Costa Rica’s Best Beach Resorts, From Tamarindo to Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica isn’t the kind of place where you should stay in one spot. At least, that’s what I discovered after spending three weeks driving the country, bouncing between surf towns, national parks, and jungle roads. I made my way through Jacó, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Santa Teresa and a handful of places in between, and one thing became very clear: every stretch of coastline has its own reason for visiting.

Maybe you’re after world-class surfing and barefoot luxury. Maybe you want to wake up to the sound of howler monkeys before heading out for a wildlife tour. Or maybe your ideal Costa Rica vacation involves doing as little as possible beyond alternating between the pool and the beach. Luckily, there’s a resort for all of the above.

The properties below aren’t just beautiful places to stay—each offer a different way to experience Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. From luxury eco-lodges tucked into the jungle to stylish beachfront retreats in the country’s coolest surf towns, these are the beach resorts I’d recommend after seeing a good chunk of Costa Rica for myself.

If you’re looking for a beach resort that does it all, this is it. Tucked away on the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo, the Four Seasons somehow balances five-star luxury with Costa Rica’s adventurous spirit.

The resort sits between two beaches, giving guests plenty of opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, snorkel or simply relax under the palms. Wildlife sightings are common, too (don’t be surprised if monkeys or coatis make an appearance during your morning coffee).

When you’re not exploring the coastline, there’s a championship golf course, a world-class spa and enough dining options to keep things interesting throughout your stay. It’s an easy pick for families, couples, and anyone wanting to experience Costa Rica’s luxury side without losing touch with nature.

Manuel Antonio ended up being one of my favorite stops in Costa Rica. Between the rainforest, beaches, and incredible wildlife, it feels like everything people imagine when they picture the country.

Arenas del Mar embraces that perfectly. Built into an 11-acre private reserve, the eco-luxury resort offers direct access to two beaches while keeping guests immersed in the jungle. Sloths, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds are regular visitors throughout the property.

The accommodations feel upscale yet connected to nature, while the location makes it easy to explore nearby Manuel Antonio National Park or simply spend the day alternating between the beach and the infinity pool.

Santa Teresa has become one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations, but it still manages to hold onto its laid-back surf culture. Nantipa fits right in.

Located directly on the beach, the boutique resort blends contemporary luxury with local design elements and a relaxed atmosphere. Step outside your villa and you’re just moments from one of Costa Rica’s best surf breaks and spectacular sunsets.

What I love most about Santa Teresa is that you can spend the morning surfing, the afternoon grabbing tacos or smoothies in town, and the evening watching the sun dip below the Pacific. Nantipa puts all of that within easy reach.

Uvita often flies under the radar compared to Costa Rica’s bigger beach towns, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s quieter, less developed, and surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Kura Boutique Hotel takes full advantage of the setting. Perched above the Pacific, the intimate adults-only property offers sweeping ocean views and an infinity pool that practically disappears into the horizon.

Guests can spend their days whale watching, visiting waterfalls, exploring Marino Ballena National Park or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere back at the resort.

Playa Conchal is famous for its sparkling shoreline made up of millions of tiny crushed shells, and it’s easily one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica.

The W brings a fresh, contemporary energy to the destination, combining bold design with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Guests can spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding or relaxing by one of the pools before heading to the spa or one of the resort’s restaurants.

It’s also a fantastic home base for exploring Guanacaste, while offering enough amenities that you could easily spend an entire vacation without leaving the property.