The 7 Beautiful Costa Rica Beach Resorts for Surfing, Swimming, and Sunbathing

Costa Rica, a gem in Central America, is renowned for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. It’s a paradise that seamlessly blends adventure with relaxation.

The country’s unique features include breathtaking landscapes ranging from misty cloud forests to stunning coastlines, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

One of the primary attractions in Costa Rica is its array of beautiful beaches, each offering a distinct experience. Whether you’re an avid surfer looking for challenging waves, a family seeking calm waters for swimming, or a sunbather longing for golden sands, Costa Rica’s beaches cater to all.

The country’s beach resorts add another layer of allure to the coastal experience. They are gateways to experiencing the country’s rich biodiversity and cultural vibrancy, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure​.

Beautiful Costa Rica Beach Resorts

Los Altos Resort

Los Altos Resort, located just outside the Manuel Antonio National Park, offers a boutique resort experience with villa accommodations right on the beach. Each villa provides stunning ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows and features multiple bedrooms, making it a popular choice for families or groups.

The villas are equipped with full kitchens, ample space, and elegant decor. The resort’s proximity to the national park allows for frequent sightings of local wildlife, including monkeys and a variety of colorful birds.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and have access to a restaurant for other meals. The resort boasts an infinity swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a full-service spa.

Additionally, there is an opportunity for rainforest hiking in the national park, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Los Altos Resort is also pet-friendly, accommodating travelers with furry companions.

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort offers an exceptional blend of luxury and eco-friendly practices, situated right on the edge of the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

This property is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a unique beachfront experience, complete with the opportunity to observe local wildlife like monkeys and iguanas. Guests at this resort can enjoy access to two picturesque beaches and engage in various activities, such as cooking classes.

The resort features 38 rooms of different sizes, with the finest ones boasting outdoor hot tubs. All rooms are decorated with style and offer complimentary snacks.

Amenities at the resort include a spa with views of the Pacific Ocean and two restaurants serving organic, locally sourced Costa Rican cuisine. There are also two swimming pools available on-site, adding to the range of leisure options for guests.

Hotel Esperanza

Hotel Esperanza, located just a short walk from Carrillo Beach in Guanacaste, is a welcoming boutique property catering to both families and couples. The beach nearby features gentle surf, perfect for relaxing days by the sea.

The hotel’s rooms are cheerfully decorated with European tile floors, wood furnishings, and comfortable beds with Posturepedic, double pillow-top mattresses. Unique to Hotel Esperanza is its provision of facilities for guests with disabilities, a thoughtful addition not commonly found in the region.

The hotel offers amenities like a restaurant, spa, and a swimming pool with a kids’ area. Guests can also arrange a variety of local activities, including snorkeling, volcano excursions, and sport fishing.

Hotel Esperanza’s commitment to providing a comfortable and inclusive experience makes it an excellent choice for a diverse range of travelers seeking a memorable stay in Costa Rica.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

The Andaz Costa Rica Resort, nestled in a jungle near Culebra on the expansive Peninsula Papagayo, is an embodiment of luxury in harmony with nature. This Hyatt concept resort is ideal for guests seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

It offers well-appointed rooms and suites with balconies showcasing stunning ocean and jungle views. The resort is equipped with a gym, kids club, swimming pool, and a spa center. Dining is an exquisite experience with three on-site restaurants serving farm-to-table meals prepared with local ingredients.

For the active and adventurous, the resort offers a world-class golf course, tennis, and water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddling. Guests can also explore the area on electric bikes or through various trails within the resort​​.

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Secrets Papagayo, located on the serene Papagayo Peninsula, is an adults-only resort offering a peaceful and luxurious getaway. It features 202 rooms and suites with furnished balconies or terraces, air conditioning, and modern amenities.

The resort’s all-inclusive package includes unlimited access to four restaurants, five bars, and a café, along with a fitness center, a spa with 13 treatment rooms, and two swimming pools.

Guests can engage in a variety of activities, such as water aerobics, beach volleyball, cooking lessons, and live musical performances.

The resort is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Coco Beach and a 20-minute drive from Liberia International Airport, making it an ideal choice for a tranquil beach vacation​​.

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Nestled in the tropical rainforests along the Pacific coast, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a boutique property located on Herradura Beach.

The resort’s rooms and suites are well-equipped with modern comforts, including private bathrooms, in-room hammocks, minibars, and air conditioning, with some offering ocean views.

The resort boasts a fitness center with complimentary classes, a spa & wellness center, and two swimming pools, including an adults-only pool. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the on-site 18-hole par 72 championship golf course.

Dining options include three restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine, alongside a bar and coffee house. The resort’s convenient location and comprehensive amenities make it an excellent choice for both relaxation and adventure.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica’s beach resorts offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, luxury, and adventure, making them ideal destinations for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Each resort provides a unique experience that caters to different preferences.

The diverse offerings at these resorts, including world-class golf courses, spa centers, and various water sports, ensure that every guest finds something to enjoy.

The blend of luxury amenities and natural beauty makes these resorts a top choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a tropical paradise.