All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Rica
Rainforest meets Pacific surf. Costa Rica's all-inclusive scene is small, concentrated in Guanacaste, and wildly different from Mexico or the DR — fewer mega-resorts, more eco-luxury, and only 15 properties worth considering.
Top-Rated Resorts
The Westin Reserva Conchal
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste
The Westin Reserva Conchal is the best all-inclusive in Costa Rica for most travelers. Its dual-section design separating a Family Club from an adults-only Westin Club makes it work for couples and families alike — and the combination of a Robert Trent Jones II golf course, 9 fully-included restaurants, and one of the country's finest crushed-shell beaches is unmatched. The long airport drive and lack of ocean-view rooms are real downsides, and golfers need to budget an extra $200+ per round on top of already-premium rates. But if you want the full Costa Rica experience — wildlife, championship golf, white sand, and Marriott Bonvoy points — nothing else in the country competes.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Guanacaste / Gulf of Papagayo
Secrets Papagayo is Costa Rica's best adults-only all-inclusive — but that distinction comes with context. The Hyatt-quality rooms, excellent teppanyaki and Italian dining, premium spirits, and boutique bungalow atmosphere deliver genuine luxury, and the 20-minute airport transfer is unbeatable. The catch: that dark volcanic beach will disappoint guests expecting white Caribbean sand, and the hilly layout demands physical mobility. For couples who want a relaxed, nature-wrapped adult escape with World of Hyatt points redemption and don't need a postcard-perfect beach, this is an exceptional choice. Upgrade to a Preferred Club Plunge Pool suite for a true honeymoon-grade experience.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Guanacaste
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica is the only entertainment-first all-inclusive on the Papagayo Peninsula, and that focus on fun, shows, and themed experiences makes it genuinely unique in Costa Rica. Families with energetic kids, group trips, and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists who want points to work in the tropics will love it. The East Sushi & Teppanyaki is a standout, the infinity pool is stunning, and the STAR Class upgrade unlocks an experience well above the standard tier. But this is not a white-sand, fine-dining, serene-couples resort. The volcanic beach underwhelms, food quality is solid American fare rather than gourmet, and service consistency remains the resort's Achilles heel.
Hotel Riu Guanacaste
Guanacaste
Hotel Riu Guanacaste is the best-value all-inclusive in Costa Rica and the only property in Central America that genuinely competes with Mexico and Dominican Republic mega-resorts on scale and amenities. The 2025 renovation transformed it from an aging 701-room property into a fresh 1,041-room resort with new restaurants, swim-up rooms, and rebuilt family facilities. The food will not win awards, the beach is volcanic black sand, and crowds can be intense — but at $200-400/night in a country where competitors routinely charge $500 or more, the value equation is hard to argue with.
Why Costa Rica for All-Inclusive Resorts in 2026?
Let’s be honest upfront: if you want a traditional all-inclusive vacation with 15 restaurants, a swim-up bar every 50 feet, and a thousand rooms of beachfront real estate, Costa Rica is not your destination. Go to Cancun or Punta Cana. But if you want an all-inclusive experience surrounded by howler monkeys, dry tropical forest, and volcanic coastline — with a fraction of the crowd — Costa Rica delivers something genuinely different.
Costa Rica’s all-inclusive market is tiny compared to Mexico or the Dominican Republic. We count 15 properties with legitimate all-inclusive packages across the entire country, and nearly all of them are concentrated along Guanacaste’s Pacific coast within 90 minutes of Liberia airport. There are no mega-resort strips. There is no Hotel Zone. What you get instead is a handful of carefully placed resorts set against one of the most biodiverse landscapes on Earth, where scarlet macaws fly over your breakfast buffet and white-faced capuchins steal your poolside chips.
The big news for 2026 is the JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Bahia Salinas, opening Q2 2026 on the site of the former Dreams Las Mareas. This is the first all-inclusive JW Marriott in the world — 415 rooms, 17 pools, 11 dining outlets — and it will instantly become Costa Rica’s most significant all-inclusive launch in a decade. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, this one should be circled on your calendar.
Costa Rica also has something the mass-market Caribbean destinations do not: serious adventure within day-trip distance of your resort. Zip-lining through cloud forest, rafting the Pacuare River, watching sea turtles nest at Ostional — all of this is accessible from a Guanacaste all-inclusive. That combination of resort comfort and genuine eco-adventure is what makes Costa Rica worth the premium over a comparably priced resort in the Dominican Republic.
The Hard Truth: What Costa Rica Does Not Have
Before you book, you need to know what Costa Rica’s all-inclusive market lacks:
Manuel Antonio has zero true all-inclusive resorts. This is the single most common misconception we hear. Manuel Antonio — home to Costa Rica’s most famous national park, with sloths dangling over jungle trails and white-sand cove beaches — has gorgeous luxury hotels like Parador Nature Resort and Si Como No. But none of them operate as all-inclusive. If Manuel Antonio is your priority, plan to pay for meals separately or accept a meal-plan add-on that is not comparable to a real AI package.
Only 3 adults-only options exist in the entire country. Secrets Papagayo (luxury), Occidental Papagayo (mid-range), and Azura Beach Resort on Playa Samara (boutique). That is the complete list. Villa Buena Onda near Playas del Coco offers an optional AI add-on at its 8-suite private villa, but calling it an adults-only resort is a stretch — it is a villa rental with resort-style service. If you want a wide selection of adults-only properties, Jamaica and Mexico have ten times the inventory.
Arenal has exactly one all-inclusive. Montana de Fuego Resort and Spa near La Fortuna offers an AI package, but the famous hot-springs resorts like Tabacon, The Springs, and Nayara are all room-only. If you are dead set on Arenal, expect to pay a la carte at most properties.
Quick Comparison: Costa Rica’s All-Inclusive Resorts
| Resort | Stars | Location | Best For | Price/Night | Adults Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secrets Papagayo | 5 | Papagayo Peninsula | Couples, honeymoon | $400-$900 | Yes |
| Andaz Peninsula Papagayo | 5 | Papagayo Peninsula | Eco-luxury couples | $500-$1,200 | No (AI optional) |
| Planet Hollywood Costa Rica | 5 | Papagayo Peninsula | Families, groups | $350-$700 | No |
| Westin Reserva Conchal | 5 | Playa Conchal | Families, golfers | $400-$750 | No |
| JW Marriott Bahia Salinas | 5 | Costa Elena | Couples, families | $450-$900 | No (Opening Q2 2026) |
| Riu Palace Costa Rica | 5 | Playa Matapalo | Couples, families | $250-$500 | No |
| Hotel Riu Guanacaste | 4 | Playa Matapalo | Families, value | $150-$300 | No |
| Occidental Papagayo | 4 | Papagayo Peninsula | Budget couples | $180-$350 | Yes |
| Azura Beach Resort | 4 | Playa Samara | Couples, wellness | $180-$350 | Yes |
| Occidental Tamarindo | 4 | Playa Langosta | Families, surfers | $160-$320 | No |
| Margaritaville Playa Flamingo | 4 | Playa Flamingo | Families, casual | $180-$350 | No |
| Villas Sol Beach Resort | 4 | Playa Hermosa | Budget families, divers | $100-$200 | No |
| Montana de Fuego | 4 | Arenal / La Fortuna | Nature lovers | $120-$250 | No |
| CC Beach Front Papagayo | 3 | Papagayo Peninsula | Budget travelers | $120-$220 | No |
| Condovac La Costa | 3 | Playa Hermosa | Budget families | $80-$180 | No |
| Villa Buena Onda | 5 | Playas del Coco | Couples, groups | $200-$400 + AI add-on | Yes (8 suites) |
Papagayo Peninsula: Costa Rica’s All-Inclusive Epicenter
The Gulf of Papagayo is Costa Rica’s answer to the Riviera Maya — except instead of a 50-mile hotel strip, you get a protected volcanic peninsula with calm turquoise bays, dry tropical forest, and a curated cluster of resorts spaced far enough apart that you might forget other hotels exist. It is 25 to 35 minutes from Liberia airport, and it holds the country’s highest concentration of quality all-inclusive options.
Best Luxury: Secrets Papagayo
Secrets Papagayo is the best adults-only all-inclusive in Costa Rica, period. Sitting on Arenilla Beach with 202 suites, 7 restaurants, and Hyatt’s Unlimited-Luxury format, it delivers what couples actually want: quiet pools, strong cocktails made with real liquor, and dinner reservations you do not have to fight for. The spa is world-class. The setting — sheltered bay, forested hills, no kids screaming at the pool — is exactly right.
The catch is price. Peak-season rates hit $700 to $800 per night, making Secrets Papagayo one of the most expensive all-inclusives in Central America. You are paying a Costa Rica premium on top of the Secrets premium, and some guests note inconsistency in check-in service that does not match the price tag. But if you are a World of Hyatt member with points to burn, or if you book green season (May through November) when rates drop 30 to 40 percent, it becomes genuinely excellent value.
Who should book: Couples and honeymooners who want the polish of a Secrets resort with the wildlife and setting of Costa Rica. Book green season for the best rates.
Best for Families: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica by Royalton, an Autograph Collection resort, is the largest family-friendly all-inclusive on the peninsula — 292 suites overlooking Culebra Bay, 12 dining and bar outlets, a kids club, and the pop-culture-themed memorabilia that Planet Hollywood is known for. As a Marriott Autograph Collection property, you earn Bonvoy points on your stay.
The Star Class upgrade is where this resort earns its keep. For the upcharge, you get a personal concierge, exclusive lounge access, a private pool section, and priority dinner reservations — essentially a resort-within-a-resort that insulates you from the peak-season crowds. Without Star Class, the property can feel large and impersonal during busy weeks, and food quality reviews are mixed. With Star Class, it is comfortably the best family all-inclusive on the Papagayo Peninsula.
Who should book: Families who want a full-service resort experience with entertainment, kids programming, and Marriott loyalty benefits. Spring for Star Class if the budget allows.
Best Budget: Occidental Papagayo (Adults Only)
If Secrets Papagayo is outside your budget but you still want an adults-only all-inclusive on the peninsula, Occidental Papagayo is the obvious alternative. At $180 to $350 per night — roughly half the price of Secrets — this 163-room Barcelo property on Playa Panama delivers a solid if unspectacular experience. The rooms are adequate but not chic, the property shows its age compared to newer neighbors, and the food is good-enough rather than memorable.
What Occidental Papagayo does well is activity programming: archery, kayaking, birdwatching tours, and guided rainforest walks are included, giving it a more active, outdoorsy personality than a typical beach-and-pool adults-only resort. It is a fine choice for couples who want to be on Papagayo without paying Papagayo prices.
Who should book: Budget-conscious couples who prioritize location and activities over room luxury.
Eco-Luxury Splurge: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
The Andaz is not a traditional all-inclusive — it is a 5-star luxury resort with an optional all-inclusive add-on plan. That distinction matters. You book a room rate (which starts at $500 per night and climbs past $1,200 in high season), and then layer on the AI package if you want meals and drinks included. The result is genuinely spectacular: a rainforest-and-beach setting with 9.4+ guest ratings, family art programs, nature activities, and a level of eco-conscious design that makes the big chain resorts look generic.
We include the Andaz because some travelers specifically want this model — the flexibility to eat at the resort one day and drive to a local soda in Coco Beach the next. But understand that you are paying ultra-luxury prices for the full AI experience. If you have World of Hyatt status and a healthy points balance, this can be one of the most rewarding redemptions in the Hyatt portfolio.
Who should book: Eco-luxury travelers who want Costa Rica’s most refined resort experience and are comfortable with the price.
Budget Gem: CC Beach Front Papagayo
At just 50 rooms and $120 to $220 per night, CC Beach Front Papagayo (formerly Casa Conde) is the most affordable all-inclusive on the peninsula. Set on 22 acres of tropical dry forest on Playa Panama, it ranks number one in its area on TripAdvisor — a testament to the boutique charm that a small property can deliver. Two pools, two jacuzzis, two restaurants, and a sports bar cover the basics. Do not expect luxury dining or a world-class spa, but the value proposition is hard to argue with.
Who should book: Budget travelers who want a Papagayo address without a Papagayo price.
Playa Conchal: The Westin All-Inclusive
Best for Golfers and Families: The Westin Reserva Conchal
The Westin Reserva Conchal is a one-of-a-kind property — the only Westin all-inclusive resort in the world, set on 2,400 acres of tropical reserve about an hour from Liberia airport. Its 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf course would be a selling point even without the all-inclusive package. Add in 10 restaurants, Playa Conchal’s famous crushed-seashell white-sand beach, and wildlife spotting on the property (howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis), and you have something genuinely distinct from the chain all-inclusives in Mexico.
The resort is enormous. Golf carts shuttle guests between the rooms, pools, restaurants, and beach — which is both a feature and a drawback. The sheer size means some rooms feel disconnected from the beach, and the app-based dinner reservation system frustrates guests who just want to walk up and eat. The buffet breakfast is mediocre by 5-star standards. But the specialty restaurants (particularly the steakhouse and the Asian fusion option) deliver, and the overall property quality justifies the $400 to $750 per night price for Marriott loyalists.
Who should book: Golfers, nature-loving families, and Marriott Bonvoy members who want to earn points at a resort unlike anything else in the Westin portfolio. Budget an extra $150 to $200 per day for greens fees if golf is your priority — it is not included in the AI rate.
Guanacaste’s Coastal Strip: Value and Variety
Spread along Guanacaste’s Pacific coast from Playa Matapalo to Playa Samara, these resorts offer the widest price range in Costa Rica’s all-inclusive market. None of them sit on the exclusive Papagayo Peninsula, but several deliver excellent value.
Best Value for Families: Hotel Riu Guanacaste
With 701 rooms, the Riu Guanacaste is the largest resort in Costa Rica — and the one that feels most like a classic Caribbean all-inclusive. Splash Water World water park, 6 pools, 7 restaurants, 8 bars, a kids club, and a nightclub give families everything they need without leaving the property. Rates start at $150 per night, making it the cheapest full-service family all-inclusive in the country.
The trade-off is exactly what you would expect from a 700-room RIU: it can feel crowded and impersonal, the beach at Playa Matapalo is not as calm or pretty as the sheltered Papagayo bays, and maintenance does not always keep up with the volume of guests. But for families who want waterslides, nonstop activities, and a low nightly rate, this is the obvious pick.
Who should book: Budget families who want a large-scale, high-energy all-inclusive and do not mind sacrificing beach quality for price.
Best Upscale RIU: Riu Palace Costa Rica
Adjacent to the Riu Guanacaste on the same Playa Matapalo stretch, the Riu Palace offers an upgraded experience — roughly 250 rooms, the Renova Spa wellness center, 4 pools including a swim-up bar, and a more refined (though still RIU) dining experience. Guests at the Palace can access the Riu Guanacaste’s facilities including the water park, giving you the best of both worlds. Rates run $250 to $500 per night.
Mixed reviews on cleanliness and dated facilities keep this from an enthusiastic recommendation. If you want the RIU ecosystem but want quieter pools and better food, it works. But at $250-plus per night, you are approaching Planet Hollywood and Occidental Papagayo territory, both of which offer more compelling experiences.
Who should book: Couples or families who want the RIU water park but prefer a smaller, quieter home base.
Best Near a Surf Town: Occidental Tamarindo
If proximity to nightlife, surf culture, and an actual town matters to you, Occidental Tamarindo is the only full all-inclusive near Tamarindo — Costa Rica’s most famous surf destination. Set on Playa Langosta, about 2 kilometers from Tamarindo center, this 200-room Barcelo property gives you a legitimate all-inclusive base with the option to walk into town for local restaurants, surf shops, and bars.
The property is older than the Papagayo options, and the beach at Langosta is more exposed to waves than the calm Gulf of Papagayo bays — which is a plus for surfers and a minus for families with small children. At $160 to $320 per night, it is excellent value for what you get.
Who should book: Surfers, active families, and travelers who want all-inclusive convenience without being isolated from a real Costa Rican town.
Laid-Back Option: Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
Margaritaville Playa Flamingo is small (around 120 rooms), charming, and set on one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. The Jimmy Buffett-inspired vibe is exactly what the name promises — relaxed, unhurried, sunset-focused. Salsa lessons, eco-walks, and multiple pools fill the days.
The all-inclusive package here comes with caveats. Reports of limited drink allowances, slow food service, and only 4 restaurants with limited variety temper our enthusiasm. At $180 to $350 per night, you are paying more for the setting and brand than for the AI experience itself. It is a good choice for travelers who want a beautiful beach and a casual atmosphere and who will not stress about all-inclusive dining falling short of Secrets or Westin standards.
Who should book: Casual couples and families who prioritize beach beauty and relaxed vibes over food variety.
Best Adults-Only Escape: Azura Beach Resort
On the Nicoya Peninsula, 2 to 2.5 hours south of Liberia, Azura Beach Resort is Costa Rica’s most remote all-inclusive — and its most romantic. This 73-room adults-only property on Playa Samara offers 6 restaurants, full AI with all beverages included, and access to one of Costa Rica’s calmest, safest swimming beaches. Horseback riding, surf lessons, and seasonal whale watching add to the appeal.
The remoteness is both the selling point and the drawback. Samara is a small town with few dining alternatives if you leave the resort, and the 2.5-hour transfer from Liberia airport is a real commitment. But if you want true seclusion — no chain resorts in sight, no cruise-ship crowds, just howler monkeys and crashing Pacific surf — Azura delivers something no Papagayo property can match.
Who should book: Couples who want a quiet, intimate, genuinely Costa Rican adults-only experience and do not mind a long transfer.
Playa Hermosa: Budget Beach Base
Two independent properties on Playa Hermosa, about 30 minutes from Liberia, serve budget-conscious travelers.
Villas Sol Beach Resort (54 rooms, $100 to $200/night) sits on a PADI-certified Blue Flag beach known for excellent snorkeling, diving, and kitesurfing. The hillside villas offer Pacific Ocean views, and the on-site dive center is a genuine differentiator. The beach is gray sand, not the white powder of Conchal or Papagayo, and the property is older and modest. But at this price, with this diving access, it punches above its weight for underwater enthusiasts.
Condovac La Costa (117 apartments, $80 to $180/night) is Guanacaste’s oldest resort, operating since 1980 as a timeshare-club hybrid. Apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, 4 pools (including infinity pools with ocean views), 3 restaurants, and nightly entertainment provide a functional all-inclusive experience at the lowest price point in the country. The facilities are dated, the timeshare-sales pressure is real, and the beach is gray sand. But at $80 per night all-inclusive, it exists in a price category where Costa Rica has essentially no competition.
The Villa Experience: Villa Buena Onda
Villa Buena Onda near Playas del Coco is not a resort — it is an 8-suite private villa that offers an optional all-inclusive add-on at $150 plus taxes per adult per day on top of the room rate. A private chef prepares meals, a two-tiered infinity pool with swim-up bar overlooks the Pacific, and Spa Milagro handles wellness. Maximum capacity is 16 guests, making this ideal for couples traveling together or small groups who want to rent the entire property.
This is not for solo travelers or anyone expecting resort-scale amenities. But for a group of 6 to 16 adults who want exclusivity and personalized service, Villa Buena Onda is a TripAdvisor award-winning option that delivers something no traditional resort can.
Arenal and La Fortuna: One Lonely All-Inclusive
Montana de Fuego Resort and Spa is the only verified true all-inclusive in the Arenal volcano region. With roughly 60 rooms and cabins, thermal pools on-site, and direct views of Arenal Volcano, it offers a legitimately unique setting — you are soaking in volcanic hot springs while watching clouds drift across a cone-shaped peak. Kayaking, horseback riding, and canopy tours are available.
But let’s be realistic: Montana de Fuego exists because we are being comprehensive, not because we think Arenal is a strong all-inclusive destination. The famous hot-springs properties — Tabacon, The Springs, Nayara — are all room-only. If Arenal is your dream, book one of those properties a la carte. If you specifically need all-inclusive in Arenal and nowhere else, Montana de Fuego is your only option at $120 to $250 per night.
Coming Q2 2026: JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Bahia Salinas
This is the most significant all-inclusive opening in Costa Rica in years. The former Dreams Las Mareas — which closed in July 2025 — is being transformed into the first all-inclusive JW Marriott in the world. Located on Costa Elena near La Cruz, roughly 80 kilometers north of Liberia, the property will feature 415 rooms, 17 pools, 11 food and beverage outlets, and a 16,000-square-foot spa.
The JW Marriott brand promises a step up from the Dreams-era product: think curated culinary experiences, spa treatments with a wellness philosophy, and the kind of design intentionality that the JW name carries. Marriott Bonvoy members will earn and redeem points, potentially making this one of the most valuable loyalty redemptions in the all-inclusive world.
What to watch for: The remote location remains a factor — an 80-kilometer drive from Liberia airport means roughly 90 minutes of transfer time. There are no guest reviews yet for the new product, so early bookers should set expectations carefully. We will publish a full review as soon as the property opens and we can assess it properly. But on paper, this is the most exciting addition to Costa Rica’s all-inclusive landscape since the Westin Reserva Conchal opened.
How to Choose the Right Costa Rica All-Inclusive
If you want luxury and adults-only: Secrets Papagayo is the clear winner. Azura Beach Resort offers a quieter, more remote alternative at a lower price. Occidental Papagayo is the budget adults-only pick.
If you want a family resort: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica (with Star Class upgrade) is the best full-service option. Westin Reserva Conchal wins for golfers and nature lovers. Riu Guanacaste is the best value.
If you want eco-adventure: The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo (with optional AI) combines eco-luxury with genuine rainforest immersion. Occidental Tamarindo gives you all-inclusive near a real surf town.
If you are on a strict budget: Condovac La Costa ($80/night) and CC Beach Front Papagayo ($120/night) are the cheapest legitimate options. Villas Sol adds diving access at $100 per night.
If you are a loyalty member: Marriott Bonvoy: Westin Reserva Conchal, Planet Hollywood (Autograph Collection), JW Marriott Bahia Salinas (2026). World of Hyatt: Secrets Papagayo, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast (where all the resorts are) has two distinct seasons:
Dry season (December through April) is peak season. Expect blue skies, zero rain, and the highest prices — rooms run 30 to 40 percent above green-season rates. January through March is the most popular window. Book 3 to 6 months in advance for the top properties.
Green season (May through November) is when smart travelers book. Guanacaste’s Pacific coast stays significantly drier than the Caribbean side, so you will see afternoon showers but rarely full washout days. Rates drop dramatically — a $600-per-night room at Secrets can dip below $400. Vegetation is lush and green, whale watching peaks in September and October, and resorts are blissfully uncrowded. The only downside is that September and October are the wettest months, with occasional multi-day rain.
Our pick: Late November (right before peak pricing kicks in) or May through June (green season begins, prices drop, rain is still light).
Getting to Costa Rica’s All-Inclusive Resorts
Fly into Liberia (LIR), not San Jose. Daniel Obeduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia serves every Guanacaste all-inclusive. Major US carriers fly direct from Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, New York (JFK and Newark), and several other hubs. Transfer times from Liberia:
| Destination | Drive Time from LIR |
|---|---|
| Papagayo Peninsula | 20-35 min |
| Playa Hermosa | 30 min |
| Playa Matapalo (RIU resorts) | 30 min |
| Playa Flamingo | 60 min |
| Playa Conchal (Westin) | 60 min |
| Tamarindo | 60-75 min |
| Costa Elena (JW Marriott) | 90 min |
| Playa Samara (Azura) | 2-2.5 hrs |
For Arenal/La Fortuna: Fly into San Jose (SJO) and drive 3 hours, or fly into Liberia and drive 3.5 hours. Small domestic flights to La Fortuna’s airstrip are available but infrequent.
For Manuel Antonio: Fly into San Jose (SJO) and drive 3 hours, or take a domestic flight to Quepos. Remember: there are no all-inclusive resorts in Manuel Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica good for all-inclusive vacations?
Yes, but with caveats. Costa Rica’s all-inclusive market is tiny — 15 properties compared to hundreds in Mexico or the DR. You get fewer choices but a more distinctive experience: volcanic landscapes, genuine wildlife, and eco-adventure that mass-market all-inclusive destinations cannot match. Expect to pay 10 to 20 percent more per night than comparable resorts in Cancun or Punta Cana.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in Manuel Antonio?
No. Despite being Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destination, Manuel Antonio has zero true all-inclusive resorts. Luxury properties like Parador Nature Resort and Si Como No operate on room-only or meal-plan rates. If you want both Manuel Antonio and an all-inclusive experience, consider splitting your trip — a few days in Manuel Antonio (room only) followed by a week at a Guanacaste all-inclusive.
Which Costa Rica all-inclusive is best for couples?
Secrets Papagayo is the clear number one for couples who want a traditional adults-only luxury all-inclusive. For a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience, Azura Beach Resort on Playa Samara is our second pick. Budget couples should look at Occidental Papagayo.
Can I use Marriott Bonvoy or Hyatt points at Costa Rica all-inclusives?
Yes. Westin Reserva Conchal and Planet Hollywood Costa Rica (Autograph Collection) accept Marriott Bonvoy points. The upcoming JW Marriott Bahia Salinas will as well. On the Hyatt side, Secrets Papagayo and Andaz Peninsula Papagayo accept World of Hyatt points. Point redemption values vary by season and room category — check award availability early.
How does Costa Rica compare to Mexico or the Dominican Republic for all-inclusive?
Costa Rica offers a more eco-focused, adventure-oriented all-inclusive experience at a higher price point and with far fewer resort options. Mexico’s Riviera Maya gives you 10 times the resort selection and generally lower prices. The Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana delivers even better value with massive resort complexes. Costa Rica wins on natural setting, wildlife, and the feeling of being somewhere genuinely different — but you pay a premium for it and accept a smaller pool of properties.
Is the JW Marriott All-Inclusive in Costa Rica open yet?
The JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Bahia Salinas is expected to open Q2 2026. It was formerly Dreams Las Mareas, which closed in July 2025 for a complete renovation. Check Marriott.com for the latest opening date and booking availability. We will publish a full review once the property is operational.
Final Recommendations
Costa Rica’s all-inclusive scene is not for everyone. If you want maximum choice, the lowest prices, or a sprawling resort strip, Mexico and the Dominican Republic deliver more for less. But Costa Rica offers something those destinations cannot: an all-inclusive vacation where the surrounding landscape is genuinely the main attraction. Howler monkeys at breakfast, scarlet macaws over the pool, volcanic hot springs an hour from your resort — this is a setting that no amount of landscaping in Cancun can replicate.
For most travelers, the sweet spot is the Papagayo Peninsula: short airport transfer, calm bays, and the country’s best resorts clustered within a 15-minute drive of each other. Secrets Papagayo is our top pick for couples. Planet Hollywood with Star Class is our pick for families. Westin Reserva Conchal is the golfer’s and nature lover’s choice. And the JW Marriott Bahia Salinas, opening Q2 2026, has the potential to become the best all-inclusive in the country — we will be watching its first months closely.
Book green season (May through November) for 30 to 40 percent savings. Fly into Liberia, not San Jose. And whatever you do, do not book Manuel Antonio expecting an all-inclusive — that is the one mistake that ruins Costa Rica trips before they start.