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10 of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica in 2026

27 0
08.05.2026

10 of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica in 2026

From surf camps to ecolodges, these are the top 10 all-inclusive resorts worth visiting in Costa Rica

Layne Kennedy / Getty Images

Costa Rica has built an international reputation as a destination where travelers can book a single trip and encounter rainforest wildlife, Pacific surf, volcanic scenery, and spa luxury without having to cross borders. The country’s ecological diversity — national parks and nature reserves cover roughly a quarter of its land area — means that outdoor adventure sits within easy reach of even the most comfort-focused resort. For travelers who want to engage with that environment without managing a per-activity budget, the all-inclusive format removes the financial friction from every day of the trip. Meals, drinks, sports equipment, and entertainment are included in one prepaid rate, and the cost of a canopy tour or a snorkeling session does not require a separate transaction.

The all-inclusive model suits Costa Rica particularly well because its appeal spans such diverse traveler profiles. A family with young children and a honeymooning couple share the same destination but want entirely different experiences from their resort. The family needs kids' clubs, pools with splash pads, and room configurations that accommodate multiple beds. The couple wants a villa with ocean views, couples massage packages, and a spa that operates without children in the neighboring lounge chair. Costa Rica’s resort market has segmented to serve those needs specifically, with dedicated adults-only properties, family-focused beach resorts, boutique jungle lodges, and surf academies all operating on all-inclusive or package-inclusive models within the same small country.

The 10 resorts below come from U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, which evaluated properties based on what the all-inclusive package covers, accommodation quality, available activities, location, and guest experience feedback. The list spans the Guanacaste province on the Pacific coast, the Puntarenas region farther south, and the Osa Peninsula, covering beachfront mega-resorts, boutique jungle villas, surf schools, and ecolodges, so travelers can find the format that fits their travel style before they book.

1. The Westin Reserva Conchal anchors a 2,400-acre property

Credit: Marriott $MAR

The Westin Reserva Conchal occupies a 2,400-acre property on Playa Conchal in Guanacaste, combining a forested natural reserve with resort amenities that cover the full range of what a family or couple would want from an all-inclusive stay. The grounds encompass beaches, a lagoon-style pool with a whirlpool, a dedicated children’s pool, a fitness studio, a spa, and a championship golf course, giving the property a physical scale that allows guests to spend multiple days without retracing the same routes or exhausting the on-site options.

The all-inclusive package covers meals at more than a dozen bars and restaurants, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, a daily stocked in-room minibar, 24-hour room service, access to the Westin Kids Club, nonmotorized water sports, tennis courts, and nightly entertainment. The breadth of what the nightly rate includes removes the need for guests to budget daily activity costs or manage separate tabs at the bar and restaurant, which is the core practical advantage of the all-inclusive format in a destination where individual activity prices add up quickly. The championship golf course adds a premium leisure option that most all-inclusive properties in Costa Rica do not include on-site, giving golfers a reason to choose this property specifically over the other resorts on this list.

Recent guests noted the quality of the food and the activity programming as highlights, and several mentioned watching wild monkeys, iguanas, and other animals directly from their room balconies. The resort sits within a genuine ecological reserve, not a cleared beachfront development, and the wildlife visible from the rooms gives The Westin Reserva Conchal a natural dimension that most all-inclusive properties in the region cannot offer. Among the options on this list, it earns the broadest overall recommendation for travelers who want a well-rounded, family-compatible experience without sacrificing comfort or the completeness of the included package. The golf course, the property's size, and the wildlife reserve together give the Westin a physical scale that justifies multiple days of exploration without leaving the grounds.

2. Secrets Papagayo delivers adults-only unlimited luxury

Secrets Papagayo occupies a stretch of Arenilla beach on the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste and operates as an adults-only resort on an “Unlimited-Luxury” model, meaning that all meals, top-shelf alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, room service around the clock, and resort activities are covered in the nightly rate without reservation requirements or cover charges. The adults-only policy and the unlimited beverage tier together define the property’s character: it targets travelers who want a genuinely premium all-inclusive experience without the family resort atmosphere that dominates many properties in this region.

The included activity calendar covers theme nights, live musical performances, cooking lessons, rum tastings, mountain biking, and nonmotorized water sports, offering guests a structured entertainment option each evening of the stay without an additional charge. The resort’s two pools and world-class spa extend the leisure options through the daytime hours. Spa treatments — massages, facials, and body therapies — are available at an additional cost for guests seeking a more indulgent experience than the included programming offers. The Papagayo Peninsula location places the resort within easy reach of Guanacaste’s broader network of national parks and natural reserves, which gives guests who want to extend their Costa Rica experience beyond the resort boundary a strong regional context from which to book day trips.

Off-site nature excursions, available at extra charge, range from all-terrain vehicle tours and canopy zip-line........

© Quartz