Luxury Costa Rica: Where to Stay, When to Go, and How to Plan

Costa Rica • 9 min read

From volcano-fed hot springs to hidden-sand coves and cloud forest canopies, Costa Rica blends wild beauty with refined comfort. This guide curates the country’s best luxury regions, stays, and experiences—plus a 7-day itinerary—so you can plan an elevated escape with ease.

Top Regions for Luxury Travelers

Guanacaste (Pacific Gold Coast)

Prized for its golden beaches and upmarket resorts. Expect private beachfront dinners, yacht charters, and spa rituals at sunset.

Arenal & La Fortuna (Volcano & Hot Springs)

Soak in mineral-rich springs beneath views of Arenal Volcano. Pair wellness with zip-lining, hanging bridges, and waterfall hikes.

Manuel Antonio (Luxe Wildlife Coast)

Luxury villas with jungle-meets-ocean panoramas. White-sand beaches, sloths in the trees, and chic dining perched on cliffs.

Osa Peninsula (Ultra-Private & Eco-Luxe)

Remote lodges amid pristine rainforest and marine reserves. Ideal for private expeditions, marine safaris, and unspoiled beaches.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (Dec–Apr): Peak sunshine and easiest logistics for beach and volcano circuits.
Green season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, excellent value; showers are common, especially in the afternoons.

Elegant 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1–2: Guanacaste – Arrive Liberia (LIR). Beachfront lounging, sunset sail, private chef tasting.
Day 3–4: Arenal – Transfer to La Fortuna. Hot springs spa, hanging bridges, private guided rainforest night walk.
Day 5–6: Manuel Antonio – Scenic drive to Quepos. Catamaran cruise, wildlife park tour at dawn, clifftop dinner.
Day 7: Departure – Return via SJO or LIR depending on routing.

Where to Stay (Examples)

Beach: Five-star resorts and boutique villas in Papagayo & Tamarindo.
Wellness: Hot-spring retreats with private plunge pools around Arenal.
Eco-Luxe: Low-footprint lodges in Osa with guided conservation experiences.

How to Get Around

Use private transfers for comfort and time savings. Domestic flights connect remote regions quickly; rental SUVs are best if you prefer independence.

Booking with Confidence

Compare five-star stays, flights, and curated experiences in one place via our trusted Expedia partner portal.

Search Costa Rica on Expedia

Insider Tips

Combine Regions: Pair beach + hot springs for the perfect balance.
Prime Wildlife: Dawn and dusk are magical—book guided walks then.
Green-Season Charm: Expect dramatic skies, lower rates, and verdant views.
Private Experiences: Ask for private boat days, chef’s tables, and spa suites.

Local Insights & Hidden Highlights

Luxury Costa Rica: Where to Stay, When to Go, and How to Plan benefits from thoughtful pacing and a neighborhood-first plan that balances headline sights with everyday moments.

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons typically balance weather, prices, and crowds. Use mornings and late afternoons for calmer experiences.

Getting There & Getting Around

Stack travel: arrival plan, last-mile to lodging, and local movement. Save offline directions and a backup route.

Where to Stay: Areas & Vibe

Choose areas by vibe and amenities. Consider a two-base stay on longer trips for both energy and rest.

Budget & Booking Tips

Think in ranges and pre-choose one or two meaningful splurges; let the rest flex around them.

Sample 3-Day Skeleton

Day 1: Orientation walk + easy landmark. Day 2: Core sights AM, local wandering PM. Day 3: Short side-trip + slow finale.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-scheduling, skipping buffers, and ignoring transit details. Cluster stops by area to avoid zig-zagging.

FAQ

Do I need reservations?: Reserve high-demand entries; arrive early for the rest.
How early should I start?: One early session before 9am and one after 4pm captures quiet windows.
Is cash needed?: Cards dominate, but small vendors may prefer cash—carry a modest backup.