife, Costa Rica is an exceptional destination. It all depends on your taste! Our guide to Costa Rica will give you several 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.

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.