The 10 Best 5-Star All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica – 2025 Update
We found the best 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica so that you can enjoy an immersive luxury vacation with an unlimited amount of gourmet meals and top shelf drinks.
Whether you’re after a secluded jungle escape, a stretch of coastline that feels practically untouched, or a resort so luxurious it borders on outrageous, this country has a spot that’ll make you question ever leaving.
In other words, whatever kind of tropical getaway you’re imagining, there’s a high chance it already exists here—probably with a swim-up bar and an ocean breeze.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best Costa Rica all inclusive resorts 5-star quality, we’ve gone through reviews from Google and TripAdvisor, travel reports, and real experiences from guests who have actually stayed at these places.
The ranking takes into account service quality, amenities, dining, location, and, of course, that hard-to-define “wow” factor. So, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly all-inclusive or a high-end retreat that feels almost surreal, this guide should help you narrow it down.
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Best 5 Star All Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica – Budget-Friendly Choices
10. Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Google Reviews Score: 4.3 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
The Hotel Riu is an excellent 5-star all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica that delivers affordable luxury.
It offers a bit of everything—ocean views, a packed activity lineup, and a lively social scene. Sitting right on Matapalo Beach, this place leans toward the energetic side, with entertainment running from sunrise to well past sunset.
The rooms are elegant and spacious, with balconies that either face the ocean or the lush, rolling hills behind the resort. The pool is massive, complete with a built-in swim-up bar, and the all-inclusive setup means unlimited access to multiple restaurants, such as a steakhouse dinner or a plate of fresh Costa Rican seafood.
For those who like their vacations with a side of adventure, the resort offers everything from snorkeling to zip-lining, plus a nearby casino for those feeling lucky.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
9. Barceló Tambor – All Inclusive
Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
We think the Barceló Tambor is one of best 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for the money.
Sitting on Playa Tambor, this resort gives you the golden sand and palm tree setup you’re probably picturing for a very affordable price.
Inside, the rooms are spacious, with big, cozy beds and balconies made for soaking up the sunset.
The food and drinking scene is varied enough to keep things interesting—buffet, à la carte, poolside snacks—the usual lineup but done right. And if you’re into golf, the nearby Los Delfines Golf & Country Club is a nice bonus.
Check out the latest prices – you might be surprised how affordable this 5-star resort can be.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
Best 5-Star All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica – Top Value Picks
8. Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
Alright, so if what you’re after is a place where tranquility meets top-tier luxury, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica might be exactly what you need.
Nestled in a private bay along the stunning Gulf of Papagayo, this adults-only retreat is all about peace, privacy, and seriously breathtaking ocean views.
The rooms? Think open, airy, with balconies that look straight out onto the Pacific. Some suites even have swim-out access, which means you can roll out of bed and slide straight into the water.
When it comes to dining, there’s no shortage of choices. Gourmet à la carte options span from seafood feasts to authentic Costa Rican flavors, and the cocktails are crafted with fresh tropical ingredients.
If you’re the type who likes to mix relaxation with a little adventure, the resort offers everything from paddleboarding to guided eco-tours.
One of the standout perks here is the spa, which, in some respects, might be one of the best in the region. Outdoor treatment cabanas, oceanfront massages, and hydrotherapy pools create an experience that’s practically designed to melt stress away.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
The Westin Reserva Conchal is where high-end luxury meets the wild, untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Sitting right on Playa Conchal, one of the most stunning white-sand beaches in the country, this resort is the definition of upscale relaxation with a side of nature.
The accommodations here are nothing short of sleek and sophisticated. For those looking for an even more elevated stay, the adults-only Royal Beach Club offers exclusive perks like a private pool, personalized concierge service, and access to a quieter, VIP-style lounge area.
Golfers are in for a treat—the resort’s championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, weaves through lush jungle landscapes and offers ocean views that might just distract you from your swing.
Meanwhile, the massive lagoon-style pool, full-service spa, and beachfront activities ensure there’s plenty to do, even if your idea of a good vacation involves zero time on the green.
The all-inclusive dining and drink options are another highlight, with international cuisine ranging from authentic Costa Rican flavors to top-tier Italian, Asian fusion, and fresh seafood dishes. Whether you’re grabbing a casual poolside bite or enjoying a multi-course dinner, the culinary experience is top-notch.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
Best 5-Star All-Inclusive Resorts Costa Rica – Mid-Tier Options
6. Playa Cativo Lodge
Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
Playa Cativo is an entirely different kind of luxury—it’s not about grand lobbies or oversized pools, but rather, an exclusive, eco-conscious experience in one of the most breathtakingly biodiverse areas on the planet.
Nestled deep in the Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s most untouched rainforests, this lodge is accessible only by boat, which, in a way, makes it feel like your own private sanctuary.
Forget high-rise buildings and crowded hallways—Playa Cativo Lodge is an intimate escape with just a handful of rooms, each blending seamlessly into the surrounding jungle.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, handcrafted wooden furnishings, and soft, natural tones make the accommodations feel more like a private retreat than a traditional resort stay. Waking up here means stepping onto a terrace that overlooks the sparkling Golfo Dulce, where dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves.
The culinary experience follows a true farm-to-table philosophy, with fresh ingredients sourced from the lodge’s own organic farm. Every dish is prepared with an emphasis on local flavors, from fresh-caught seafood to tropical fruit picked the same day.
For adventure seekers, the activities list is packed with options—guided nature hikes, kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and even night walks through the jungle for a chance to see nocturnal wildlife up close.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa – Best-Seller
Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
Now, if there were ever a resort that defined “laid-back luxury,” it would be the JW Marriott Guanacaste. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every detail—from the design to the service—is built around creating an effortless, stress-free experience.
Located in the scenic Hacienda Pinilla community, this resort sits on a quiet stretch of beach, offering a level of tranquility that’s hard to find at some of the busier 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.
The rooms and suites embrace a rustic yet refined aesthetic, with dark wood accents, soft neutral tones, and oversized soaking tubs that are practically begging for a long, candle-lit bath.
Private terraces offer garden or ocean views, making them the perfect spot for an early morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.
One of the biggest highlights here? The infinity pool. It’s massive, wrapping around the resort with palm trees lining the edges, giving it a relaxed, tropical lagoon feel. And if you’re craving the sand between your toes, the resort offers direct access to Playa Mansita, a pristine and relatively quiet beach.
Dining options range from casual poolside fare to gourmet, locally-inspired cuisine. And since it’s part of the Hacienda Pinilla community, guests have access to additional activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and a championship golf course.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
Best Costa Rica 5 Star Resorts All-Inclusive – Upscale Choices
4. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
If you’ve ever wanted to soak in a hot spring that feels like it was custom-built by nature itself, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is pretty much the dream.
Sitting at the base of Arenal Volcano, this resort practically melts into the jungle, with steaming thermal rivers winding through the property.
The suites are modern yet manage to blend into the natural surroundings, offering floor-to-ceiling windows and spa-like bathrooms.
But let’s be honest—the real star here is the thermal experience. You’re not getting a standard resort pool situation; you’re stepping into mineral-rich, volcanically heated waters that cascade through lush gardens.
Plus, the food and drinks here are some of the best in the entire country. Guests rave about the quality (and quantity) of the gourmet meals and beverages they enjoyed on their vacation at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Google Reviews Score: 4.8 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
The Springs Resort isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Tucked away in the rainforest with panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, this resort is all about high-end relaxation, but with just enough adventure mixed in to keep things exciting.
Each suite is basically a private oasis, with oversized balconies, hammocks, and, in some cases, personal thermal pools.
And speaking of pools, there are multiple mineral hot springs scattered throughout the property, so you’ll never have to fight for a quiet spot to soak.
Dining here is top-tier, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, and the spa offers treatments using—you guessed it—volcanic mud. If you want luxury with a side of wild nature, this is the place.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive 5 Star Resorts – Ultra Luxury Choices
2. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
This one’s for the travelers who appreciate luxury but don’t want to feel like they’re in a standard, cookie-cutter resort. Andaz Costa Rica Resort has that effortlessly cool, laid-back elegance that feels more like a private retreat than a big-brand hotel.
The rooms and suites are sleek, minimalist, and packed with thoughtful touches—think open-air showers, natural wood elements, and balconies that practically disappear into the jungle canopy.
The resort has access to not one but three beaches, plus an infinity pool that looks straight out of a travel magazine.
And then there’s the food—fresh ceviche, expertly crafted cocktails, and flavors inspired by Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes. It’s refined, yet never pretentious.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Nayara Springs – Best Overall
Google Reviews Score: 4.9 out of 5.0
Location: Check on Google Maps
At the end of the day, if there’s one 5-star all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica that feels like it exists in its own universe of luxury, it’s the Nayara Springs. Tucked into the rainforest and designed exclusively for adults, this place doesn’t just offer high-end accommodations—it redefines them.
Each villa comes with a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, oversized terraces, and butler service that makes sure you never have to lift a finger.
The setting is a pure jungle paradise, where the only sounds you’ll hear are tropical birds and the occasional distant rumble of Arenal Volcano.
The spa treatments use locally sourced ingredients, the dining is as gourmet as it gets, and the atmosphere is so serene it’s almost surreal. If you’re looking for the absolute best, you just found it.
For food and drinks, the Nayara Springs curates an entire culinary journey that feels more like an art form than a typical dining experience. Every dish is prepared with an obsessive level of care, combining fresh, locally sourced ingredients with bold flavors that showcase Costa Rica’s rich gastronomic heritage.
When it comes to drinks, Nayara Springs doesn’t hold back. Their selection is extensive, featuring tropical blends that incorporate fresh herbs, and exotic fruits.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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